Something to Think About
Don Michael , WVFB Director of Governmental Affairs
Distinguished Service
It is very rare to have a decisionmaker on your page one hundred percent of the time , especially on the Congressional level . That is exactly where Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito was as votes were taken during the 112 th Congress . American Farm Bureau recently released their scorecard on 18 key House votes impacting farm policy , environmental regulations , trade and energy . Congresswoman Capito was with Farm Bureau on every vote ! In fact , she was one of only thirty ( the only one from West Virginia ) of the 435 House members to be with Farm Bureau 100 % of the time . Voting percentages favoring Farm Bureau ’ s position by WV members of Congress ranged from 50 – 100 % in the House ( based on 18 key votes ) and 45 – 55 % in the Senate ( based on 11 key votes ). As a result , Congresswoman Capito was recently presented with the “ Friend of Farm Bureau ” award at a special meeting hosted by Kanawha County Farm Bureau members at Elkview . Following the award presentation by WVFB President Charles Wilfong , members and guests had the opportunity to exchange ideas
with Congresswoman Capito on a range of issues , including the devastating effect of high fuel prices on small business , EPA ’ s assault on West Virginia , taxes , etc . Thanks Shelley , for going the extra mile for American agriculture . Thanks , also , to Kanawha County Farm Bureau and representatives from their 1000 + membership who made this appreciation event possible . Guests at the event included Farm Bureau friends serving in the West Virginia Legislature – House Minority Leader , Tim Armstead ( R-Kanawha ) and Delegate Doug Skaff Jr . ( D-Kanawha ).
The week following the Kanawha County Farm Bureau event to honor Congresswoman Capito , I had the opportunity to participate in Congressman David McKinley ’ s Roundtable with area farmers in Parkersburg . Wood County Farm Bureau members touched on numerous issues challenging agriculture – EPA regulations , crippling effect of high fuel prices , estate taxes , predator control , need for effective programming to assist farmers with disabilities , etc . Compassionate concern was expressed for agriculture ’ s future , particularly given the challenges facing young farmers and those considering farming as their livelihood . We thank Congressman McKinley for conducting a series of agriculture roundtables statewide to gain input for legislative action . For his continued commitment to agriculture , Congressman McKinley also received American Farm Bureau ’ s “ Friend of Farm Bureau ” award .
West Virginia lost another treasure with the recent passing of William Paul McCutchan , age 98 , of West Union . Paul was past State FFA Treasurer and served as 1932-33 National FFA Vice President . He held the distinction of being West Virginia FFA ’ s first National Officer , as well as our nation ’ s oldest surviving National FFA Officer . While serving as State FFA Advisor , I had the opportunity to watch Paul weave his magic at National FFA Conventions . Students from across the country and around the world would corner our “ FFA treasure ” to listen to his leadership adventures with the Future Farmers of America . Paul ’ s eyes twinkled with pride and excitement as he shared fond memories of yesteryear with captivated listeners . He will be missed ! Until next time , here ’ s wishing you and your loved ones God ’ s richest blessings for Thanksgiving and the CHRISTmas Season ahead – KEEP SMILING FRIENDS .
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 5