Something to Think About
Don Michael, WVFB Director of Governmental Affairs
Reflections – Time flies
when you are having fun,
and the past nine legislative
sessions have truly been a
treat serving as your advocate
for agriculture. In reflecting
on those nine sessions and the
year-round activities driving
the process, I found myself
pondering on what I would deem our “inventory of
key assets” in providing a voice for agriculture in
the Mountain State:
• First and foremost is the “grass roots” nature
of our organization. Unlike many other
organizations, Farm Bureau is truly driven by
grass roots action. Quality local, regional and
state activities provide a forum for education,
leadership development and great fellowship.
Member involvement is exemplified through
policy development, as well as the candidate
endorsement process.
• Our organization is guided by a board of
directors and leadership team truly committed
to making a positive difference for our members
and the agriculture industry we serve.
• Organization and member efforts are enhanced
by competent, dedicated and responsive state
staff. This group goes the extra mile to meet
the needs of Farm Bureau members.
• We have numerous friends on both sides of
the aisle “under the Dome” and “inside the
Beltway” who labor tirelessly to protect and
promote rural West Virginia and our industry
of agriculture. These friends – lawmakers,
administrative and legal staff, etc. – deserve
our utmost respect, even if we differ with their
thinking at times or perhaps don’t understand
the intricate details involved.
• The House Rural Caucus, under the leadership
of Delegate Bill Hartman from Randolph
County, continues to be one of the most
refreshing aspects of the legislative process.
The group leaves politics at the door to unite
their efforts in making a positive difference on
issues impacting rural West Virginia. In most
cases their focus involves actions to promote
our agriculture and forest industries.
• Our collaboration with business partners has
yielded many benefits for all involved. I
truly appreciate the door Farm Credit of the
Virginias opened years ago to unite our talents
and energies in promoting our industry with
legislative and congressional leaders.
• Our efforts in dealing with economic and
environmental issues, as well as private
property rights, have been strengthened
through our cooperation with coalition friends
– coal, forestry, land and minerals, oil and gas,
royalty owners, surface owners, etc.
• Farm Bureau has many friends with state
agencies, government organizations and
other agriculture industry associations,
including DEP . . . yes, DEP! There are folks
at DEP who understand agriculture and work
with us to produce reasonable outcomes.
• The Davis College of Agriculture, Natural
Resources and Design and the WVU
Extension Service have been solid friends to
Farm Bureau on all levels over the years.
• Farm Bureau’s close working relationship with
the 4-H and FFA aids in the development of
productive citizens, as well as potential Farm
Bureau members.
Given the aforementioned inventory, which is
by no means complete, there is no limit to what we
can accomplish if we live by our motto – “We pull
the most when we pull together.” The results can
be amazing. Speaking of amazing, my wife and
I were blest to be among the record attendance of
64,409 at the 88th National FFA Convention and
Expo in Louisville, Kentucky, October 28-31. The
sea of blue and gold was astounding, as was the
record $24.5 million raised this year by the National
FFA Foundation to support FFA programming and
strengthen agriculture. The event was a real “batterycharger” and made us feel very positive about
America’s future. 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