Something to Think About
Don Michael, WVFB Director of Governmental Affairs
Going the extra mile
to make a positive difference
in the lives of others is the
expected norm in the agriculture
community. The month of
November provided numerous
examples of this somewhat
uncommon work ethic in
today’s society that is quite
commonplace among those associated with agriculture.
On November 6, Farm Credit of the Virginias and
Farm Bureau joined together to provide Congresswoman
Shelley Moore Capito and staffers Victoria Weaver and
Todd Gunter with an up-close look at agriculture at its
best via the Perk Farm Organic Dairy and TTT Angus
in Greenbrier County. You never get a second chance
to make a first impression. First impressions made by
Rem Perkins and Sam, Ben and Byron Tuckwiller were
ones exemplified by passion, pride and commitment,
going the extra mile in helping to feed our nation.
On November 8-10 Farm Bureau members, staff
and guests, converged on the Flatwoods Days Hotel
for their 94th Annual Meeting. For many it was a
sacrifice of excellent harvest weather, going the extra
mile to share in educational updates, great fellowship
and the development of policy to guide legislative
and congressional efforts in the year to come. Two
premier examples of extra-milers can be found in 2013
Distinguished Service Award Winners Mary Clay
of Greenbrier County and William “Bill” Parker of
Hampshire County. Mary’s and Bill’s commitment
to agriculture and tireless efforts in making a positive
difference provide an example for all to follow. We
appreciate our members and guests who made this
annual event a priority, including Congresswoman
Shelley Moore Capito; Congressman Nick Rahall;
Agriculture Commissioner Walt Helmick; Senators
Donna Boley and Ron Miller; and Delegates Ray
Canterbury, Bill Hartman and “Woody” Ireland.
West Virginia Farm Bureau, WV FFA Foundation
and the WV FFA Association hosted a reception on
November 18 at Cedar Lakes for Wes Davis, newly
elected National FFA Vice President from Mason
County. A large crowd of Wes’ friends wished our new
“FFA Star” well as he embarks on an exciting year of
service. Several Farm Bureau members were present,
including Past State FFA President Jim Eisentrout from
Preston County and Craig Canterbury, Past State FFA
Vice President from Jackson County. Another longtime
friend of agriculture and FFA participating was Steve
Evans (Steve Evans Genuine Country Sausage) from
Bidwell, Ohio. Wes’ commitment to excellence and
going the extra mile to make a positive difference in
the lives of others has resulted in numerous honors,
including State FFA President, WV FFA Star Farmer,
and our state’s first national FFA officer in 39 years!
Congrats again Wes.
Recent legislative interim discussions focused
on the necessity of the application of the oil and gas
conservation law, and lease integration principles. The
November 19 interim session showcased three farmers/
Farm Bureau members going the extra mile to represent
and serve our membership, balancing family, farm
and professional careers to provide written and verbal
testimony before Judiciary Subcommittee B. Executive
Secretary Steve Butler, Region 4 Director David Ash
and Natural Resources Chair Joe Hatton detailed
surface owner and/or mineral/royalty owner needs and
concerns, including new policy approved at our recent
Annual Meeting. David Ash actually made a one-day,
round-trip from the Washington, D.C. area to provide
lead testimony for the Farm Bureau presentation!
Alvin Engelke, Region 6 Director, also attended the
meeting. Thanks to all, and to Joan Harman, WVFB
Public Relations Director, for covering the event and
consistently going the extra mile to showcase agriculture.
‘Tis the Season and I am reminded of words from
Elvis Presley’s The Wonderful World of Christmas –
“The wonderful world of Christmas, is a wonderful
world to behold. The wonderful world of Christmas,
is made for the young and the old . . . Listen to those
wondrous bells and you’ll hear them say, open u