WV Farm Bureau Magazine December 2013 | Page 5

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