karen gefvert

2014

Karen GefvertDirector of Governmental RelationsWisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

2014

Agricultural Policy

• Public Outcry• Mercy for Animals Video• Raw Milk

• Organizational Priorities• High Capacity Wells• Implements of Husbandry

Where Does it Come From?

2014

Who Are We “Up Against”?

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=tdZuqoRd2VSHdM&tbnid=0UEesafLV5s-oM:&ved=0CAYQjRw&url=http://www.peninsulahumanesociety.org/about/funding.html&ei=MRcjU4L6FMbIqQGSm4DgCQ&bvm=bv.62922401,d.aWc&psig=AFQjCNE0aslBphdPm5WaqVKIR1tdAV43Iw&ust=1394894866563729

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=ytMMOgORQLmEwM&tbnid=H6UfyXh0buEX-M:&ved=0CAYQjRw&url=http://hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2013/09/usda-announces-puppy-mill-rule.html&ei=8hcjU6GrGI_xrAHe9IH4Aw&psig=AFQjCNFYStiDU9VTI3N3V08ThHZydG7Qsg&ust=1394895150815822

2014


http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=DmeHavw8k3jnSM&tbnid=KXji2gqDSyeLBM:&ved=0CAYQjRw&url=http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/05/ag-gag-public-health/&ei=GRgjU6TDN4KdqQGY6ICoCg&psig=AFQjCNFYStiDU9VTI3N3V08ThHZydG7Qsg&ust=1394895150815822

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:HSUS_logo.svg

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=WK7YPbYfTOJ7bM&tbnid=76a8sicPsxvGAM:&ved=0CAYQjRw&url=http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mercy_For_Animals_Blue_and_Gray_Logo_Large.jpg&ei=xRkjU8uFLcaaqwGEloBY&psig=AFQjCNHFAUqpcIUbQvCVdmFVkUzSWjrNhg&ust=1394895680166910




https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=_SZU8YgvAvkiAM&tbnid=MufpSPS1Erk8oM:&ved=0CAYQjRw&url=https://www.mercyforanimals.org/&ei=9RkjU-q4KsWtqwH064HwDQ&psig=AFQjCNHFAUqpcIUbQvCVdmFVkUzSWjrNhg&ust=1394895680166910

2014


http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=Bga6Tzapsgs56M&tbnid=7i6Nwv7UR7XbjM:&ved=0CAYQjRw&url=http://www.businessinsider.com/chipotle-the-scarecrow-2013-9&ei=yRgjU-CdHJLiqAHUjoCgDg&psig=AFQjCNHKacAwdItpmhlR2CJw2c1LjHitDw&ust=1394895416295066

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=_8Z4SOKYvjDaJM&tbnid=EDFEu3rshiapQM:&ved=0CAYQjRw&url=http://grist.org/list/chipotle-farmed-and-dangerous/&ei=4xgjU_PEC4v2qwHD7YH4DA&psig=AFQjCNHKacAwdItpmhlR2CJw2c1LjHitDw&ust=1394895416295066

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=YzX6B1MYtaB-iM&tbnid=yJtj3yg1cQbzdM:&ved=0CAYQjRw&url=http://www.stereogum.com/1472582/hear-fiona-apply-cover-willy-wonkas-pure-imagination-for-chipotle/franchises/commercial-appeal/&ei=CBkjU_2hLdLaqQHL44HABw&psig=AFQjCNHKacAwdItpmhlR2CJw2c1LjHitDw&ust=1394895416295066

2014

HOT TOPICS IN AGRICULTURE!• State• Implements of Husbandry• Animal Care Practices• High Capacity Wells• Foreign Land Ownership• Genetically Modified Organisms

• Food Labeling• Growing

• Raw Milk• Federal• Farm Bill• Water Resources Development Act• Immigration Reform

2014

Implements of Husbandry

• Today’s farm machinery is modern, efficient & competitive = LARGE & HEAVY

• Misconception that IOH are exempt from weight (both farmers & law enforcement)

• Increased enforcement in select areas of the state

• Balance between farmers and towns and counties responsibility to maintain roads

• Do nothing does not solve the problem

2014


Current Law• Gross Vehicle Weight• 80,000 pounds

• Axle Weight• 20,000 pounds

• Width• No limitation for IOH

Proposed Legislation• Gross Vehicle Weight• 92,000 pounds

• Axle Weight• 23,000 pounds

• Width• No limitation for IOH but

some lighting and marking

2014


Current Law• Length• Single IOH = no limit• Double IOH = 70’• Triple IOH = 60’

• Height• No maximum• Must clear route

Proposed Legislation• Length• Single IOH = 60’• Double IOH = 100’• Triple IOH = 70’ or 100’

w/ 25mph speed limit• Height• No maximum• Must clear route

2014

Implements of Husbandry • What else is included in this legislation?• SB 509 & AB 648• IOH & Ag CMV definitions• Bridge postings and spring thaw limitations

both still apply• Exemption for potato harvesters• Allows for incidental movement up to a ½ mile• Many Implements of husbandry are

incidentally used on roads

2014

Current Legislative Status

• SB 509 passed the State Senate with a bipartisan voice vote on Tuesday, March 11– This included a comprehensive amendment

• Legislation must pass the Assembly • Tentatively scheduled for a vote in the

Assembly on Tuesday• Will they be the same?– Additional amendments

2014

• Recent dairy farm video brought attention• HSUS sent letter to Wisconsin Farm Bureau asking us to

support banning tail docking• New video from HSUS from a Kentucky pork farm regarding

feeding piglet intestines to pigs for PEDv prevention• Farmers need to be proactive• Efforts to increase enforcement against abuse of companion

animals can unintentionally effect livestock farmers

Animal Care Practices

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2014

• Farmers need to be proactive about how you care for your animals and why high quality care for your livestock is a priority

• Explain that animal husbandry practice should be a decision between you and your veterinarian

• Wisconsin farmers do not tolerate animal abuse and that it should be reported in a timely manner

• Good livestock management is vital to keep animals healthy and productive

Animal Care Practices

2014

• Lake Beulah (East Troy, WI) decision by the State Supreme Court• High Capacity Wells: A well individually, or collectively, that can

pump > 100,000 gallons/day (70 gpm) from a single property• DNR Approval for new, replacement or reconstructed High

Capacity Wells is Required (approval = permit)• DNR must conduct environmental review• The concern this leaves for current wells, reconstructed wells

or replacement wells

High Capacity Wells

2014

• Originally in the 2013-2015 budget• Currently, WI law prohibits foreign ownership of ag

land in excess of 640 acres• Provision was removed from the budget• Background on where it may have come from• The Attorney General has been asked to issue an

opinion if current law limiting foreign ownership of ag land to 640 or less is constitutional

Foreign Land Ownership

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=ds8cZ43WNZnT5M&tbnid=9ibkIRtM4MLoiM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.bshort.org/old/archives/nikon_d70000531.html&ei=zIsGU5GUHaed2gWdkoHADg&psig=AFQjCNGnK6SwCCyt2P-ikV8LHJCMyckb9w&ust=1393024301465439

2014

• Food Labeling• States

• Washington, Colorado, Utah, Maine, Connecticut, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Missouri, Oregon, Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, New Hampshire, New York, Hawaii & Vermont

• Food companies• General Mills - Cheerios

• Growing• Cross Contamination• Rejection by foreign countries

• China & Corn

• History of Genetically Modified• Genetic selection• Radiation

Genetically Modified Organisms

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=iW6eWiX-baFeaM&tbnid=H9WX6w9dDSyLTM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.prwatch.org/news/2014/01/12356/fakethrough-new-report-shows-media-duped-by-GMO-claims&ei=OY0GU_flC-mh2AWZ14GQBg&bvm=bv.61725948,d.dmQ&psig=AFQjCNEefwSOl_YKLd2tf-nr_HbwllU49g&ust=1393024611807954

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=eT8P83RcyqXJNM&tbnid=kaaMeSQ0OsoCIM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.inlander.com/Bloglander/archives/2013/09/27/syringes-gas-masks-and-frankenfood-visuals-of-the-gmo-debate&ei=Xo0GU5rHJ6bs2AWwkYGABA&bvm=bv.61725948,d.dmQ&psig=AFQjCNEefwSOl_YKLd2tf-nr_HbwllU49g&ust=1393024611807954

2014

• SB 236 and AB 287 would legalize the sale of raw milk directly to consumers

• Court case in Sauk County, WI• Vernon Hershberger

• Current law does allow for “incidental sales”

Raw Milk

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=7q-7aK3QQtu7zM&tbnid=XPGSKLEanTjj-M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/fsb/0804/gallery.forbidden_foods.fsb/2.html&ei=0I4GU8CcAqb22AX004HgDg&bvm=bv.61725948,d.dmQ&psig=AFQjCNGwU-YHQEbOd-OBeivOjeaTo0OCoA&ust=1393025049166570

http://www.wisconsinwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/RAW_MILK_Milk_Bottles.jpg

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=28yC-H9aj-WoiM&tbnid=IHUFlwcrrxqM0M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2013/11/substitute-raw-milk-bill-sent-to-floor-of-wisconsin-senate/&ei=po4GU8ypGYiG2gXeoYGYAg&bvm=bv.61725948,d.dmQ&psig=AFQjCNGwU-YHQEbOd-OBeivOjeaTo0OCoA&ust=1393025049166570

2014

• $488 Billion over 5 years• 80% is Supplemental Nutrition

Assistance Program (SNAP)• Cuts – not all they’re cracked up to be• $8 Billion from SNAP (10 yrs)• $15 Billion from Agriculture (10 yrs)

2014 Farm Bill

2014

2014 Farm Bill

2014

• Eliminates Direct Payments• Repeals or consolidates almost 100 programs• Significant dairy reform• Strengthens crop insurance• Price Loss Coverage (PLC)• Ag Risk Coverage (ARC)• Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX)• Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO)

2014 Farm Bill

2014

• Livestock Disaster Assistance• Livestock Indemnity Program• Livestock Forage Disaster Program

• Payment Limits• Eligibility rules tightened (AGI)• Research & Specialty Crop Research• Cherry, Potato & Cranberry• Organic research, certification & data

collection

2014 Farm Bill

2014

• Addresses our deteriorating locks & dams and harbors

• Importance: Farmers need a consistent transportation mechanism for inputs and outputs for their farming operations

• Our infrastructure of waterways and ports are funded through two different trust funds: • Inland Waterways Trust Fund • Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund

Water Resources Development Act

2014

• Our lock and dam system was designed to last 50 years, but is approaching 80-years-old • The U.S. lock and dam system is severely outdated and

in need of repair • Agriculture relies on the waterways system in

order to economically transport agricultural inputs and outputs

• It is crucial for farmers to have access to this major transportation thoroughfare and to ensure that it is modernized to be more efficient and reliable

Water Resources Development Act

2014

• Senate• Comprehensive Package

• House• Smaller pieces

• Administrative delays in current H2A program led to:• Arrival of labor 22 days after needed• Loss of $320 million

Immigration Reform

2014

• Senate • Blue Card Program

• For experienced farm workers already in the country• Provides an option to work towards green card

• Guest Worker Visa Program• Replaces current H2A program• Allows entrance to non-experienced farm labor

through a 3 year visa as an agricultural worker• They can be hired on a contract or at-will basis

• Labor Cap• Annual limit of just over 12,000 for 3

years

Immigration Reform

2014

• House• Border Security & Interior Enforcement• Entry-Exit Visa Tracking System• Employment Verification and Workplace

Enforcement• Reforms to the Legal Immigration System• Youth• Currently Individuals Living Outside the

Rule of Law

Immigration Reform

2014

Who Do You Contact?

2014

Wisconsin’s United States Senators

Senator Ron Johnson 202-224-5323

Senator Tammy Baldwin 202-224-5653

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ron_Johnson,_official_portrait,_112th_Congress.jpg

2014

Wisconsin’s Members of the House of Representatives

District 1: Paul Ryan 202-225-3031

District 2: Mark Pocan 202-225-2906

District 3: Ron Kind 202-225-5506

District 4: Gwen Moore 202-225-4572

District 5: Jim Sensenbrenner 202-225-5101

District 6: Tom Petri 202-225-2476

District 7: Sean Duffy 202-225-3365

District 8: Reid Ribble 202-225-5665

http://paulryan.house.gov/UploadedPhotos/HighResolution/3f3943d8-cea4-4f6b-96ac-3c25fd3ef24e.jpg

http://sensenbrenner.house.gov/UploadedFiles/OfficialPhoto.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sean_Duffy,_Official_Portrait,_112th_Congress.jpg

2014

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=1LOtx6HpjFJVzM&tbnid=upMq8OA8NdVEiM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.loveinfographics.com/categories/political-infographics/how-does-a-bill-become-law-infographic-infographic&ei=lxMGU63_M6nXygHH44CQCA&psig=AFQjCNEWHAYk6yYTFzB2tL1cDZnkDAbRlQ&ust=1392993447008693

2014

Questions?

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=GZnpTqeZDWVbKM&tbnid=fmGCxDmz6agtvM:&ved=0CAYQjRw&url=http://the-smiling-pony.deviantart.com/art/Question-marks-cutie-mark-261946101&ei=kCcjU-75K83MqQHh44D4CA&bvm=bv.62922401,d.aWc&psig=AFQjCNFZG9kxs731QDG2gA5SwJ0uzashhA&ust=1394899128699835

karen gefvert

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