Just hearing headlines like “Water lawsuit likely to change farming rules” and “New Senate Bill Proposes GE Labeling” is enough to cause any farmer or seed business owner to lose sleep at night due to concerns about consequences of regulations. Just think how much impact 175,000 bills, which are being filed across the nation this legislative session, could have on our livelihoods!

Serving as North Central Regional Vice President for American Seed Trade Association and as a member of the ASTA Legislative Committee has opened my eyes to the importance of consistency of state laws and regulations. Last week I provided a legislative update during the Iowa Seed Association’s annual convention. This morning I delivered a similar presentation to the Kansas Seed Industry Association, where I shared this staging statistic: The ASTA expects that our members will be actively involved in 150 to 175 bills that have direct impact on the seed industry this legislative session!

Some federal issues that ASTA is following closely include:

• Waters of the U.S. – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps seek to redefine “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Their new definition expands CWA to ditches, intermittent streams and manmade canals. As a result, waters that have been adequately regulated, monitored and protected for years at the state level would become federalized. Farm Bureau is on record, stating the proposed rule will make it more difficult for farms to remain competitive and profitable. #DitchtheRule
• Biotech Policy and Food Labeling – Those who cause others to fear their food are also promoting food labeling legislation. Food terms like Organic and non-GMO are greatly misunderstood. Allowing 50 different state GMO-labeling laws is especially confusing and costly, so ASTA has joined a coalition headed by the Grocery Manufacturers Association to introduce federal legislation that will neutralize the need for a state-by-state approach. It promotes allowing the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to continue to set national standards.
• Pollinators & Endangered Species Act – Practical solutions are needed to increase pollinator forage. These are complex challenges, requiring on cooperation between public and private entities to increase forage and habitat areas. Narrowly focusing on pesticides is not the solution.
• Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) – Last year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed a nearly three billion gallon reduction in production targets for the Renewable Fuels Standard. On November 21, the EPA announced that it would not finalize the 2014 levels for the RFS until 2015. There is no clear direction emanating from the EPA on which direction the agency will take.
• SNAP – Formerly known as “food stamps,” the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cost almost $80 billion last year – twice the amount it cost just five years ago! Page 2 of the FY2015 USDA Budget Summary shows that U.S. Farm and Commodity programs only receive 11% of Farm Bill funding. SNAP accounts for 80% of the Farm Bill.

Even if you’re not a sports fan, chances are you’ve seen basketball coaches call a time out and draw up plays as they strategize to beat their opponents. Hollywood movies have taken us inside a football locker room where coaches have drawn up game-winning plans. Likewise, farmers develop a playbook for each season.

This past week Mohn Family Farms shared a photo of a huge chalkboard filled with facts and figures, implying that farmers must take a lot of information into consideration when preparing for the planting season. Also this week on Rural Route Radio, broadcaster Trent Loos asked why farmers don’t raise something else if they’re certain to lose money on a crop before it even goes in the ground.

I’ll begin by trying to answer Trent’s question first… “Switching gears” by planting another crop or raising another type of livestock may seem like a logical choice until a person takes a closer look at what that would actually entail. Different types of crops and different species of animals require different types of equipment.

Until the 1950s and 60s, most farms were quite diversified. It was common for a single farm to raise chickens for meat and eggs, dairy cows for milk, beef cows, hogs and crops including corn and alfalfa for hay. Keep in mind that families also were larger, so available manual labor meant farmers didn’t have to make very big investments in equipment.

Farming practices and family dynamics changed over time. Equipment replaced farmhands. To become more efficient and to prevent money from being tied up in underused assets, many farmers like me became more specialized. I’m now set up with equipment to raise corn and soybeans. If I were to change to another crop, like alfalfa, I’d need additional equipment to harvest and bale hay. I’d also need a different building for storage since bales won’t fit into my grain bins.

Deciding to raise livestock can’t be a spur-of the-moment decision as it requires certain facilities and possible pasture ground. I’ve given some thought to raising beef cattle, sheep and turkeys. All of these would require a sizable capital investment as I don’t have the facilities needed to house these types of animals. Even though sale prices are strong now for many of these animals, keep in mind that markets are cyclical. I’m looking for opportunity, but I have to be realistic.

If I’m being realistic, why would I plant a crop if I’m expecting to lose money on it? I was asked that great question last fall when I was speaking to a class of sixth graders without farm experience. Here’s my answer, “Farmers are by nature optimists with much faith.”

I have faith that when I plant a seed, a plant will grow. When you do the math, you’ll see that I would lose more money by not planting anything at all. Here are example costs on a per acre basis:

An average corn yield is 175 bushels per acre (bu/A). If we take that yield times the commodity price of $3.50 per bushel, I would pretty much break even given that I already have the machinery and equipment needed. Now if I don’t plant any corn, I still owe rent and am out $250 per acre.

Please note this is really simplified version of input costs, and all farmers face different situations. Some farmers own their equipment while others have equipment leases; some farmers rent some ground while others own all of their ground. The point of this exercise is to show that farmers take the risk of planting a crop based on the hope of a much better outcome.

Now let’s talk about that chalkboard…

I start thinking about planting my next crop before the current crop is even harvested. I consider how what I did for the current crop is working: How are my seed varieties performing? Did I place them correctly? There are hundreds of seed choices suitable for different situations. Considering seed options could fill one chalkboard!

Different soybean varieties and corn hybrids have different levels of resistance to types of insects and disease, which makes them more “defensive” in nature. Defensive genetics can handle stress like plant disease better and tend to be consistent performers year after year, but you’re giving up the potential for top-end yield when you plant them. Other racehorse varieties will give you fantastic yields when growing conditions are ideal for that variety, but yields will be less than desirable in challenging growing conditions. That’s why it’s important to consider the options when selecting seed and manage risk with a crop plan.

Some types of soybean varieties and corn hybrids perform better on different types of ground. There are hundreds of soil types in Iowa, and my farm has many different soil types in the same field! How do you pick a variety that will give you the maximum yield across that whole field? Another chalkboard filled.

New technology has produced a planter that will plant different varieties as a farmer goes across his field, but that technology costs. We could fill another chalkboard by doing the math!

Fertilizing fields and treating for pests brings government regulation into play. All pesticides must meet certain requirements for safety. If you use “natural” fertilizer from your livestock, plan on another chalkboard to meet those regulations! Farmers must take soil and manure sample tests. Then those test results must be matched with the soil types.

Then there is the decision of tillage: no tillage, minimum tillage or vertical tillage. Should you plant cover crops?

All of these factors must be considered before farmers plant the next crop, so… one chalkboard isn’t big enough!

The kitchen is the heart of every home, isn’t it? Kitchens tend to be cozy and welcoming. It’s easier to open up when we’re sitting close to one another, chatting over coffee or sharing a hot meal.

The kitchen is where many important every day transactions take place from doing homework to paying bills. It’s also where we reconnect with family members and friends. Because the kitchen table is where some of life’s most important conversations take place, last week the Iowa Food & Family Project (IFFP) encouraged farmers and consumers to engage in “kitchen table conversations” in its tradeshow booth during the Des Moines Home + Garden Show.

Home + Garden Show attendees had the opportunity to visit with Iowa farmers like Cristen Clark of Runnells about topics ranging from food labels and sustainability to what farmers doing to prevent erosion and improve water quality.   On Saturday morning, Iowa Girl Eats blogger Kristin Porter autographed copies of the Let’s Cook cookbook. As a Des Moines native, Porter hosts consumers on a journey through agriculture during which they meet with Iowa farmers to increase their confidence about choosing safe and healthy foods for their down dinner tables.

As a member of the IFFP advisory committee, I had the pleasure of working in the booth last Friday morning. Yes, working this tradeshow was a real pleasure!

Walking through the Iowa Events Center was like stepping into spring. A large Adirondack chair with potted flowers welcomed attendees inside. Display after display gave show-goers ideas for native landscapes, backyard patios featuring pizza ovens, and even tablescapes that take setting a beautiful table to a whole new level with themed centerpieces, linens, decorations, serving dishes and flatware to create a unique and positively memorable guest experience. Seeing all those spring colors was definitely a mood lifter!

Even the hardiest Midwestern can begin to suffer from cabin fever this time of year, so we’re bringing a “slice” of the Home Show to you! Enter for your chance to win this uniquely Iowa cutting board, just like the ones awarded each day of the Des Moines Home & Garden Show by the IFFP. To be entered in our online giveaway, follow the steps within the widget below.

A Rafflecopter giveaway

The Iowa legislative session is in full swing in Des Moines, so I’m hearing all kinds of debate about so many different issues at both the state and federal levels. Today I’d like to explore some of the unintended consequences of these bills, and in some cases, the consequences whether or not the bill passes.

On the federal level, the Obama Administration proposes the creation of a new stand-alone food safety agency. Who could be against food safety, right? On the surface, this proposal sounds like a good deal. When you dig deeper, however, it looks like this proposal will really grow government. The proposal doesn’t call to eliminate any bureaucrats, so it doesn’t appear it will gain efficiencies or streamline processes. Instead, it’s more likely to become one more layer of regulations.

A proposal made in Iowa that’s creating a lot of chatter is raising the sales tax to make more money available for the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. Again, this sounds great… until you learn more. It’s not clear whether this money would be spent to build more bike trails or maintain state parks. What is clear is that it would raise taxes and create more government as part of this current conservation bill “protects” private ground.

Putting private ground into a protected program that limits its use could create difficult challenges for a future owner. I’m also concerned it sets precedent for a land grab like the one underway in New Jersey. Just check out the “Green Acres” mission as outlined by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection:

To achieve, in partnership with others, a system of interconnected open spaces, whose protection will preserve and enhance New Jersey’s natural environment and its historic, scenic, and recreational resources for public use and enjoyment.

Don’t be fooled by the use of “partnership.” This infringes upon personal property rights, and farmers often have to sacrifice farmland for “the public good.” U.S. transportation and energy infrastructure systems are often built with use of eminent domain, which gives government the authority to take private property for public use such as an interstate. Right here in Franklin County Iowa, we’re in the midst of a battle to put a huge power line all the way down the west side and then across the south side called the Rock Island Clean Line (RICL). Eminent domain is one of those issues that is easily ignored – until it affects you!

Another bill resurfacing this year in Iowa is deals with legislating puppy mills. Members of the American Kennel Club, writing on behalf of Iowa’s 64 dog clubs and other responsible breeders, say this legislation would unfairly restrict raising quality, healthy purebred dogs and would prohibit members from being involved in animal rescues.

If you have watched late night TV, you’ve seen commercials with all the sad looking puppies. It must be the fault of the people who make big bucks raising puppies, right? Truth is, this proposed bill would penalize the people who are already taking proper care of their animals. It would establish “a series of fees” for breeders, animal shelters, pet stores, research facilities and others dealing with animals to support requirements in the proposal.

Backers of the “puppy mill bill” will tell you they want to make sure animals are taken better care of, but the reality is that increased fees and unlimited paperwork are the first step that animal rights activists take to gain power. Many animal rights groups, like HSUS, really want to eliminate pets and livestock altogether. That’s why it’s so important to follow the money and find the motive. See who is backing this legislation and look into the end goal of these animal rights groups.

Last week I read about a proposal to charge a person with murder for killing a police dog. This is a very emotional issue, but is it crossing the line? How is killing a police dog technically different from killing any animal? My fear is this opens the door, folks!

Too often good intentions lead to bad regulations. We must learn lessons from policy failures like the No Child Left Behind education program and the school lunch program. On the surface, new school lunch rules were a great idea. The reality is that “one size fits all” rules don’t take into account the availability of certain foods based on region of the country nor a difference in kids’ activity levels. Kids come in different sizes with different calorie requirements, so school lunch portions should take them into account.

We must watch what is happening in our government: How can our laws and regulations be interpreted? Who will interpret these law and make the rules? Whomever it is will have his or her own opinions – Opinions that were formed as they grew up and went to school. Their opinions will depend on whether they were raised in the city or on a farm. Hmm… Maybe I need to write about education again!

More than one in three people will develop cancer during their lifetime. Even if you’re one of the lucky ones who never develops this disease, everyone knows someone whose life has been affected by one form of it another. That’s why, on World Cancer Day and during National Cancer Prevention Month, we’re recognizing family members and Latham® customers who know first-hand what a gift “hope” is.

Last Saturday we had the honor of recognizing Latham customer Tom Fuchser (pronounce Few-sher) on center court during the ISU vs. TCU (Texas Christian) men’s basketball game in Hilton Coliseum, Ames. Tom was diagnosed with cancer in June 2014 and is undergoing treatment for neck, pelvis and prostrate cancer.

Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds is one of three Iowa companies that sponsors the Cyclone Charity Stripe, which donates $100 to the Coaches vs. Cancer program each time ISU scores a free throw. This year sponsors teamed up to present the American Cancer Society with a check for $15,000. We also support the American Cancer Society at the local level through our annual sponsorship of the Franklin County Relay for Life, and in 2014, Bill and Linda Latham were honorary co-chairs of this event.

Later this month we’ll celebrate five years of renewed life for my father-in-law, Bill Latham, who underwent a stem cell transplant on Feb. 20, 2010, after being diagnosed in October 2009 with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). My mother-in-law, Linda Latham, is a 14-year breast cancer survivor.

In these cases, early detection and treatment were key to recovery. No wonder early detection and treatment are two of four main areas for education and action as identified by World Cancer Day 2015:

1. Choosing healthy lives: Lower the risk for cancer by avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, eating right and getting plenty of exercise, as well as protecting yourself from the sun and other sources of UV rays. NOTE: Farmers are at higher risk for skin cancer, so click here for tips to prevent sun cancer.
2. Early detection: Know the warning signs and symptoms of cancers because the benefits of early detection are indisputable. The survival rate for early detection of breast cancer is 98 percent! ­An estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
3. Achieving treatment for all: All people have the right to access proven and effective cancer treatments and services on equal terms, and without suffering hardship as a consequence.
4. Maximizing quality of life: People with cancer and their caregivers deserve high-quality, compassionate care during treatment and survivorship. This includes care for the emotional, mental, and physical effects of cancer.

Help “put the full court press on cancer” by taking action on a personal level!

Yesterday was the last day to comment on the extension of the Leave No Child Behind Law (NCLB). Like many laws, the original intent was great but the unintended consequences have been less than desirable. This is one of many laws that gave the federal government power that should have remained at the state or local level. This law has been a total power grab and our kids are being affected! No wonder the number of homeschoolers is growing nationwide.

Parents, grandparents and concerned citizens must stay informed of what is happening in our schools. Each year the Franklin County (Iowa) Farm Bureau invites all local superintendents to a board meeting where we ask questions and share their concerns. The superintendents tell us whether student numbers have increased or declined. We learn about concerns they have with buildings and equipment, staffing and budgets. We even discuss subject matter that is being presented to our kids, as well as school lunch regulations.

Because of the dialogue that happens, the annual meeting with superintendents has become one of my favorite board meetings. It’s made it clear to me that we must not trust someone else is keeping tabs on education. We all must get involved and ask questions.

We can’t just assume that kids are learning what they need to be successful in life. One question I have is how well “new math” is working? Have you noticed how many kids aren’t able to count back change? Last weekend, while attending my grandson’s wrestling meet, I was reminded of this when I made a trip to the concession stand. I was surprised by how much difficulty the young lady, who was taking my money, was having. She did not have the ability to add the price of three food items together and then make change for a $10 bill. I believe computers and even calculators have their place, but this high school student only needed to use the basic math skills we learned by eighth grade (if not sooner)!

The brain washing going on in some schools is out of control, too. Last fall I was asked to present to sixth graders in the Mason City public schools where The Omnivore’s Dilemma was being used as a textbook for all subjects – even art! Not only is this book very critical of modern farming, but Omnivore’s Dilemma is filled with half-truths and misinformation. The author implies that government subsidies force farmers to grow corn, and Americans are becoming obese because corn is “hidden” in so many food products.

The author also states that people are half made up of corn – and that’s simply false. Using basic math, one can deduce this isn’t possible since the average human body is composed 60 percent of water. Again, I question how “new math” is working!

Fortunately, one of the Mason City teachers was concerned about this “curriculum” to contact North Iowa Ag in the Classroom. I can’t say enough good things about this program and applaud the Mason City schools for allowing farmers into the classroom to correct misinformation. However, I wonder how many schools teach false information about agriculture because they aren’t aware of resources available. Ag literacy is a growing problem.

As former House Ag Committee Chairwoman Annette Sweeney says, “Too many individuals in places of power have never set foot on a farm, yet their making laws and rules that greatly impact our businesses and livelihoods.” Yes, farmers are being legislated as to how to “best” raise our crops and livestock!

Knowing what I do about what’s being taught about agriculture, I can’t help but wonder what is being taught about other important issues. How does History change, according to the opinions of teachers and the administrators? What are kids learning about religion? What about health and nutrition? And don’t even get me started on Math… I’ve tried to help my grandkids with some math problems! “Tried” is the operative word as math today isn’t being taught the way I learned to “show my work.”

We know there are problems with the educational system, but what’s the answer? I really believe it’s going to take all of us being involved to make a difference. Ask your kids and grandkids questions about what they’re learning. Then if you have more questions, talk to their teachers. If you have even more questions, talk to the school administration.

Also talk to your elected officials from local school board members all the way up to your representatives and senators at the federal level. My experience shows that elected officials want to hear from you. They appreciate your input. And if they don’t have the right answers, use your power in the next election!

Valentine’s Day is a mere two weeks away. That means many women around the world are hoping bouquets of roses will be delivered to their office, making their coworkers inanely envious. Others dream of tiny boxes bearing jewelry like the stunning diamond earrings that #PrinceFarming Chris Soules surprised Jade with last Monday night on ABC’s The Bachelor. (Many women may even find themselves fantasizing about Cocktails with Chris and The Other Bachelors!)

Since February 14th falls on a Saturday this year, romantic dinner at a favorite restaurant tops some ladies’ wish list. Other women (okay, probably most of us!) have visions of heart-shaped boxes filled with exquisite chocolates and an attached love note that would melt our hearts. (BTW, chocolate makes the perfect complement to any of the above gifts at least IMHO.) I found myself thinking about how I wanted to spend Valentine’s Day, and then I had an epiphany…

Why should Valentine’s Day be all about me – or you? I remembered farm wife Jody Dvorak’s marriage advice, “A supportive spouse is there at the end of the day to listen, to understand that her needs don’t come first every day and to provide a safe space for her husband.”

So how can you put your main man first this Valentine’s Day? If you want to wow a guy, you have to climb inside his mind! At least that’s the advice Matt Bean gives in a Women’s Health magazine article entitled, “6 Perfect Date Ideas from a Man’s Perspective.” Men tend to goal-oriented and action-minded.

Bean is obviously sharing dating ideas based on his personal preference, so I decided to “pick the brains” of three bachelor farmers ranging in age from early 20s to mid-40s. “I can have fun doing whatever, but if I were to choose, I’d take a date to a sporting event,” says Jake Fedeler, aka “Mr. June,” one of The Other Bachelors of Arlington. “It doesn’t really matter if we cheer for the same team or have a little fun playfully cheering against each other. Going to a sporting event, followed by a bite to eat and a few drinks is pretty ideal.” Below are responses I received from other bachelors I know:

• A perfect date could be so many things from taking a drive in my pickup and then laying on a blanket under the stars to an evening at the community theatre. I always enjoy a nice supper, whether we’re cooking together in my kitchen or going to a restaurant. During planting and harvest, I really like having someone special next to me in the cab. When you’re working 12- to 16-hour days, just having someone next to you can mean the world to a guy. (Really, this is a direct quote from a bachelor farmer friend of mine!)
• “I don’t have just one dating style, but I tend to plan adventurous yet romantic dates.” (Yes, this is another quote from a bachelor I know. And, yes, the following ideas all came from him!) I love visiting brew pubs like the Potosi Brewery. I enjoy eating dinner in the harbor. Sunset pontoon rides are so much fun. I’ve enjoyed taking dates on an evening dinner cruise like those offered in Stillwater, Minnesota, and La Crosse, Wisconsin. I really enjoy hiking. I love dates at sporting events like a Minnesota Wild hockey game or a Twins baseball game. Holiday parties like St. Patrick’s Day or Halloween can be so much fun because you can and your date can enjoy a night out with a group of friends. I’ve always wanted to take a date zip lining at Mall of America and then eat afterward at Crave or Tucci Benucch.
• “I’d like for a lady to take the lead every now and then.” It doesn’t matter if you’re single or whether you share a bank account and a last name, according to the unscientific research I conducted this week. Every male I interviewed told me he’d appreciate it if his partner hit the ATM and then treated him. “I’d even go on a picnic if she planned it!” said one of my bachelor friends. “Honestly, it’s a lot of pressure for a guy to plan every date. It doesn’t help when you ask a lady what she wants to do, and she says ‘I don’t care’.”

The stakes seem higher once you’ve dated a while because men say they don’t know if they should repeat “great dates” or whether they must come up with new ideas. As someone who’s been married for years, I can empathize with couples who struggle to talk about anything other than their children, their children’s activities or their jobs. I also understand how hard it can be to carve out time for “date nights” once you become a parent.

Studies show how important it is for married couples, as well as dating couples, to spend time together doing what makes them happiest. There are 10 needs that shouldn’t be ignored in a relationship. But “what makes him (or her) happiest” really depends on, well, your date! Each person has his or her own personal preferences.

One of my friends swears by using the book If… Questions for the Game of Life to get to know a lot about a person in a short amount of time. She also claims it’s a great way to spark conversation between couples who have been together for years.

The book “If,” according to an online review, “poses hundreds of questions ranging from practical to maddening, moral to hilarious – which, if read alone, inspire self-exploration; if shared, spark fascinating discussions at gatherings, dinner parties, or meetings.” Here’s one example: “If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be?”

This example question made me laugh since my husband and I discussed history, politics and religion after attending an Iowa State men’s basketball game on our first date. (How taboo, right?) Nearly 20 years later, we’re still cheering on the Cyclones together!

If you need more ideas on how to treat your sweetheart “during the month of love,” check out these related posts:

• Do Your Heart Some Good
• 5 Pieces of Tried & True Marriage Advice
• 5 Things a Bachelorette Should Know before Saying “I Do”