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”

While watching Monday night’s episode of The Bachelor starring Iowa farmer Chris Soules, I couldn’t help but think about how fun it would be to have my hair styled and then slip into stylish shoes for an evening inside a ballroom. This “dream” can become a reality for those fortunate enough to score tickets for an upcoming Iowa appearance by Soules and The Other Bachelors of Arlington.

Tickets are on sale now for “Cocktails with Chris Soules and the Other Bachelors of Arlington.” This once-in-a-lifetime evening is being presented by Hy-Vee on Feb. 12, beginning at 6 PM, in the Marriott Hotel ballroom, 1200 Collins Road Northeast, Cedar Rapids.

Place your order now as approximately 175 tickets remain. NOTE: 525 have already sold! It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, happily married or happily single. It doesn’t matter if you’re 21 or 81. It doesn’t even matter if you drink! Buy two tickets and grab your BFF or your BF (or husband) and head to the Marriott Hotel in Cedar Rapids.

Support Arlington as this small Northeast Iowa town wraps up its $1 million fundraising campaign. Proceeds from silent auction will benefit construction of the Arlington community center. Silent auction items include:

• two lower level tickets to an upcoming home Iowa State men’s basketball game
• Hawkeye-themed gift basket
• 20″ by 40″ framed print of Finally Payday by Charles Freitag
• 2-night stay at J&J Hideaway with gift certificates to local restaurants
• 4-hour boating package for 6 with Chris Soules
• Cooler filled with assorted meats from Edgewood Locker
• Dates with some of the 12 “Other Bachelors”

“As ladies browse the auction items, we hope they keep their significant others in mind,” says John Fedeler, Community Center Capital Campaign Committee member, who conceived the idea for The Other Bachelors of Arlington calendar. His oldest son, Jake Fedeler, is Mr. June. “There are some great auction items that would make wonderful Valentine’s Day gifts.”

Before you scoff at buying a sports package, remember that “recreational companionship” is a Top 5 need for the average red blooded male. (Yes, sporting events and active outings like hiking and biking are more than a “want” for many men. Recreation is a true “need.”) Studies show it’s important for married couples, as well as dating couples, to spend time together doing what makes them happiest.

In addition to winning bids on silent auction items, those in attendance at the Feb. 12th event can listen to live music by Beau Timmerman. Bachelor calendars will be available for purchase, plus there will be opportunities to get autographs and to take photos will the bachelors.

More information for auction items will be released next week, so check out The Other Bachelors of Arlington on Facebook for more details!

Also look for Part III of “The Bachelor” blog series to post Monday, Feb. 2, on TheFieldPosition.com. Here are links to Parts 1 and 2:

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

Before I delve into the main topic of today’s blog, I want to make a quick mention about mental health. Governor Branstad defends the plan to close two Iowa mental health facilities and there are threats of lawsuits being filed. What’s right? What’s the proper way to proceed?

Here in Franklin County IA, we’ve invited local mental health experts to attend our next Farm Bureau board meeting with the intent of becoming as informed as we can. Our board tries to make a difference in all areas of our community, not only with farm issues.

Last Friday morning I was on my way to an Ag in the Classroom board meeting, when an incident happened that made me even more interested in investigating mental health issues. I was driving down the highway – before daybreak – when an oncoming set of headlights suddenly crossed into my lane. No swerving, no slowing down. Those lights came straight at me! Without time to even click off my cruise, I took the shoulder.

Because this car came directly at me, it made me question the driver’s intent. Was this person suffering from health – even mental health – issues? Concerned that the safety of other drivers was a stake, I considered calling 911. But what could I report? It happened so fast, I wasn’t even sure if it was a car or pickup. Nonetheless, it was a wakeup call!

Now about what I really want to talk about this week…

While speaking at a 140 conference in Des Moines a few years ago, I shared how our North Central Ag in the Classroom program helps educate students about farming and its importance to our state. In attendance was Desmund Adams, who had grown up in Chicago. He asked why we don’t do Ag in the Classroom in Chicago. He shared how growing up he didn’t know meat came from an animal; he grew up thinking meat simply came from the grocery store.

Unfortunately, people without a direct connection to farming only know what they hear and see through images portrayed by Disney® cartoons or those in a Little Golden Book like Old MacDonald Had a Farm. Helping Iowa students know their food comes from the farm, not the grocery store, is a goal of the North Iowa Ag in the Classroom.

The vision for this program started in 1998, but it took several years to organize. An IRS 501(c)3 organization formed in July of 2004. Since then, North Iowa Ag in the Classroom has grown to five employees, who work with 28 schools in 10 counties, thanks in part to sponsors like Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds. The AITC programs reached nearly 9,000 kids during the 2013-2014 school year.

It is one thing to create curriculum, but it’s an entirely different matter to have the opportunity to present that material in the classroom. I honestly believe in-person presentations by AITC staff are having great impact. Last year AITC reached another 571 students in special request. In the classroom with presentations on a variety of subjects. Classroom presentation, as well as farm tours, may be requested by teachers at any time of the year. Farm tours also are organized upon request, and last year 201 students went on tours of area farms.

North Iowa Ag in the Classroom provides students with a broad view of farming. Most AITC counties sponsor an Ag Fair Day, which last year reached 1,039 first through fourth grade students. Ag Fair Days allow students to learn about a variety of topics such as healthy food, conservation, livestock, farm safety, and machinery.

By connecting farming to food and the classroom, it’s my hope that we’ll help kids develop critical thinking skills. By improving the knowledge young people have of farming and food production, it’s our hope that the younger generation will know better than to accept information from Dr. Oz and the Food Babe as truthful and factual. If kids acquire more knowledge, perhaps such misinformation won’t be quite as effective.

Together we can make a difference! Contact Linda Anderegg about how you can support Ag in the Classroom efforts, or feel free to contact me for more information.

Guest Blog by Kaitlyn Bartling

I’ve struggled over the past several years to come to terms with the process of agvocating. I have honestly questioned whether my voice counts as an agvocate.

I am married to a farmer, who is a part of a Century Farm in Hardin County Iowa, but I work full time at a job that is not agriculture focused. I know there are as many views of agriculture as there are producers. Organic, GMO, natural, antibiotic free, free range, confinement, commercial – listing those made me feel political not agricultural. I don’t really care for politics. Since my agricultural experience isn’t always going to align perfectly with another producer’s reality, even in my own township, am I harming their farm story when I talk about ours?

I’ve hesitated to call myself an agvocate because I do not have amazing technical or creative skills to do musical parodies like the Peterson Farm Bros or Farmer Derek Klingenberg. My work removes me from our farming operation and daily chores. I have a blog, but it is really about my interest in creative writing. It chronicles the life that goes along with being a farmer’s wife and the meals I make along the way.

I only saw barriers and reasons I couldn’t be called real agvocate. Then I rediscovered something…

I have a deep and abiding dedication to this life I have made, standing next to my husband and kids. The ignorance of the consuming public about the basics of agriculture will impact my children’s ability to raise livestock and food crops, even as youth project participants. The masses of consumers who have no connection to or knowledge of how food comes to them will certainly impact the opportunities my kids will have to be involved in our family farm as another generation. These same voting consumers will impact the issues of food security and water quality for the world’s population. Most importantly, My Farmer’s Wife blog gives my kids a voice and an identity that is as linked to our family farm as the seasons are linked to crop production. If I don’t support and encourage them and my husband’s vocation, I’m not the mom and bride I set out to be!

I decided to begin to support other agvocate projects and develop a voice locally. I take time to write personal notes to other agvocates when I see them approach a difficult topic on a blog or news outlet. I involve my kids and husband in ways they are comfortable in reaching consumers.

My family agreed to submit a video for the “Happy” parody that Derek Klingenberg put together last year. The week this parody was released was the only time my son was willing to participate in preschool show and tell, and he talked to his classmates about the cattle in our clip.

When our daughter had a week to share with her 3^rd grade class, she chose to have her dad bring three piglets from our farrowing barn. She told the class what she does at our farm and asked us to talk about how pork is produced at our farm.

This year our kids will be giving out Ag-tines instead of commercially produced Valentines. We have designed ours from pictures that fit our interest. They are just from a publisher postcard template, but they serve the purpose of giving our kids a conversation starter.

Our family doesn’t have an amazing, high dollar, coast-to-coast, super charged communications platform. We wouldn’t know what to do with it if we did. We do have a willingness to engage with others and give a little time on a regular basis to think about incorporating agriculture into the everyday world of others. We can’t be afraid of telling our farm’s truth while still respecting the place and the value of other farms that may not be exactly like ours.

It has taken some time, but I’m finally ready to say I’m an agvocate. I hope you’ll join me!