BC Farm Bureau OKs resolutions
By FRITZ BUSCH — Journal Staff WriterSLEEPY EYE - Seven resolutions were approved Thursday by the Brown County Farm Bureau at its annual meeting at Sportsmans Park.
Resolutions to be forwarded to the Minnesota Farm Bureau Resolutions Committee supported:
* Maintaining rail carriers as common freight carriers. Federal or state laws should not place "unreasonable" restrictions on transportation of hazardous chemicals classified as toxic-by-inhalation.
* Opposing regulatory officials requiring stricter rules than are required and misleading producers concerning manure management plans. This includes not requiring producers to identify fields to receive manure three years out and allowing producers waivers from plans.
* Making state or local regulatory oversight agencies responsible for losses and damages plus attorney's fees due to their "misinformation."
* Statewide conservation and preservation plans establishing agriculture production as the highest priority due to food, fiber and energy production.
* Laws requiring Agriculture Impact Statements like laws requiring Environmental Impact Statements.
* Opposing local government units restricting agricultural tile drainage.
* Widespread, timely notification on public meetings on the TMDL process and affected agricultural stakeholders.
Brown County Century Farms honored for 2008 were the Eckstein family of New Ulm, Charles and David Olson's three farms near Hanska and Gary and
Sandra Balbach of Spicer.
Farm Bureau State Director Kevin Paap said key Farm Bureau federal issues were immigration, allowing the Clean Water Act to include all U.S. Waters instead of just "navigable" waters and rising energy costs.
Statewide issues were water pollution and bovine tuberculosis.
Democratic Dist. 21B candidate Bob Skillings of New Ulm said he enjoyed public service, bringing people together and accomplishing common goals which he said he did while on the New Ulm Park and Recreation Commission that approved adding a sales tax to fund $15 million in new facilities.
"I know the importance of agriculture to this region and the need for good roads. I will make your voice heard in St. Paul," Skillings said.
Republican Dist. 21B candidate Paul Torkelson of St. James thanked Farm Bureau members for their support and said he is looking forward to a good race to the November elections.
Fritz Busch can be e-mailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.
