Indiana Dairy Producers E-Newsletter
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Our Vision: To Make Indiana the most desirable state in which to produce milk.
Mission Statement
To promote a profitable, positive, professional image of
dairy producers while providing educational opportunities
for the interchange of ideas and to speak as a proactive voice
for Indiana dairy producers.
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In This Issue
Welcome!
New Silver Sponsor - Elanco
Final Note From Doug
Methane Gas and Livestock Farms
Visionary Leader Award
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Greetings!
Corn silage harvest has begun in Southern Indiana and will soon come to your farm! I am hoping your harvest will be safe and abundant!
Since beginning my tenure as Executive Director of IDP, guest worker or immigration reform has dominated my time. It seems this issue is front and center on the minds of Indiana dairy farms. Regardless if your farm employs non-family employees, it likely impacts your operation. Many of the businesses that provide services to your operation undoubtedly hire immigrants. Finding quality labor is a hot topic and a challenge.
Federal legislative efforts are underway to reform our nation’s guest worker laws. The House of Representatives passed the Farm Workforce Modernization Act which is meant to help alleviate the problems associated with current laws which have not been amended in 35 years. The Senate is working on their version headed by Senators Crapo and Bennett. Below is a quick synopsis of the House Bill.
The Bill has three sections or Titles. Title 1 creates a new employment status called the “Certified Agricultural Worker”. This Title provides legal status for your current workforce and, after many hurdles, are given a chance to obtain a permanent “green card”. This Title is meant to help you retain your current workforce and ensure your employees are properly documented.
Title 2 amends the H2-A visa (seasonal workers) by allowing 40,000 additional workers to enter and work on a year-round basis. Of those 40,000, 20,000 visas are ear marked for dairy farms. The original H2-A was created in 1986 so it has been 35 years our industry has been without a legal year-round option through the H2-A visa status. It is time to correct this deficiency. It should be noted that most farm groups acknowledge that the proposed year-round limits are woefully inadequate. Hopefully, our elected officials will expand these limits as they debate this bill.
Finally, Title 3 will require mandatory E-Verify for all hires. This is an attempt to prevent future problems with improperly documented workers.
I am not sure how this legislation will end but we all know good workers are in short supply. Our elected officials need and want to hear from you. Don’t be shy reaching out to their office staff and share your opinions on this issue.
Again, regards and have a great harvest!
Steve Obert
Executive Director
812-779-6775
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Calendar of Events
Upcoming 2021 Events
September
September 22nd: Board Meeting
November
November 17th: Partners in Success Luncheon
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New IDP Silver Sponsor - Elanco |
Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) is a global animal health company that develops products and knowledge services to prevent and treat disease in food animals and pets in more than 90 countries. With a 65-year heritage, and currently headquartered in Greenfield, IN, we rigorously innovate to improve the health of animals and benefit our customers, while fostering an inclusive, cause-driven culture for our 5,800 employees. At Elanco, we’re driven by our vision of food and companionship enriching life – all to advance the health of animals, people and the planet. Learn more at www.elanco.com
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I have now officially entered the status of former Executive Director I would like to take this final opportunity to thank each and every one of you that have worked with and supported IDP and me personally during my tenure.
Our industry is filled with tremendous individuals at every level be it producer, supplier, veterinary, service provider, advisor, buyer, regulatory or anyone I might have left out unintentionally – I have been blessed to work with so many of you!
It was an amazing opportunity for me personally that cannot be measured by time or money but by friendships, working together, and accomplishments.
There is still work to do and it has been put into the very capable hands of Steve Obert who will do a great job. I wish each of you and your families God’s blessings in all you do!
Doug Leman
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Methane Gas and Livestock Farms -- a Win for Agriculture ...
Dairy farms-and other livestock operations-can be a leader in the battle against climate change. Farmers have always been conservationists. Farmers take care of their land, in part because they rely on the land. Livestock farms are no different....
Read more
www.aglaw.us
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Visionary Leaders Awarded State’s Highest Agricultural Honor |
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture, and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture have announced Doug Leman and Dr. Robert Waltz as recipients of the 2021 AgriVision Award.
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The State of Indiana and our agribusinesses are better because of the devoted leadership of Doug Leman and Dr. Robert Waltz. Both visionaries have completed incredible things and through their careers they both lead many projects that will serve Hoosiers and Indiana well for years to come,” Crouch said. “Both individuals have legacies filled with service, thoughtfulness and collaboration. We thank them for their service to Indiana and our constituents and congratulate them on being awarded the state’s highest agricultural honor.”
The AgriVision Award, now in its 15th year, was created to recognize leaders who have dedicated their life to enhancing the agriculture industry. The AgriVision Award is the State’s highest agricultural award.
Doug Leman was selected as a 2021 AgriVision award winner. Leman previously served as executive director of the Indiana Dairy Producers, a membership organization that advocates on behalf of dairy farmers and promotes the dairy industry in Indiana.
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Diamond Sponsors
Click on any logo to reach the company's website
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Platinum Sponsors
Click on any logo to reach the company's website
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Gold Sponsors
Click on any logo to reach the company's website
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Silver Sponsors
Click on any logo to reach the company's website
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Individual membership in the Indiana Dairy Producers is $50. Encourage your dairy farming friends to join IDP! Also, any individual who is not a dairy producer but would still like to support IDP can join as an associate member. Download a membership/associate brochure here.
We appreciate our industry supporters. They make it possible for IDP to support the dairy industry in many ways. If your company is interested in finding ways to join IDP, download an information sheet here.
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Board of Directors
Executive Director
Steve Obert
812-779-6775
Arie Jan de Jong, President
Greg Peters, Vice President
Emily Hoeing, Secretary
Jackie Boerman, Executive Treasurer
Board Members
Alex Lueken
Amy Weaver
Carrie Jo Bollenbacher
Henk Sevenhuysen
Krent Frauhiger
Robert Hibschman
Industry Advisers
Chris Moore
Sarah Wagler
Steve Howell
Todd Janzen, Attorney
Zach Allen
Tanya Westfall, Executive Assistant
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Visit Our Bronze Sponsors |
(Click the bronze button) |
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IDP Corporate Sponsors
There is a growing list of companies that recognize IDP's value to Indiana's dairy industry. Please visit our list of companies that have become Corporate Sponsors for only $100. If you know of a company that may have an interest in supporting IDP at some level, please download a brochure here.
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Contact Chris Moore
For free insurance consultation and quotes on your farm and agribusiness Insurance needs! IDP members receive an exclusive discount on SECURA Insurance.
Chris Moore
317-650-4519
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Indiana Dairy Producers
7826 S 550 E
Fort Branch, IN 47648
812-779-6775
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RESOURCE CENTER
-Click on each picture or logo to learn more-
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Indiana Grazing &
Forage
NRCS Website
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Check out the resources available to you on the
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