Leaders: More communication needed

Some farm leaders think the press is in control of agriculture's message.
By MICHELE C. HLADIK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBUS -- Ohio farmers need to take back control of what is said about agriculture and spread positive messages, according to Ohio Farm Bureau leaders at the group's annual conference Wednesday.
Ohio Farm Bureau President Bob Peterson said that political changes including a new governor could make some communicating easier and some harder, but that he is excited with the possibilities.
Ohio Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Jack Fisher said he is also excited at the prospects.
He said Gov.-elect Ted Strickland seems to want to make agriculture one of the key issues. He added that he thinks the Strickland administration will be good for agriculture in Ohio.
Fisher said he is very interested to see whom the new governor will place in key positions such as director of the Department of Agriculture.
According to Fisher, communication and continuing to develop the rural and urban interface are also necessary.
Fisher said he encourages farmers and farming organizations to communicate and share more information with consumers.
He said there is a totally new dynamic in the discussion of agriculture these days. He said that discussion is being led more by the press and the general public than by those in the agricultural industry.
"I think we're losing the battle as producers," he said.
A good year
Both men agree 2006 was a good year in agriculture.
Peterson said that though it was a muddy year, it was a good year and grain farmers should be pleased with the price of grain.
He said construction of ethanol plants is under way and could be up and running in about a year.
"I, like all farmers, am excited about that," Peterson said.
Those at the convention will discuss the past year as well as work on goals for the new year, according to Fisher. He said agriculture can't succeed without both.