WV Farm Bureau Magazine July 2013 | Page 10

Membership Is Our Duty David H. Lawson Wood County Farm Bureau On April 18th, Farm Bureau members from Region 6 met at the Harrisville Public Library. The subject? Membership. As always, Ritchie County Farm Bureau was a gracious host, and there was a great turnout. Six of these membership meetings will have been held by the time you read this. I am not sure how many or which state Farm Bureau staff members have been at each of these meetings, but Joan Harman, Bill Aiken and Eric Thomason were at ours. Remember, these people were away from their families maybe six times. When we were in 4-H and wanted to express happiness, we would say, “How How” and I say a big “How How” to them. After six presentations in a short period of time, they are probably just a little worn down. Finally, I come to the point. Membership is influence – membership is our opportunity to recruit young people into 10 West Virginia Farm Bureau News Farm Bureau – membership is our opportunity to “Pass it On” – membership is our opportunity to preserve rural West Virginia, and our way of life. On Friday, April 19th, I spent a few hours at the WV Envirothon at the Wood County 4-H Camp, the state’s premier conservation education program for West Virginia’s high school students. Approximately 200 boys and girls passed through the serving line. They were polite and looked like they were having fun. Just by looking at 4-H, the Envirothon, FFA and probably many more ag-related organizations and activities for youth – West Virginia Farm Bureau has the opportunity for a bright future. West Virginia Farm Bureau has done the training; those presently not in Farm Bureau are here, waiting for our invitation. Friends and Farm Bureau members one and the same, it’s up to you and me. It’s our responsibility. Your county Farm Nationwide’s Steve Uhlman addresses a group from Region 4 on the benefits of membership, along with Eric Thomason, Bill Aiken, Steve Butler and Joan Harman. Six of these meetings were held in April. Bureau will be enhanced by new members and our state Farm Bureau will be stronger. Our voice in West Virginia will be greater, our motto will be recognized – “We pull the most when we pull together”. Our mission statement, to “improve, protect and enrich the lives of Farm Bureau members and their families” will be meaningful to many more. Where can you meet better friends from around a whole state, our state, West Virginia? Answer: West Virginia Farm Bureau. Organic Fertilizer and Lime Doubled my hay crop in 1995 67% increase of cattle herd on same acreage Dry summer 2012, produced 4100 lbs per acre “18 years field proven” Only costs $14.00 per acre for both Will not burn! 19-19-19 & pellet lime costs $300+ per acre and they burn! Reduce your dependence on “foreign oil” Help the environment with less oil use Improve miles per gallon Cut overall costs American made synthetic oil. Amsoil www.lubedealer.com/rwbenson [email protected] 304-745-4710 after 6 p.m.