Something to Think About
Don Michael, WVFB Director of Governmental Affairs
HAPPY TOGETHER –
Hooper when he taught Vocational Agriculture and
My wife and I recently had the
advised the Future Farmers of America at St. Marys. In
opportunity to spend a few days 1967 he joined the WVU Extension Service, continuing
in Louisville to enjoy the sites
his commitment to serve youth and adults in our state.
and sounds of the city, including Ed retired in 2003, having touched countless lives
the Kentucky State Fair. We
through his distinguished record of service. Thanks Ed,
enjoyed some great food and
and thanks to all who made me feel right at home for
fellowship, experienced our
my first annual meeting in Marshall County, including
first World’s Championship
local president and WVFB board member Mike
Horse Show (featuring 1.2 million in prize money), had Merinar, Glenn and Patti Crow, Roy Earnest, Delegate
a delightful excursion on one of our favorite historic
Mike Ferro, Joe Komorowski and John McCombs.
river steamboats – Belle
of Louisville (oldest of her
Shifting to the political
those priorities will likely
kind still operating in the
scene, several members
include legislation to protect
USA), etc. But the driving
of the West Virginia Farm
West Virginia’s longstanding
force for our trip was the
Bureau leadership team
Happy Together Tour 2013,
recently met with Agriculture
trespass laws, continued
a baby boomers’ treat of
Commissioner Walt Helmick
funding for predator control,
sixties rock music featuring
and Chief of Staff, Chris
and working against any
the vocal talents of Flo and
Ferro. The two-hour meeting
Eddie(The Turtles), Chuck
touched on Department
legislation that would have
Negron(Three Dog Night),
initiatives, budget challenges,
a negative effect on private
Gary Puckett(Gary Puckett
and legislative priorities, with
property rights.”
& the Union Gap), Mark
focus on working together to
Lindsay(Paul Revere & the
improve agriculture in West
Raiders), and Gary Lewis(Gary Lewis & the Playboys). Virginia. Following the meeting Farm Bureau leaders
Boomers from all walks of life were united for one
joined House Speaker Tim Miley to discuss agriculture
night, “happy together” through their passion for music. issues and legislative needs relative to the 2014 Regular
In reflecting on the experience, I was reminded of
Session. As the Session approaches, grass roots efforts
how Farm Bureau is responsible for creating so many
through the policy development/resolution process
“happy together” opportunities throughout the year.
will clearly identify our legislative priorities. Based
on discussions with members across our state, it would
The following Monday I attended the Marshall
appear those priorities will likely include legislation
County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting that offered
to protect West Virginia’s longstanding trespass laws,
a striking parallel to our Kentucky experience, with
continued funding for predator control, and working
approximately 100 pre-boomers, boomers and postagainst any legislation that would have a negative effect
boomers from various walks uniting not by music, but
on private property rights.
by their passion for agriculture, for a wonderful evening
– “happy together.” Farm Bureau members and guests
In closing, let me share one of my favorite summer
enjoyed an excellent catered meal, special treat from
messages (a message for all seasons) featured on a
country comic Uncle Doofus (fictional character played church marquee in northern WV – “Looking for a
by Tom Butterfield, Pursley, WV) of Booger Hole,
lifeguard – Ours walks on water!” Until next time, take
updates from various guests, and best of all, exceptional care FRIENDS, God bless and KEEP SMILING.
fellowship. It was great to see Edgar Hooper in the
crowd. I had the good fortune to get to know Mr.
“
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 5