By DOUG GRAVES
Ohio Correspondent

PIQUA, Ohio — In addressing several hundred local farmers and hundreds of others who work in agriculture from this state, U.S. Rep. John Boehner said “the Ohio farmer is on the edge for another good year.”

Boehner and seven panelists addressed this audience during his 19th annual Farm Forum, held on the campus of Edison Community College in Piqua. Boehner represents Ohio’s 8th Congressional District and serves as the House Republican Leader,
“Ohio’s 8th Congressional District is one of the largest agricultural districts in the Buckeye State, boasting more than 5,400 farms growing grains, produce and raising livestock on nearly one million acres,” Boehner said.

He and his panel touched on many things related to agriculture, from the use of antibiotics to cap-and-trade, to the social networking among Ohioans during last fall’s passage of Issue 2.
“With the issues of food safety and sustainability, animal welfare to energy policies on the agenda in Congress, this is a great time of uncertainty for farmers in the 8th District,” Boehner said. “Still, the Ohio farmer is on the edge for another good year.”

Keynote speaker was Republican Rep. Frank Lucas, who represents Oklahoma’s 3rd District and serves as the ranking member of the House Committee on Agriculture.

“Things look good for the farmer, but there are still challenges ahead for the farmer,” said Lucas, a fifth-generation farmer. “Conservation and energy issues are making more demands upon the nation’s farmers and agricultural business sector.”

Also speaking and serving as moderator for the day was Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio’s 4th District), who introduced a panel of five individuals representing the agriculture industry and organizations. The panel members spoke on issues relating to food safety and sustainability, as well as animal welfare and energy prices.

Panelists included J. Patrick Boyle, president and CEO of the American Meat Institute, Elizabeth Harsh, executive director of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Assoc., Anthony Reed, senior director of Government Relations for Archer Daniels Midland Co., Karen Chasez, vice president of procurement for PotashCorp, and Bryan Black, past president for the National Pork Producers Council.
According to Boyle, the United States remains the largest meat producer in the world. “The American farmer continues to lead the world in food production,” Boyle said. “As the population increases, there will need to be an increase in food production by 70 percent to feed this hungry world.

“The American Meat Institute has led the country in food safety initiatives during its 100-year history and we’re focused on a targeted agenda to reduce E. coli and salmonella. These foodborne illnesses were down during the last 10 years due to studies and programs.”

Harsh addressed Issue 2 in Ohio and how the Humane Society of the United States is organizing a movement against the policies of Issue 2 and the creation of a livestock standards board. Harsh said the Humane Society is trying to put another issue on the ballot this fall.

Black said the nation’s pork producers were greatly impacted by last year’s H1N1 epidemic that began in Mexico.

“We lost our opportunity for profits last year, but things are looking up now and through the summer months,” he said.

According to Black, the U.S. continues to work with other countries that use pork products that Americans do not eat, such as the tail, ears and hooves. He stated that H1N1 is still being used as a trade barrier.