By John Crabtree, johnc@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

House and Senate Agriculture Committees are already holding hearings on writing a new farm bill. However, past farm bills demonstrate that we must demand more of Congress, we must demand a farm bill that invests in the future of rural communities and the next generation of family farmers and ranchers.

On March 19th the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and Center for Rural Affairs released a 2012 Farm Bill policy platform entitled Farming for the Future, A Sustainable Agriculture Agenda for the 2012 Food and Farm Bill.

It includes proposals to strengthen family farming and ranching, and assist beginning farmers and ranchers. These policies, if advanced, will help smaller producers tap into high-value, niche markets; provide access to land and capital for the next generation of farmers and ranchers; level the playing field by capping subsidies to mega-farms and invest in real family farmers and ranchers.

The entire platform spans nearly every section of the farm bill and constitutes a comprehensive approach to reforming federal farm and food policies that will create jobs and economic growth, drive innovation for farm and food entrepreneurs, enhance conservation, protect our natural resources and invest in the future of rural America.

We cannot continue to follow the failed farm policies of the past. Rural America wants, needs and deserves a better farm bill, one that creates a future for America's rural places and the people that live there. Farming for the Future contains a best first step at making reform a reality.

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Releases its 2012 Farm Bill Platform

Lyons, NE - Today, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition released its comprehensive 2012 Farm Bill policy platform, Farming for the Future: A Sustainable Agriculture Agenda for the 2012 Food and Farm Bill.  The Center for Rural Affairs is a represented member of NSAC, and played an integral role in developing this platform.

"This platform includes a comprehensive set of farm bill proposals that will strengthen family farming and ranching systems, especially beginning farmers and ranchers," said Traci Bruckner, Assistant Policy Director at the Center for Rural Affairs and member of the Coalition's Coordinating Council. "These policies, if advanced, will help farmers and ranchers conserve soil and water, tap into high-value, niche markets; provide access to land and capital for the next generation of farmers and ranchers; level the playing field by capping subsidies to mega-farms and invest the savings in real family farmers and ranchers."

The last several Agriculture Censuses demonstrated large drops in the number of younger farmers involved in farming or ranching as their primary occupation. According to Bruckner, the revitalization of rural America depends, in large part, on reversing that trend.

"The Congressional debate over these issues is underway, with both Senate and House Agriculture Committees currently holding hearings aimed at writing a new farm bill," added Bruckner. "Past farm bills and the recent recession demonstrate the need for a farm bill that truly reforms farm programs and invests in creating real opportunities for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities."

Farming for the Future spans nearly every title in the farm bill and reflects a comprehensive approach to farm policy reform that will -

• Create jobs and spur economic growth through food and farms.

• Invest in the future of American agriculture.

• Enhance our natural resources and improve agricultural productivity.

• Drive innovation for tomorrow's farmers and food entrepreneurs.

• Make healthy food widely available today and for generations to come.

The platform document explains that the policy proposals therein are the culmination of over two years of policy work with a broad, diverse coalition of over 90 grassroots organizations from across the country.  And it reflects the real, urgent needs of farmers, ranchers, and food entrepreneurs across the country.

Of particular focus of the Center for Rural Affairs in this platform are the various provisions of the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act, a cross-cutting initiative aimed at helping the next generation of farmers and ranchers enter into agriculture.

During the first week of March, a cadre of young farmers, ranchers and military veterans traveled to Washington, DC to participate in a nationwide fly-in and grassroots lobbying effort spearheaded by the Center for Rural Affairs and National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.

Justin Doer, a farmer and military veteran from Plainview Nebraska was one of  the young farmers and ranchers lobbying in Washington and talking to lawmakers and USDA about the importance of programs that support the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

"We face a lot of barriers as beginning farmers as far as access to land and credit and barriers in crop insurance," said Doer. "As a beginning farmer one way of getting a start is through niche markets and raising non-conventional crops, but it's hard to gain access to crop insurance for that... that problem should be addressed."

According to Doer, the Beginning Farmer and Ranchers Opportunity Act - a key element of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Farm Bill Platform - helps break down many of the barriers beginning farmers and ranchers face, including access to land and credit and barriers in obtaining crop insurance.

"And this legislation would include a provision that would assist younger farmers and ranchers that work with older producers in acquiring land, much as the Center for Rural Affairs' Land Link program," added Doer.

The platform can be viewed online at http://bit.ly/2012fbplatform.

HUNTINGTON, IN (03/19/2012)(readMedia)-- Sarah Johnson of Davenport, IA, of the Huntington University Indiana Beta Chapter of Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship will be attending the Alpha Chi Super-Regional Convention in Baltimore, Md., on March 22-24.

Johnson, a senior journalism and English major will present on "You Sure, Pooh?: Certainty in A. A. Milne's Child, Adult and Hundred Acre Wood Characters."

The delegation will be accompanied by sponsors Dr. Norris Friesen, Dr. Paul Michelson and Mrs. Jean Michelson.

The Indiana Beta Chapter was awarded the President's Cup in 2001 as the outstanding Alpha Chi chapter nationally. At the 2012 convention, it will be recognized for the 17th consecutive year as a Star Chapter of Alpha Chi, one of only four chapters (out of some 300-plus) nationally to receive this award every year since its inception. Dr. Paul Michelson serves as secretary-treasurer of Alpha Chi's Region V and is a member of the Alpha Chi National Council.

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest, and Forbes.com has listed the university as one of America's Best Colleges. Additionally, Princeton Review has named the institution to its "Best in the Midwest" list. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

MOLINE, Ill. (March 21, 2012) - The Quad City Mallards and Club 9 Sports- the Mallards' ownership group- have entered into a 10-year license agreement with the Central Hockey League, making the Mallards a CHL member for the next decade, the Mallards announced today in conjunction with the CHL.

"We are delighted to have entered into this long-term agreement with the CHL.  After years of uncertainty about league affiliation, it is nice for our fans to know we have a long-term home in a well-managed league," said John Prutch, managing partner of Prometheus Capital Partners, parent company of Club 9 Sports.  "We appreciate the support of the i wireless Center, the Quad Cities community and especially the season ticket holders and corporate sponsors who have remained committed to seeing the Mallards survive and revitalize."

The Mallards are closing in on the finish of their second CHL season, competing in the league under the terms of a joint agreement between the CHL and the International Hockey League that was put in place in the summer of 2010 for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.  The Mallards and three other clubs- the Dayton Gems, Fort Wayne Komets and the Evansville IceMen- are currently operating in the CHL under that agreement.

"This is truly exciting news for our fans.  We're happy to be committed to the CHL," said Mallards executive vice president Ryan Simmons.  "It's another exciting development for us as an organization after the successes we've seen on and off the ice this season- attendance has increased by 14 percent and last weekend we reached 3.5 million in all-time attendance for Mallards hockey.  On top of that, of course, is the success the team has enjoyed on the ice this season."

The Mallards already this season have won more games (35) and totaled more standings points (72) than they have in any season since 2006-07.  The Mallards have used an aggressive, attacking style of play to become the second highest scoring team in the league.  The team's high-powered offense has been keyed by Brandon Marino, a finalist for the CHL Most Valuable Player award and a member of the All-CHL Team.  Marino scored in the Mallards' game last night in Dayton to become the first player in the league this season- and the first Mallard since 2006-07- to reach 40 goals.  In addition to leading the league in goals, Marino also ranks second in points (87) and has recorded more points this year than any Mallard has since 2004-05.

"This is a very good day for the Mallards organization, the team's fans and the CHL," said CHL commissioner Duane Lewis.  "The steps taken to reinvigorate the market in the Quad Cities by Club 9 Sports have brought back the excitement of years past for the Mallards and their following.  We are excited for the future of the team and their place within the CHL."

The CHL is nearing the conclusion of its twentieth anniversary season.  The league's regular season ends next Sunday, March 25, with the Ray Miron Presidents' Cup playoffs to follow beginning next week.  Before transitioning to the CHL in 2010, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007 and in the IHL in 2009-10.

The Mallards play their final regular season game Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Bloomington Blaze at the i wireless Center.  The first 1,000 fans through the doors for Saturday's regular season finale will receive free 2011-12 Mallards player card sets.  An auction of game-worn Mallards jerseys will immediately follow Saturday evening's game.

Tickets are also available at the i wireless Center box office, at Ticketmaster outlets, through www.ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.  Individual game tickets are available for $13 in the upper level and $18 in the lower level and $25 for the first row along the glass for adults.  Tickets for kids 12 and under are available for $5 off adult rates.  In addition, tickets are available to military personnel for $2 off the regular adult rate.  

About the Quad City Mallards
The Quad City Mallards are in the midst of their second "AA" Central Hockey League (CHL) season.   This season is the Mallards' first under the leadership of head coach and general manager David Bell.  Bell joined the Mallards after spending seven seasons as an assistant coach in the junior and professional ranks.  Prior to moving behind the bench Bell enjoyed a seven-year pro playing career.  His considerable leadership skills were already evident during his playing days- never more so than when he captained the Greenville Grrrowl to the 2002 ECHL Kelly Cup title.  All Mallards home games are played at the i wireless Center.  The Mallards competed in the United Hockey League (UHL) from 1995 through 2007 and in the International Hockey League (IHL) in 2009-10.  The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record.  In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched.  The Mallards are owned by CLUB 9 SPORTS.  CLUB 9 SPORTS advises, invests and operates in the sports entertainment and media industries.  For more information on the Quad City Mallards or to get tickets for unprecedented family fun at affordable prices, fans should visit www.MyQCMallards.com.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards.  More information on CLUB 9 SPORTS can be found at CLUB9SPORTS.com.

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