Promotion starts July 19, 2010 at www.FarmersFeedUS.org.

Columbus, Ohio (July 19, 2010) – Ohio farmers and Ohio-based Bob Evans Farms are teaming up to provide two Ohio families with "Free Breakfast for a Year."*

Beginning today, Ohio residents can register at www.FarmersFeedUS.org to win one of two grand prizes of "Free Breakfast for a Year" at Bob Evans Restaurants. Visitors to the site will be guided through registration by an Ohio farmer, who will also explain how he or she produces safe, nutritious and affordable food. Consumers can register with each of seven farmers daily through the end of the program on Oct. 15.

"Ohio's farmers work hard every day to produce the food that feeds us," said David White, executive director for the Ohio Livestock Coalition (OLC). "Through this program, we hope Ohio consumers learn more about how the state's farmers provide safe, nutritious, affordable food, while caring for their animals, land, families and communities."

A recent video by an animal activist group raises the question of how much editing was done to present an image of abuse on most livestock farms.

July 21, 2010 column from the Star Beacon and Gazette
by John Parker

While no one condones the acts of animal abuse seen on a recent video released by an animal rights extremist group, there is more to the story behind that video than has been told. A recent press release from David Phillips, the Union County, Ohio Prosecuting Attorney, where the abuse took place, sheds more light on the situation.

Because of the seriousness of the case, a grand jury investigation was conducted. The prosecutor praised the Union County Sheriff's Office for the thoroughness in investigating the farm and what took place. They interviewed dozens of witnesses and experts, reviewed tapes and hundreds of pages of documents. Assistance was provided by the Union County Humane Society, Health Department and Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Gary Conklin, owner of Conklin Farms in Plain City, was cleared of allegations of animal abuse. According to Phillips, the grand jury found no probable cause to believe Conklin committed any crime. "They saw the unedited video of Mr. Conklin's actions," said Phillips, "not the highly inflammatory version released on YouTube by Mercy for Animals."

The Farm Bureau is making plans to be at the Fabulous Food Show in November. Adult volunteers are needed to man the Farm Bureau booth space during this three-day event (Friday-Saturday-Sunday).
If you are interested in volunteering, you will be provided admission into the show, a t-shirt and plenty of time either before or after your work shift to enjoy the event.

Work Shifts are as follows – all three days:
10 am – 1:30 pm 1:30 – 5 pm 5 pm – 8 pm

Call the Northeast Counties Farm Bureau office and get scheduled for the work shift you prefer.
Thanks for helping Farm Bureau forge a partnership between farmers and consumers –

Jessica Hazel, Organization Director
Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull County Farm Bureaus
800-410-4613 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Check the Fabulous Food Show website for Celebrity Chef updates.

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June 30, 2010 column from the Star Beacon and Gazette
by John Parker

One of the interesting activities coming up this weekend is the Ashtabula County Antique Engine Club Big Show on July 2, 3 and 4 at the club grounds, 4026 Route 322 in Wayne Township. This is an outstanding event that showcases antique agricultural and other equipment along with a huge flea market.

One of the displays that visitors will want to see is the Museum that has been built to house antique equipment from Grandpa's day and before to some of today's modern farm tools. This is an exceptional educational display that fills the museum from one end to the other. To really take in all that can be seen could take several hours.

Some time ago one of the active club members, Dave Cover from Fowler down in Trumbull County, extended an invitation to groups large and small that would like visit the museum anytime. Just contact one of the Club directors or president Larry Lipps, phone 440-576-5418, and arrangements can be made.

But that is only part of the show. Antique farm equipment of many kinds, large and small, can be seen along with a great display of gasoline engines of many sizes. Many years ago and even today, gasoline engines are important on most farms.