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. 

Many other displays along with entertainment and good food will be available. So come on down to Wayne and enjoy seeing some of agriculture's history.

Last week the Ashtabula County Farm Bureau held its Annual Strawberry and Ice Cream Festival at the Jefferson Grange Hall. Plenty of ice cream and strawberries were enjoyed by the group.

As part of the evening, Farm Bureau President Nate L'Amoreaux presented a check for $5000 to David Marrison in support of OSU Extension's educational programs. Because of reductions in Extension's county budget, drastic reductions will be made in their programs including 4-H. Funding for Extension comes from federal, state and local sources and each one is essential to support their programs.

The Ashtabula County Farm Bureau, as well as the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, have always been strong supporters of OSU Extension educational programs.

Scholarships were also presented to five students who are or will be attending college this fall. Included were Rachel Kalas from Jefferson, Jacqualine Baird, Kingsville, Holly Mate, Colebrook, Logan Nye, Hartsgrove and Maggie Woodard, Dorset. These scholarships were awarded based on information from applications submitted by the students.

Since this was an informal gathering, a lot of interesting visiting took place during the evening. One of the topics of much interest was the efforts of the animal rights groups such as the Humane Society of The United States and others to get legislation passed that would affect Ohio agriculture including local farmers.

Without exception this group does not want these organizations dictating to local farmers how they should farm. And others said "we don't want them to be telling us what kind of food we should eat." One person emphatically said "if they want to be vegetarians that is their privilege and Okay but they have no right trying to shove their way of eating down our throats, which is their long-range goal".

No one in the group had been approached by paid animal rights individuals to sign a petition to get their legislation on the fall ballot. This suggests they may not have been as active here as in other areas.

General reactions were to let the newly formed Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board function. They know Ohio and Ohio people. Outside groups have no place in Ohio. It was an interesting evening and these are interesting times.

John Parker is an independent agricultural writer and serves on the local Farm Bureau Board.

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