Changes taking place in 2012

There’s something about a new year that helps people embrace change. It’s like a reset button or a fresh start to tackling bad habits, routine tasks or simply making needed changes in our personal or professional lives.

With this approach in mind, Florida Farm Bureau has updated the look and feel of FloridAgriculture for the start of 2012. We are in the process of soliciting input from readers about what they currently like in the magazine and asking “what’s missing?”  We’re hoping to create a publication that keeps our members reading it cover to cover each month.

We want to provide thought-provoking feature stories, vibrant photography and news from around the state – in a communications tool that keeps us connected and is produced within our budget. In April we will be deciding whether to take this publication to a more modern lifestyle format. The bottom line is we want to deliver the best magazine possible for our members and our readers.

If you have any comments about how often you would like to receive FloridAgriculture, your preferences for print or online versions, or content suggestions, we want to hear from you. Please see the cover shot at right for contact information and share your opinion with us. Our goal is to remain the best source of general agriculture industry news and deliver it in way all our members will understand and enjoy.

The start of 2012 is also slightly different for us on the legislative front. As a grassroots organization, advocacy plays a large part in our mission to support farmers and ranchers. This year, with redistricting on the agenda, legislators will begin meeting much sooner to mull over all the issues. The state’s budget is sure to top the list.

The legislative session is slated to begin Jan. 10. I encourage everyone to keep up-to-date on the issues and I invite all members to join us as we converge on the Capitol Jan. 31 to celebrate Farm Bureau Day. Yes, it’s the new date of Florida’s primary, so make sure to vote early.

We will all have a chance to discuss the issues affecting agriculture at a briefing dinner on Jan. 30. These issues are outlined on page nine and are important to the future success of our industry. Make sure to contact your county Farm Bureau or the state office to learn more about this trip. And email gb.crawford@ffbf.org in the PR division or call him at (352) 374-1517 to sign up for AgWatch, our weekly electronic newsletter sent out on Fridays, which recaps the legislative week when lawmakers are in session.

Your efforts in Tallahassee are needed but we recognize not everyone can attend. So for those of you unable to make the trip on Jan. 31 don’t forget to call, e-mail or visit your elected officials at their home office to discuss the issues. Our combined efforts really do make a difference.

It’s a New Year and I look forward to embracing many new ideas, challenges and successes as we journey through 2012. I also hope this is a year for unprecedented growth of our membership, too. Here’s wishing you the best in whatever you do and remember, Florida Farm Bureau exists because of members like you – thanks.