New Leadership for a New Decade...guest blog by Glen Zorn

We all hear political rhetoric about how government needs to be downsized and red tape reduced, and it’s something you should expect from leadership. But during the past few years we’ve already downsized the Department, and it will probably shrink even more as long as our state’s economy suffers and the state’s budget remains tight. I intend to look for ways to eliminate duplication of services between what we do and what other agencies do, as well as partnering with our colleges and universities to get the job done.

However, there are some things we do at that we shouldn’t be willing to throw away for the sake of reducing government. For example, we check to make sure that the scale at the grocery store cash register is calibrated to weigh your meats and vegetables; we inspect gas stations to make sure you are getting your dollar’s worth; we license your pest control companies. Are we really willing to sacrifice the sense of security we have as consumers for the sake of “reducing government”

We have fought the battles of food labeling – so you would know where your food comes from; we stopped fish and consumer products from entering this country because of harmful ingredients and chemicals; we expanded trade of Alabama agricultural products around the globe; we championed the development and use of alternative fuels in this state when no one else was talking about ethanol and bio-diesel. I don’t think we can or should stop doing those things that help every consumer in this state every day.

There is something I will breathe new life into – and that’s learning how to manage our water resources. It is going to take some bold leadership. It will take input from production agriculture, from agribusiness and from consumers. We have enough water; we need to learn how to make it available when we need it. I have made this the centerpiece of my campaign. If we can put a man on the moon, as we did more than 40 years ago, surely we can figure out how to manage our water resources!

With 40 years experience in business, some great years giving back to my community as mayor, and serving in the capacity I have at the Department, I’m ready for the job of Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries in 2010 and I ask for your support.

Thank you.

[website]

bio (provided): I’ve been a farmer nearly all my adult life; my brothers and I own an agribusiness in Covington County which includes one of the only privately operated grain elevators in Alabama. We raise peanuts, cotton and pine trees – and we understand what it means to compete. I was elected to two terms as mayor of my hometown, Florala, and I’ve served as Deputy and Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries for the last seven years. I’m ready to lead our state as Commissioner.

As Assistant Commissioner I have been director of The Center for Alternative Fuels, Light Weights & Measures, Heavy Weights & Measures and Plant Protection divisions within the Department. I have been a Certified Crop Advisor for decades. I know agriculture, I know the Department, I will lead us into the next decade. I ask for your support in November.

Making the Connection...guest post by Dorman Grace

As Commissioner, I’ll make the department work for farmers and small businesses by cutting regulations and red tape. I’ll protect our farms, wildlife, environment, rural areas, and if elected as the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries I will lead the department in an effort to help Alabama’s farmers keep the agricultural industry viable. The agricultural industry makes significant contributions to Alabama in several areas…

• Economy
• Labor force
• Food supply
• Environmental quality
• and Quality of life.
  

Because of these factors, we know that the public generally holds positive views about agriculture, but fails to understand its issues or see how it relates to their daily lives. That's where I want to make a change. It's up to us, as professionals in agriculture and its supporting industries, to help make that connection for the benefit of all Alabamians.

It is time for Alabama’s agricultural industry to speak with one voice, communicating messages that directly affect us all, both as farmers and the general public. This effort will be a key to raising awareness and motivating action. I want to ensure that the public understands that today’s farmers are businessmen; they have to be able to understand farm economics and farm politics.

I want to help the general public understand that they as consumers only spend about a dime of each dollar they earn for food and of that dime the farmer gets to keep less than a penny. Eight cents goes for processing, transportation, packaging, and advertising. The other penny goes for purchased inputs. We need to get the message across that farmers are price-takers in the marketplace. We produce standardized commodities, and have no influence over the prices we receive. One farmer’s wheat is the same as another’s, which means that no farmer can get a price higher than any other. Therefore, we need to help the general public understand that our profitability must increase or the nation and the state will face the ugly truth that we will be importing our food from other countries.
With this campaign we will bring a greater awareness of Alabama farmers’ hard work and achievements, stronger backing of our needs for growth, and a more secure future for our industry. Our future depends on it.

Bio (provided): [website] My name is Dorman Grace and I’m a third-generation family farmer, not a career politician. I live on my Walker County farm with my wife, Susan, and two sons where we farm poultry, cattle and timber. I am running for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries because I want to use my 30 years of experience as a successful agri-businessman to reduce spending, cut regulations, protect our food supply, and create new jobs in the agricultural industry. The state’s largest agricultural group, the Alabama Farmers Federation, has endorsed me. So with the support of our state’s farmers and the ability to earn the support of the general public I believe I am the best choice for the next Commissioner of Agriculture in Alabama. I would appreciate your support and your vote.

Conserving Alabama's Water Resources: guest blog by John McMillan

One of the issues I have stressed during my campaign for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries has been the need for more conservation and planning related to Alabama’s water resources.

We have taken the ample supply of water in our state for granted. This can no longer be the case as we face threats to our water supply from neighboring states as well as demands created by population growth, farming, manufacturing, and from other freshwater consumption.

Unlike some forms of energy, water does not have substitutes. We must take steps to better measure our water usage and educate our consumers on volume and cost.

There are also great opportunities available for water conservation in the area of treating wastewater. Great savings can be obtained by focusing efforts on recycling wastewater on-site at points of high-volume usage rather than moving these waters off-site for treatment.

Water conservation can be improved by monitoring soil moisture in urban parks, golf courses, and farm irrigation systems.

Another area for conservation of our water resources is in developing crops that need less water than current seed strains. Steps can be taken to avoid crops that are more moisture demanding in some areas of the state.

Alabama is also positioned to take advantage of our salt water access as desalination becomes more economically feasible.

As our state becomes more and more “thirsty” we need elected officials who will provide reasoned leadership in addressing the water issue to avoid unpleasant consequences and assure Alabama consumers, agribusiness, manufacturers, and recreational users of safe, economical and adequate water resources.

As Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries I will work to initiate the planning and conservation steps needed to address water resources through working with the Governor, legislature, state agencies, and other stakeholders.

Our campaign website (johnmcmillan2010.com) provides information on other important issues the next commissioner will face. I hope you will review my qualifications and positions and “hire” me with your vote and support to lead the department.

bio (excerpts from website): Alabama has been home to my family for six generations, and I am blessed with a legacy of strong people who have worked the land and enjoyed the many natural resources our state has to offer. My wife Kathryn and I met in high school and, this past July, celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary. We have two sons, Murphy and William, and our wonderful daughter-in-law Beth. Murphy and Beth are the parents of our two grandchildren, El, 11 and John, 6, who continue to amaze us and make us proud. My life’s work has centered on agri-business, forest products, wildlife protection, natural resource management and the protection of private property rights. I love hunting, fishing and enjoying God’s good earth. And, one of my great joys now, is guiding young John toward the same love of the outdoors.

Guest Blogs by Ag Commish Candidates

One of the most important, and maybe most overlooked, positions within the State of Alabama is that of Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries. The Commissioner and his Department aren't only responsible to the agricultural producers of our state, but to all consumers as well. Ag promotion, alternative fuels, animal health, and food inspection and safety are just a few of the many issues and responsibilities handled by the Dept. of Ag & Industries.

With so much attention this election season going towards the races for Governor, Attorney General, and others, I thought I would try to do something that would hopefully get people to stop and think for a moment about the Commissioner's race. A couple of weeks ago I invited the three leading candidates for the position to submit a guest post for my blog on an issue of their choosing. They have all been gracious enough to take time out of their campaigns to contribute an article. It is my hope that reading their comments on my blog will lead you to visit their websites to learn more about who they are and the positions they hold on other issues.

The guest blogs will be published as written (with additional biographical info added) and in the order in which I received them. John McMillan will be the featured guest on Tuesday, with Dorman Grace following on Wednesday. According to The Alabama Line, these two gentlemen are the front runners for the Republican Party's nomination heading into the June 1 primary. Glen Zorn, the lone Democrat seeking the position, will be featured on Friday*.

Please return on Tuesday to read Mr. McMillan's thoughts, and then do the same on Wednesday for Mr. Grace's. I hope you will share these guest blog posts with your friends, and I encourage you to add your thoughts and comments about what these gentlemen have to say.

Have a "dairy" good day!

*logistical issues will prevent Mr. Zorn's article from appearing sooner...my apologies to all.

I am dairyman Will Gilmer, and I approved this message.