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American Agri-Women host 35th annual conventionOregon Women for Agriculture hosted American Agri-Women's 35th annual convention, in Salem, Oregon, this year, showcasing Oregon agriculture through speakers, workshops, and tours. Considering that Oregon is a state with no sales tax, it was interesting to hear speaker Tom Wright report that even in Oregon there is support for the fair tax, which would replace all the other federal taxes with a federal sales tax. It would eliminate all federal taxes, including the income tax, estate tax, capital gains tax, etc. Another interesting speaker was economics professor Dr. David Kohl from Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Va. To get an indication of the economy six months in advance, he advised, "Ask an over-the-road truck driver if he's getting backhauls." Dr. Kohl predicted there would be more minorities and women in agriculture, pointing out that an increasing amount of farmland is owned by females over 65. Holly Swanson of Operation Greenout informed AAW members about radical environmental efforts to influence K-12 curriculum. A highlight of the AAW meeting was previewing an episode of a new American Agri-Women TV show which will soon air nationwide. A schedule of the TV shows and listing of times will be posted on the AAW website. The episode featured an interview with commodity broker Betty Corbin of Towanda, Kan., and farmwife Susan Dodsworth of Franklin, Ill. Both women are AAW members. Speaker Jeanne Carver and her husband, Dan, now own the historic Imperial Stock Ranch in north central Oregon where they raise beef and lamb. About 10 years ago when markets began drying up, she became creative, marketing her lamb and beef to high-end restaurants and eventually venturing into wool apparel and fashion. From what she calls "sunlight energy" wool products, Mrs. Carver has successfully entered global fashion and competes in high couture runway shows. Like the wearable treasures the Carvers produce from nature, AAW has its own treasures. Named for the bread that rises and permeates the air, two women received AAW's highest honor, the Leaven Award: Vicky Maaske, Horicon, Wis., and Wanda Kinney, Carbondale, Kan. The Veritas Award, presented to someone outside of agriculture who speaks for truth, was given to George Taylor. Until recently Taylor was Oregon State Climatologist but disagreed with global warming extremists in the political sphere. New officers elected at the American Agri-Women 35th Annual Meeting were 1st vice-president for vital issues Karen Yost, Billings, Mont., and vice-president for communications, Linda Swiercinsky, Maquon, Ill. Carolyn Kleiber of Hillsboro, Kan., was re-elected treasurer. In the installation ceremony Chris Wilson of Manhattan, Kan., was elevated to the position of president. Elected to AAW's educational arm, the Resource Center, were Ardath DeWall, Shannon, Ill., Julie Tesch, Minneapolis, M.N., and Jacquie Compston, Wellington, Nev. Before handing over her gavel as president, Marcie Williams of Croton, Ohio, selected three members for special recognition: Dolly Lillis of Dalton Gardens, Idaho; Joanna Wilson, Manhattan, Kan.; and Geraldine Ottosen, Junction City, Ore. For more information, contact Chris at president@americanagriwomen.org or 785-537-6171. Visit the American Agri-Women website at www.americanagriwomen.org.
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