By MELISSA HART
Michigan Correspondent

JONESVILLE, Mich. — Farmers and their city counterparts crossed paths recently at the Godfrey Farm in Jonesville for the annual Rural-Urban Picnic hosted each year by Richard and Martha Godfrey.

Businessmen from the Hillsdale County area were invited to have dinner with area farmers for fellowship and farm talk. Politicians, local service clubs and representatives from extension and the Michigan Corn Growers filled out the rest of the guest list for the evening meal.

The keynote speaker was Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox. Throwing his hat into the ring for the 2010 governor’s race, the Republican spent his time applauding Michigan’s ag industry. He said agriculture is growing and represents a large number of jobs. While it is the second largest industry in the state, it’s hasn’t been front-page news, Cox said.

He also pointed out that Michigan is the second most diverse farm state in the country - in terms of crops produced. Cox believes that diversity is what gives Michigan ag its strength. He concluded with a warning to keep an eye on the Humane Society of the United States and other groups who are determined to dictate how farmers take care of their livestock.

Among others sharing time at the podium was Michigan State University extension director Tom Coon, who congratulated the Godfrey farm for receiving the Hillsdale County Nelson Purdy award for Business and Industry. As the first farmer to ever receive this award, Richard Godfrey was recognized for his support and contributions to Hillsdale County.

State Sen. Cameron Brown (R-Fawn River Twp.) updated attendees on topics in the Michigan Senate Ag committee. He reported the Michigan Department of Agriculture has had 49 percent of its budget cut in the past decade. He emphasized the need to communicate the value of agriculture to Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
He also reported that Granholm wants to assess a fee of 1 percent for every 100 pounds of milk to every milk producer to fund milk inspections. Brown is trying to find alternative ways to fund inspections, citing that with declined milk prices, now is not the time to create new fees for the dairy farmers.

Jody Pollok-Newsom of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan and the Michigan Corn Growers Assoc. reported corn growers continue to increase productivity by growing more corn on the same acres. She estimates this year will be a 12 million bushel corn crop. With five ethanol plants in Michigan translates to $800 million being pumped into Michigan’s economy each year. She also handed out information on corn and its products in a new brochure called Corn 101.

Rep. Ken Kurtz (R-Coldwater) said while he’s only been serving a short time in the legislature, he can’t figure out why the state’s government would make cuts in agriculture when its one of Michigan’s most successful industries.

“If you want an omelet for breakfast you don’t have chicken BBQ for dinner the night before,” he commented. “I know where I come from and that’s a community of agriculture.”

Officials from U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer’s (D-Mich.) office attended, too.