Tuesday, Nov. 8 is Election Day. There are countless reasons for citizens to cast ballots, thus officially voicing individual opinions on policies, tax issues and candidates. 

In our country, recording everyone’s perspective is critical in decision-making processes that affect our society. 

In our neck of the woods, fire and rescue levies rarely have difficulty at the polls. At least in predominately rural areas, our volunteer emergency service members are fiscally-conservative, so money requests put to the voters are generally perceived as just enough to address financial needs of the respective department. School funding issues often prove more challenging, sometimes just due to the amount of funds requested, other times related to whether dollars requested are for operational or construction matters.  

When it comes to electing candidates, whether the job is a township trustee, school board member or judge, voters are curious about an individual’s leadership capabilities; vision for the future, willingness to admit mistakes, acceptance of constructive criticism, passion for the position, realistic attitudes and so on.  

Unfortunately, in too many off year elections, voter turnout is low. However, Ohio has several statewide ballot issues next week that should help prevent voter ambivalence. 

Have you considered the votes you might cast in this fall’s election? Discussing various issues and candidates with friends and family can be enjoyable and frustrating at the same time, but important nevertheless. If you have not utilized an absentee ballot, be sure to vote Tuesday. I believe it is not only your right, but also your responsibility to vote.

Final thought: If you are unwilling to make time to vote, why would anyone want to take time to listen to your opinions on any issue or candidate?

Three opportunities to attend fall meetings of the Ohio Dairy Producers Assoc. (ODPA) are available to all interested in milk production. Individual highlights of each location complement the common theme: How federal dairy policy impacts your bottom line. The three early November meetings all begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude by 3 p.m.

At each session, attendees will hear an ODPA update as well as the latest on the Ohio Livestock Care Standards, and water quality and nutrient management issues in Ohio. Also find out what’s new from your dairy and beef checkoff programs.

Just prior to a local sponsored lunch, learn from Joe Outlaw, co-director of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A & M University. His insight on federal dairy policy provides you with an inside scoop on what it means to you and your dairy farm.  

After lunch, discover what’s new in dairy from Ohio State. Then tour of one of Ohio’s progressive dairy farms to gain valuable ideas to take back to the farm. Meetings are as follows:

Wednesday, Nov. 9 – Four Henry Holsteins - Logan County, 9110 St. Rt. 287, West Liberty, featuring an automatic heat detection system and a new calf barn with a forced-air ventilation system. The morning meeting at Der Dutchman Restaurant, 445 S. Jefferson St. in Plain City, precedes the tour.

Thursday, Nov. 10 – Brownhaven Farm - Auglaize County, 7635 St. Rt. 364, New Bremen, highlighting several environmental practices, earning the farm an ODPA Environmental Stewardship Award. Speedway Lanes, 455 North Herman St. in New Bremen, is the site of the morning meeting.

Friday, Nov, 1 – Clardale Farms, Inc. - Stark County, 10794 Strausser St. NW, Canal Fulton, home to a double 12 parallel parlor and a brand new 240-cow free stall barn. The Elm Ridge Party Center, located at 469 Elm Ridge Ave. in Canal Fulton, hosts the morning meeting.

Please register at www.odpa.org or call 1-800-292-MILK to be included in the lunch count.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Roger Bender may write to him in care of this publication.