Chuck's Chat - Welcome to February 2024

I’m late because I was taking advantage of the recent 70 degree weather to get some things done. And, I wanted to see what that big rat in the east had to say. No, not that one, the one that said spring’s a comin’ early.

My wife and I recently had the opportunity to attend the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 105th annual meeting in Salt Lake City, where I represented Kansas Farm Bureau as an alternate voting delegate. The meeting itself was very similar to the KFB annual meeting held in Manhattan, but dealt with a more national array of policy topics, such as poultry contract pricing, EPA and USDA roles, and forestry concerns.

We had a nonstop flight out of the usually uneventful Tulsa International Airport. Keep in mind it was eighteen degrees at 7am prior to a scheduled 8:20am takeoff. I jokingly commented about hoping someone remembered to plug in the plane because it might not start. Sure enough, dead battery. Two hours later, we were allowed to successfully board and find our seats strategically situated near the wings, giving us a clear view of the “enhanced winglets” proudly mentioned in the online airplane’s description. I don’t know, some kind of fancy wing tips that cost money so your flight ticket now costs more than before.

I have always had several concerns regarding flying, and even discovered a few more on this recent voyage. For starters, what happened to the magazine in the chair back. SkyMall I think it was called. You know, the one full of junk nobody needs, let alone could afford. It at least occupied my time while wondering if my seat cushion really would float. And why do the flight attendants have a five-point restraint harness to wear for take offs and landings, and I have a seat belt that even Ralph Nader would have been concerned with. Lastly (for now) once upon a time at the end of each flight, an attendant would say “We know you have a choice in flying, thank you for choosing …” Delta, or American, or whosever craft you were on. Seems as though they really don’t care if you fly with them or not. Well, the feeling’s mutual, I don’t like to fly with them. So there.

Once again, Kansas Farm Bureau is awarding a Natural Resources Award. If you know of someone in Montgomery County who deserves to be recognized for their farm conservation or land stewardship efforts, contact Kathy O’Brien at 620-331-0826.

Be watching our Montgomery County Farm Bureau Facebook page for information regarding this year’s scholarship award, as well as all kinds of facts, figures, and general information with which you’ll be able to amaze and impress your friends.

The annual issue surfacing meeting will be held March 14 at Colborn’s Kitchen, 551 S Country Club Rd, in Chanute beginning at 6:30pm. This is an opportunity for Farm Bureau members to make policy recommendations and raise issues they would like the KFB Resolutions Committee to examine.

And before I forget, How ‘bout those CHIEFS!!!

Until next month,

Chuck Voelker