Charley Gregg's Blog

Success at Rural Issues Forum

Charley Gregg — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:14:40 EDT

The Rural Issues Forum in London this week was a great success. With the Farm Science Review in Madison County this past week, it was an opportunity for constituents to discuss a broad range of concerns; from good rural schools to fluctuating grain prices, from genetically modified organisms to concentrated animal feeding operations, and the Farm Bill to sustainable agriculture practices.
Our guests included Joe Logan of the Ohio Farmers Union, Doug O'Brien with the Obama/Biden campaign as Rural Vote Director and former Governor of Mississippi Ray Mabus, past Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and currently a Senior Policy Advisor for Senator Obama.
Additional guests represented communities concerned with the CAFO issue in Williams, Union and Madison Counties; along with several concerned citizens from the local community.
I sincerely thank everyone who attended and hope to make this a regular event; either on an annual or bi-annual basis.

Rural Issues Forum

Charley Gregg — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 21:34:49 EDT

A "Rural Issues Forum" is scheduled for Tuesday September 16, 2008 from 400-530 pm at the London Public Library. The goal is to develop communication regarding issues related to both the agriculture industry and rural communities, during the Ohio State University "Farm Science Review"; which takes place about 3 miles north of London, September 16-18.
Anticipated topics run from locally produced foods to concentrated animal feeding units; from rural infrastructure to school funding, and job creation to renewable energy.
For more information, post a reply.

Summer Harvest

Charley Gregg — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:04:25 EDT

Our large garden is going well this summer; we are able to begin canning and recently purchased a freezer to store produce for the winter. Of course there are challenges along the way; heat, weeds & time limitations to name a few. While working in the garden, I have time to consider issues in our rural communities and the opportunities that we share to develop a better future throughout our state. I hope that you are able to take time to ponder and create goals for your community.

Working Families Win

Charley Gregg — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:28:22 EDT

Recently I met Steve Chaffin, an organizer for "Working Families Win". WFN strives to assist America's workers by changing government policy.

Steve is developing grassroots connections for new trade rules, improved healthcare, workers rights and increasing the minimum wage. As inflation continues; particularly in energy, organizations like WFN can become opportunities for rural communities to work together for a better future.

For more information: http://www.wfwin.org/index.php

Rails to Trails

Charley Gregg — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:57:56 EDT

We are fortunate to live within a mile of the trail network that is being built across Ohio. It's a great opportunity to exercise in a safe environment and meet neighbors with similar interests. Today, we found a fox along a wooded stretch near the edge of town; along with a couple of turtles and ground squirrels. In the past, I have seen deer. I encourage you to consider spending a day along a trail in your community.

Local Festivals

Charley Gregg — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 03:23:48 EDT

The beginning of summer kicks-off the festival season in rural communities. Our town celebrated the "Strawberry Festival" this past week with 2 parades, live music, local entertainment and great food. Local festivals are a good way to connect with neighbors & friends on an informal basis to build better relationships when we are faced with challenging issues. Plus, it's fun for the kids to have wholesome experiences near home without a lot of expensive stuff.

Renewable Energy

Charley Gregg — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:40:15 EDT

Wind, solar, geo-thermal and bio-fuels offer alternatives for rural communities.

While natural gas, coal and oil will continue to dominate our energy needs; alternative energy will play more of role over the next 5-10 years.

Today's New York Times highlights the challenges faced by rural communities.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/09/business/09gas.html?hp

Two leading organizations with additional information on implementation of renewable energy programs are Green Energy Ohio and "25x'25".

Consider researching their websites for additional information.

Stewardship

Charley Gregg — Fri, 30 May 2008 06:21:27 EDT

The use of stewardship is key to the progress of Ohio's rural communities. Small towns and the agriculture communities can become stewards of their resources, rather than consumers. Local civic organizations are a great way to develop stewardship; this experience also helps build relationships for influencing the dialogue on issues that impact farms and villages across the Buckeye State.

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations

Charley Gregg — Sat, 10 May 2008 09:30:37 EDT

Large scale production agriculture has changed rural communities over the past 30 years. Although family farms have frequently been consolidated into larger operations, many rural residents do not recognize the issue due to the industry's primary public image through crop production. Gradually though, large scale livestock production has started gaining more attention. An example of this is the proposed 5,000 cow dairy near the Darby Creek about 25 miles west of Columbus.

Farmer's Markets

Charley Gregg — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:07:36 EDT

Rural communities are frequently seen as locations of "mega-farms"; particularly in Ohio's western counties. This perception has gained traction over the past couple of decades. Although; increasing energy costs, along with price inflation for fertilizers & pesticides may contribute to a return to smaller scale, local production. Several demographic and economic issues contribute to the recent interest in "Farmer's Markets". Around our state, several cooperative organizations have been established to grow & market produce on a small scale.

Spring 2008

Charley Gregg — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 14:23:40 EDT

As Spring begins across our rural communities, we have a great opportunity to look forward to progress for our future. Yesterday I visited the Dairy Expo in Columbus with my daughter. We enjoyed learning about Ohio's dairy industry, judging cattle and considering the importance of agriculture to local communities. Here is a link to the Dairy Expo website:

http://www.springdairyexpo.com/

Financial Stability

Charley Gregg — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:26:00 EDT

Unfortunately, rural communities are bearing the burden of the debt issue as well as metropolitan regions. The next few years will see a return to sound financial practices that developed Ohio's towns and villages.

Future of rural Ohio.

Charley Gregg — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 16:24:56 EST

Good rural communities across our state will become more important as energy prices continue to increase. Good educational opportunities and quality ground water will be fundamental to local towns and farms.