I do not farm; neither does my family, but it just so happens that God has given me an incredible passion for farming families. You see, I live in Cove City, NC surrounded by cotton fields, tobacco crops, horse pastures and forestry. The beauty of it all is incredible, the peacefulness of watching what was sown, then grow and produce fruit, is so satisfying! To hear the knickers of the horses from my front porch, or the echo’s of cattle and donkey’s braying back and forth brings a smile to my face. To look out and see the red-tail hawks, the blue jays, cardinals and woodpeckers, to see an occasional deer, or even a bear reminds me that I am certainly not the center of the universe…… It is all of Creation, a blessing, to be able to live off of what we have been given.
I know these men and women who do work the land, I have seen the headlights from their tractors at wee hours in the middle of the night. I have seen as what they work on for months at a time come close to complete ruin in drought and extreme wet conditions and I have seen hurricanes completely decimate entire crops in a matter of hours.
Currently I see worry in the faces of these farmers, ones who have strived their entire lives to leave the farm for their children. As property taxes continue to increase on equipment and talk of the Present Use Value program changes heating up, we now have the inheritance tax issue’s that would destroy the family farm as we know it. All of this as continual regulation increases for products that can and can’t be used, places where farming is and isn't allowed due to zoning regulations and pricing of the commodities continually changing- sometimes not even allowing the farmer to recoup his cost of harvest! How can this way of living, one that each and every human being depends on, be in such turmoil?
Something most people do not realize is a reliance of military bases on agricultural land. Especially here in Eastern NC, we are surrounded by bases and used on flight paths for maneuvers, it is essential that farmland remain. In NC our #1 industry is Agriculture and our #2 is the MILITARY. These industries go hand in hand in support of one another. Yet, statistics tell us NC is the #1 state in LOSS of farmland.
This is happening due to several issues from what I have witnessed first hand
1) The median age of a farmer today is 58 years old. Family sizes are not what they used to be requiring farmers to hire additional help. If there is not a family member willing to take over the farm, it is more then likely sold.
2) The expense of starting a farming business is astronomical. If you were lucky enough to be born into a farming family you have a chance, but if not, the chances of you acquiring enough land, affording the extensive and expensive equipment, and having enough cash flow to begin are slim to none- and all this depending on surviving with good crops the first few years weather permitting!
3) Farming isn’t as attractive as the movies have made it out to be. It is a 365 day a year job, especially if you raise livestock. The hours are constant, and again the costs incredible…..not many people want to dedicate themselves to this way of life!
4) The expansion of residential areas and highways are continually encroaching on the family farm. While it seems good for whatever municipality to grow, the truth is the costs of services also increase tremendously to that particular area and it ends up in the form of taxation to all residents. While there was once a piece of land with crops that required no water/sewer/electrical hook ups, now new lines must be run for all utilities and manpower hired for additional housing management in the form of police officers, sheriff’s deputies, fire fighter’s, health and social workers and so on…..the bigger the population, the more services are needed. Not many realize that.
I do not have answers for these issues other then somehow our farms must be protected at all costs.
One last point that I would like to add…..I have heard out of people’s mouth’s that “farm subsidies and property taxation reductions on land are like farming welfare”. I beg to differ! When a farmer loses his entire crop to a disaster, we are all affected financially in the ability to purchase a necessity. They must have GOOD crop insurance to continue to be able to provide for the rest of our population. Please realize, farmers do not set the pricing for their products, the commodity market DOES. Many farmers today have seen their crops bring in less money then it costs to produce them. Again, without some form of subsidy many crops and farms would fall by the wayside costing us all more and eventually depleting the market. Also a farmer is not one who does not work, on the contrary! It is an extremely demanding and dangerous job that requires skill, knowledge and an incredible work ethic. The farmer knows they are responsible for feeding the masses, providing fibers for materials and forestry for everything from home building to diaper stuffing!
While the farm bill sits unattended to in Washington DC, all of this hangs in the balance! I do not agree with all that is in the bill, the Farm Bill and Food Stamps SHOULD NOT BE IN THE SAME BILL, Food stamps should be under HHS, (Health and Human Services), but that will have to be dealt with at a later date when our nation’s farms are not in such peril. If you care about food, I urge you to contact your US Senator and Representative personally.
God made Adam the first care-taker of the Garden of Eden. He was the first “farmer”. We have a responsibility to be good stewards with the land that has been provided. We should be helping our farmers provide to their full potential, we should be encouraging new farmers to get into the field, and we should be offering incentives that will benefit our entire population in the abundance of food, fiber and forestry. How terrible it would be to depend on other countries to grow OUR food. The import of oil surely hasn't worked out so good for us has it?!
Tyker Gonzales
Cove City, NC
Showing posts with label farmers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label farmers. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Sun Journal New Bern--Letter to the Editor:
CRAVEN COUNTY HERO
January 24, 2011
As a result of the 2010 Craven County revaluation the citizens of Craven County have seen a significant increase in their property values that have resulted in increased taxes even though the tax rate is considered revenue neutral for 2010-2011 budget year. At the time of the revaluation I served as a county commissioner and I was under the impression that values would increase significantly only in areas along the waterfront or consolidated areas where properties were being sold at record highs. I did not expect the district in which I represented which is largely rural to see the increase in value that it did. I have admitted that I made a mistake in voting for the 2010-2011 budget due to the burden it has placed on Craven County’s citizens.
In the recent months one of Craven County’s finest citizens, Mrs. Tyker Gonzales, has led an effort to assist Craven County farmers and landowners who have been excluded from Present Use Value. These properties consist of farm equipment buildings, farm livestock buildings and farmland used for production of livestock which are currently valued at market value. It is because of Mrs. Gonzales’ persistence on this issue that the N.C. Department of Revenue has advised the Craven County Tax Department that the above properties do qualify for the Present Use Value Schedule under GS. 105-277.3. As a result of this important opinion from the Department of Revenue, the assistance of the Farm Bureau Federation and most importantly Mrs. Gonzales, many farmers and landowners in Craven County will receive a fair and equitable value on their properties.
On behalf of Craven County Farm Bureau Federation and the farmers of Craven County, I want to thank Mrs. Tyke Gonzales for taking a stand for the agricultural industry which is still North Carolina’s number one industry contributing $75 billion to our state’s economy.
Jason R. Jones, Cove City, NC
Jones is president of Craven County Farm Bureau.
© Copyright 2011 Freedom Communications. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.newbernsj.com/articles/county-94275-craven-increase.html
January 24, 2011
As a result of the 2010 Craven County revaluation the citizens of Craven County have seen a significant increase in their property values that have resulted in increased taxes even though the tax rate is considered revenue neutral for 2010-2011 budget year. At the time of the revaluation I served as a county commissioner and I was under the impression that values would increase significantly only in areas along the waterfront or consolidated areas where properties were being sold at record highs. I did not expect the district in which I represented which is largely rural to see the increase in value that it did. I have admitted that I made a mistake in voting for the 2010-2011 budget due to the burden it has placed on Craven County’s citizens.
In the recent months one of Craven County’s finest citizens, Mrs. Tyker Gonzales, has led an effort to assist Craven County farmers and landowners who have been excluded from Present Use Value. These properties consist of farm equipment buildings, farm livestock buildings and farmland used for production of livestock which are currently valued at market value. It is because of Mrs. Gonzales’ persistence on this issue that the N.C. Department of Revenue has advised the Craven County Tax Department that the above properties do qualify for the Present Use Value Schedule under GS. 105-277.3. As a result of this important opinion from the Department of Revenue, the assistance of the Farm Bureau Federation and most importantly Mrs. Gonzales, many farmers and landowners in Craven County will receive a fair and equitable value on their properties.
On behalf of Craven County Farm Bureau Federation and the farmers of Craven County, I want to thank Mrs. Tyke Gonzales for taking a stand for the agricultural industry which is still North Carolina’s number one industry contributing $75 billion to our state’s economy.
Jason R. Jones, Cove City, NC
Jones is president of Craven County Farm Bureau.
© Copyright 2011 Freedom Communications. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.newbernsj.com/articles/county-94275-craven-increase.html
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
CCTA CONTINUES TO FIGHT FOR TAXPAYERS!
Coastal Carolina Taxpayers Association (CCTA) guided by Hal James, Chairman, Watchdog Committee along with other hardworking patriots have made great strides in looking into our local Craven County Govenment and particularly, property tax assesments. Much more work is ahead! We appreciat their hard work on our behalf! See Hal's message to members below.
CCTA MEMBERS AND FRIENDSWell, we're off to another year of looking out for the citizens and taxpayers. Thanks to each of you who have given of your time, money and talents on behalf the taxpayers.
Please don't feel you have to wait for a monthly report to the CCTA to let me know what has gone on that you want us all to know about. Let's have running dialog.
Yesterday I attended the Craven County Board of Commissioners meeting. From our point of view it was much improved over the activities of the previous board, but still has a long way to go to really be informative and responsive to the citizens and taxpayers of Craven County.
First, much to his credit, Scott Dacey orchestrated input from "stake holders" on the issue of moving the magistrates to the Jail complex at Clarks. Many representatives of the law enforcement community were heard from. Sheriffs, police chiefs, the State Patrol, deputies, etc. all made their opinions known. All of these people wanted to move the magistrates to Clarks for the safety and convenience of their people. Sheriff Monette made a case for it saving about $1,000,000 per year of taxpayers' money.
The Clerk's office and magistrates were also heard from. The consensus among them seemed to be a concern for the paperwork and inconvience of the magistrates in handling their work if they move out to Clarks. the Bar Association was also heard from. Gary Clemmons, civil lawyer, made the point that Chief District Court Judge Jerry Waddell has the power to put the magistrates where he wants to and not the Board of Commissioners. The County Attorney agreed. But, to me, the most interesting points were made by Kyle Smith, criminal lawyer, that there would be great inconvience and cost to the citizens if the magistrates were moved to Clarks. He pointed out that law enforcement officers will not get a warrant for the arrest of a citizen for a misdemeanor. So in a domestic disturbance, the wife or aggrieved party would have to get to the magistrate out at Clarks and swear out a warrant. The same would be true of a small business person wanting to get a warrant for passing a bad check. Probably just would not go to the trouble. Commissioner Sampson agreed that a lot of people from his District have to walk to the courthouse and would be adversely affected.
Another interesting aspect of all this was the input of the Bondsman, Reginald Beaslely. It had to do with getting prisoners released promptly when they are eligible for parole. He said Craven County is the only county that requires a magistrate to sign the release. The rest of the counties allow the bondsmen to handle releases directly with the jail personnel. He said changing this to handle it as other counies do could solve the problem of releasing these people promptly and cut down on the prison population and save the taxpayers money and treat citizens more fairly and compassionately too.
A piece of good news came from Erin Burridge, director of Elections Department. She stated that more of her records would be placed on the county's website and available that way to the public. Halleluiah!
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE LEGAL OPINION ON ASSESSING LAND USE VALUE FOR FARMERS? In his report at he end of the meeting, Jeff Taylor thanked Tyker Gonzales for all her hard work on behalf of the farmers in his District and the whole county. He read an email from Michael Brown of the NC Dept of Revenue, stating that the statues on present value land use for farmers was very clear and that the county owes McCoy Farms a refund. After the meeting I asked Jeff why he had not told the "rest of the story." He did not know what I was talking about. Mr. Brown, Dept of Revenue, had sent another email telling Dan Jenkins of the assessors office that 28 farmers in Craven county had been overtaxed and were due a refund. I gave a copy of that email to Jeff and he said he would take it up with the other commissioners.
WHY AREN'T THEY DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS? I guess time will tell. These assessors are unlawfully taking taxpayer money and now the North Carolina Dept of Revenue agrees. GREAT JOB, TYKER!
Jason Jones, President of the Craven County Farm Bureau and until last month, a member of the Craven County Board of Commissioners, has written a letter to the editor of the Sun Journal that he has titled "A Craven County Hero." In it he outlines what Tyker has achieved in helping farmers and landowners in Craven County receive fair and equitable treatment in the tax values assigned their property. Wow! That is great. I can't wait to see it in print.
The "dog and pony" shows the Commissioners put on to convence us of what a great job directors of the various departments of the county government are doing is a big waste of time and totally uninformative to the citizens and taxpayers. These directors are constantly referring to the "package" the commissioners have that no one else is privy to and the public can't follow the proceedings without them. They often don't seem to know the cost/benefit of their departments and can't answer simple questions when they are asked of them. Yet, they are let off the hook and sent on their way with a pat on the head and a smile and a compliment about what a good job they are doing.
And, oh yes, the commissioners still vote unanimously to spend our federal and state tax money (as long as there are no county contributions) as if money grows on trees or the treasury or Federal Reserve Bank can just print more indefinitely. This meeting saw $122,084 dollars of taxpayer money go to the Department of Social Rip Off for Crisis Intervention. Whatever the heck that is. (sorry, I'm just getting so disgusted). This goes on all over our nation. When will it ever be stopped?
After the meeting I talked to Sue Brook, reporter for the Sun Journal about the assessors rip off of the farmers. She said she would look into it.
One of our newest members, Tony Bonnici, sent me an email showing the result of his research about the Soliel Group. In New Bern they own The Hilton, formerly the Sheraton, the Marina and Sky Sail Condos. Tony's research shows that they owe the taxpayers of the City and County $966.807.89 (almost a million bucks). I have more details on this if anyone wants to see it.
Keep up the good work and please keep me informed.
Hal James
Chairman, CCTA Watchdog Committee
FOR MORE INFORMATION READ THE FOLLOWING:
County may have no authority to move magistrate to Clarks jail
http://www.newbernsj.com/news/county-94107-jail-clarks.html
Aldermen to consider sculpture plan
http://www.newbernsj.com/news/sculpture-90517-commissioners-county.html
Woman's research helps lower neighbors' tax bill.
http://www.newbernsj.com/sections/article/gallery/?pic=1&id=91227
Law vs. rules: http://www.newbernsj.com/articles/reading-93831-rules-article.html
County to seek legal opinion on assessing farmland taxes
http://www.newbernsj.com/news/county-93723-seek-attorney.html
CCTA MEMBERS AND FRIENDSWell, we're off to another year of looking out for the citizens and taxpayers. Thanks to each of you who have given of your time, money and talents on behalf the taxpayers.
Please don't feel you have to wait for a monthly report to the CCTA to let me know what has gone on that you want us all to know about. Let's have running dialog.
Yesterday I attended the Craven County Board of Commissioners meeting. From our point of view it was much improved over the activities of the previous board, but still has a long way to go to really be informative and responsive to the citizens and taxpayers of Craven County.
First, much to his credit, Scott Dacey orchestrated input from "stake holders" on the issue of moving the magistrates to the Jail complex at Clarks. Many representatives of the law enforcement community were heard from. Sheriffs, police chiefs, the State Patrol, deputies, etc. all made their opinions known. All of these people wanted to move the magistrates to Clarks for the safety and convenience of their people. Sheriff Monette made a case for it saving about $1,000,000 per year of taxpayers' money.
The Clerk's office and magistrates were also heard from. The consensus among them seemed to be a concern for the paperwork and inconvience of the magistrates in handling their work if they move out to Clarks. the Bar Association was also heard from. Gary Clemmons, civil lawyer, made the point that Chief District Court Judge Jerry Waddell has the power to put the magistrates where he wants to and not the Board of Commissioners. The County Attorney agreed. But, to me, the most interesting points were made by Kyle Smith, criminal lawyer, that there would be great inconvience and cost to the citizens if the magistrates were moved to Clarks. He pointed out that law enforcement officers will not get a warrant for the arrest of a citizen for a misdemeanor. So in a domestic disturbance, the wife or aggrieved party would have to get to the magistrate out at Clarks and swear out a warrant. The same would be true of a small business person wanting to get a warrant for passing a bad check. Probably just would not go to the trouble. Commissioner Sampson agreed that a lot of people from his District have to walk to the courthouse and would be adversely affected.
Another interesting aspect of all this was the input of the Bondsman, Reginald Beaslely. It had to do with getting prisoners released promptly when they are eligible for parole. He said Craven County is the only county that requires a magistrate to sign the release. The rest of the counties allow the bondsmen to handle releases directly with the jail personnel. He said changing this to handle it as other counies do could solve the problem of releasing these people promptly and cut down on the prison population and save the taxpayers money and treat citizens more fairly and compassionately too.
A piece of good news came from Erin Burridge, director of Elections Department. She stated that more of her records would be placed on the county's website and available that way to the public. Halleluiah!
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE LEGAL OPINION ON ASSESSING LAND USE VALUE FOR FARMERS? In his report at he end of the meeting, Jeff Taylor thanked Tyker Gonzales for all her hard work on behalf of the farmers in his District and the whole county. He read an email from Michael Brown of the NC Dept of Revenue, stating that the statues on present value land use for farmers was very clear and that the county owes McCoy Farms a refund. After the meeting I asked Jeff why he had not told the "rest of the story." He did not know what I was talking about. Mr. Brown, Dept of Revenue, had sent another email telling Dan Jenkins of the assessors office that 28 farmers in Craven county had been overtaxed and were due a refund. I gave a copy of that email to Jeff and he said he would take it up with the other commissioners.
WHY AREN'T THEY DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS? I guess time will tell. These assessors are unlawfully taking taxpayer money and now the North Carolina Dept of Revenue agrees. GREAT JOB, TYKER!
Jason Jones, President of the Craven County Farm Bureau and until last month, a member of the Craven County Board of Commissioners, has written a letter to the editor of the Sun Journal that he has titled "A Craven County Hero." In it he outlines what Tyker has achieved in helping farmers and landowners in Craven County receive fair and equitable treatment in the tax values assigned their property. Wow! That is great. I can't wait to see it in print.
The "dog and pony" shows the Commissioners put on to convence us of what a great job directors of the various departments of the county government are doing is a big waste of time and totally uninformative to the citizens and taxpayers. These directors are constantly referring to the "package" the commissioners have that no one else is privy to and the public can't follow the proceedings without them. They often don't seem to know the cost/benefit of their departments and can't answer simple questions when they are asked of them. Yet, they are let off the hook and sent on their way with a pat on the head and a smile and a compliment about what a good job they are doing.
And, oh yes, the commissioners still vote unanimously to spend our federal and state tax money (as long as there are no county contributions) as if money grows on trees or the treasury or Federal Reserve Bank can just print more indefinitely. This meeting saw $122,084 dollars of taxpayer money go to the Department of Social Rip Off for Crisis Intervention. Whatever the heck that is. (sorry, I'm just getting so disgusted). This goes on all over our nation. When will it ever be stopped?
After the meeting I talked to Sue Brook, reporter for the Sun Journal about the assessors rip off of the farmers. She said she would look into it.
One of our newest members, Tony Bonnici, sent me an email showing the result of his research about the Soliel Group. In New Bern they own The Hilton, formerly the Sheraton, the Marina and Sky Sail Condos. Tony's research shows that they owe the taxpayers of the City and County $966.807.89 (almost a million bucks). I have more details on this if anyone wants to see it.
Keep up the good work and please keep me informed.
Hal James
Chairman, CCTA Watchdog Committee
FOR MORE INFORMATION READ THE FOLLOWING:
County may have no authority to move magistrate to Clarks jail
http://www.newbernsj.com/news/county-94107-jail-clarks.html
Aldermen to consider sculpture plan
http://www.newbernsj.com/news/sculpture-90517-commissioners-county.html
Woman's research helps lower neighbors' tax bill.
http://www.newbernsj.com/sections/article/gallery/?pic=1&id=91227
Law vs. rules: http://www.newbernsj.com/articles/reading-93831-rules-article.html
County to seek legal opinion on assessing farmland taxes
http://www.newbernsj.com/news/county-93723-seek-attorney.html
Monday, January 10, 2011
CNS NEWS.COM
Rep. Steve King Says Witnesses Are Ready to Testify in Congress About Alleged Fraud in Federal Compensation Payments to Black Farmers
Rep. Steve King (R.-Iowa), who serves on both the House Agriculture Committee and the House Judiciary Committee, says he has personally talked to two potential witnesses in recent months who are ready to come forward and speak to a congressional committee—if one decides to actually investigate the matter--about alleged fraud in discrimination-compensation payments that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has made to black farmers.
Read the entire article at: http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/rep-steve-king-says-witnesses-are-ready
Rep. Steve King (R.-Iowa), who serves on both the House Agriculture Committee and the House Judiciary Committee, says he has personally talked to two potential witnesses in recent months who are ready to come forward and speak to a congressional committee—if one decides to actually investigate the matter--about alleged fraud in discrimination-compensation payments that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has made to black farmers.
Read the entire article at: http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/rep-steve-king-says-witnesses-are-ready
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