PFA Members (Continued from Page Al 9) poultry. The program contained in H.B. 100 would protect water quality from the runoff of excess animal waste and would place far mers under the regulatory umbrel la of a single state agency, the State Conservation Commission. The legislation would also create a Nutrient Management Advisory Committee to help guide the program. DER Advisory Board An “agricultural advisory committee” to the Department of Environmen tal Resources (DER) has been operating for several years, but its function and membership has nev er been defined by regulation or law. As environmental issues take on greater emphasis in govern ment, PFA believes it is important that DER has access to advice and expertise regarding normal farm ing practices. PFA is supporting S.B. 298 which would legally and formally establish an ag advisory board. The board would include representatives from production agriculture and would have advance notice of any regulations affecting agriculture. Seasonal Farm Labor PFA BioD A BIOLOGICAL COMPLEX FOR USE AS LIVESTOCK PIT DIGESTER - LIQUIFIER - DEODORIZER • Liquifies Manure And Prevents Solids Build-Up • Reduces Malodors • Helps In Nitrogen Retention • Reduces Agitation • Greatly Increases Uniformity • Increases biological & nutrient value “We Have Found The Product To Be Super At Breaking Up Solids, Both In The Lagoon And Our Pull Plug System!" Jim and Ann Curtis, Blue Haven Farm, Landisburg, PA 2401 East King Street A Lebanon, PA 17042 AQ B r3K (717) 272-8985 Fax (717) 272-2422 has strong reservations about proposals recently announced by House Majority Whip Mark Cohen to further regulate employ ers of all farmworkers. Many of the proposals duplicate laws and regulations already in place at the state and federal level. One prop osal, to apparently require fanners to guarantee the amount of harvest work offered, ignores the vagaries of weather and could force far mers out of fruit or vegetable production. Water Resources Management The reoccurrence of drought conditions during the past several years has focused attention on the vulnerability of the state’s water resources. PFA is supporting S.B. 351 which would require DER to develop a state water plan with the advice of a state Water Resource Advisory Committee and local advisory committees. DER would be authorized to protect areas with special needs. High-volume water users would be subject to DER regulation. Local Tax Reform Because of their dependence on land to grow crops and raise livestock, farmers shoulder a bigger real estate tax burden than other tax payers. PFA recommends the enactment of local tax reform to allow local taxing authorities to replace nuisance taxes and reduce real estate taxes with a mixture of income and property taxes. High Power Transmission Lines PFA is supporting legis lation, H.B. 381, which would require electric utilities to seek approval from the state Agricul tural Lands Condemnation Board before erecting high power trans mission lines over farmland enrolled in agricultural security areas for farmland preservation purposes. Beverage Container Deposits Roadside litter continues to plague farmers, damaging their field equipment, contaminating harvested crops, and in some cases, causing the death of their Tri-County can assist you in planning a facility to meet your needs including cash flows, production contracts, financing, nutrient manage ment planning and permits. Computerized estimating and drafting for all your construction equip ment needs. Renovations and new construction packages - large and small. We offer a specialized staff to handle all your repair and service needs Emergency repairs are available 24 hours a day. PARTS We inventory a large selection of parts available for immediate pickup or U.P.S. delivery. Call Tri-County for all your swine, poultry & livestock facility needs. We offer a complete line of quality products and services for today’s producer at a price you can afford. £^aerotech‘ Ventilation Systems And Controls /a\ rax-eoww Ph: 717-274-3488 /fo CONFINEMENT SYSTEMS, INC. pcj] -——- - ■—A 608 E. Evergreen Rd., Lebanon, PA 17042 Hours Mon.-Fn. 7:00 to 4.30; Sat. 8.00 to 12 00 livestock. PFA is urging passage of H.B. 394 and S.B. 183 to require minimum deposits on beverage containers. PFA also supports S.B. 341 which would allow a public referendum on the issue. Agricultural Education As the farm population becomes a smaller and smaller minority, PFA believes it’s important that the public, especially future citizens, know where their food comes from and the role agriculture plays in society. PFA is urging prompt passage of H.B. 98 which would establish a state agricultural edu cation program to develop courses and study materials for use by school districts. Recently Completed 1200 Sow Unit FARM INCOME ESIGN AND CON Grain Systems, Inc. Galvanized Feed Bins, Flex Flow Augers And Sow Feeding Systems (GS|) Lancaster Farming, Saturday, March 27. 1993-A23 PECIALISTS SERVICE Semi-wild Animals Recent incidents of disease outbreaks in exotic animals held in captivity and deer or elk raised on farms have led to the need to subject these animals to the same health regulations as other farm animals. PFA is urging passage of H.B. 141 and H.B. 142 to give the Depart ment of Agriculture authority to inspect these animals and quaran tine or depopulate them if conta gious diseases are discovered. Under the bills, the animal owners would be eligible for indemnity payments. Following the meetings with their legislators, the farmers will hear an address from president Eckel at a banquet at the Harris burg Hotel starting at 6:30 p.m. TION Poultry Feeding Systems