AAM meets in Oklahoma City for its 26th Annual Convention

The Executive Board of the American Agriculture Movement met at the Holiday Inn Airport in Oklahoma City, Thursday, February 3. President Buddy Vance called the meeting to order at 10:30. Wayne Allen offered a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Answering the roll call of states were: Michigan, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Missouri and South Dakota.

President Buddy reported that several AAMers will attend the Alliance for Rural America conference in March.

Joyce Jobgen reported that a documentary on the Tractorcade to Washington D.C. is being prepared. It is being put together by Keith Maitland and crew and is tentatively titled Spirit of ‘79. He will be interviewing members and collecting information during the convention.

Business session of the 27th American Agriculture Movement Convention was called to order by President Buddy Vance on February 5th at 3:10 p.m. States answering the roll call were: Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Nebraska. Sustaining members 1 delegate. Parity Fund 1 Delegate.

Nominating committee reported that Buddy Vance had agreed to run for a one-year term. Also nominated were: V.P. of Membership, Marc Wetzel; V.P. of Marketing, Lynn Kirkpatrick; and V.P. of Political Action, John Willis. All were elected by acclamation.

John Willis, Chairman of the Resolutions Committee, presented three resolutions:

1. Imports-Exports
   Be it also resolved that AAM Inc. supports suspension of imports of agricultural products from countries not having a minimum of 6 months of disease-free history.
2. Food Safety
   Be it also further resolved that AAM Inc. supports the right of processsors and producers that wish to test their product for improved food security at their own cost should be permitted to do so by USDA.
3. Immigration
   Whereas control of the U.S. borders is essential for protection from terrorism and whereas illegal immigration causes a financial strain on the U.S. Economy and especially on local communities, be it re solved that AAM, Inc. encourages the U.S. Congress to stop the millions of illegal aliens from entering the United States.

It was moved, seconded and carried to adopt these resolutions.

Newsletter reports was given by Christine Miller and she asks for more news!

Motions were made, seconded, and passed to: Continue the contract with Derry Brownfield. AAM receives a 60 second spot, five days a week on his radio broadcast. And to contribute $2500 to help the American Corn Growers complete a report in conjunction with Dr. Daryl Ray and APAC.

Larry Matlack reported on a program to sell farm products directly to the consumer via a web site. He moved that the committee be allowed to continue with a test market. Motions was seconded and approved.

Larry Mitchell reported on the Alliance for Rural Television and the loss of analog TV within the next 4 years by the FCC. It was moved, seconded and approved that we join the Alliance for Rural Television. There is no cost to join.

David Senter explained a plan being proposed for fixed rate annuities to provide extra income for retirees. It is proposed by the American Corn Growers Association with a $20,000 per year cap and is called America for A Secure Retirement. Mark Wetzel moved we subscribe. Motion seconded and approved.

Christine Miller read a letter written by Alvin Bauman to be sent to the President. It was edited for length and clarity. It was agreed that with a few minor changes, the letter should be sent on to President Bush.

Parity Fund Delegate and Sustaining Member Delegate were retained at the respective luncheons.

Sunday church services we held at 10:00 a.m. with great music and a good message. Wrap-up session was held after Sunday Brunch Buffet. It was agreed that the Holiday Inn Airport was a good place to return to for our next convention. Everyone enjoyed the buffet. Management was helpful and the meeting rooms were very nice.

Steve Close volunteered to venture into a membership drive to get back some of the farmer members that we have lost over the years.