Montcalm Land Use Coalition
MINUTES
January 21, 2010
Present: S. Michael Scott, Paul Johnson, George Atkeson, Bruce Noll, John McCrackin, David
McCrackin, Ralph Harrington, Franz Mogdis, Ed Hansen, Linda Huyck, John Johansen, Trent and Diana
Hilding, Angie Kirshman, Merrill Johnson, Dennis and Jason Kellogg, Gary Templar, Mike Huckleberry,
Mel Smith, Jim and Beth Wodenberg, Tom Lindeman, Mike Rasmussen, Andrew Thorlund, Kelli
Greenhoe, Laura Edwards, Brian Calley, Jessica Dudenhofer and Don Smucker.
Chairman John Johansen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Bruce Noll moved to approve agenda, George Atkeson supported; motion approved.
Introductions
Participants introduced themselves.
Public Comments
State Representative Mike Huckleberry was recognized as recently being named chair of the House
Agriculture Committee.
Minutes
Minutes of the September 24, 2009 coalition meeting were distributed. Michael Scott moved to approve,
supported by Bruce Noll; motion approved.
Officer’s Reports
John Johansen requested a work plan be produced for Farm Bureau. He also gave a summary of the
history and purpose of the Land Use Coalition and the Farm Bureau Land Use and County Issues
committees.
COGG Report
George Atkeson reported that Greenville Schools are working on a solar energy project for the school
system, and that Kathy Jo Vanderlaan has taken a position with Eight Cap.
Montcalm County Planning Commission
Franz Mogdis reported that the Planning Commission is discussing ways to support countywide
development initiatives, and that they will be working on a wind energy ordinance.
Program
George Atkeson introduced Dr. Janice Swanson, Professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare, from the
Department of Animal Science, MSU. Dr. Swanson gave a presentation via telephone conference
addressing issues related to the welfare of farm animals. She explained the difference between animal
welfare and animal rights. Animal welfare has a utilitarian orientation in contrast to the goal of animal
rights to minimize or eliminate animal products from our society. She discussed the current animal rights
controversies that are impacting livestock husbandry, the reasons for public attitudes and reactions and
the roles of science and public values in the resolution of the controversies.
A panel discussion followed moderated by Bruce Noll. Panel participants were Trent Hilding, Attorney;
Andy Thorlund, Thorlund Farms; Mike Rasmussen, Hillhaven Farms and State Representative Mike
Huckleberry. Representative Huckleberry discussed the bi-partisan process the legislature went through in
developing the recent legislation. The participants discussed the animal rights proponent’s legislative
strategies and the impacts that the resulting Michigan legislation would have on their operations. The
importance of farm operators relating to the public to enhance their knowledge, confidence and trust was
emphasized.
Dr. Swanson can be contacted at swans173@msu.edu phone 517-432-4134.
Future Schedule and Program Plans
Schedule
The following schedule and speakers have been arranged:
February 17 (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.), Accumulated Junk; Community Clean Up. Kurt Schindler, MSU
Land Use Educator. Pre registration required; fee for materials.
March 18, Strategies for Success in the New Montcalm County Economy, Dave Ivan, MSU, speaker.
Franz Mogdis to coordinate with the County Planning Commission, Farm Bureau, Montcalm Alliance,
and Montcalm Township Association. This is to be our large group meeting held at MCC.
April 15, To be arranged.
Budget
John Johansen announced Farm Bureau support has been received.
Other
State Representative Brian Calley was introduced, and he commented on some state tax issues.
The possibility of a session on assessing farm forestland was discussed.
Next Meetings
February 17
March 18, MCC at 7:00 p.m.
April 15
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Don Smucker