I had the pleasure of meeting many NASCOE members for the first time at the recent National convention in Myrtle Beach, but not nearly everyone. So I would like to introduce myself. I have been a NASCOE member since the beginning of my ASCS/CFSA/FSA career in July 1982. I’ll let you do the math. My first day as an official CED was the first day of PIK signup in January 1983 and I am still working in the same office, the Miami County FSA Office in Paola, Kansas. I have been in shared management with Johnson County FSA Office for the past 5 years. By November 1, 2007, these two offices will be consolidated.

I am married to Peggy and we have 3 adult children. Fortunately, they live close enough so we see each other often. We have one grandson and hoping for more. I was very involved in children activities while they were growing up and have now turned that time into working for NASCOE; an Organization that has provided many benefits which I am thankful for.

I was very honored and humble to be elected to this position at the 2007 National Convention. I look forward to serving the membership in this capacity and will strive to be the best representative that I can be. The one constant that I observed while serving as the Southwest Area Executive, is that NASCOE is made up of good people no matter where you are. This speaks volumes for the character of this Organization and I look forward to meeting as many members as possible.

Our future will be bright as long as we remember the lessons learned from the past and invest some time and resources in planning for the future. The need to explore all possibilities will be a prerequisite to the planning process. This organization has traveled far in becoming more proactive in shaping our future. Let’s stay the course.

Recently, reminders from the Agriculture Secretary and our Administer regarding proper use of Government equipment and time were sent to all employees. I want to reiterate what President Bonnie Heinzman has said about communicating within the set policies. Your Executive Board discussed at great length, the communication needs of the organization and some changes will be taking place. Hopefully, these changes will increase the information going to membership while staying within the established policies and guidelines.

More emphasis will be placed on the nascoe.org web site and the NASCOE NOW e-newsletter as a means of communicating time sensitive concerns and issues to membership. If you have not already noticed, please note that you can signup to receive an e-mail update when an update has been posted to the Web Site. Additional communicating tools are being reviewed to communicate those issues which are prohibited by existing policies and laws.

Incorporating new programs and processes into our everyday jobs is challenging. The IPIA review process identified an unacceptable level of payments labeled as improper. The 770’s checklists, even though somewhat unpopular, have helped lower the percentage of improper payments and everyone should be commended for their hard work. Proponents of our commodity programs will remain watchful of our business improprieties to influence and enhance their agenda to shift commodity program dollars to other areas of the Farm Bill.

The farm bill process is still unfolding and NASCOE has maintained its focus on the issue of Administration of Conservation Programs. This was identified by the Legislative Committee, those members attending their committee meeting and with concurrence by the Executive Board, as the main issue of this organization for the 2007 Farm Bill.

As you work hard to implement the various disaster programs this fall and winter, please remember the priorities in your life. You work to live, you don’t live to work.

Myron Stroup
NASCOE Vice President