Mr. & Mrs. Norz Go to Washington

Rich and Debbie Norz recently returned from Washington, D.C. No, it wasn’t a vacation, but it definitely was memorable.

The couple had been named 2010 Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) at both the state and national levels in what is the oldest farmer recognition program in the country. As part of their national award, they were invited to join the other 2010 winners during a March 13-16 visit to the nation’s capital.

“Every one of them is amazing,” Rich said.  "From the first-generation dairy farmers to the cherry farmers from Michigan and the pork producers from Minnesota.  It was really an honor just to be part of the group.”

Among the criteria used to select the OYFs are deriving a minimum of two-thirds of their income from farming, ages 21-40, accomplishments within agriculture, including innovations and how the farm has progressed over the years, soil conservation efforts and community service contributions.

Norz Hill Farm on South Branch Road as been in the Norz family since 1920, making Rich and Debbie fourth-generation farmers.

“I guess it was always kind of in my blood,” Rich admitted.

What had been primarily a dairy and crop farm has evolved. In April 2009, the milking cows were sold, leaving about 100 heard of young dairy animals. Today, the farm focuses on raising heifers and beef cattle, hay and grain crops, agritourism and a produce business.

“It’s important for people to know where their food comes from. If we can’t produce our own food in this country, that’s a huge problem,” he explained. “It’s imperative that agriculture stays a vibrant part of what is going on in the country.”

 Agritourism, he noted, also is an important aspect of the family business, from school tours to the annual fall pumpkin picking/corn maze activities.

“Education is a huge part of what we’re doing. Years ago everybody had some kind of association with farming. Today, that is not the case. We are proud to be somewhere where people can bring their kids,” said Rich.

In addition to sightseeing—including a tour of the White House— the Washington, D.C. trip gave participants some valuable “face time” with representatives of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan, Risk Management Agency Director William Murphy, Farm Service Agency Administrator Val Dolcini and Under Secretary of Farm and Foreign Agriculture Services Michael Scuse.

“The group asked poignant questions and pointed out things that are issues in each of our areas,” according to Rich.

During a luncheon, the group heard from House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas, who spoke on the Farm Bill.

Debbie and Rich also had a private meeting with Congressman Leonard Lance, who represents the 7th District, which includes Hillsborough.  Among the issues they discussed were labor issues, estate taxes and the pesticide bill.

“Congressman Lance has been a great supporter of farmers in this area,” said Rich.

“This was a very enjoyable trip. They (the other winners) are an extremely knowledgeable group of people and we are proud to be part of that group and part of the agriculture community.”