Ag Tab 2020

March 22-28

National Agriculture Week A SALUTE TO OUR LOCAL FARMERS

Wednesday, March 25, 2020 A Special Supplement to The Tidewater News

2

A Salute to our Local Farmers

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

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A Salute to our Local Farmers

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

Peanut, cotton producers honored at annual banquet

BY JOSH HOLLAND

COURTLAND The Southampton County Peanut/ Cotton Banquet was held on Feb. 20, at the Franklin/Southampton County Fairgrounds. Farmers and their families from the county attended the banquet for a night of fellowship and recognition of their accomplishments throughout the 2019 growing season.

There were many challenges that each and every one of these farmers faced this past growing season, but they were all able to celebrate a successful harvest in the end.

During the banquet, we recognized 32 growers with regards to cotton and 29 growers with regards to peanuts. Virginia Cooperative Extension recognizes the importance of growers, such as we have Continues on Page 4

STEPHEN H. COWLES | THE TIDEWATER NEWS

The top winners for cotton production during 2019 in Southampton County are, from left, Jamie Lee, Bryan Lowe and John Lowe, Cliff Fox, Davis Worsham and Chris Hancock.

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A Salute to our Local Farmers

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From Page 3 here in Southampton County, as being a vital resource to the agricultural economy in the state and it is always a pleasure to serve them.

As we look ahead to the 2020 growing season, let us not get hung up on previous struggles, but use them to further increase agricultural profitability and sustainability in Southampton County for many years to come.

The top five growers for peanuts in 2019 are as follows: fifth place – Davis & Sons Inc.; fourth place – Glenn and Jason Francis; third place – Flaggy Run Farms LLC; second place – Applewhite’s Acre LLC; and first place – Joseph D. “Joey” Johnson.

The top five growers for cotton are as follows: fifth place – Hancock Farms LLC; fourth place – David Worsham; third place – Flaggy Run Farms LLC; second place – Foxhill Farms Inc.; and first place –Lowe Brothers.

STEPHEN H. COWLES | THE TIDEWATER NEWS

The top winners for peanut production during 2019 in Southampton County are, from left, Sonny Davis, Jeff Davis and Ray Davis, Jamie Lee, Jason Francis, Joseph D. “Joey” Johnson and Greg Applewhite.

This is part of the group of top peanut and cotton producers of 2019 in Southampton County that gathered for a photograph after the presentation of certificates and trophies on Feb. 20 at the Fairgrounds in Courtland.

5

A Salute to the Hands that Feed Us

SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2019

Va. peanut growers mark 10th year of donating peanut butter VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU

FRANKLIN As part of National Peanut Month in March, Virginia peanut farmers are partnering with charitable organization Peanut Proud to donate over 10,000 jars of peanut butter to benefit the Federation of Virginia Food Banks.

The contribution is a joint mission of the Virginia Peanut Board and the Virginia Peanut Growers Association. During the month-long celebration, seven pallets’ worth of peanut butter will be distributed among the Federation of Virginia Food Banks’ regional locations. For the 10th consecutive year, Virgin-

iapeanut growers have donated at least 2,880 jars of peanut butter to the cause.

“We’re always trying to promote our product, and these are the things we like to do, especially when we can help someone in need,” said William Gwaltney, an Isle of Wight County peanut grower and member of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Peanut Advisory Committee.

The donation, which will be distributed through more than 1,500 food pantries, soup kitchens and other agencies in Virginia, addresses the need for protein-packed items at local food banks.

Eddie Oliver, executive di-

rector of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, said protein is the most requested food group among food-insecure Virginians. He lauded Virginia’s peanut industry as a “critical” partner in the organization’s effort to supply Virginians with nutritional food items.

Dell Cotton, executive secretary of the Virginia Peanut Growers Association, explained that, because of its high protein content and long shelf life, peanut butter often is the most requested item at food banks.

“Peanut butter is at the top of the list, and we know it,” Cotton said. “This is our 10th year that we’ve done this, and we just hope that it helps in

not only raising awareness for National Peanut Month, but also to spur people to follow our lead and do the same thing.”

FILE PHOTO

As part of National Peanut Month in March, Virginia peanut farmers are partnering with charitable organization Peanut Proud to donate over 10,000 jars of peanut butter to benefit the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. Not incidentally, Hampton Farms Creamy Peanut Butter is right made here at the plant on General Thomas Highway in Western Tidewater.

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A Salute to our Local Farmers

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

Bon Bon Farms ‘pressing forward on all sides’ That helps removes a barrier from entry [into hemp farming.] It kind of allows us to soften that burden.”

Depending on a strain, a hemp plant can mature with 120 to 160 days.

BOYKINS Further, an expansion of operations is Late in 2019, Franklin Southampton Ecoexpected to start in the second to third nomic Development Inc. announced that year when crude cannabidiol, usually Bon Bon Farms LLC was taking over the known as CBD, can be sold to other busiformer Asheboro Elastics Corporation facility that most people knew locally as Nar- nesses that could refine it for product use ricot, which closed this past June. On hear- such as oils, edibles and cosmetics. In years three and four, a clean room will be ing the company name, a person might established to produce and refine its own understandably think it’s a candy-maker, but the product — named after his daugh- oil.

Asked to explain the differences between ter’s nickname — is considerably more grown-up. James Lee, owner, and staff use hemp and marijuana, the latter of which can be used both medically as well as recthe site to grow and nurture hemp plugs reationally, Lee explained that while the that can supply hemp farms throughout plants appear quite similar, viewing the Virginia and the Southeast. buds more closely shows differences. More As first reported, “The initial cost of the plant can cost $8,000 to $10,000 per acre to importantly, the chief difference is in the FILE PHOTO grow,” Lee said. “We’ll manufacture Tyler Disk, left, and James Lee, hold up a large bag of hemp that’s been harvested and enough to issue on a credit type of system.

Continues on Page 12 ready for shipping.

BY STEPHEN H. COWLES STAFF WRITER stephen.cowles@thetidewaternews.com

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A Salute to our Local Farmers

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

Pilot programs produced a mixed crop for hemp growers VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU

RICHMOND U.S.-planted hemp acreage soared to a 75-year high in 2018, but it hasn’t all been smooth sailing, according to a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture report.

In USDA’s review of state pilot programs for hemp production introduced under the 2014 Farm Bill, industrial hemp acreage increased from zero in 2013 to over 90,000 acres in 2018 — the most since 1943. While some benefited from the boom, the review also identified challenges many programs faced as hemp made its return to fields after a 45-year hiatus.

Challenges of pilot programs included a lack of data and information on the crop; the inability to acquire production inputs and credit; an inconsistency of state requirements; and the need to se-

cure state legislation that allowed production.

“From an agronomic perspective, there isn’t a whole lot of documented research that provides information to producers about issues like pest control, post-harvest handling and storage, weather implications, and practices relative to controlling THC content,” explained Tony Banks, senior assistant director of agriculture, development and innovation for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

Banks added that uncertainties in production regulations from the USDA and a delay in U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of CBD as a food additive and dietary supplement have hampered producers’ ability to market their crop. Additionally, the sudden increase

Continues on Page 14

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The report determined that hemp’s long-term economic viability will be shaped by competition from other crops and global markets, market information and transparency, and the evolution of regulations.

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A Salute to our Local Farmers

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

As nationwide farm bankruptcies increase, Virginia holds steady VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU

WINDSOR Farm bankruptcies in 2019 increased nearly 20 percent nationwide, but there was no significant increase in the number of Chapter 12 filings in Virginia.

Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings allow family farmers and fishermen to avoid liquidation or foreclosure. According to an analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation, there were 595 Chapter 12 family farm bankruptcies in the U.S. last year. That number reflects an increase of nearly 100 filings from 2018 and the highest number since 2011, when they reached 637. Only six Chapter 12 farm bankruptcies were listed for Virginia, the same as in 2018.

“We have certainly seen some stress from the price standpoint on farm operations, but we’ve been fortunate in the past years to have some good yields and that has helped improve our farmers’ bottom lines,” commented Christopher Simms, regional lending manager with Colonial Farm Credit. “The U.S. Department of Agriculture farm programs have been key to some farmers’ survival, especially the Market Facilitation Program over the past few years.”

In 2019 the USDA authorized $14.9 billion in MFP payments to farmers across the nation to offset lower

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commodity prices due to ongoing trade disputes.

“There are Virginia growers who have been receiving those payments, and that has been a critical component for them,” said Simms, who also is a member of the Southampton County Farm Bureau.

“We’ve probably also seen our growers be more conservative in their expense management.”

He noted that not many Virginians are purchasing new farm equipment. “Honestly, it has been very limited on equipment purchases; farmers have tightened their belts.”

U.S. farm bankruptcy rates rose in the Midwest, West and South last year, with the greatest increase in Georgia. Virginia was one of only nine states where the number of bankruptcies didn’t increase from 2018.

“Being in Virginia compared to the Midwest, we also have more opportunities for the non-farming spouse in a family to bring in off-farm income,” Simms commented.

He added that although prices for agricultural commodities continue to trend low, recently approved trade deals should help farmers this year. Simms said 2020 “will be another year of limited profitability at this point for farmers.

But there’s certainly some reason for optimism.”

Scholarship available to IOW high school seniors STAFF REPORT

ISLE OF WIGHT The Isle of Wight County Farm Bureau will be awarding a scholarship in the amount of $500.00 to a graduating senior in Isle of Wight County.

Scholarship applications may be picked up from either of our offices located at 79 E. Windsor Blvd., Windsor, or 225-C Battery Park Road, Smithfield.

The deadline to apply is May 1.

For more information you may call 242-6730.

www.thetidewaternews.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

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A Salute to our Local Farmers

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Farmers urge drivers to practice patience during planting season RICHMOND Virginia Farm Bureau Federation encourages motorists to slow down, make room and pass safely.

Farm Bureau leaders statewide want drivers to be aware that agricultural activities in the spring result in more tractors and other heavy equipment on public roads.

State law requires that all farm tractors and self-propelled farm machinery that typically travel slower than 25 mph display a triangular slow-moving vehicle emblem on the rear of the vehicle when driven on a public roadway. Many farmers also use flashing amber lights, reflective decals and escort vehicles to alert approaching drivers.

SMV emblems warn drivers to start slowing down right away. The distance between a car traveling at 55 mph and a tractor going 20 mph can close quickly.

Bedford County farmer Eddie Reynolds Jr. was killed last year in a collision precipitated by illegal passing. The VFBF Safety Advisory Committee is working to raise awareness in 2020.

Patience is key, said committee chairman Dana Fisher. “Farm vehicles travel at a different speed, take a lot of space, and they’re moving from farm to farm. When you have a farm vehicle that’s traveling at a lower speed, you’re going to catch it a lot faster than you would another vehicle.” Fisher explained that in those instances even a moment of distraction can create a dangerous situation.

He noted that mailboxes, posts and other vehicles can create obstacles for SMVs — something motorists also should keep in mind.

“Those farm vehicles take up a lot of space width-wise on the road, and sometimes they have to watch out for other things too,” Fisher said. “As they’re trying to maneuver around, they’re going to take more than just their lane to be able to get from place to place.”

Fisher said the committee is dedicated to resolving farm safety issues, and the VFBF safety website is an excellent resource.

Continues on Page 14

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A Salute to our Local Farmers

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

Let’s show our appreciation for Isle of Wight and Southampton county farmers!

National Agriculture Week, March 22 - 28 Call or visit your county Farm Bureau office today to find out more about the benefits of being a Friend of the Farm, or visit us online at vafb.com.

During National Agriculture Week—and every day—we honor our Isle of Wight and Southampton county farmers, who work hard to provide us with fresh food and products that enhance our lives.

Farm Bureau works side by side with our farmers to nurture and support the Virginia way of life, which centers on our agricultural heritage.

As a Farm Bureau member, you become a “Friend of the Farm” and help us advocate for agriculture and preserve Virginia’s future. You also receive the company’s personal attention and fast claims service that help protect what you care about the most.

Other membership benefits and savings include: › Agricultural commodity marketing › Legislative lobbying › Volunteer leadership and community outreach opportunities › A wide variety of travel, health, safety and automobile discounts › Affordable auto, home, health and life insurance products

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A Salute to our Local Farmers

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

Governor: Va. trade infrastructure can withstand disruptions VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU

RICHMOND Current global conditions are concerning, but Gov. Ralph Northam said Virginia has a substantial infrastructure in place “that we can lean on” for agriculture, forestry and related trade.

Northam spoke on March 10 at the 12th annual Virginia Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade, which drew more than 200 participants. He said the commonwealth’s agricultural and forestry exports in 2019 were valued at more than $2.7 billion. Top export products were soybeans, pork, tobacco, wood products and soybean meal. The state’s top trading partners were China, Canada, Switzerland, Taiwan and Mexico.

Northam acknowledged that recent trade disputes have created interruptions in exports, and that coronavirus concerns have had an impact on the global economy.

“These are very real things that we collectively have to navigate.”

He also cited ongoing efforts “to ensure that Virginia is a top trading partner,” in-

cluding enhancements to the state’s port system that will accommodate the largest of cargo ships currently in use.

In the near term, Northam encouraged conference participants engaged in exporting goods “to consider how your business can be flexible and adaptable.”

Once the coronavirus crisis passes, he said, “and it will,” Virginia will be prepared to “pick back up where we left off. … We’re not turning away from that. We’re going to maintain those trade relationships.”

He cited plans already in place to expand Virginia’s export output by 25 percent over the next 15 years. Because many exports originate in rural parts of the state, the effort “should have a big impact on our rural areas, helping them to become more resilient.”

Northam is a pediatric neurologist and a former Army doctor. In specific reference to coronavirus news, he assured conference participants that state officials are prepared to address outbreaks.

“We are in control, and my goal … is that we keep all Virginians safe and that we provide accurate and up-to-date information.”

COURTESY | U.S. NATIONAL GUARD PHOTO BY COTTON PURYEAR

Though shown here attending an event for the Virginia National Guard, Gov. Ralph of speaker for the 12th®annual Virginia of Governor’s Con- ® Northam was also recently a guest the Virginia’s export ference on Agricultural Trade. the He cited plans already in place to expand While supplies last.

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A Salute to our Local Farmers From Page 6

genetic makeup of the plants. Tetrahydrocannabinol, usually referred to as THC, has the psychotropic ingredient in marijuana and can produce a feeling of being high or peaceful in many users.

Industrial hemp, he continued, has under 0.3 percent of THC. “Hemp has more CBD and less THC. Marijuana has more THC and less CBD,” Lee summarized.

He also noted that the fibrous stalks of hemp plants, which can grow quite tall, may be cultivated to make fibers to create hats, T-shirts and bioplastics. As far back as World War II, hemp was used for rope and riggings. “Hemp for Victory” is the title of an instructional movie about the plants flexible uses.

FSEDI stated at the time of the announcement that Bon Bon would be investing $8.55M and ultimately create 162 new jobs.

Lee said most recently, March 16, that a planned job fair has not yet been scheduled, but that one of the main focuses of the company is that is actively searching for a lead grower.

“We’re getting the equipment set up and

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

running. We’ve been doing a lot of retro-fitting. Mixing tanks have had to be reconditioned. We used a local guy for sandblasting,” said Lee, who added the only constraint is that it’s been “a slower process than anticipated.”

The company is in production now, and one of the outputs is Bon Bon’s Relief Balm, which Lee explained contains a lot of CBD and is for arthritis in hands or back pains. He’s become his own best spokesman for that item. His wife put some on his back and he very quickly noticed that the need for other medicine was unnecessary.

“We’re growing out seed and cloning operations. We’re pressing forward on all sides and help this market get going,” said Lee, who acknowledged that in light of the growing concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), there’s a concern about supply chains. It’s one of the issues Bon Bon is actively focusing on lately.

FILE PHOTO

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A Salute to our Local Farmers

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

Southampton produces state champ in growing peanuts

BY JOSH HOLLAND

FRANKLIN The 2020 Virginia Peanut Production Meeting was held on Feb. 26 in the Camp Community College’s Regional Workforce Development Center. This meeting provided an opportunity for peanut growers to network with one another and learn about key topics related to peanut agronomics, insect and disease management, and strategies to grow peanuts more efficiently.

Each county in the peanut-growing region of Virginia had their highest yielding grower recognized as the winner of the county contest and the overall winner was then recognized as the State Champion in Peanut Production.

This year’s winner was from Southampton County, as it was Joseph D. “Joey” Johnson.

We want to congratulate Joey on a job well done, and we do realize that this accomplishment was met with many challenges throughout the 2019 growing season.

SUBMITTED JOSH HOLLAND

At left, Southampton County Extension Agent Josh Holland, ANR, with Joseph D. “Joey” Johnson, who holds up a trophy for being the Virginia champion in peanut production. Johnson, who devoted 529 acres to growing peanuts in 2019, had harvested 5,920 pounds per acre yield that year. The honor was awarded by the VIrginia Peanut Growers Association during the Virginia Peanut Production Meeting on Feb. 26 in the Regional Workforce Development Center of Camp Community College.

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From Page 9 Stafford County farmer Glenn Dye is an active safety committee member. He said farmers make an effort to coexist with motorists on the road.

“We’ll try to move between 9 a.m. and 2

From Page 7 in production and lack of processing opportunities have led to a saturated market.

“The downside of this increase in acreage is that supply has suddenly outstripped demand for product,” Banks said. “The upside is farmers are eager to grow this crop and begin learning how to grow it despite numerous uncertainties.”

The report determined that hemp’s long-term economic viability will be

p.m. when the buses and the kids are off the road,” he explained. “We don’t want to be in the way impeding traffic any more than they want us to be in the way.

If everybody could just slow down and take a minute, everybody can get to where they’re going safely.”

shaped by competition from other crops and global markets, market information and transparency, and the evolution of regulations. Banks said it could be years before the hemp industry sees a transparent, disciplined market.

“This is still a very new and fluid market, and it will remain volatile for quite some time,” he said. “Going forward in 2020, if you’re going to enter this business, get a contract, do your due diligence with the business you’re contracted with, and don’t invest more money than you’re willing to risk.”

A salute to our local farmers

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

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A Salute to our Local Farmers

Pecht Distributors, Inc. 514 New Street, Lawrenceville, VA 23868

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