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NATIONAL AGRICULTURE WEEK March 20-26, 2022

Wednesday, March 23, 2022 A Special Supplement to The Tidewater News

MEHERRIN AGRICULTURAL & CHEMICAL COMPANY T H E

O N L Y

S U P P L I E R

Y O U

N E E D

T O

G R O W

PEOPLE ARE OFTEN SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT US. We’re a hardworking company with humble farming roots dating back to 1917. but out of our humble beginnings, we’ve steadily built Meherrin into a strong and stable, full service agriculture and chemical supplier.

Founded as a family business in 1958, Meherrin continues to operate as a family business with a simple philosophy: be big enough to serve and small enough to care.

Our beginnings are in peanut farming, and today we are a multicrop supplier and vertically integrated peanut supplier. the peanut farmers that buy our seed and crop inputs rely on us to maximize their yields and we rely on them for the peanuts that we purchase, process and sell to the consumer.

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Severn, NC Jody Barkley George Thorpe 800-775-0333

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

National Agriculture Week, March 20-26 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

Isle of Wight County Farm Bureau 79 E. Windsor Blvd. | Windsor | 757-242-6730 225C Battery Park Blvd. | Smithfield | 757-365-0400

Southampton County Farm Bureau 23507 Jerusalem Road | Courtland | 757-653-9341

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National Agriculture Week

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022

During Ag Week, commend farmers who simultaneously cultivate and conserve PAM WILEY VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU Farming is a 24/7 job, and Virginia farmers work every day to provide us with food, fiber and fuel while protecting the state’s natural resources.

That’s something to celebrate during National Ag Week, March 20-26. The national observance is a time when farmers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities and others recognize and celebrate the abundance provided

by American agriculture.

As the world population soars, there is even greater demand for the food, fiber and renewable resources produced by farmers in the U.S. Nationally, there are

2 million farms, and 98% of those farms are operated by families.

In Virginia, there were 43,225 farms, with the average size being 181 acres.

Farmland covered 7.8 million acres of the state, according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, which is conducted every five years.

The census also found that almost 400,000 acres of land on over 2,000 farms were enrolled in a conservation easement program, which means that land is being protected from development.

“Farmers are the original stewards of the land,” explained Wayne F. Pryor, president of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, the state’s largest farmers’ advo-

cacy group.

“Land is their livelihood, and they take extra precautions to conserve it for future generations.”

Many Virginia farmers employ sustainable practices like minimal-till or no-till planting, which decreases the amount of soil displacement and risk of erosion when crops are planted. According to the census, 32% of Virginia’s cropland—over 1 million of the state’s 3.1 million cropland acres, were being planted using no-till practices.

Additionally, 4,034 farms planted cover crops on 409,862 acres, preventing soil erosion and helping cropland retain the nutrients that keep it productive.

And almost 40,000 acres of farmland

were planted with riparian buffers or have restored wetlands on the property.

Riparian buffers are forested or grassy areas adjacent to waterways that help protect water quality.

Nationally, the American Farm Bureau Federation reports that more than half of America’s farmers intentionally provide habitat for wildlife. Additionally, careful stewardship by farmers has resulted in a 34% decline in erosion of cropland by wind and water since 1982, according to AFBF. Additionally, U.S. farmers and ranchers have cut greenhouse gas emissions 24% since 1990 while producing 80% more pork, 48% more milk and 18% more beef, according to AFBF.

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5

National Agriculture Week

Prepare your garden for spring with an expert-approved checklist VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU

about 3 inches from the ground to encourage new growth. For an easy way to cut ornamental grasses, visit bit.ly/WinSpring is just around the corner, and now is a great time to plan what to grow terGardenList.

Prune dead or diseased portions of and how to prepare your garden for the shrubs and evergreens like boxwood or planting season.

Mark Viette, horticulturist and host of cypress. Remember not to prune healthy In the Garden on Virginia Farm Bureau’s growth until it gets warmer.

Feed your garden with organic fertilizReal Virginia television program, said ers. This ideally should be done after the his first word of advice is “Always wear garden cleanup and before mulching. gloves.” This will help gardeners avoid For vegetable gardens, get rid of plant getting splinters or cuts when working in debris such as old tomato vines. If you the dirt.

He also advised never working the soil have fruit trees, throw away old fruit and leaves, as they often have fungi spores when it’s too wet, as this will cause it to that can re-infect the trees. compact, preventing it from absorbing If planning to grow tomatoes in a vegair and water. etable garden, now is a good time to add dolomitic limestone and gypsum to the Viette suggested home gardeners use surface of the vegetable garden to help the following checklist to spruce things prevent blossom end rot issues. up for spring: If using compost in your garden, add Do a late-winter cleanup by removing 1-3 inches of compost, and work it into dead foliage and fallen leaves from the garden. Throw away anything that’s had the ground using a garden fork or tiller.

Spray your fruit trees with an all-seainsect or disease problems. Other debris can be added to the compost pile for nu- son horticultural oil spray to help mitigate pest and disease issues. Be sure to trients. follow the label instructions.

Cut back ornamental grasses. They’re Depending on your planting zone, great to leave for much of the winter to shelter wildlife but should be pruned to February, March and April are a good

time to divide and transplant plants like hostas, daylilies, liriope, Solomon’s seal and groundcovers like sedum.

Clean out bird houses before spring nesting season begins. Keep your feath-

ered friends comfortable by emptying old debris once a year, checking for mold and mildew and cleaning with a gentle diluted dish soap and warm water solution if needed.

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gricultural technology, often referred to as “AgTech,” is playing an increasingly bigger role on modern farms, and that role is evident when examining AgTech startups’ growing access to venture capital. Data from PitchBook and the National Venture Capital Association’s PitchBook-NVCA Venture Monitor, a quarterly report on venture capital activity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, indicates that AgTech startups received $6.1 billion in VC investments in 2020. That reflects a nearly 60 % increase in investment over 2019. Weaknesses in the agricultural and food supply chain revealed during the pandemic undoubtedly drove some of that investment. Widespread recognition of a need for improvements within the agricultural sector so it can meet the demands of a global population that the United Nations estimates will increase by two billion people by 2050 also likely contributed to the considerable rise in VC investment in AgTech startups.

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7

National Agriculture Week

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022

Agriculture and the economy Though it’s easy to look at the tech industry and think this increasingly influential sector is what makes the world go round, something closer to the very core of the Earth may be what’s driving your economy.

The agricultural sector plays a strategic role in a nation’s economic development and prosperity. From the earliest days, agriculture has been heralded as playing a crucial role in North American culture. Farmers who grow produce and raise livestock for meats and other products have long exemplified what it means to work hard and take initiatives to be self-sufficient.

The symbiotic nature of agriculture and the economy is noticeable when examining the ups and downs of each.

This is because food production and the potential of agriculture extends beyond the fields and local food stands. These resources impact supply chains and oth-

er markets. A strong agriculture base in- tors.

Agriculture is an important economic fluences other employment sectors like building block. An especially important food manufacturing, biotechnology, hospitality, machinery building, and much more, while a weak agriculture can adversely affect those sectors.

While it can be difficult for residents of developed nations to visualize agriculture’s effect, one only needs to turn to impoverished and developing nations to see just how big an impact agriculture can have on an economy.

Agriculture provides food and raw materials, eventually creating demand for goods produced in non-agricultural sectors. Also, food provides nutrition that can serve as the foundation of a healthy nation. Earning a living in agriculture strengthens purchasing power, which fuels other markets. Eventually, farming can pave the way for development, including roads, markets, shipping services, exporting, and many other sec-

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The agricultural sector plays a strategic role in a nation’s economic development and prosperity.

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Modern agriculture looks little like the early days of farming. All aspects of farming have been modified by the access farmers now have to technologies to meet the demands of their work and the pressure a growing population places on farmers to produce quality food.

Farm automation, precision farming and smart farming are strategies utilized by today’s farmers. These technologies have become important ways for farmers to optimize the production of food and improve its quality. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, agricultural production must

increase by 70 % in order to meet global food demand by 2050, by which time the population could be 9.7 billion persons.

Smart farming can make raising livestock more accurate and controlled.

While farm automation is a broad term, precision smart farming zeroes in on exact measurements between variations in land conditions and livestock. Examples of farming automation technology include: • autonomous vehicles and machines • drones SEE AUTOMATION, PAGE 15

ATTENTION FARMERS

As technology expands and evolves, farming and industrial equipment gets larger to meet growing demands. Moving massive equipment requires enhanced safety measures.

STEP POTENTIAL Even if you do no touch power lines...

you can still be killed or seriously injured.

If the equipment you are in hits a utility pole, the surrounding area can become energized.

STEP POTENTIAL is voltage between the span of one step.

1. Voltage is highest at the source and fades as the energy moves across the ground.

2. Stepping on two different voltages at the same time may electrocute you.

3. If you see a downed line, the safest place is inside the cab or on the equipment

POWER LINE SAFETY ON THE FARM CAREFULLY SURVEY OVERHEAD AND USE EXTREME CAUTION WHILE MOVING ANY HEAVY MACHINERY NEAR POWER LINES.

SAFETY TIPS THAT ARE ALWAYS IN SEASON

1. Know what’s below. CALL 811 before starting any digging project.

2. Always USE A SPOTTER to warn you of any dangers when moving equipment.

3. If you strike a guy-wire, NEVER REPAIR IT YOURSE, call your local utility right away.

4. WATER CONDUCTS ELECTRICITY, so be careful when irrigating near power lines.

5. Keep yourself and machinery AT LEAST 10 FEET AWAY from overhead power lines.

6. Be extra careful when operating sprayers, planters, and cultivators. KNOW THE HEIGHT AND WIDTH OF YOUR FARM EQUIPMENT to prevent accidental contact.

WHAT TO DO If there is any chance of making contact with power lines, DON’T MOVE. If there is need of immediate medical assistance, CALL 911.

If not, call CEC 757-242-6181.

Tell bystanders to stay away.

If you must exit, jump as far as possible so no part of your body is touching the machinery when you land.

KEEP BOTH FEET TOGETHER, and shuffle or hop until you are at least 40 feet away.

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10

National Agriculture Week

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022

Maintenance key to functioning farms The family automobile is not the only piece of equipment that requires routine upkeep to ensure it is operating properly.

Life on a farm can come to a screeching halt if farm equipment is not properly maintained. Farmers invest hundreds of thousands of dollars on agricultural equipment, such as tractors, tillers, hoppers, and dozers.

Adhering to maintenance schedules can prevent breakdowns and decrease the need for potentially costly emergency repairs.

KEEP IT CLEAN

COURTESY

Farmers invest hundreds of thousands of dollars on agricultural equipment, such as tractors, tillers, hoppers, and dozers. Adhering to maintenance schedules can prevent breakdowns and decrease the need for potentially costly emergency repairs.

Cleaning the surface of equipment can go a long way toward keeping it operating smoothly. Use a pressure washer to remove caked-on mud and other debris. Titan iron suppliers recommend quickly washing equipment after usage so that substances do not have the chance to harden.

LEARN THE EQUIPMENT

termine if equipment is working properly.

Familiarize yourself with the owner’s manual so you can troubleshoot minor problems.

Any unusual sounds, odors or responses from the gear should be noted.

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECKS Routinely inspect hoses, fittings, and seals to ensure they are in good working condition. Be sure fluids, such as coolant and oil, are at the proper levels. Check and replace filters as needed. Tires need to be properly inflated, and inspect the battery for corrosion or other signs that it may need to be replaced.

Check belts for cracks. Tour the exterior of the equipment looking at signals and lights to ensure they are in proper working order.

Hardware should be tightened and any missing pieces replaced.

Heavy farm equipment needs motor oil, hydraulic oil and filters changed more fre-

Over time, it is possible to employ your senses of sight, sound and even smell to de-

SEE MAINTENANCE, PAGE 15

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11

National Agriculture Week

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022

How farmers are using drones The farmers of yesteryear might not be too familiar with their surroundings if they were to visit a modern farm. While the men and women who made their livings as farmers decades ago would no doubt still recognize certain farm features that have withstood the test of time, they might not understand the inner workings of the modern farm, particularly in regard to the role technology now plays within the agricultural sector.

Technology has changed agriculture in myriad ways. The methods farmers employ to produce food and improve the efficiency of their operations has changed as technology has evolved. One of the more noticeable changes that’s hard to miss on modern farms is the use of agricultural drones.

Drones have been around for decades.

Sometimes referred to as “unmanned aerial vehicles,” or “UAVs,” drones can be utilized in ways that can save farmers money and protect the planet.

• Monitor crops: According to senseFly, the commercial drone subsidiary of Parrot Group, drones can help farmers effectively monitor their crops. With a drone flying overhead, farmers can spot and quickly identify issues affecting their crops before

those issues escalate into something larger.

• Soil analysis: Another potential benefit of agricultural drones highlights their role in analyzing soil. Agricultural drones utilize complex mapping functions to gather data about the soil, including areas where it might be stressed. That enables farmers to develop accurate soil samples that can be used to guide decisions in regard to irrigation and fertilization.

• Reduce waste: SenseFly notes that data gathered by drones can help farmers determine the vigor of their crops at various stages of growth. Such information can prevent overfertilization and overwatering, thereby reducing waste and runoff, benefitting the planet as a result.

• Planning: Drones can be used to collect data on crop growth and health at various times throughout the growing season.

That can help farmers develop accurate predictions regarding harvest quality and crop yield, making it easier for them to plan ahead.

Agricultural drones are one of the many examples that illustrate how technology has changed and will continue to change the ways modern farmers conduct business.

The basics of raising pigs Many people subscribe to the notion that “everything is better with bacon.” Imagine being able to control the quality and flavor of pork products, and knowing just what went into producing delicious bacon?

In an era of growing uncertainty about commercially produced food, many agriculturally inclined people are raising livestock right on their properties, and smallscale pig farms can be a successful venture.

Despite pigs’ reputation as dirty animals, the animal resource PetHelpful indicates they are actually one of the cleanest farm animals. Pigs tend to wallow in mud only if they do not have proper shade and a clean, steady water supply to regulate their body

temperature. Furthermore, giving pigs plenty of space to roam will enable them to keep dry, clean and cool.

Pens should be large enough so pigs can sleep and eat on one end and use the other end for soiling. Pigs also are intelligent animals that will adapt to routine. This means it may be easier to care for pigs than some other farm animals.

Even though pigs can grow to be quite large, they do not need to live on an expansive farm. Many pigs can live quite well on an acre if their pen and foraging areas are rotated periodically. Data from the past 50

COURTESY

Drones have been around for decades. Sometimes referred to as “unmanned aerial vehicles,” or “UAVs,” drones can be utilized in ways that can save farmers money and protect the planet.

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13

National Agriculture Week

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022

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Various startups have developed technologies that can make the livestock industry more sustainable and efficient.

Advancements in livestock technology Consumer demand drives changes in industry, and the agricultural sector is no exception. Consumer demands for improved animal welfare have led to changes in the livestock sector, and various technologies have been developed and are in development to help this particular segment of the agricultural industry thrive.

According to the Animal AgTech Innovation Summit, various startups have developed technologies that can make the livestock industry more sustainable and efficient.

TREATMENT The Israeli firm Armenta has developed a non-antibiotic treatment for bovine mastitis that utilizes acoustic pulse technology.

The treatment has a 70 percent cure rate.

Another firm working to treat livestock is the United States-based General Probiotics.

Animal AgTech reports that General Probiotics develops cellbots and antimicrobial probiotics that eliminate harmful pathogens in livestock. That can reduce depen-

dency on antibiotics and make food production safer.

WELFARE The American firm Swinetech utilizes voice recognition and computer vision technology in its SmartGuard product to prevent piglet deaths from crushing and starvation. The product also makes it possible to track and facilitate obstetrical assistance.

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OPERATIONS The Netherlands-based H2Oalert is a water control management system that checks the quality and quantity of cattle drinking water in real time.

The management system also checks for pollution and malfunctions in the water supply.

Livestock technology continues to advance, and firms across the globe are developing new products and platforms to help livestock farmers make their operations more efficient, sustainable and productive.

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14

National Agriculture Week

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2022

What is sustainable agriculture?

Many transitions have taken place in the agricultural industry over the last several decades. The widespread adoption of various technologies over the last 20-plus years has helped farmers streamline their operations, making their farms more efficient and less wasteful as a result. In addition, many farmers have embraced sustainable farming, which is a relatively recent approach to agriculture. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, sustainable agriculture is a complex, multi-faceted concept. Sustainable agriculture intends to contribute to a robust economy by making farms profitable. Farmers who embrace sustainable agriculture also aim to have a positive effect on the environment and their surrounding ecosystems. That’s accomplished by embracing strategies that focus on building and maintaining healthy soil, managing

water wisely, minimizing pollution and promoting biodiversity.

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture notes that sustainable agriculture encompasses a wide range of production practices, including some associated with conventional farming and some linked to organic farming. As a result, sustainable farming should not be mistaken for organic farming, or vice versa. However, the UCS notes there’s a strong likelihood that certified organic produce at local grocery stores are byproducts of farms that embrace sustainable agriculture.

COURTESY

Farmers who embrace sustainable agriculture also aim to have a positive effect on the environment and their surrounding ecosystems

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15

National Agriculture Week

BASICS: Raising pigs can be a sustainable undertaking FROM PAGE 11

years shows that today’s pig farms use less land and other resources to produce one pound of pork, according to the National Pork Board. Therefore, raising pigs can be a sustainable undertaking.

Pigs need a varied diet to thrive. Diets should include grain, milk, fruits, vegetables, and greens from pasture. Experts suggest novices ask a veterinarian or another pig farmer about feeding. A family garden

or bartering with other families nearby for food materials can keep feeding costs minimal.

Many pigs can be butchered by the age of six or seven months. After pigs reach that age, they begin to grow quite large and become a much larger investment of time and money.

Pig farming can be a worthwhile venture.

More in-depth information on raising pigs is available at http://porkgateway.org/resource/introduction-to-raising-pigs/.

MAINTENANCE: Routinely inspect hoses, fittings and seals FROM PAGE 10

quently than automobiles. Such equipment also may need more frequent lubrication of chains and cables. Always check and inspect equipment prior to jobs re-

quiring heavy and extended usage.

EXPECT SOME WELDING Have a knowledgeable welder on call to make repairs as needed, or develop your skills to a point where you feel comfort-

able making your own spot repairs. The experts at Miller, producers of welding equipment, say cleaning the surface area and removing any paint, oil or corrosion from the metal area that needs repairing can make for smooth, durable welds.

Multi-process welding generators and accessories can ensure the right welds for repairs in the field or in the shop.

Maintenance on farm equipment helps keep operations running along and protects expensive investments.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2021 CROP WINNERS Dinwiddie County: Double B Farms Billy Bain, Austin & Aaron Hale / Acres: 172.7 / Yield: 5240 Lbs.

Surry County: Beechland Farms II Partners Mac & Steve Berryman, Bobby Richards /Acres: 636.16 / Yield: 5638 Lbs.

Southampton County: Applewhite’s Acre Greg Applewhite / Acres: 35 / Yield: 6769

Isle of Wight County: Oliver Farms Jimmy, Tyler & JV Oliver / Acres: 196.2 / Yield: 5876 Lbs.

Sussex County: Woodview Farms Chris Parker / Acres: 128.8 / Yield: 6013 Lbs.

AUTOMATION: Makes operations less costly FROM PAGE 7

• robotics • GPS guidance • micro-forecasting and weather forecasting • soil sampling • yield mapping

• use of artificial intelligence • geomatics • statistical processes, and more.

Farmers can employ these technologies to save time and also manage labor shortages. Technology is changing farming in many ways. Innovations in automation can make operations more efficient and less costly.

City of Suffolk: Goodman Farms Larry & Wayne Goodman /Acres: 37 / Yield: 6221 Lbs.

Greensville County: F&F Farms Dathan, Timothy, Ian & Joseph Fajna / Acres: 199.9 / Yield: 5776 Lbs.

STATE CHAMPION: Applewhite’s Acre Greg Applewhite / Acres: 35 / Yield: 6769 Lbs.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR LOCAL PEANUT FARMERS ON AN OUTSTANDING YEAR!

Virginia Peanut Growers Association | 1001 Campbell Ave., Franklin, VA | 757-562-4103

National Ag Week Celebrating our farmers during National Ag Week and every day.

(757) 562-3187 thetidewaternews.com