FBN April 2020 by Virginia Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau News The Voice of Virginia’s Agricultural Producers

APRIL 2020

The Very Best of Virginia

Grave Grain

The seriousness of grain bin safety can’t be understated

Farm Bureau News

Volume 79, Number 2 April 2020

Features 6

“There are some things farmers …

Big wins in Texas

Virginia Farm Bureau and Young Farmers win national awards at annual convention.

need to do before

Foundational knowledge

their grain vessels.”

Virginia State University’s Randolph Farm hosts a staggering array of agricultural research. 15

they get inside

— CAPT. AMY BURNETTE Chesterfield Fire and Emergency Medical Services

Grain bin safety

NICOLE ZEMA

Virginia Farm Bureau News (USPS 017763) (ISSN 1525-528X) is published four times a year. January, April, September, November. It is published by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Periodicals postage rate is paid at Richmond, VA and additional mailing offices. The annual Subscription Rate is $1.31 (included in membership dues). Postmaster: Please send changes of address to, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Farm Bureau News, P.O. Box 27552, Richmond, VA 23261-7552; fax 804-290-1096. Editorial and business offices are located at 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Telephone 804-290-1000, fax 804-290-1096. Email virginiafarmbureaunews@vafb.com. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Members — Address change? If your address or phone number has changed, or is about to change, contact your county Farm Bureau. They will update your membership and subscription information. All advertising is accepted subject to the publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume liability for the content of their advertising. The publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised. The publisher maintains the right to cancel advertising for nonpayment or reader complaints about services or products. Member: Virginia Press Association

EDITORIAL TEAM Pam Wiley Director, Communications Kathy Dixon Managing Editor

Farmers are grappling with the dangers associated with grain storage.

Nicole Zema Staff Writer/Photographer Adam Culler Staff Writer/Photographer Patricia Hooten Graphic Designer Maria La Lima Graphic Designer Alice Kemp Staff Writer/Advertising Coordinator

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Departments 21 28

Officers Wayne F. Pryor, President Scott E. Sink, Vice President

For Your Benefit Heart of the Home

Board of Directors DIRECTOR

WE’RE SOCIAL!

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE

Producer members will receive their next issue of Virginia Farm Bureau News in September. The magazine is published quarterly, and back issues can be viewed at issuu.com/virginiafarmbureau. 2

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

ON THE COVER Grain storage bins can harbor hidden dangers (Photo by Nicole Zema).

DISTRICT COUNTY

Emily Edmondson 1 Tazewell Richard L. Sutherland 2 Grayson Bruce N. Stanger 3 Montgomery Gordon R. Metz 4 Henry Russell L. Williams II 5 Rockbridge Peter A. Truban 6 Shenandoah Thomas E. Graves 7 Orange Leigh H. Pemberton 8 Hanover William F. Osl Jr. 9 Cumberland Robert J. Mills Jr. 10 Pittsylvania J. M. Jenkins Jr. 11 Lunenburg J. Barry Bates 12 Essex M. L. Everett Jr. 13 Southampton David L. Hickman 14 Accomack Faye Hundley * Essex S. Kyle Sturgis ** Northampton *Women’s Committee Chairman **Young Farmers Committee Chairman

Save the Date!

Golf tournament will benefit AITC

Tours and contests are part of Young Farmers Summer Expo

The 24th Annual Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom Golf Tournament will be held May 18 at The Dominion Club in Glen Allen. The event benefits AITC, and teams of four can register to play. Lunch and dinner will be provided, and there will be a brief awards ceremony and reception following play. For more information, visit AgInTheClass.org/va.

The 2020 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Summer Expo will take place July 31 to Aug. 2 in Abingdon. The Expo will include dinner at Holston Lake, local farm and agribusiness tours, and the annual Discussion Meet, Excellence in Agriculture Award and Outstanding Young Agriculturalist competitions. Registration will open in late May or early June. Visit YoungFarmersExpo.org to view the agenda, hotel and registration information.

Top membership counties for 2020 as of March 13

County Farm Bureau

Members

Washington 2,263 Charles City-James City-

2,030

New Kent-York Franklin 1,989 Hanover 1,950 Smyth 1,900 Augusta 1,776 Bedford 1,774 Russell 1,630 Tazewell 1,618 Rockingham 1,599 County Farm Bureau

Percentage of goal

Greensville 79.57 Rappahannock 78.95 Smyth 78.00 Pulaski 77.57 Rockbridge 77.47 Charlotte 77.30 Craig 76.71 Franklin 76.24 Floyd 75.94 Southampton 75.92 County Farm Bureau

GRAIN BIN FATALITIES

Greensville

Member retention rate 78.62%

Rappahannock 76.91% Smyth 76.10%

Number of U.S. farmers who were killed in grain bin fatalities in 2018. See related story Page 15.

Rockbridge 75.96% Pulaski 75.68% Charlotte 75.48% Floyd 74.43% Lunenburg 74.18% Franklin 74.08% Southampton 73.92%

vafb.com / APRIL 2020

Protect farm equipment with fire extinguisher program Equipping farm machinery with a fire extinguisher could save equipment and prevent a loss. It also can help make equipment insurance rates more affordable. “Having a fire extinguisher installed on a piece of equipment can be the difference between saving it and containing a fire, or losing it and the fire becoming a major blaze that damages other property,” explained Scott DeNoon, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.’s farm product and underwriting manager. “Millions of dollars’ worth of equipment has been saved because owners had an extinguisher installed.” Virginia Farm Bureau has a program to assist members in protecting certain pieces of farm equipment from fire loss. The company provides, at no cost to members, a 10-pound fire extinguisher to mount on eligible equipment insured by Farm Bureau. Eligible equipment includes grain combines, haybines, forage harvesters, cotton pickers, peanut combines and track-type bulldozers.

Prevent fires on equipment

• Complete an inspection of your equipment before starting a job using your eyes, ears and nose. • Look for leaks of fuel, engine oil and hydraulic fluids; exhaust system leaks; worn belts; and worn or damaged electrical wiring. • Use an air compressor or leaf blower to blow-dry matter from equipment at the end of each day. Be sure to wear safety glasses. • Keep a cell phone with you while working, and know your local emergency numbers. • If you use your fire extinguisher, be sure to recharge it before returning to the job. For more information on the fire extinguisher program, contact your county Farm Bureau office. 4

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Cover agritourism ventures with proper liability insurance From dairy farms scooping up added interest with onsite creameries to pickyour-own orchards and berry patches, agritourism has become popular on many Virginia farms. As the weather warms up for springtime agritourism activities, it’s time for farmowners to determine which activities are covered under their farmowner policies. When hosting guests on their property, it’s important for members to know that their farmowner policy does not automatically provide liability coverage for common activities. Farm tours, corn mazes, hay rides, festivals and other similar attractions may not be covered. Scott DeNoon, farm product and underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., said farmowner policies must either be endorsed or include a separate liability policy to cover specific agritourism activities. The base of most farmowner policies will only provide coverage for crop and livestock production and the operation of a roadside stand or farmers market that primarily sells a farmer’s own unprocessed goods. “The importance of policyholders engaged in agritourism making their agent and insurance company aware of all activities they are involved in cannot be overemphasized,” DeNoon said. “It is essential to make sure proper coverage is in place.” In most cases, policies can be endorsed for an additional premium to provide the necessary coverage. VFBMIC can accommodate a variety of agritourism exposure under a farmowner policy, and a call to your Farm Bureau insurance agent can help identify any gaps in liability coverage. “Farm Bureau has resources available to assist policyholders in the design of insurance programs tailored to their agritourism operations,” DeNoon said.

Women’s Spring Conference canceled; postponement in the works

The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Spring Conference that had been scheduled for March 20-22 was canceled due to precautions relating to the coronavirus. Staff are working with the Hotel Madison in Harrisonburg, where the conference was to be held, to try to reschedule the event for this summer or fall. Registrants will be notified when plans are finalized. “We’re saddened by the recent chain of events,” said Faye Hundley, chairman of the VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee. “Not only will this postpone our celebration of regional committee initiatives, it also will delay members’ access to informative workshops and discussions and will stall our successful Agriculture in the Classroom efforts. Nevertheless, the health and well-being of our Farm Bureau family is of utmost importance, so we will take all necessary precautions.”

As nationwide farm bankruptcies increase, Va. holds steady Farm bankruptcies in 2019 increased nearly 20% nationwide, but there was no significant increase in the number of Chapter 12 filings in Virginia. 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 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.”

vafb.com / APRIL 2020

★ Virginia Farm Bureau

wins big in Lone Star State ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY KATHY DIXON

he 101st American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention was a winning one for Virginia. During the convention in Austin, Texas, Jan. 17-20, Virginia Young Farmers placed in the top level of all three AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers competitions. VFBF wins the Pinnacle Award Additionally, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation was one of only six state Farm Bureaus that received the Pinnacle Award, the highest honor a state can be awarded for program and membership achievement. And VFBF received all four of the state Awards of Excellence in four program areas: Advocacy; Engagement & Outreach; Leadership and Business Development; and Membership Value. Young leaders garner national accolades Sarah Rudolph of Wythe County won the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet; Glenn and Amanda Dye of Stafford County were runners-up in the Achievement Award competition; and Rose Jeter of Botetourt County was a Top 10 Finalist for the Excellence in Agriculture Award. All were previously state-level award winners. Rudolph said she “tried to bring realistic solutions to real problems that would resonate across the country” as she collaborated with the other Discussion Meet contestants. The competition is designed to simulate a committee meeting in which discussion and active participation are expected from each 6

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

participant. The final-round topic focused on how farmers could develop innovative new uses for agricultural products and byproducts. Rudolph is a livestock representative for pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim and works with her husband, Charlie, on their family beef operation. She also serves on the Wythe County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. The Achievement Award honors young farmers who are successful in production agriculture and provide leadership on and off the farm. The Dyes raise corn and soybeans in Stafford, Fauquier and Appomattox counties and have served on the VFBF Young Farmers Committee. Additionally, Glenn Dye serves on the Stafford County Farm Bureau board of directors and has been active in leading efforts for farm equipment highway safety in Virginia. The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes individuals for involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations. Jeter is the sales and marketing manager for Homestead Creamery in Franklin County. Economist cautiously optimistic’ about ag outlook Dr. John Anderson, agribusiness economist and department chair of the College of Agriculture at the University of Arkansas, shared his perspective on the farm economy in 2020. He said there are times when he feels confident predicting

★

From left, VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor accepted the Pinnacle Award from AFBF Vice President Scott VanderWal.

agriculture’s future, “but this is not one of those times.” Anderson said 2019 was a “terrible” production year, but crop supplies for 2020 “look a little better.” He said the new trade deals that had been passed right before the convention—the United StatesMexico-Canada Agreement and phase one of a deal with China—should improve the demand stream for U.S.produced farm goods. “I’m hopeful exports will grow dramatically.” Va. represented on national board VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor was re-elected to serve a two-year term on the AFBF board of directors as one of the Southern region representatives. Trade deals hot topic for national speakers President Donald Trump, addressing the AFBF convention for the third year, called USMCA and the agreement with China two momentous trade deals, but said they are just the beginning. He pledged to ship U.S. beef to the European Union, American rice to Korea and U.S. wheat and soybeans to Ecuador. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said the new trade agreements should “help level the playing field,” and added that he believes “2020 will be a record year for agriculture exports.”

Above: Young Farmers, Women’s Leadership Committee members and others represented Virginia at the national convention. Left: VFBF Young Farmers, from left, Rose Jeter, Sarah Rudolph and Amanda and Glenn Dye won national honors.

VFBF delegates help shape national policies Five delegates and two alternates adopted policies to guide AFBF’s work in 2020. The delegates updated labor and immigration policies, emphasizing significant changes to the H-2A program. AFBF delegates also voted to support giving individual dairy farmers a voice by allowing them to vote on rules governing milk prices and supported the creation of a flexible, farmer- and industry-led milk management system. vafb.com / APRIL 2020

Modern farming challenges are focus of Young Farmers Expo BY ADAM CULLER

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

NORM HYDE

he Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Winter Expo, which took place Feb. 21-23 in Zion Crossroads, was aptly named “Young Farmers at the Crossroads.” Around 165 young farming professionals, college students, FFA members and others with an interest in agriculture gathered for networking opportunities, workshops and tours. VFBF Vice President Scott Sink delivered the conference’s keynote address, in which he described the crossroads he faced when deciding on an agriculture career. Sink grew up on a five-generation dairy farm, and when he sought involvement in the business after college, “there was limited opportunity to return to the family farm and I was encouraged to pursue other opportunities,” he said. Instead, Sink became a first-generation farmer operating a roadside stand and a snow cone venture that eventually became Hethwood Market in Blacksburg. Sink cited the connections he made as a high school student, college intern and beginning farmer as reasons for the success of his business. He encouraged the conference attendees to do the same— to make the best of their connections and take advantage of opportunities as they begin careers in agriculture. “Any of y’all who are farming now or are hoping to farm, one thing that’s going to be important is the connections you make and the impact you make with individuals,” he said. Sink asked attendees to continue their involvement in Virginia Farm Bureau. He noted that the recent presence and testimony of farmers at the Virginia General Assembly helped garner a favorable outcome for bills

David Drillock, owner of Fifty-Third Winery & Vineyard in Louisa County, shared with Young Farmers how he attracts visitors to his venue.

associated with the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan. VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor also encouraged the Young Farmers in attendance to stay involved. “We need you to be involved through these events, county meetings and board meetings. That is the only way to ensure the future of this organization and that farming is here to stay.” Young Farmer award winners Glenn and Amanda Dye, Sarah Rudolph and Rose Jeter kicked off conference workshops by sharing their experiences competing at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Austin, Texas. Rudolph won the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet; the Dyes were runners-up in the Achievement Award competition; and

Jeter was an Excellence in Agriculture Top 10 finalist. Jacob Gilley of Heaven’s Hollow Farm and Austin and Nikita McNett of McNett Angus Beef highlighted value-added opportunities and entrepreneurship for collegiate participants. Another workshop focused on lending and insurance options for beginning farmers. Young Farmers also participated in tours of farming operations in Louisa County and surrounding areas. Stops included the State Farm Correctional Center in Goochland and Powhatan counties; Hill Farm, Fifty-Third Winery & Vineyard, Quaker Hill Farm and Nourish Louisa in Louisa County; and Pryoville Farms in Goochland County, where Pryor grows hay and grain.

NORM HYDE

Susan Hill, owner of Hill Farm in Louisa County, explained to Young Farmers how she started a successful CSA with her greenhouses.

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vafb.com / APRIL 2020

General Assembly

General Assembly update

n unprecedented number of bills were introduced during the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, which made for a particularly busy session for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation governmental relations team. The following is a re-cap of key issues regarding Farm Bureau-supported policy. Specifics on bills with which Farm Bureau was involved are detailed in a comprehensive summary that was mailed or emailed to Farm Bureau leaders who participate in the VFBF Action Alert and legislative update system. The summary was not available at press time because the state budget and specific details on several bills were not finalized by the legislature.

Based on information available at press time, here is how 18 key policy positions fared in the General Assembly: means Farm Bureau policy prevailed. means Farm Bureau policy did not prevail. means Farm Bureau was neutral on the final action, or more work needs to be done on the issue to say Farm Bureau policy prevailed.

This session, Farm Bureau worked to:

KEY POLICY POSITIONS Stop legislation allowing Sunday hunting on public lands

✓ Allow localities to exempt forest harvesting equipment from personal property tax ✓ Encourage broadband expansion ✓ Pause Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan mandates with a study ✓ Clarify farm vehicles can be driven to the farmer’s residence ✓ Establish the Dairy Producer Margin Coverage Premium Assistance Program ✓ Establish the definition of milk from animals ✓ Establish options for health benefits by agriculture organizations ✓ Establish a special license to hunt elk only in the elk management area ✓ Encourage industrial hemp production ✓ Exempt small sales at farmers markets and roadside stands from meals tax ✓ Maintain farmworker exemption from minimum wage increases to address foreign ✓ worker requirements and other federally recognized labor agreements Provide full funding for agricultural best management practices cost share ✓

Provide stable funding for agricultural BMP cost share

✓ Establish permanent base funding for local SWCDs for technical assistance ✓ Restore money cut for the Wildlife Damage Management program ✓ Secure base funding for establishing a hardwood incentive program ✓ Secure funding for Virginia Cooperative Extension market position adjustments ✓ If you are a producer member and do not receive action alerts but would like to, contact Kelly Roberts, VFBF assistant director for member engagement, at kelly.roberts@vafb.com or 804-290-1293. Remember, Farm Bureau’s work is never done. After the General Assembly session, Farm Bureau works to have staff 10

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

or members appointed to boards and various technical advisory committees or participating in meetings to ensure the proper implementation of legislation. Additionally, members have begun participating in this spring’s regional policy development meetings to begin determining Farm Bureau’s policy positions for 2021.

Legislators listen during annual Legislative Day

rban legislators like Sen. J. Chapman Petersen, chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee, said Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Legislative Day at the General Assembly helps them understand issues facing farmers. “I’ve got to be honest,” Petersen told more than 130 county Farm Bureau leaders the night before Legislative Day. “Representing an urban district like Fairfax, I was not expecting to be put on the agriculture committee. And I was certainly not expecting to love it as much as I ended up loving it.” Petersen said preserving open spaces and natural resources is a main goal of the committee. “Good farming is sustainable,” he said. “It sustains the people who eat; it sustains the soil and the land. My goal is to use agriculture in a way that we preserve open spaces in Virginia. I believe that farming should not compete with environmentalism.” Farmland preservation was one of the topics a group of Southwest Virginia farmers discussed with Del. Israel D. O’Quinn, R-Bristol, and Del. Terry G. Kilgore, R-Gate City, on Jan. 27. At the meeting, Bobby Combs of Smyth County said he was most concerned about issues surrounding farmland preservation and development. “What goes on here controls what happens at home,” he said. “It affects me monetarily, depending on what bills are passed.” In another meeting that day, VFBF board member and Pittsylvania farmer Robert J. Mills Jr. asked Sen. Frank M. Ruff Jr., R-Clarksville, if legislators had considered the “unintended consequences” of a minimum wage increase across the state. Ruff added that he wouldn’t support a $15 minimum wage. At press time, a bill had passed both houses and was awaiting the governor’s signature to increase minimum wage to $9.50 by Jan. 1, 2021, $11 by Jan. 1, 2022, and $12 by Jan. 1, 2023. The bill would exempt farm workers from the state minimum wage, but not from the federal minimum wage. A group of Farm Bureau members representing Orange, Spotsylvania and Louisa counties met with Sen. Bryce E. Reeves, R-Fredericksburg, to discuss HB 1422. The bill would have required mandatory development and implementation of nutrient management plans for farmers with more than 50 acres in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and stream exclusion for 20 or more cows located on perennial streams. Members voiced their concerns about a lack of full funding for farmers to implement the bill’s requirements and the ambiguity of what is considered a perennial stream. “It’s going to be detrimental to any cattle producer in the watershed,” Orange County farmer Coty Goodwin said of HB 1422.

Brick Goldman, a Charlotte County row crop and vegetable farmer, was among Farm Bureau leaders who spoke to legislators about agricultural issues at Legislative Day.

NICOLE ZEMA

BY ADAM CULLER AND NICOLE ZEMA

A couple of weeks after Legislative Day, a substitute bill was introduced in the Senate ag committee that was adopted in lieu of HB 1422. As of press time, a bill had passed both houses and was awaiting the governor’s signature. The bill would form a work group to determine how the state would accomplish nutrient reduction goals—with the possibility of mandating stream exclusion and nutrient management plans on or after July 1, 2026. vafb.com / APRIL 2020

FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE

Virginia State University’s Randolph Farm facilitates teaching, research and outreach ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY NICOLE ZEMA

irginia State University’s Randolph Farm is a 416-acre learning center that facilitates a staggering catalog of agricultural research projects and activities. Students, researchers and interns are exposed to a broad scope of agricultural disciplines that include animal production, traditional and niche crops, aquaculture, hydroponics, agricultural mechanics and much more. As part of VSU’s mission, the College of Agriculture also houses the Virginia Cooperative Extension program. Located in Chesterfield County, VSU is a historically black public 1890 landgrant university. Dr. Michelle Corley is interim chairman of the Department of Agriculture. The animal molecular immunogeneticist began working at VSU 11 years ago as a research scientist studying disease in small ruminants, and teaching courses in animal science and immunology. “We do a lot with a little,” Corley said. “We serve the local farm community, underserved farmers and underserved individuals and students through teaching, research and outreach—the tripartite mission of the university. It’s a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but a good return on investment.” Dr. Glenn Chappell, associate professor in the agriculture department, showed students how to calibrate no-till drill seeding equipment in a field on the western side of the sprawling farm. “We’re making sure the calibration is accurate for proper planting rate and proper planting depth,” he said, feeding soybean seeds into the machine. He explained that no-till equipment preserves the organic matter of topsoil and enhances water infiltration. “No-till is nothing new to agriculture, but if our 12

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Randolph Farm boasts 18,500 square feet of greenhouses, 57 research ponds and 75 acres of pastureland.

students have a good understanding of accepted practices they can fine-tune the system for the next generation.”

STEM INCORPORATED IN EVERY COURSE Students measured the chunky wheel of the seeder, and calculated how many rotations would cover 50 feet. Corley said the department incorporates STEM into every course of study–– science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “We are trying to train students for 21st-century agriculture,” she said. This is accomplished through instruction on traditional farming methods as well as the latest digital technologies. State appropriations and federal and private grants provide funding for teaching and research conducted on the farm. Plans are moving forward to offer cattle studies, and raze old farm facilities and replace them with modern amenities within the next five years. The students seeking a bachelor’s degree in agriculture are trained in programs and concentrations including agricultural education, agriculture business and economics, animal and

pre-veterinary science, environmental science, and plant and soil science. Students in all disciplines are engaged in U.S. Department of Agriculture and Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services internships.

LEARNING GOES BEYOND CLASSROOM Back on campus, adjunct assistant professor Ronald Howell Jr. prepared a series of demonstrations on combustion for his agricultural engineering students. Howell is a 2009 VSU graduate, former USDA employee, and now a college administrator. His first ag-related job was at Randolph Farm in 2004. Howell’s passion for agriculture is contagious. He is a fourthgeneration farmer, and his family’s Surry County hay farm once produced hogs, row crops and small grains. “We look at the fundamentals of agriculture and engineering to understand the systems that farmers use,” he said. “I’m very passionate about agriculture, and training students using experiential learning to prepare them for cutting-edge careers in the agriculture industry.”

Students in Ronald Howell Jr.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agricultural engineering class learned about engine combustion with a fiery demonstration that illustrated the combustive properties of air, sugar or flour for fuel, and fire.

vafb.com / APRIL 2020

Dr. Glenn Chappell, associate professor in the VSU Department of Agriculture, showed students how to calibrate no-till drill seeding equipment at Randolph Farm.

LEARN MORE

Want to know more about Randolph Farm and VSU’s College of Agriculture?

Small ruminant animals like sheep and goats are resources for animal science studies at the farm.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Area school and civic groups are welcome to visit the farm for guided tours to learn about Virginia agriculture. To schedule a tour, call the Virginia Cooperative Extension Small Farm Outreach Program at 804-524-3293 or 804-524-3292. Randolph Farm hosts numerous annual events such as field days, workshops, farm conferences and professional training. To view the calendar, visit www.ext.vsu.edu/calendar. The centerpiece of the farm is the Cooperative Extension Pavilion, which houses faculty and staff offices and laboratories. It also contains meeting areas that are used by members of the agricultural community sharing learned research and educational information. Other farm amenities include approximately 130 acres of irrigated cropland, as well as 18,500 square feet of greenhouses and high tunnels. This includes a new technologically advanced 4,000-square-foot greenhouse complex with adjacent laboratory and preparation and meeting areas. In addition to 57 research and instruction ponds stocked with a variety of fish species, the aquaculture extension and research team operates an on-site fish hatchery, greenhousebased tanks and an automated fish processing facility. Randolph Farm also is home to newly renovated housing, breeding and veterinary care facilities, plus 75 acres of crossfenced pasture for its animal production unit. The College of Agriculture offers bachelor’s degree programs in agriculture, family and consumer sciences, and hospitality management. Agricultural academic areas of focus include agribusiness and economics; agricultural education; animal science; preveterinary science; environmental science; plant and soil science; agribusiness management; and an international agriculture certificate program.

Archer Ruffin Jr. stands below his grain bin of feed corn, which has the potential to form air pockets that can trap or suffocate a worker inside.

Grappling with grain

Virginia farmers urged to consider dangers of grain bins ARTICLE BY ADAM CULLER PHOTOS BY NICOLE ZEMA

AS ARCHER RUFFIN JR. SURVEYED THE GRAIN BINS that have stood on Evelynton Farm since 1977, the Charles City County farmer freely admitted that he’s lucky to have once escaped a close call in one of them. Ruffin has avoided accidents by exercising caution. He never enters a grain bin unless he can see the bottom, and hopes he’ll never be forced to enter a container to clear a grain blockage.

‘I got very, very lucky’ But once, working on a rented piece of property, Ruffin got himself into trouble. At the bottom of a grain bin, after drawing down the grain as far as it would go, he opened the side wells to empty the remaining contents. Unbeknownst to him, he was standing above an air pocket with the auger running underneath. “My foot went right down into the auger,” Ruffin said. “Fortunately for me, the belt on the motor that was driving the auger was loose, and my foot stopped it. The auger could just as easily have turned my foot into sausage. I got very, very lucky.” While Ruffin was fortunate to avoid serious injury, farmers across the country have faced a far different fate in recent times. The rate of grain bin fatalities ballooned nationwide in the second half of 2019. After 27 people were killed in grain bin accidents in 2018, at least 19 were killed between August and December of last year.

vafb.com / APRIL 2020

Employees exercise caution when working in or around Evelynton Farm’s four grain bins.

Not just a Midwestern problem

Grain stored in bins can turn into quicksand for someone trapped inside.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Grain bin accidents have largely been considered a regional issue—72% have occurred in the Midwest compared to 11% on the East Coast. But the grain entrapment death of an Amelia County farmworker in 2018 and increased grain storage in Virginia has shifted the issue of grain bin safety into focus in the commonwealth. “With commodity prices being what they’ve been in recent years, it’s been advantageous for producers to have the ability to store their own grain and take advantage of markets at different times, so we’re seeing an increased number of large grain bins in Virginia,” said Dana Fisher, chairman of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Farm Safety Advisory Committee. “These grain bins have safety concerns, and if you’re

not familiar with them or you’re working on your own, you can put yourself into some dangerous situations,” Fisher added. “Unfortunately, we’ve seen those incidents happen in Virginia that you hope could have been prevented.”

Dangers can occur quickly The dangers regularly associated with grain bins often occur when workers enter bins to loosen grain. Collapsing and flowing grain can trap workers almost instantly. It takes just 4 seconds to be trapped at knee level and 20 seconds to be engulfed completely— often resulting in suffocation. Other hazards include inhaling toxic fumes and becoming entangled in augers or unguarded fans.

Safety precautions should be followed Safety measures that should be implemented

include never entering a bin to break down grain; and shutting off, locking and tagging equipment before entering a grain bin to prevent entrapment and entanglement. Farmers who want additional information on grain bin safety can consult their grain bin dealers or local fire departments trained in grain extrication. Fisher conceded that farmers inexperienced in storing grain are unlikely to recognize the dangers of grain bins until they see them firsthand. This prompted the VFBF Farm Safety Advisory Committee to raise awareness and offer resources to Virginia grain farmers.

Committee collaborates with community group The safety committee is working to introduce proactive measures championed by Chesterfield Fire and Emergency

Medical Services. “The reality is that farmers routinely enter their spaces to clear product despite the hazards,” said Capt. Amy Burnette of Chesterfield Fire and Emergency Medical Services Station No. 17. “There are some things farmers—or whomever is working— need to do before they get inside their grain vessels. Somebody needs to be there with them, they need to be suspended in a harness, and they need to ensure that the atmosphere inside the space has enough oxygen and isn’t going to be toxic.” Fisher said he is hopeful farmers will think more about grain bin safety and continue to gain knowledge on ways to stay safe. “The safety solutions are not complex; it’s just a matter of taking the time to do it—and that’s true across all farm safety,” he added. For additional grain bin safety information, visit vafb.com/safety.

Capt. Amy Burnette demonstrated how a grain bin extractor builds a wall around someone trapped in a bin. Grain can then be siphoned with an auger so the person can climb or be lifted to safety.

vafb.com / APRIL 2020

VFBF Grain Marketing Manager Robert Harper discussed fluctuating grain prices.

Farmers focus on the future at grain and soybean conference BY NORM HYDE

ho will take over the family farm? How will technology affect your business in the future? What’s the best marketing strategy for selling your grain and soybeans in 2020? Those topics and more were discussed at the Virginia Grain and Soybean Annual Conference in Richmond Feb. 19 and 20. University of Nebraska Harlan Agribusiness Professor Emeritus Dr. Ron Hanson kicked off the event by reminding producers that while nearly 80% of farmers say they want their farms to be passed to their children, only 20% have a plan. “It’s the parent’s responsibility to start the plan,” Hanson told the audience. “Empty chairs at the dinner table happen, so you better have a plan in place.” Many farm families avoid estate planning because it’s emotionally difficult. Many farmers refuse to accept that they won’t always be there, Hanson added. 18

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

The global economy will affect commodity pricing, explained Josey Moore, VFBF commodity specialist.

For resources on developing a succession plan, he recommended visiting agrilegacy.com or passingonthefarm.com. The internet is part of the future for Virginia farms, noted Dr. Susan Duncan, associate director of the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station at Virginia Tech. The newly formed Virginia Tech Smart Farm Innovation Network includes all 11 research stations and every local Cooperative Extension office. Artificial intelligence, genome editing, robotics, 3-D printing, drones and augmented reality are all technical changes coming fast for farmers, she said. “Smart farms are wise farms, and wise farms look after their data,” Duncan added. Modern farm equipment generates enormous amounts of data about planting rates, fertilizer usage and harvest yields based on specific locations. Who owns that data, who can access it and how to protect it from theft and misuse are

questions that the new network will be addressing. For farmers looking to market their grain and soybeans this year, “sell early, sell often,” is the mantra to follow, shared Robert Harper, grain marketing manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. He said this could be the year grain prices turn around after five years of a bear market, thanks to a breakthrough in the trade war with China. But it could be months before the phase one trade agreement makes a difference in export sales, Harper warned. “Weather will still be the top influencer on 2020 prices, but politics and trade issues need to be closely watched,” added Josey Moore, VFBF commodity specialist. “Rumors will dominate the speculator’s trading. Speculators can really move the market very quickly, so you need to be ready.” Having a written strategic marketing plan is still the best tool for preparing for marketing uncertainty, she said.

Trade conference speakers are optimistic about agricultural trade

urrent 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 March 10 at the 12th Annual Virginia Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade in Richmond, 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,” including enhancements to the state’s port system that will accommodate the largest of cargo ships currently in use. He cited plans already in place to expand Virginia’s export output by 25% 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.” In the near term, Northam encouraged conference participants engaged in exporting goods “to consider how your business can be flexible and adaptable.” Stephen Censky, U.S. Department of Agriculture deputy secretary of agriculture, told conference attendees that it’s “been a turbulent time on the agricultural trade front, but I’m optimistic about the future.” He credited recent trade agreements, technological innovations and rural prosperity efforts for his optimistic outlook. He said that the U.S. poultry, egg and dairy industries are expected to see a boost from the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Tariffs were reduced or eliminated on 90% of exported goods to Japan, where Censky predicts a jump in imports of U.S. beef, pork, grains and dairy products. The China Phase 1 trade deal is an important step forward, as China has committed to purchase about $40 billion in U.S. agricultural products this year—a leap compared to $24 billion in 2017. Agricultural innovations can address two looming challenges—how to feed a rapidly growing world population while simultaneously reducing agriculture’s footprint on the planet. A recent USDA Agricultural Innovation Agenda aims to increase agricultural production 40% and cut the carbon footprint in half. “More production on less acreage” is how that goal will be met, Censky explained. The USDA Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity is expected to benefit agricultural producers through workforce development and access to broadband internet. “If you’re from Virginia, you know how important rural prosperity is,” Censky said. “We think having access to broadband can be just as transformative.” Dr. Robert Johansson, USDA chief economist, said U.S. agricultural exports are projected to reach $189 billion by fiscal year 2029. He offered in-depth perspective on the feasibility of China’s import commitments, and added, “One big caveat is how coronavirus plays out in the next couple of quarters.”

REAL VIRGINIA, WATCH US! >> VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU WEEKLY TV PROGRAM

On Real Virginia: Some farmers have built a year-round following

Fresh spring produce can be found now at some farmers markets.

Featured this month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program: • Farmers markets are prime for picking prior to the summer rush. • The Harding Street Urban Agriculture Center is serving Petersburg with its sustainable food production and distribution hub. • Animal predation programs are helping to control wildlife damage on Virginia farms. • Learn how the cattle industry is driving agriculture in Louisa County on this month’s County Agriculture Close-up. Real Virginia airs nationwide at 3:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month on RFD-TV on Dish Network and DirecTV, and on selected cable outlets around the state. It airs weekly on WVPT Harrisonburg, WBRA Roanoke, WCVE Richmond, WHRO Norfolk, WVVA Bluefield and WTKR Norfolk. Watch Real Virginia anytime online at youtube.com/user/ VirginiaFarmBureau.

vafb.com / APRIL 2020

Hold the phone: Cellphone use while driving increases crash risk

ost people realize using cellphones while driving is dangerous. Yet, despite researchers consistently linking texting or manipulating a cellphone to increased risk, it remains a top issue for driver safety. A survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed 660,000 drivers use phones or manipulate electronic devices while driving at any given daylight moment. While data is mixed on the dangers of talking on the phone, the evidence is clear for texting or manipulating devices. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a study of over 3,000 drivers indicated crash risk was two to six times greater when drivers were manipulating a cellphone compared to when they were not distracted. When

substantially slowed drivers’ reaction time, increased lane deviations and increased the length of time drivers looked away from the road. To learn more, visit.iihs.org/topics/ distracted-driving.

1 2

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety found that a driver’s crash risk is two to six times greater when manipulating a cellphone.

drivers’ ages were considered, there was a significant risk increase for drivers under 30 and over 64. Experimental studies also revealed typing or reading text messages

I n 2018, 15% of all crashes were distraction-related. op jurisdictions for total T distracted driving fatalities (starting with the worst): Prince William County, Fairfax County, Fauquier County, Hanover County, Spotsylvania County, Stafford County, Richmond, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach op jurisdictions for total T distracted driving injury crashes (starting with the worst): Fairfax County, Prince William County, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Newport News, Loudoun County, Richmond, Henrico County, Chesterfield County and Chesapeake - VIRGINIA DMV

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month Distracted driving is defined as any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on a phone, eating or drinking, talking to people in the vehicle, or operating a radio or navigation system. National police data on fatal crashes in 2017 showed that 3,166 people died in vehicle crashes where distraction was a factor. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports researchers have found brain activity associated with visual processing and attention is suppressed when divers are cognitively distracted. This can lead to “inattention blindness,” where drivers fail to comprehend or process information from objects in the roadway, even when they are looking at them. To help drivers remain safe and move toward zero roadway deaths, the commonwealth of Virginia has a highway safety website with tips and resources. For more information, visit TZDVA.org. 20

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

For Your Benefit

Members get access to brand-new and time-tested benefits New! Visit the Biltmore Estate—America’s largest home Biltmore Estate in Ashville, N.C., is America’s largest home. Built by George and Edith Vanderbilt, this property offers visitors tours, carriage rides, beautiful gardens, kayaking, horseback riding, paddle boarding, biking and much more on 8,000 acres. Farm Bureau members in Virginia will receive $10 off regular gate admission to the historic Biltmore estate. Members also can realize reduced rates at The Inn on Biltmore Estate, The Village Hotel and a variety of local accommodations. While there, browse through unique estate shops for wine lovers, gardeners, bookworms and everyone in between. Savor complimentary tastings of more than 20 handcrafted wines; view rare treasures from the Biltmore collection;

and learn about the estate’s barnyard animals. Visit Biltmore.com/corporateperk for more information. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

New! Discounts to top-rated Dollywood theme park Located in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Dollywood is recognized as one of the world’s best theme parks. Spanning 150 acres and located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood offers more than 40 rides and attractions, including Lightning Rod, the world’s fastest wooden coaster. Dollywood’s entertainment has won more awards than that of any other theme park for its live shows featuring country, bluegrass, Southern gospel and classic rock. Master craftsmen demonstrate the area’s rich artistry, from hand-blown glass to blacksmithing. Members can now purchase discount

Members enjoy special prices on Grainger products and supplies Members are eligible for special Virginia Farm Bureau prices on selected product categories and supplies from Grainger, plus free standard ground shipping on all standard Grainger products*. Farm Bureau members receive special pricing on the following categories: • Cleaning: Consumables, Other • Outdoor Equipment • Electrical • Plumbing: Pipe, Valves, Fittings, Other • Hand Tools • Power Tools • Manufacturing: Welding • Safety: Facility Safety, People Safety • Motors Get started with your price savings using one of three easy methods. Present the Virginia Farm Bureau organization account number at time of purchase. The number is available from your county Farm Bureau or visit vafb.com/benefits; Go to grainger.com/farmbureau to establish a new Grainger.com® account using that account number; or Call Grainger customer service at 800-472-4643 to update your existing Grainger account with the Farm Bureau organization account number (You will need to be registered and logged in as a member). To be sure you get your Farm Bureau member prices, always reference Virginia Farm Bureau’s organization account number when visiting your local branch, making a telephone order, or setting up your personal account online. If you have questions or need assistance, contact your county Farm Bureau.

1 2 3

*FREE standard shipping on all orders shipped ground transportation. Other freight charges will be incurred for services such as expedited delivery, special handling by the carrier, sourcing orders and shipments outside the continental United States.

tickets to the Dollywood Theme Park. Visit Dollywood.com/Store/SpecialOffers?promocode=VAFARMBUREAU or vafb.com/benefits.

New! Save on Xerox printers and supplies Farm Bureau members interested in purchasing printers and supplies like cartridges, toner and ink will receive preferred pricing on the latest Xerox technology and services, including up to 50% off home and office products and production printers. To learn more, visit Xerox.com/FarmBureau, or contact a Xerox representative at 800275-9376, ext. 232. Users must present their Farm Bureau membership card or member number at the time of sale.

Enter to win a Ford vehicle before Sept. 30 Members have until Sept. 30 to enter the Built Ford Proud Sweepstakes* for a chance to win a two-year lease on a new Ford vehicle. Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com or text the word SWEEPS to 46786 to enter. *No purchase necessary. A Purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Must be legal resident of U.S. or D.C. 21 years or older with a valid driver’s license to enter and a current Farm Bureau member. Additional restrictions may appy. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes ends 9/30/2020. For entry and official rules with complete eligibility, prize description and other details, visit fordspecialoffer.com/farmbureau/ sweeps. Sponsored by Ford Motor Company, One American Road, Dearborn, MI 48126.

Save on qualifying Case IH equipment from participating dealers Members can save $300 to $500 on qualifying products from participating Case IH dealers. You can generate a certificate to present at your local dealership at vafb.com/benefits; have your membership number at hand. Eligible individual, family or business members receive the following manufacturer discount on purchases of the listed products: vafb.com / APRIL 2020

No water? No problem! Some Virginia plants tolerate thirst BY ALICE KEMP

irginia is known for its fickle climate. With heat waves, periods of little rain and generally unpredictable weather patterns, flora and fauna alike are at the mercy of Mother Nature—especially during the summer. A hot Virginia summer without any rain can be brutal on gardens, turning lush landscapes into brittle, brown eyesores. Drought-tolerant plants may be the solution to withstanding scorching summers while keeping a garden looking good. During the spring, instead of planting flowers that require watering every couple of days, try including some known for needing less.

Flowering plants are low-maintenance

There are several flowering annuals and perennials ideal for the conscientious gardener, noted Chris Mullins, a Virginia Cooperative Extension horticulturalist. “Things like portulaca, a succulent-looking plant that has a really pretty flower. It’s lowgrowing and can be a good ground cover.” Another is the rudbeckia, or black-eyed Susan, a hardy, daisy-like plant found in many gardens, and the wild columbine, a plant with red and yellow tubular, bell-shaped flowers. There’s also lantana with its butterfly-attracting flowers and sedum, another flowering succulent that can grow in just about any landscape. “Then there are two with fragrances: sage and lavender,” Mullins added. “There are different types of sage, and Mexican sage has a nice aroma and flowers. Those can be what you consider drought-tolerant and don’t need as much water as some.” 22

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Lavender

Ornamental grasses add drama

Ornamental grasses also make a nice addition. By nature, grasses are more drought-tolerant because they use a type of photosynthesis that allows them to hold onto water and use it more efficiently. Zebra grass, with its clusters of dappled blades, can add height and interest to a garden or landscape. Little bluestem grass is known for its tight, spiky blueish stems that change to an orangy-rust in the fall and can add color throughout the seasons. Pampas grass, on the other hand, can add drama with its silvery white, plume-like flowers. Not only will they make the garden look great, but these plants also have a wide range of sustainable and economic advantages. “The main benefit is reduced water usage,” said Karin Stretchko, agriculture specialist for J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s Horticulture Technology program. “This can lead to lower water bills, less runoff from watering and irrigation systems and reduced maintenance for landscaping.” They also have deeper, extended root systems, which can help control erosion and provide better options for soils that have low water-holding capabilities. Some can even be more disease and pestresistant, Stretchko added. The idea of creating a droughttolerant, sustainable landscape that’s also maintenance-free is an incentive for those planning what to put in their gardens this spring. “It makes perfect sense because you’re going to have drought more often than not,” Mullins said. “A lot of these droughttolerant plants are beautiful, so it’s not like people are giving up too much.”

Black-eyed Susans are perennial flowers that don’t require much water to provide sunny blossoms.

Lantana

Sage

Wild Columbine

vafb.com / APRIL 2020

FARM BUREAU MEMBERS SAVE UP TO $5,000* We’re here to help you on the homestead. Farm Bureau members save up to $5,000 on new Cat ® machines,* including backhoe loaders, wheel loaders, compact track loaders and more. Plus, get up to $250 off select Cat attachments* for your farm. Visit www.cat.com/farmbureau for more information.

Offer available on new quotes only. Contact your participating Cat dealer for details and to see the specific discount pricing available per model. Subject to credit approval and membership verification. Valid only at participating Cat dealer locations in the U.S. and Canada. Subject to change without prior notice. Not valid with other offers, programs or discounts unless otherwise specified in writing. Limitations and restrictions apply. Program Reference ID: STR19AFB © 2019 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” and “Modern Hex” trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

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rm Real fa

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REAL VIRGINIA

Together, we’ll overcome the opioid epidemic.

A weekly television program produced by Virginia Farm Bureau

#FarmTownStrong

Agriculture touches your life every day! Meet the Virginia farmers who raise products for your table and your community. Learn how to prepare delicious Virginia foods and cultivate a lush landscape and edible garden. Real Virginia airs nationwide at 3:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month on RFD-TV on Dish Network and DirecTV, and on many cable outlets—check local listings. Watch anytime at vafb.com, and weekly on

If someone you care about is suffering from opioid addiction, please visit farmtownstrong.org.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

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John Deere Rewards is happy to announce that all Farm Bureau Members* will automatically receive Platinum 2 status. That means instant savings on a wide range of John Deere products: from lawn tractors to skid steers, zero-turn mowers to utility vehicles, and more! Plus you’ll save money on Home & Workshop products and at JohnDeereStore.com. To find out more on how you can turn your loyalty into savings, go to JohnDeere.com/FarmBureau. Sign up today!

*Must be a valid member of Farm Bureau for 30 days and have a valid email address to be eligible for John Deere Rewards benefits. John Deere’s green and yellow color scheme, the leaping deer symbol, and JOHN DEERE are trademarks of Deere & Company.

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Discover the valuable benefits of Medicare Advantage plans

or people who are age 65 or older, or under 65 with certain disabilities, original Medicare often is a popular choice for medical insurance—but it isn’t the only choice. Medicare Supplement insurance and Medicare Advantage plans both augment Medicare Parts A and B. People are often familiar with Medicare Supplement insurance. However, Medicare Advantage plans are growing in popularity. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans has nearly doubled over the past decade. “You have to evaluate to see what is a better fit, whether it’s a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare supplement,” said Tracy Cornatzer, sales manager for Virginia Farm

Bureau’s health insurance division. “You have to look at your needs and what possible needs you may have in the future to help determine what is going to be the right fit for you. We sell both types of coverage at Virginia Farm Bureau.” Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are offered and managed by private insurance companies and are approved by Medicare. The plans include Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B benefits. Additionally, the plans can include Medicare Part D prescription coverage and a wide range of added benefits not offered with original Medicare. While subscribers will face upfront costs with copayments due at the time of service, the added value of supplemental benefits, low

premium costs and an annual outof-pocket maximum can help make Medicare Advantage plans a worthy investment for some beneficiaries. The supplemental benefits offered to Medicare Advantage subscribers often include dental, vision and hearing coverage, an allowance for assistive devices and transportation to and from appointments. Supplemental benefits vary by plan. For more information on Medicare Advantage plans, call your county Farm Bureau office or request a quote at vafb. com/insurance/get-quote. Note: Due to precautions relating to the coronavirus, Medicare Educational Seminars have been suspended until further notice.

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This policy has exclusions, limitations and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For more information on benefits, please contact your agent or the health plan. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. The purpose of this communication is the solicitation of insurance. Contact will be made by an insurance agent or insurance company. Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. trades as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, and its service area is all of Virginia except for the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 55681VASENABS AADVOTH006M(15)-VA 26

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM

Isle of Wight educator named AITC Teacher of the Year

Crenshaw Elementary School students were able to study embryology thanks to an AITC STEM grant.

Virginia AITC awards $9,000 in STEM grants Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom has awarded 20 STEM grants to schools and a 4-H chapter for spring 2020. The grants total $9,000 and will provide 8,000 youth in 19 localities with agriculture experiences incorporating science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Projects include topics like hydroponics, animal agriculture and leadership development. Grants were made possible through funding from the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. “Agriculture in the Classroom STEM grants provide an opportunity for educators to integrate science, technology, engineering, agriculture and mathematics,” explained Tammy Maxey, Virginia AITC senior education manager. “The spring STEM grants enable students to have an agricultural experience while integrating higher-level STEM concepts.” Grants were received by: • Albemarle County: Crozet Elementary School and Paul H. Cale Elementary School • Bedford County: Staunton River Middle School • Bland County: Bland County Elementary School • Caroline County: Bowling Green Elementary School • Chesapeake: Atlantic Shores Christian School • Chesterfield County: Curtis Elementary School • Fairfax County: Belvedere Elementary School

• Halifax County: Halifax County High School • Harrisonburg: Stone Spring Elementary School • Louisa County: Trevilians Elementary School • Montgomery County: Price’s Fork Elementary School • New Kent County: New Kent Middle School • Newport News: Trinity Lutheran School • Richmond: Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School • Southampton County: Southampton High School • Stafford County: Stafford 4-H • Washington County: Meadowview Elementary School • Williamsburg: Warhill High School • Virginia Beach: Three Oaks Elementary School AITC’s STEM grants also give educators the opportunity to develop more immersive projects to include in their curriculums. Sarah Conner, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Crenshaw Elementary School in Chesterfield, was awarded an AITC STEM grant in October 2019. Conner partnered with a farmer to provide hands-on activities for students to learn about a chicken’s life cycle and embryology. “It was by far one of my favorite projects I’ve experienced with my students in the 25 years I’ve been teaching,” Conner said. “My pre-K students even taught older students everything they learned.”

Pamela Hall, a STEM teacher at Carrollton Elementary School in Isle of Wight County, has been named Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom 2020 HALL Teacher of the Year. The award recognizes a Virginia educator for incorporating agriculture into his or her core curriculum. Hall’s mission is to integrate agriculture into the classroom all year long. She uses hands-on approaches, including studying plant and animal life cycles, taking farm nature walks, visiting with farmers, making ice cream, investigating and raising pollinators, and experimenting with hydroponics. “Pam is a vivacious teacher who shares her love of learning about agriculture with her students,” said Tammy Maxey, AITC senior education manager. “Her excitement about the world of science and agriculture has permeated her school throughout the year, from planting to hydroponics to pollinator awareness.” Hall enjoys creating projects that leave an impression. When her students expressed an interest in bees, she began researching them. She then modeled a bee’s life cycle and invited an expert from the Tidewater Beekeepers Association to visit with her students. In addition to using AITC lesson plans, she also has received grants from the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization for her hydroponics lessons. As Virginia AITC Teacher of the Year, Hall will receive a scholarship to attend the 2020 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in June in Salt Lake City, and a $500 cash award. Virginia AITC also recognized Autumn Pequignot, a kindergarten teacher at Mountain View Elementary School in Rockingham County, as runner-up. vafb.com / APRIL 2020

Heart of the Home

Versatile eggs are egg-citing at every meal Eggs are nutrient-rich and easy to prepare

nexpensive, protein-packed, filling and flavorful—eggs can be a versatile component of morning, noon and nighttime meals. Eggs can be the star or offer a supporting role in a variety of savory meals and rich desserts. Human consumption of eggs dates to ancient times. Egyptian and Chinese records show that chickens were laying eggs for man back in 1400 B.C. Since then, nearly 200 breeds and varieties of chickens have been established

worldwide, according to the American Egg Board. In total, the U.S. produces about 75 billion eggs a year—more than 716 million in Virginia. For an easy power breakfast, beat two eggs with two tablespoons of milk and salt and pepper in a microwave-safe, 12-ounce mug or bowl until blended. Microwave on high for 45 seconds, and stir. Microwave again for 30 to 45 seconds until eggs are almost set. Add toppings if desired, and enjoy.

Springtime Asparagus Quiche

Steak and Egg Quesadilla

INGREDIENTS

¼ pound skirt steak, sliced

9” deep dish pie crust, prebaked

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup freshly shredded cheese of choice

2 cups Chihuahua cheese, shredded

1 cup asparagus spears, blanched and drained

8 flour tortillas

6 eggs, beaten

INGREDIENTS

3 large eggs

Cheese, asparagus and eggs form the foundation of a spring quiche.

1 cup milk or half-and-half 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (basil, oregano, garlic) ½ cup chopped Virginia ham ½ teaspoon salt DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375°. Sprinkle cheese into the pie shell, and top with asparagus. Beat eggs, then add milk or halfand-half, herbs, ham and 28

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

salt, blending well. Pour egg mixture on top of the cheese and asparagus. Bake in the center of the oven for 30-40 minutes or until the center is almost set but jiggles slightly when moved, and a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let sit 5 minutes and serve. - Recipe adapted from Virginia Egg Council

3 tablespoons oil salt and pepper, to taste DIRECTIONS In a medium skillet over high heat, cook skirt steak. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Remove the steak, and add the butter to the skillet. Scramble the eggs until fluffy, and remove from the pan. Heat another skillet over medium heat, then add oil. Place one tortilla in the pan

Quiche can provide the main ingredient for breakfast, lunch or dinner meals.

Heart of the Home

and top with ¼ cup of the cheese, ¼ of the steak, ¼ of the eggs and then top with another ¼ cup of cheese. Place the other tortilla on top and cook, turning once, until both sides are golden brown, and the cheese is melted. Repeat three times with the additional tortillas and filling. Cut into wedges, and serve with your favorite salsa. -American Egg Board

Sour Cream Pound Cake INGREDIENTS 1 cup sour cream 3 cups sugar ½ pound butter (two sticks) ½ teaspoon baking soda 3 cups flour 6 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla

PHOTOS BY NICOLE ZEMA

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 325°. Combine sour cream, butter and sugar. Sift baking soda and flour together. Combine sour cream and flour mixtures. Add one egg at a time to mix. Add vanilla, and pour into a greased and floured 10” tube pan. Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes. -By Mary Ann Renner of Greensville County, Bring it to the Table: The Surprising Southeast Virginia Farm Bureau Women cookbook

vafb.com / APRIL 2020

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

IN MEMORIUM

Julius Hudson ‘Jay’ Reese Jr. Halifax County

Jay Reese, past president of Halifax County Farm Bureau and a past member of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors, died Feb. 11. Mr. Reese, who was 56, served as his county Farm Bureau’s president from 1997 to 2002, and served on the county Farm Bureau board of directors for 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. He also served as chairman of the VFBF Young Farmers Committee in 1997 and 1998, and was a member of the VFBF Specialty Crops Advisory REESE Committee. A prominent local farmer, Mr. Reese grew cantaloupes, melons, corn and other crops. He and his family operated Reese’s Farm Fresh Produce, which supplies fresh, local vegetables to Food Lion locations in the area. The family also runs a produce market at their Scottsburg farm and a stand in Centerville.

Mr. Reese was dedicated to the Young Farmers Program and advocated the importance of getting young people involved in agriculture and Farm Bureau to ensure strong leadership for the future of farming. Outside of farming and agribusiness, Mr. Reese was a past chief of the Scottsburg Volunteer Fire Department and was a member and deacon of Scottsburg Baptist Church. “Jay was a very good, easy-going person. He was loyal to his family, his church and very loyal to Farm Bureau,” said Halifax Farm Bureau President Scott Crowder. “He was always willing to participate and help with whatever needed to be done. He’ll be sorely missed in his community and in Halifax County.” Mr. Reese is survived by his wife, Rosemary; two children; his parents; a brother; his mother-in-law; and a niece and two nephews.

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