FBN April 2022 by Virginia Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau News The Voice of Virginia’s Agricultural Producers

APRIL 2022

Minding the Farm

Friends, family, sitters offer farmers a break

Farm Bureau News

Volume 81, Number 2 April 2022 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 $1.13 (included in membership dues).

Features 11

Farmers help set national policies

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation delegates joined their peers from across the country to set American Farm Bureau’s 2022 legislative agenda.

you can trust.” – CASEY HOBACK, Louisa County turkey producer

Winter expo helps young farmers reboot

Young Farmers from all corners of the state met in Virginia Beach to network and learn ways to farm better and to help educate legislators about agriculture.

Who let the farmer out?

Farmers in need of a break rely on friends or secure the services of farm sitters to mind their animals, cropland and machinery when they take a much-needed vacation.

Departments 3 4 6 28

“You need someone

By the Numbers Save the Date For Your Benefit Heart of the Home

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.

EDITORIAL TEAM Pam Wiley Vice President, Communications Kathy Dixon Managing Editor Nicole Zema Staff Writer/Photographer

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.

WE’RE SOCIAL!

Louisa County farmer Casey Hoback watches his neighbor's farm while he's away (Photo by Nicole Zema).

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

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.

Member: Virginia Press Association

ON THE COVER

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.

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

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

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

Board of Directors DIRECTOR

DISTRICT

Emily F. Edmondson Richard L. Sutherland Bruce N. Stanger Jeannie L. Dudding Russell L. Williams II Peter A. Truban Thomas E. Graves Leigh H. Pemberton William F. Osl Jr. Robert J. Mills Jr. J. M. Jenkins Jr. J. Barry Bates M. L. Everett Jr. David L. Hickman A. Faye Hundley Lindy Tucker Fimon

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 * **

COUNTY

Tazewell Grayson Montgomery Craig Rockbridge Shenandoah Orange Hanover Cumberland Pittsylvania Lunenburg Essex Southampton Accomack Essex Lunenburg

*Women’s Committee Chairman **Young Farmers Committee Chairman

WATCH US

Avian flu is on the minds of poultry farmers, backyard chicken owners, on Real Virginia

Featured this month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program: • Recent East Coast outbreaks of avian influenza have commercial poultry producers and backyard chicken owners on high alert. • The Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year explains how she incorporates agriculture into her lessons. • Caring for crab apple trees is examined on the In the Garden segment. 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 WBRA digital channel 15.2, WHRO Norfolk, WVVA Bluefield and WTKR Norfolk, and on the first and third weekends of each month on WVIR Charlottesville, WHSV Harrisonburg and WRLH Richmond. Watch Real Virginia anytime online at youtube.com/user/ VirginiaFarmBureau.

YOUNG FARMERS

120 That’s how many young farmers from across the state gathered in Virginia Beach for the 2022 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Winter Expo: Reboot on the Beach. See related story on page 14.

Top membership counties for 2022 as of March 18, 2022*

County Farm Bureau

Members

Washington

2,097

Charles City-James CityNew Kent-York

1,975

Hanover

1,924

Bedford

1,821

Franklin

1,820

Smyth

1,735

Augusta

1,722

Tazewell

1,620

Russell

1,558

Rockingham

1,534

County Farm Bureau

Percentage of goal

Fluvanna

77.24

Southampton

74.87

Floyd

74.37

Charlotte

74.03

Rockbridge

73.56

Pulaski

73.55

Lunenburg

73.46

Greensville

72.95

Rappahannock

72.50

Henry

72.36

County Farm Bureau

Floyd

Member retention rate 73.12

Fluvanna

73.02

Charlotte

72.98

Southampton

72.94

Pulaski

72.83

Lunenburg

72.26

Greensville

71.87

Rockbridge

71.54

Frederick

70.51

Smyth

69.98

vafb.com / APRIL 2022

Save the Date!

Women’s Leadership Conference to be held in August The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Conference will be held Aug. 26-28 at the Hotel Madison in Harrisonburg. Details are still being developed. For more information, visit the Women’s Leadership Program website bit.ly/3HsZCnb, or contact Samantha Beard at 804-290-1031 or samantha. beard@vafb.com.

Virginia Farm Festival returns this May The Virginia Farm Festival returns for a second year at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. The family-friendly event will be held May 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. This event focuses on spring planting season in Virginia, which culminates in the harvest season celebrated during the State Fair of Virginia. During the farm festival, visitors can enjoy a day in the countryside, see farm animals, explore the garden, play in an AGtivity zone, savor some fair food favorites, shop at a farmers-artisan market and watch live entertainment. Attendees also will have the chance to explore the inter-connectedness of agriculture and lifestyle through food demonstrations and family fitness classes. Tickets are $7 for all ages and will be available for purchase online at StateFairVa.org.

Golf tournament will benefit AITC

State Fair countdown

The 25th Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom Charity Golf Tournament will be held May 2 at The Dominion Club in Glen Allen. The event benefits Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom, and sponsorship opportunities and teams of four will be able to register for the tournament through April 22. The tournament will offer two shotgun starts with awards following each round of play. Food and refreshments will be available throughout the day. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/3JPCO1T or contact Angela Buchanan at angela.buchanan@vafb. com or 804-687-4463.

As of April 1, there are exactly 175 days until the 2022 State Fair of Virginia opening on Sept. 23.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Fair fact: The 2021 State Fair hosted more than 2,000 exhibitors and drew over 5,000 entries in competitions for livestock, vocational skills, visual and culinary arts, horticulture and more. If you’d like to participate in any of the fair competitions this fall, now is the perfect time to start planning what you’d like to grow, raise, cook or craft! You’ll find the fair’s 2022 competition guidelines available this summer at StateFairVa.org.

Annual Convention to be held in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia The 2022 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention will take place Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The annual event will include speakers, policy discussion, award presentations and informative workshops. Registration is expected to open in late summer or early fall. The convention is open to county Farm Bureau members, voting delegates and others interested in learning more about Virginia agriculture.

Listen to the Virginia's Young Farmers Podcast at buzzsprout.com/1799499.

Nine-year-old Charlotte Allen discussed her family's Chesterfield County farm during a special podcast recorded during the Young Farmers Expo with hosts Austin McNett, left, and Kyle Sturgis.

Virginia’s Young Farmers Podcast presents ag issues in a conversational style BY NICOLE ZEMA

edged between meat freezers at McNett Angus Beef farm store in Augusta County last summer, two young farmers from differing agricultural backgrounds huddled over microphones and a laptop to record the pilot episode of Virginia’s Young Farmers Podcast. Fifth-generation aquaculture, hydroponics and row crop famer Kyle Sturgis of Northampton County, and first-generation cattleman Austin McNett of Augusta offer their unique perspectives and farm experiences as they host discussions on agricultural topics in an accessible, conversational format. “I find I’m often working by myself, so to pass the time, I enjoy listening to podcasts for information, updates and entertainment,” Sturgis said. “I noticed there was a need for more communication across the Young Farmers platform. After talking to

Virginia Farm Bureau leaders, I set out to create my own podcast. It has been a wild and amazing ride!” Eight episodes and an array of special guests cover a range of agricultural topics aimed at farmers and the non-farming public alike. The podcast team hopes listeners will gain insight on the challenges and issues facing young farmers in Virginia, learn about the latest farmer resources, and catch a few laughs along the way. “The biggest thing we want to consider is how we can educate more people about agriculture and where their food comes from,” McNett said in the first episode. “That’s why I’m sitting in this seat—to be an advocate for agriculture and to give maybe a brash opinion on what farming really is. It’s not all sunshine and roses!” Listeners in 15 states and one Canadian province have tuned in so far, Sturgis said. New episodes are released once or twice a month.

Youth Discussion Meet registration opens this spring High school 4-H and FFA members and other agriculturalists are invited to discuss agricultural challenges at the annual Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Youth Discussion Meet. This contest helps individuals and groups build the necessary skills to create action plans for the betterment of the agriculture industry. Winners compete for cash prizes contributed by contest sponsors. Any high school-age student interested in agriculture, membership organization improvement or public policy are eligible to compete. Past state winners are ineligible. Entry details will be posted in May at vafb.com/membership-at-work/ farmers-in-action/young-farmers or the VAFB Young Farmers Facebook page. Contact ron.saacke@vafb.com for more information. vafb.com / APRIL 2022

For Your Benefit

Save on a summer escape or spring cleanup Travel Services

Get a discount on 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 has won more awards than that of any other theme park for its live shows featuring country, bluegrass, Southern gospel and classic rock. Members can now purchase discount tickets to the Dollywood Theme Park. Visit vafb.com/benefits or Dollywood.com.

Experience the Biltmore Estate in picturesque Asheville, N.C. Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., is America’s largest home. Built by George and Edith Vanderbilt, this 8,000-acre property offers beautiful gardens, biking, carriage rides, horseback riding, kayaking, paddle boarding and more. Farm Bureau members in Virginia will receive up to $13 off daytime 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. Visit Biltmore.com/corporateperk for more information. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Home/Business/Farm Savings

Save on John Deere equipment and parts Current Virginia Farm Bureau members* are eligible for a complimentary John Deere Rewards upgrade to Platinum 1 status, which unlocks extra discounts on equipment, parts and merchandise. You can save on the following equipment: • $150 to $250 off tractors • $550 to $1,400 off compact construction equipment 6

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

• $100 to $250 off utility vehicles • $200 to $1,700 off commercial mowers • $50 to $150 off residential mowers Visit JohnDeere.com/FarmBureau, and have your membership number handy. *Must be a member for at least 30 days to qualify.

Make home improvements with Grainger products 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 • Electrical • Hand Tools • Manufacturing: Welding • Motors • Outdoor Equipment • Plumbing: Pipe, Valves, Fittings, Other • Power Tools • Safety: Facility Safety, People Safety 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® 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.

For Your Benefit

*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.

Dig these discounts from Case IH dealers Members can save up 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: Tractors: • $200 off Farmall Compact tractors, A and C series • $200 off Farmall Utilities, A, C and U series • $500 off Maxxum and Vestrum Series Balers: • $200 off Round balers

• $200 off Small square balers • $500 off Large square balers Mowers & Utility Vehicles: • $200 off Disc mower conditioners • $200 off Sickle mower conditioners • $500 off Self-propelled windrowers

Save thousands on select Caterpillar machines If you’re planning some heavy work this spring, Caterpillar Inc. offers Farm Bureau members savings of up to $2,500 on select Cat machines, as well as a $250 credit on work tool attachments purchased with a new Cat machine. Savings are good on excavators, small wheel loaders and dozers, backhoe loaders and more. You can generate a certificate to present at your local dealership at vafb.com/benefits; have your membership number at hand.

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Brunswick County young farmer appointed to national committee Virginia young farmers will be represented nationally by Brunswick County agriculturalist Matt Fimon, who was appointed to serve on the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee. Since 2018, Fimon has served on the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Committee with his wife, Lindy Tucker Fimon, who chairs that body. The couple run a beef cow-calf and hay operation with her family in Lunenburg and Brunswick counties. He also works as a human resources manager for a marble manufacturer. “We enjoy Farm Bureau Young Farmers because it is growing and stretching our leadership experiences by exposing us to challenges and issues faced by producers across the state on both farm and policy fronts,” Fimon said. “And now I’m looking forward to strengthening the influence of our organization on the national level.

“By creating a widespread network of people who share our love of the land, we thrive on building relationships with other young farmers, and sharing their love of ag!” Fimon is one of 16 appointed farmer leaders representing all regions of the U.S. Members will serve on governing boards and committees at local, state and national levels for two-year terms. Committee members are responsible for program planning, which includes the coordination of YF&R competitive events during AFBF’s convention each January, and AFBF’s Harvest for All, a food donation program. “Serving our communities and engaging to build trust and share the compelling story of agriculture are cornerstones of national program committee work,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We welcome these Farm Bureau members and applaud their dedication.” National committee members are nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus. Learn more online about AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers at fb.org/programs/young-farmers-and-ranchers.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

General Assembly

Farm Bureau policies were well-represented at the General Assembly

he General Assembly adjourned on March 12 but was unable to pass a biennial budget, leaving final funding for key areas in flux. At press time, a special session to finalize the budget had not been scheduled. This session, Farm Bureau worked to: • Secure additional funding for the agricultural best management practices cost-share program; • Increase funding for administration of soil and water conservation districts; • Secure new funding for veterinarians’ recruitment and retention at the State Veterinarian’s Office; • Establish tax credits and local incentives to create and maintain beneficial forests; and • Address competitive salaries for Virginia Cooperative Exension agents.

The following is a recap of key issues regarding implementation of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation policy. This list does not include all of the budget items or bills that Farm Bureau worked on. 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. Based on the information available at press time, here is how 16 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.

KEY POLICY POSITIONS Expand program eligibility for the Dairy Producer Margin Coverage Premium Assistance Program ✓ Slow down scheduled increases to the minimum wage Protect farmers’ ability to use paraquat ✓ Allow 501(c)(5) agricultural organizations to establish a multiple employer-welfare arrangement as a step toward being able to offer small group benefit plans ✓ Streamline Department of Environmental Quality permitting process, and provide consistency in requirements for permit applications ✓ Ensure statewide uniformity in forms used for revalidation of land use assessment applications ✓ Protect farmers’ ability to use traps to protect property from wildlife damage ✓ Increase Virginia’s slaughter and meat-processing capacity ✓ Reduce the loss of farmland when localities are disproportionately impacted by nutrient credit banks Reduce the impact of solar projects on prime agriculture land and forest land ✓ Protect prime agriculture land by establishing a mapping tool for solar siting ✓ Use land use assessment value rather than full market value in the composite index Maintain the agricultural worker exemption in updating the Virginia Overtime Wage Act ✓ Protect landowners’ rights under eminent domain ✓ Ensure agriculture and forestry priorities are funded in the state’s budget

Remember, Farm Bureau’s work is never done. After the General Assembly session, the organization works to have staff or members appointed to boards and various technical advisory committees or participate 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 2023. If you are a producer member and do not receive Action Alerts but would like to, contact Tenille Nuckols, VFBF social media and member engagement coordinator, at tenille.nuckols@vafb.com or 804-290-1293. vafb.com / APRIL 2022

Va. farmers share standpoints on ag issues with lawmakers

BY ADAM CULLER AND NICOLE ZEMA

dvocating for Virginia’s farming future is the core mission of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, and vocal support from the state’s farmers is key in accomplishing that objective. VFBF representatives used their unified voice to discuss concerns about legislation affecting agriculture during meetings with state senators and delegates at the organization’s Legislative Day on Jan. 24. Prior to visiting the General Assembly, the Farm Bureau representatives participated in an orientation session. At that meeting, Del. Lee Ware, R-Powhatan, chair of the Virginia House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee, shared his thoughts on agriculture issues. Just 10 days into his job as ag committee chair, delegates were considering a deluge of bills, he told them. “Of the topics I see coming up, I can report some good news,” Ware said. “I think ag BMPs will be funded significantly.” Agriculture and conservation communities have long called for full funding of Virginia’s agricultural best management practices cost-share “needs assessment”—a data-driven funding calculation based on water quality goals. The cost-share program supports various conservation practices for crop, grazing and forestlands to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff. Additionally, funding will provide technical assistance for farmers and landowners to implement those conservation practices.

County leaders share concerns During Legislative Day,

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

From left, Brenda Metz of Henry County prepared for meetings with legislators, and VFBF Young Farmers Committee chair Lindy Tucker Fimon met with Del. Paul Krizek, D-Alexandria, during the organization's Legislative Day.

representatives of Chesapeake and Nansemond Farm Bureaus met with Del. Clinton Jenkins, D-Suffolk, to advocate for legislation involving additional analysis of solar facilities, funding for agricultural BMPs and crop protectant availability. “We grow food and fiber—that’s what feeds this country,” said David Bosselman, a Suffolk grain and peanut farmer. “There are so many people who depend on what we do as farmers, so we’re just looking for your support in backing us up a little bit,” Bosselman shared with Jenkins. “If you ever need to know something more about bills pertaining to agriculture, please give us a call.” Jenkins was receptive to his constituents’ concerns, and shared stories about growing up and spending summers in the fields of his grandparents’ tobacco farm. He noted bills involving agriculture—legislation that would provide full funding for BMPs, support for producers to properly protect their crops and other pressing issues— should be considered with farmers’ best interests in mind. “Farmers need all the support they can get,” Jenkins told the delegation. “Folks just don’t realize how important

your trade is for providing a good livelihood and a good source of food for people. I will not support legislation that is going to make it harder for farmers.” A group of Southwest Virginia farmers met jointly with Sen. Travis Hackworth, R-Richlands; Sen. Todd Pillion, R-Abingdon; Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Gate City; and Del. Israel O’Quinn, R-Bristol; to discuss other important issues outlined by VFBF. These issues included the increased need for dairy assistance, the establishment of a strategic plan to increase meat processing in Virginia, the usage of Farm Use placards and wildlife damage management.

Visits target urban legislators

Some Farm Bureau members visited with urban legislators. In 2021, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC hosted four separate roundtable events in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia to establish better working relationships with lawmakers from urban localities. VFBF Young Farmers Committee chair and Lunenburg County beef cattle and hay producer Lindy Tucker Fimon met with Del. Paul Krizek, D-Alexandria, to discuss crop protectants and BMP funding. “It’s incredibly important for us as farmers to continue to talk about the issues that directly impact our work,” Fimon said. “Whether those conversations are with our local delegates or those who represent a city in a different area of the state, these conversations matter and make a difference. “That’s what makes Legislative Day such a great event. You get the chance to build those relationships.”

‘People, purpose, possibilities’ Virginia farmers set agricultural policy, attend workshops and earn accolades at national convention ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY NICOLE ZEMA

armers representing Virginia Farm Bureau Federation were among 5,000 agriculturalists and industry advocates at American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual convention Jan. 7-12 in Atlanta. VFBF earned a State Award of Excellence for outstanding achievement in four program areas in 2021. AFBF President Zippy Duvall opened the convention by discussing the organization’s successes in 2021 and priorities for 2022. “Through even the greatest challenges, we never waver in growing the safest, most sustainable food, fuel and fiber in the world,” he said. “And Farm Bureau remains true to our purpose—to be that one, united voice of agriculture. I believe with all my heart that there is reason to be optimistic.” National leaders also addressed the group, including President Joe Biden in a video message, and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. Biden expressed his appreciation for farmers and highlighted the administration’s priorities related to the Packers and Stockyards Act, infrastructure improvements and promoting fair competition in agricultural markets. Vilsack discussed broadband deployment, trade negotiations, investments in livestock processing capabilities and the prospect of climate-smart commodities.

Delegates help set national Farm Bureau policy

VFBF delegates were among 345 farmer representatives who deliberated

Members of the VFBF Women's Leadership Committee, chaired by Faye Hundley, far left, represented Virginia Farm Bureau's female leaders during the AFBF convention.

and approved policies that set AFBF’s 2022 legislative agenda. They voted on policies related to key topics, from milk pricing and beef market transparency to urban agriculture. They also discussed issues related to labor and broadband expansion, and voted to update policy on biofuels, including renewable diesel. The delegation included VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor; Vice President Scott Sink; Caroline County Farm Bureau President Lynwood Broaddus; Lunenburg County Farm Bureau Vice President William Coffee; Floyd County Farm Bureau President Grey Lineberry; Chesapeake Farm Bureau President Byron Stonecypher; Louisa County Farm Bureau President C.T. Thiemann; and Franklin County Farm Bureau President Tanya Young. Coffee, a grain farmer, has served as a delegate at several AFBF conventions. “I enjoyed the trade show and workshops, and meeting people from

all over the country,” he said. “And the policy discussion in the voting session was really interesting.”

Young Farmers compete and place

Virginia young farmers competed for AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers awards. Roger and Amanda Scott of Madison County placed third in the Achievement Award competition. Northampton County farmer Kyle Sturgis was a Top 10 finalist for the Excellence in Agriculture Award, and Jonathan Grimes, a Wythe County farmer, participated in the national Discussion Meet competition. The Achievement Award honors young farmers who are successful in production agriculture and provide leadership on and off the farm. The Scotts are first-generation farmers who operate two turkey houses, a poultry litter hauling and spreading business, a beef cow-calf operation and a custom hay business. Amanda Scott is a livestock veterinarian serving farmers vafb.com / APRIL 2022

in the region. The Scotts said they are humbled to earn a top spot in the competition. “This was an opportunity to share our story with the world,” Roger said. And the pool of competitors was impressive, Amanda added.

Women’s Leadership Program members participate

Eight Virginia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee delegates participated in workshops, regional caucus events and special presentations. Duvall spoke at the women’s general session. “He emphasized we should never underestimate the power of our influence and voice in agriculture,” noted VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Faye Hundley of Essex County. “He encouraged women delegates to continue to be strong and engaged to reach our maximum potential.” Delegates were Eastern District 12

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

leader Becky Broaddus of Caroline County; Lunenburg County Farm Bureau member Kathy Coffee; Southeast District leader Susan Harrell of Greensville County; Henry County Farm Bureau member Lillian Holland; Central District leader Sarah Large of Buckingham County; Floyd County Farm Bureau member Lori Lineberry, and Chesapeake Farm Bureau member Roxanne Stonecypher.

Workshops educate and inform Farmers participated in workshops covering topics that included rural mental health, turbulent livestock markets and an outlook for the farm economy in 2022. “Mobilizing the Conversation Around Mental Health” workshop panelists discussed what various state Farm Bureaus are doing to actively promote, support and advance the conversation around mental health in farming communities. Hundley said the information shared by panelists empowered workshop

participants to speak up when they recognize signs of farmer distress. “They talked about how we should pay attention, and be open to conversations with those who may be stressed, or going through something,” she said. Dr. Stephen Koontz, a Cooperative Extension livestock marketing economist and professor at Colorado State University, discussed livestock market expectations for 2022 and beyond. He said it may take two more years for steer processing to recover from its pandemic-related dip. “Demand for protein is outstanding,” he reported. “The issues at the farm level are entirely related to capacities on the supply chain system.” AFBF’s economics team said during the “Top 15 Market Outlook Issues” workshop that top issues facing the ag economy include inflation, uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic and labor market stresses. Next year’s convention will be held Jan. 6-11 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Clockwise from far left corner: Amanda and Roger Scott of Madison County were thrilled with their third-place win in the Achievement Award competition; VFBF delegates helped shape policy; speakers like fighter pilot Jim Murphy helped motivate participants gathered in Atlanta; they heard from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and participated in workshops throughout the convention. vafb.com / APRIL 2022

Young Farmers reboot at — 2022 WINTER EXPO —

BY NICOLE ZEMA

ven farmers whose work sustains humankind need to reboot sometimes. About 120 young farmers met at the water’s edge for the 2022 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Winter Expo. Themed “Reboot on the Beach,” it was held Feb. 18-20 at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The expo kicked off with a “Farm Financials and Business Growth” session with Dr. Alex White of Virginia Tech. His interactive presentation covered personal and operational finances, farm transition planning, goal and budget setting, tax issues, credit and investments. VFBF Young Farmers, FFA state officers, college students and Farm 14

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Bureau staff watched the crashing waves during a sunset networking reception, followed by a seafood dinner. Young farmers contest participants were recognized, and Young Farmers Excellence in Agriculture Award 2021 winner Kyle Sturgis and 2020 winner Jonathan Grimes shared their competition presentations. Past her due date for child No. 2, Young Farmers Committee Chair Lindy Tucker Fimon welcomed attendees via video message. “One of the greatest takeaways from Young Farmers events is the networking,” she said. “It’s a chance to spend time with people doing similar, or very different, things across the state, who understand the challenges you’re facing as a young

agriculturalist.” At the opening breakfast, Virginia's Young Farmers Podcast hosts Sturgis and Austin McNett recorded a brief episode. Featured on the podcast were VFBF Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom fundraising specialist Matt Nuckols and 9-year-old Charlotte Allen, whose family raises beef cattle, laying hens and rabbits in Chesterfield County. Sturgis welcomed guest of honor Del. Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, thanking him for supporting Farm Bureau’s policy positions, and for helping organize last summer’s roundtable discussions with urban legislators and candidates. Scott discussed the tremendous economic impact of Virginia agriculture, and he challenged young

Young Farmers visited Coastal Cattle in Virginia Beach, where farm operator Billy Vaughan described the family’s farm activities and retail business.

farmers to step out of their social circles to work toward a more inclusive and diverse industry. “It’s good to see young folks in the room who are committed to this future,” he said. “Continue to stay engaged, and promote your family farms. It’s the work you’re doing every day that sustains us.” Interactive topic conversations were presented in a series of morning workshops that sparked productive dialogue. Conversations covered subjects like Farm Bureau policy development, preparing for Young Farmers competitions, keeping children safe on the farm and career development. Committee member Richard Preisser found the career pathways workshop exceptionally helpful for the younger

participants, and said White’s farm finance talk presented information crucial to operations of all sizes. “I don’t think you could ever dive deep enough into personal or ag-based finances,” he said. “I think we could offer that every year.” After the roundtable discussions, young farmers embarked on two tours. One group visited the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and observed the new Chesapeake Bay Tunnel project. Another group visited a granary and two local farms in Virginia Beach. At a barbecue dinner prepared by Louisa County FFA alumni, VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor welcomed the crowd, and federation leaders introduced staff and described services available to members.

Clockwise from top left: Salmons Farms’ large granary and dredging operation was the first stop on the Virginia Beach tour; Del. Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, was a keynote speaker; Young Farmers participated in workshop discussion and selected raffle prizes; 3-year-old Arlie McNett, son of young farmers Austin and Nikita McNett, was among the youngest attendees; and first-place Young Farmers Olympics winners included, from left, Breyon Pierce of Surry County, John Allen of Chesterfield County, VFBF commodity specialist Elijah Griles, and Jakob Seely of Fauquier County.

Prior to the meal, attendees took part in Young Farmers Olympics. Teams raced against the clock to fill a bag with dry corn, “milk” two cups of water from a wooden cow, transfer a stack of hay bales to a pallet, roll tractor tires through a winding course and change a trailer tire. Winners took home Young Farmers swag and medals. The Young Farmers Summer Expo will be July 29-31 in Wytheville. vafb.com / APRIL 2022

armers confess they don’t often take extended vacations, but when the occasional getaway is planned, they count on farm sitters to mind their business. Some rely on professional farm sitters, while others call on friends and neighbors to care for livestock and secure farm property—whether for a sudden event, a family vacation or simply an afternoon retreat.

MIND the FARM Farm sitters step up when producers are away.

‘You never truly leave’ Neighboring farmers farm sit for each other BY NICOLE ZEMA

NICOLE ZEMA

The Thiemann family last took a real vacation in 2019. The 10-day cruise to the Caribbean was a chance to unplug. “But the farm is always on the back of your mind,” said Louisa County beef cattle and small grains farmer C.T. Thiemann. “You never truly leave.” Even a qualified farm

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

C.T. Thiemann, right, shares tips on cattle care with Casey Hoback, who watches Thiemann's Louisa County farm when he's away or if there's an emergency.

Farm sitting 101 Hoback raises turkeys in poultry houses just a few miles down the road. Though their operations differ, the neighbors rely on each other to check on things. “When somebody knows the ins and outs of how animals act and farms operate, it gives you a little peace of mind when you’re not here,” Hoback said. But there is a learning curve. Thiemann said he’s

constantly asking questions about Hoback’s operation. “I’ve had to learn a lot,” he said. “But Casey comes from a dairy and beef cattle background, so he doesn’t have as many questions for me on my farm.” When farm sitting for Thiemann, Hoback said he counts the cows and checks for signs of distress—droopy ears, a dry nose, lifeless tail, limping or calving. And he surveys the property. “Friendly night drivers may wander off the road and take out a fence,” Hoback said. “You hope the animals don’t find the hole before you do.”

Remote observation Remote technology allows Hoback to observe and make environmental adjustments to his poultry houses during vacation, or while busy with other farm tasks. “If I get a break on a trip, I’ll pull it up on my phone to see what’s going on,” he said. “I’ll tell C.T., ‘Hey, the feeder is running empty, you might want to get down there.’ There are some mechanical things I can’t do remotely.” When Hoback’s phone dings because a poultry house door opens or an unfamiliar vehicle enters the property, Thiemann can go investigate. It’s one thing to have a house sitter come let the dogs out, Hoback said. “But when it’s complex machinery and animals, and your livelihood, you need someone you trust.”

Farm sitter on the spot Sometimes a sitter is

ALICE KEMP

sitter won’t know every nuance of the land or livestock, he added. “No matter how prepared you think you are, something will pop into your mind that you can’t control because you’re not there. Most of the time it’s just easier to stay home.” His wife Angela joked that if a getaway is planned, she doesn’t mention it until the last minute. The family of four takes mini vacations to her folks’ nearby lake house, or snow tubing at Massanutten. “I wouldn’t trade this life for the world,” she said. “I learn so much from him, and farming teaches our children the ethics of hard work to achieve what you want. But I do miss taking regular vacations!” While farm operators may call on independent contractors to farm sit during vacation, a trusting relationship with neighboring farmer Casey Hoback offers some backup when leaving the farm—whether for an extended getaway or for an emergency.

Prior to taking a vacation, Razzbourne Farms' Emily Heizer Hall, left, discusses dairy goat care with farm sitter Elizabeth Kohl.

required in an hour of need—not just during vacation. Thiemann recalled days he’s been so involved with a farm task that he can’t break away. “I’ll know my cows need tending to, or a storm’s coming, but I can’t stop baling hay at the moment,” he said. “I need that hour. Catastrophic issues can snowball extremely quickly, so I make that call, and know my farm’s taken care of.” Hoback said getting away for an extended time doesn’t happen often, so he vacations vicariously through pictures his wife and kids send from the beach. “Farming is a rewarding kind of stress,” he said. “And our reward is given to us every day.”

Goat dairy and creamery relies on former dairywoman BY ALICE KEMP

When Emily Heizer Hall of Razzbourne Farms in Rockbridge County went on a week-long family vacation

last fall, it was her first trip away in five years. And like most farmers, Hall couldn’t leave just anytime. She coordinated the vacation around her farm’s schedule—waiting until kidding season was over, milking was down to once a day and cheese production slowed before heading to the beach.

The stakes are high The farm sitter and friend who watched Hall’s dairy and 30 LaMancha goats was Elizabeth Kohl, who once owned a goat dairy. They met in 2020 at Kerrs Creek Community Market, where Hall sells a variety of goat milk skincare products and cheese, including fresh chevre, feta, bloomy rind and semi-hard aged varieties. “We really got to know each other during COVID,” Kohl said. “Then she just said to me one time, ‘Would you be willing to farm sit my animals? Nobody else knows what it takes to run a goat dairy.’” Watching a dairy and creamery involves more vafb.com / APRIL 2022

ALICE KEMP

BY ALICE KEMP

Rockbridge County goat farmer Emily Heizer Hall, right, reviews milking instructions with farm sitter Elizabeth Kohl.

than just milking, and the “stakes are high,” Hall said. There’s ensuring milk makes it into the pasteurizer, understanding proper cleaning and sanitation standards and knowing the equipment. It also includes keeping an eye out for things others might miss, like a small crack in a silicone milk line. “It’s expensive equipment,” Kohl explained. “You want somebody that’s educated in it, or else you could lose everything or get shut down if they’re not following protocol.” There’s also handling the livestock “and all their drama,” Hall said. Before Hall went on vacation, Kohl visited the farm once a week for a month to learn the farm’s process and get to know the animals and their routines—and to ensure the goats would be comfortable around her. “You don’t want your animals stressed out,” Kohl explained. “Stress can cause more white blood cells in the milk and that’s bad. It 18

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

can ruin the quality of your milk.”

Out of sight, out of mind While Hall admitted that “you could stick me on a luxurious island and I would still worry,” she relaxed knowing Kohl was handling things at home. They only talked once while Hall was away, when Kohl asked if she should flip a wine-soaked goat cheese so it could absorb evenly. “We were experimenting, so it was nice to be like, ‘Oh crap, I forgot I had that cheese that needs to be flipped every day. Do you mind doing that?’” Hall said. “Anybody else would have just thrown it away and not bothered with it. Her experience is invaluable to us.” For Kohl’s part, watching the farm was an opportunity to dip her toes back in the dairy goat world. “It’s nice for me to get back into it every once in a while,” Kohl said. “I really do enjoy it.”

While some farmers rely on family or friends to watch their farms, others find farm sitters through word-ofmouth and social media. That’s how Samantha Brown of Muddy Acres Farm in Prince Edward County built a farm-sitting side business and a regular clientele of about eight farms. “I’m already booked for the week of Thanksgiving,” Brown said. “Holidays, early April when it starts getting warm, and the end of summer seem to be the busiest.” Brown became interested in farm sitting when she had trouble finding her own sitter for a Florida vacation. Realizing others were likely in similar situations, she advertised her farm sitting services by networking and posting on local Facebook farming groups to give farmers the break they deserve. “Farmers work so hard all the time,” Brown said. “You can’t just up and take off and do whatever you wanna do … and when it’s so wearisome and you never get a day off, you really do get burned out.” Brown said she enjoys farm sitting, and even makes it a family affair. Her two younger children fill water troughs while she, her husband and oldest daughters check fences, feed livestock, keep snakes away

from chicken coops and even administer medicine. “It’s very rarely just feeding and watering,” she explained. “They’re trusting the whole farm to me.” And having a farm herself, she understands the importance of leaving things in the right hands. “For a lot of people, this is their livelihood,” she explained. “They’re not going to just trust anybody to leave it, even for a day.”

ALICE KEMP

Farmers and sitters connect through word-of-mouth, social media

Muddy Acres Farm's Samantha Brown has help from the whole family as she offers farm sitting services for farmers in need of a break. Her two youngest children, Levi and Laney, handle simple tasks like filling water troughs.

Virginia Farm Bureau leaders tapped for state-level agriculture positions

wo leaders with ties to the state’s largest agricultural advocacy group have been appointed to top-level agriculture positions by Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin. Matthew “Matt” Lohr has been named secretary of agriculture and forestry, and Joseph “Joe” Guthrie LOHR was named commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Both “have been involved with advocating for Virginia agriculture and forestry through their involvement with Virginia Farm Bureau,” said Virginia Farm Bureau Federation President Wayne F. Pryor. “We look forward to continuing our long-time working relationship with them GUTHRIE in these new roles as they strive to advance agricultural interests at the state and national levels.” Lohr has served the past two years as chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, an agency with more than 10,000 employees across 3,000 field offices and an operating budget of over $4.5 billion. He was raised on a Virginia Century Farm in the Shenandoah Valley and is a fifth-generation farmer. Lohr is also a past president of Rockingham County Farm Bureau and was Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers’ first Excellence in Agriculture Award winner in 2002. Lohr previously served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2006-2010 before being appointed VDACS commissioner. Guthrie has served as an elected official for 10 years. He was a member of the Pulaski County School Board from 2011 through 2015 and has served on the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors since 2015. He was elected chair of that board in 2020 and 2021. He is a past president of Pulaski County Farm Bureau and winner of the 2001 VFBF Young Farmers Discussion Meet competition. Guthrie currently serves as a senior instructor at Virginia Tech and has been teaching courses in business management, finance, communications and leadership in the college’s Agricultural Technology Program since 2007. vafb.com / APRIL 2022

On the cutting edge

Virginia farmers employ new technology to improve efficiency and increase yields BY ADAM CULLER

he global population is rapidly increasing, as is the demand for the food, fuel and fiber produced by Virginia farmers. With farmland gradually decreasing across the U.S., farmers are being tasked with improving their outputs despite rising input costs and fluctuating commodity prices. They must be resourceful to break even. Despite mounting challenges, they are finding ways to succeed with the help of modern technology that allows farmers to be more efficient, increase yields and even improve their bottom lines.

Autonomous machinery drives new opportunities for crop growers The concept of precision agriculture is simple—farmers utilize technology that saves time, improves planting 20

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

COURTESY OF JOHN DEERE

New autonomous tractors offer farmers the ability to use a smartphone app to program an unmanned tractor that uses 360-degree cameras and GPS guidance to navigate and plow fields.

efficiency, decreases input costs and promotes sustainability, all while increasing crop yields. Integrating precision technology on their farms is a strategy many Virginia row crop farmers have adopted. The technology has helped produce bountiful crop yields in recent years, with a record-high soybean yield in 2021 being the most recent triumph. Scott Mundie, who grows barley, corn, soybeans and wheat in Essex, Richmond and Westmoreland counties, has been using precision ag technology since 2010. Mundie has precision technology fitted on his combine to aggregate yield data, on his fertilizer spreader and sprayer to reduce overlap on chemical applications, and on the planter to control seed depth and spacing. The technology provides comprehensive data, which helps Mundie with crop management

Remote sensing technology paves way for improved crop management At the Eastern Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Richmond County, superintendent Dr. Joseph Oakes and his team track the progress of up to 20,000 breeding plots annually.

The AREC conducts countless breeding trials on peanuts, soybeans, wheat and other small grains. Plant height, lodging, maturity date, heading date and flowering dates are among the data sets the AREC collects—a daunting task when measured manually. Luckily, remote sensing technology spares Oakes and staff from “getting on their hands and knees” to collect the data. Instead, data is collected from the sky through a drone camera. Drone-based data collection is just one application of remote sensing, which entails farmers monitoring and managing their crops without physically entering the field. This is achievable through technology that collects aerial images from satellites, manned aircraft or drones, or readings gathered through ground sensors placed in fields. The images and sensed information effectively map the fields, which can be used to monitor crop health, as well as weather and soil patterns. “What we can get is a quick view of the entire field,” Oakes explained. “If I’m going out and [collecting data] myself, I might miss a great spot or count a bad spot. With the data from the remote sensors, we can get the data for the entire field and standardize some of that data collection.” Remote sensors also can identify crop damage and disease, pest and weed infestations, and water and nutrient deficiencies, and predict crop yields. Though the technology itself isn’t new, technological advancements, cost effectiveness and availability of peripheral equipment needed for remote sensing have contributed to making the technology more accessible. And, with the help of the research being conducted at the 11 ARECs in Virginia, data collection techniques are continually being streamlined, giving farmers tools to improve productivity. “The goal for our crop management studies is to transfer the knowledge to growers,” Oakes said. “That way they can use it to improve their bottom lines.”

COURTESY OF VIRGINIA TECH

decisions that increase efficiency and productivity. He noted the speed at which advancements are being made can be dizzying, but with each passing year, the technology gets a little more accessible and user-friendly. “Farming is always changing, and we have never accepted the ideology that you farm a certain way because we’ve always done it that way,” Mundie said. “We’re embracing the fact that the use of this technology is the future.” While precision ag technology that helps farmers plant and harvest is part of modern farming, autonomous—or self-driving—machinery also is moving to the forefront. In January, John Deere introduced the autonomous 8R tractor, an unmanned machine that uses 360º cameras and GPS guidance to navigate and plow fields. It is controlled with a smartphone app, so farmers simply drive the tractor to the field and configure it before turning it loose. Marcus McDonald, an integrated solutions manager for James River Equipment in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, noted the tractor currently is limited to autonomous tillage. However, McDonald said, that’s just the start of what’s to come. “The machines can do a better job than we can ever do, because the grower fatigue and sitting in a machine 20 hours a day can wear on you,” he said. “[Autonomous equipment] would give the opportunity for the farmer to use a little less manpower. And if it can free up the operator to actually follow behind the planter to look at seed depth and those factors, that’s where the advantage is. “It’s the small things that improve yields.”

Remote sensing drones enable researchers at the Eastern Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Richmond County to track the progress of 20,000 plant breeding plots each year.

vafb.com / APRIL 2022

Invisible hazards Be mindful of toxic gas exposure when working around manure pits BY NICOLE ZEMA

and barley. Reservoirs hold the manure produced by 200-plus cows until the ground is thawed and ready to absorb nutrients, which improves soil he expected smells the were fertility and minimizes runoff. subdued at Home Place While Dairy’s largest manure pit manure pits are essential to on a frigid Februarymany day. farm operations, some gases released in the agitation process can The fenced, concrete-lined be toxic, incapacitating and sometimes open pit—16 feet deep with a 134-foot deadly. diameter nestled in a hollow—had a Four semi-frozen layer of crust atop 12 feetfamily members and a farm employee of liquid manure that will be pumped inin Rockingham County were killed by methane gas poisoning during the spring. enclosed manure pit maintenance in A couple times each year, fourth2007. A similar incident happened in generation dairy farmer Conrad Ohio last summer, killing three. Goering is tasked with emptying the Rockingham County farm’s three pits. The manure is spread on farm fields used to grow hay, rye, triticale, corn

NICOLE ZEMA

Dairy farmer Conrad Goering is tasked with emptying the Rockingham County farm's three manure pits. Pits store the cow manure until it can be spread on farm fields where hay, rye, corn and barley are grown. A fence around the pit keeps workers from getting too close to potentially noxious gases.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

These losses resonate in the dairy community, and it shouldn’t take another tragedy to be reminded to always practice manure pit safety, said Jeremy Daubert, Virginia Cooperative Extension dairy agent in Rockingham County. Hydrogen sulfide is a heavy gas that stays at the bottom of the pit, he explained. “But when it’s agitated and stirred up a little bit, you’ve got to be more careful.” Daubert recalled how, while working at a dairy years ago, he saw a child pass out while riding a bike near a manure pit when heavy gases settled low to the ground.

That invisible hazard is kept in mind at Home Place Dairy too, Goering said. “Whenever we stir up the pit, we try not to hang out in the hollow down there, because the gas will find the lowest spot,” he said. “In the old days, you’d have to get out and stand on the wall and run the controls.” Now, the farm is equipped with a manure spreader that agitates and pumps the fertilizer by remote control from a tractor cab. “I can stay in the tractor and not be near the pit,” Goering said. “That’s how technology is keeping us safer.”

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

How to recognize manure pit gases

• Move the victim to fresh air, away from the area if you can; but do not follow an incapacitated person into a pit. • Call 911, and tell the operator you have a manure pit emergency. • Is the victim breathing? Do they have circulation? If not, start hands-only CPR.

AMMONIA • The smell is sharp and pungent. • NH3 is heavier than oxygen and stays low to the ground. • Long-term exposure can cause eye ulcerations and severe respiratory aggravation.

Safety measures

COURTESY OF MARYLAND & VIRGINIA MILK PRODUCERS COOPERATIVE

SUGGESTED SAFETY PROTOCOLS • Use gas monitors, which are generally inexpensive and can give reliable readings on most hazardous farm gases. • Install a harness system that includes an approved fall arrest system, a rescue rope and pulley. • Utilize a supplied air respirator system that allows for 15-30 minutes of clean air. • Use a fan for ventilation. • Notify others when beginning manure pit maintenance.

SAFETY RESOURCE Home Place Dairy is a member of the Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association Inc., which offers farm safety evaluation and preparation resources through the National Dairy FARM Program—Farmers Assuring Responsible Management at nationaldairyfarm.com. Visit bit.ly/3sJyfit to see a manure pit safety video produced by the co-op.

CARBON DIOXIDE • CO2 is odorless and heavier than air. • The gas can replace oxygen in the blood. Moderate concentrations of CO2 can lead to shortness of breath and dizziness. HYDROGEN SULFIDE • It smells like rotten eggs and is more likely to occur when gypsum is used in animal bedding. • H2S is heavier than oxygen, and can resurface during agitation. • Those low to the ground are more susceptible to poisoning. • Certain levels of H2S can cause instant incapacitation, and death within minutes, especially in enclosed pits lacking ventilation. METHANE • CH4 is odorless and lighter than air. • Poorly ventilated pits can cause headaches and asphyxiation. • The explosive potential of CH4 is dangerous to nearby people and livestock.

vafb.com / APRIL 2022

Virtual seminars return to educate members about Medicare options

ollowing two years of growing popularity among members, virtual Medicare 101 seminars offered through Virginia Farm Bureau are here to stay. “These seminars allow our staff to unpack how Medicare works and explain the differences between traditional Medicare, Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans,” said Tracy Cornatzer, sales manager for VFB Health Insurance division. “The seminars are educational and provide an excellent opportunity for those who attend to gather information that will help when looking for a plan that will fit their needs.” Perhaps best of all, members can attend virtual seminars from the

comfort of their own homes, and sessions can easily be accessed on a computer, smartphone or tablet. The seminars typically last an hour, and a VFB Health Insurance representative will explain the plans. The presentations describe how Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and other related plans work. Eligibility, enrollment periods and plan timelines also will be covered. For the third year of virtual seminars, sessions now include a third time slot: • Morning sessions will be held at 10 a.m. on May 3, June 7, July 7, Aug. 9 and Sept. 22. • Afternoon seminars will be held at 2 p.m. on April 19, May 24, June 16,

July 19, Aug. 18, Aug. 30 and Sept. 29 •E vening sessions will be held at 6 p.m. on April 7, May 10, June 28, July 28 and Sept. 8. To register, visit vafb.com/health/ medicare-seminars. Alternatively, you may RSVP by emailing your name, email address, and the date of the seminar you’d like to attend to MedicareSeminar@vafb.com, or contact your local Farm Bureau office. If you cannot attend a seminar and have questions about Medicare or need assistance signing up for a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement or Part D plan, call 800-229-7779. You also can request a personalized quote at vafb.com/health.

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AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM

THOMAS

Richmond educator named AITC Teacher of the Year

iriam Thomas, a fifth-grade teacher at Barack Obama Elementary School in the city of Richmond, has been named the Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom

2022 Teacher of the Year. The award recognizes a Virginia educator for incorporating agriculture into their core curriculum. Thomas is a language arts and history teacher who grew up visiting her grandmother’s farm. Her own experiences with agriculture, along with the school’s inner city setting and knowledge that many of her students have little exposure to farming, led her to teach about the sources of their food and to explore how agriculture touches their lives. One of her projects was a literature study with the novel A Taste of Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan. The novel mentions a variety of fruits and vegetables, which Thomas brought to class. She discussed how they’re

AITC Ambassador Program connects children with local agriculture BY ALICE KEMP

re you interested in helping children in your community learn about farming and the sources of their food? If so, the Agriculture in the Classroom’s Ambassador Program may be right for you. AITC launched its ambassador program last fall. Its goal is to create a network of local ATIC representatives to create fun agricultural learning experiences for children and help them make connections with how agriculture touches their everyday lives. “Our goal with this piece of our program is to have volunteers represent AITC in their communities,” said Tammy Maxey, AITC programs director. “We would love to have at least one ambassador in each county or city in Virginia.” AITC ambassadors typically include Farm Bureau volunteers, 4-H agents and assistants, FFA advisers, teachers and others. Virtual ambassador meetings and trainings are held each quarter to collaborate, discuss ideas and receive new information on seasonal activities and events that can be shared with youth at community events. After each meeting, AITC gives ambassadors toolkits with items needed to complete various activities. “Through the support of our funders, AITC equips our ambassadors with items needed to share activities and facts about agriculture with children in their own communities.” Maxey explained. “AITC ambassadors have flexibility to execute the activities in ways that work best for them, their communities and the resources they have available.” Past AITC ambassador activities included a fall ‘Thank a Farmer’ art contest, a pumpkin pudding pie recipe exercise, activities themed around Agricultural Literacy Week and projects connected with the Discover Dairy curriculum. To learn more about the AITC Ambassador Program, email aitc@vafb.com or call 804-290-1143.

cultivated and which ones are grown in Virginia, and she described the farms that produce them. Students also learned how to cook and prepare the foods and took home recipe books for their parents and caregivers. “Miriam strives to instill in her students a love and respect for agriculture and the environment,” said Tammy Maxey, Virginia AITC programs director. “A previous AITC grant winner in 2021, she has dedicated herself to providing meaningful handson learning and presents her students with opportunities to practice and develop lifetime skills.” As Virginia AITC Teacher of the Year, Thomas will receive a scholarship to the 2022 National AITC Conference in June and a $500 cash award.

AITC spring projects start in April

he ever-popular chef showdown challenge has returned. Partnering with the Virginia Egg Council, Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom is hosting the Eggscellent Young Chef Recipe Contest this April, during which Virginia students are invited to show off their culinary skills using their favorite egg recipes. Contestants will cook their culinary creations and submit a photo of the recipe with them eating it. Winning photos and recipes will be showcased on the Virginia AITC Facebook page. May is National Beef Month and AITC is partnering with the Virginia Beef Industry Council to bring students a virtual beef farm tour. Sixthgeneration beef cattle farmer Morgan Messer will give students an inside look at what it’s like to run a beef cattle farm and explain why these animals are so important to us and our food system. The event will take place via Zoom during the school day, and advance registration is required. To learn more about these programs, visit the AITC website at virginia. agclassroom.org or the Virginia AITC Facebook page. vafb.com / APRIL 2022

Discover the added benefits of Medicare Advantage BY ADAM CULLER

hether you’re newly eligible for Medicare or are thinking about switching plans for the first time in a few years, there’s plenty to consider when shopping for coverage. If you’re looking for a plan that combines healthcare coverage with a few added benefits, Medicare Advantage plans are worth considering. Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are offered and managed by private health insurance carriers and are approved by Medicare. These plans include Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B benefits, and most include Medicare Part D prescription coverage. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Medicare Advantage enrollment has grown from 6.9 million

participants in 1999 to over 26 million in 2021. KFF estimates nearly 30% of all Medicare beneficiaries in Virginia now are enrolled in the plans. The surge in enrollment and popularity is partially attributed to the wider availability and variety of Medicare Advantage plans in the marketplace. The growing number of additional benefits offered by each plan also are factors. These benefits may include dental, hearing and vision coverage, fitness allowances and reimbursements for assistive devices and over-the-counter drug purchases, none of which are covered by original Medicare. A study commissioned by the Better Medicare Alliance in 2021 revealed the number of additional benefits offered by Medicare Advantage plans increased

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in 36 of 41 categories over the previous year. The study also indicated meal benefits were included in 57% of all Medicare Advantage plans, and 46% now provide transportation services to and from doctors’ visits. Additionally, BMA found the number of plans offering at least one of five services—caregiver support, day-health services, in-home support services, home-based palliative care and therapeutic massages—increased by 43% from 2021 to 2022. With benefits growing in number each year and some plans offering premiums starting at $0, there’s never been a more opportune time to consider making the switch. For more information, contact your local Farm Bureau office or call 800-229-7779. To learn about free Medicare educational seminars offered by Virginia Farm Bureau’s Health Insurance division, see page 24.

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1/19/22 10:31 AM

Don’t let flood damage wash away your savings BY ADAM CULLER

single inch of standing water can cause as much as $25,000 in damage to your home, and repair costs will continue to rise if any additional floodwaters enter the structure. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, the average claim payout for residential flood damage in 2019 was $52,000, a figure few homeowners can afford to pay themselves. To protect yourself from a substantial financial loss, the best solution is to purchase flood insurance. While most homeowners policies exclude flood coverage, purchasing a flood policy will cover direct damage and personal property losses caused by flooding. NFIP defines a flood as a temporary “partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land areas, or of two or more properties.” A policyholder’s property must at least be one of the two to submit a claim. Floods also are designated as the overflow of inland or tidal waters; unusual and rapid accumulation of any surface water source; mudflow; or the collapse or sinking of land along lake shores or similar bodies of water.

Two types of flood coverage Flood coverage is offered in two options—building coverage or contents coverage. Items protected under building coverage include electrical and plumbing systems; furnaces and water heaters; large kitchen appliances; carpeting; cabinetry; foundation walls, anchorage systems and staircases; and fuel tanks, solar energy equipment, water tanks and wells. Contents coverage typically will provide protection for personal

Standing water can substantially damage homes, so purchasing flood insurance is recommended for covering direct damage and personal property losses.

belongings including: clothing; furniture and electronics; washers and dryers; microwaves; and other items up to $2,500 in value. The First Street Foundation, a nonprofit that researches flood risk in America, estimates 9.1% of properties in Virginia are at a substantial risk of flooding. That number increases to 15% when including properties that have flood risks of any severity. Lisa Whitus, personal and commercial lines underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., explained homeowners residing in highrisk areas often are required by lenders to have flood insurance. However, many homeowners who live in areas that don’t require flood insurance forgo coverage, and are left to foot the bill when disaster strikes. With Virginia experiencing more rain than ever recently—2018 was the wettest year on record, and 2020 was the third-wettest—now’s a good time to reconsider.

“We live in one of the wetter states when you consider our annual rainfall and natural landscape, which includes many rivers, streams, lakes, swamps, marshes and other wetlands that have the tendency to flood,” Whitus said. “And when you consider the added risk of hurricanes each year, having flood coverage should absolutely be a priority for homeowners in Virginia. “Your standard homeowners policy won’t cover damage caused by groundwater entering your home, and statistics are widely available to show how quickly flood damage can add up.” NFIP data indicates the average cost for flood insurance is $985, a fraction of the potential cost of a flood-related loss. When purchasing coverage, there typically is a 30-day waiting period between the purchase date and the date the policy goes into effect. To learn more about flood risks and how to purchase flood insurance, visit floodsmart.gov, or contact your local Farm Bureau agent. vafb.com / APRIL 2022

Heart of the Home

FERMENTED FOODS: The good bacteria Fermentation preserves foods and provides probiotics

carefully be followed to ensure bad bacteria doesn’t enter the process. To learn more about how to ferment at home, visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation at bit.ly/3rkcBST. Here are some delicious recipes that incorporate fermented foods.

NATIONAL CATTLEMEN'S BEEF ASSOCIATION

Korean-Style Beef Bowl with Kimchi

Kimchi, or fermented cabbage, adds a healthy spice kick to a beef bowl.

t might make some squeamish to think about microorganisms and bacteria in their food, but when it comes to fermented fare, bacteria is good. Fermentation has been used throughout history as a way to preserve food. It occurs when a food’s natural sugars and starches are broken down by microorganisms—like bacteria and yeast—into an alcohol or an acid, which acts as a natural preservative. And there’s a key benefit to the process—probiotics. Fermented foods contain a wealth of healthy bacteria called probiotics. These aid in digestion by helping the 28

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

digestive system keep the balance of its beneficial microbiome—the combination of bacteria, yeast and other organisms that help maintain overall health. In addition, incorporating fermented foods into diets has shown to help better absorb nutrients and boost immune systems. All kinds of fruits and vegetables can be fermented. Some of the most popular fermented foods include kimchi, kombucha, miso, sauerkraut, tempeh and yogurt. Fermenting isn’t a complicated process, but food-safe equipment is needed, and specific steps should

INGREDIENTS 2 boneless strip steaks, 1" thick (about 8 ounces each) ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce 2 tablespoons Asian sesame oil 2 cups cooked brown rice 4 cups assorted vegetables, such as shredded or thinly sliced red or green cabbage, shredded carrots, broccoli florets, sliced cucumber, all cut into bite-size pieces ⅔ cup coarsely chopped kimchi (a staple of Korean cuisine, made with fermented cabbage and spicy seasonings) ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds DIRECTIONS Using a grill, place steaks on the grate over medium, ash-covered coals. Cover and grill steaks, turning occasionally, for 11-14 minutes for medium rare (145°) to medium (160°) doneness. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the soy sauce and sesame oil, and set aside.

Divide the rice evenly among four bowls. Top the rice with vegetables and kimchi.

AMERICAN DAIRY ASSOCIATION

Once the steaks are done, carve them into thin strips, and divide evenly among the bowls. Drizzle with dressing, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. — Recipe adapted from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Apple Sweet and Sour Brats INGREDIENTS 32 ounces sauerkraut, rinsed and welldrained 1 cup applesauce ½ cup apple juice 1 tablespoon butter 1 onion, sliced 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 large apple, cored and cubed 1 teaspoon cinnamon salt and black pepper to taste 12 bratwursts DIRECTIONS In a large saucepan, simmer sauerkraut with applesauce and apple juice for 20 minutes. In a large, deep skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add onions and sauté, stirring frequently, until very soft, about 10 minutes. Add brown sugar, and cook for 5 more minutes until the onions are caramelized. Add the apple pieces, and sauté for 5 more minutes until the apples are just tender. Add to the sauerkraut along with cinnamon, salt

Hummus made with fermented yogurt gives a tang to this healthy spread.

and pepper. Keep warm until ready to serve. Prepare a medium-hot fire in a grill. Grill bratwurst directly over the fire, turning, until evenly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°. Remove bratwurst from the grill, and serve with the sauerkraut. —Recipe adapted from the National Pork Board

Roasted Red Pepper Greek Yogurt Hummus INGREDIENTS 16-ounce can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed ¼ cup plain, whole milk Greek yogurt 6 ounces fire-roasted red peppers 1 lemon, juiced 3 tablespoons tahini

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil salt (optional) For garnish: fresh parsley Kalamata olives roasted red peppers, chopped sprinkle of paprika olive oil DIRECTIONS Place all ingredients but the olive oil into a food processor. Blend for 30 seconds. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and continue to blend until you reach the consistency you want. Test, adjust seasoning, and add salt if you desire. Serve the hummus in a bowl, and garnish it with parsley, olives, peppers and olive oil. Serve with pita bread wedges or vegetables. — Recipe adapted from the American Dairy Association, Mideast

2 or 3 garlic cloves vafb.com / APRIL 2022

Revamped Virginia Farm Link is a ‘one-stop shop’ for farmland transition, expansion and resources BY NICOLE ZEMA

t’s a match! The online Virginia Farm Link has been updated to better connect beginning and expanding farmers with retiring farmland owners who want to keep their land in agricultural production. Stefanie Taillon, senior assistant director of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation governmental relations, said the program started at Farm Bureau in the early 2000s as an Excel spreadsheet of available agricultural lands. Now the program is housed in the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Farmland Preservation. The purpose of the partnership program is to keep Virginia’s prime agricultural working lands in production, and assist farmers who are in search of farm transition and succession planning resources. “The Virginia Farm Link program is a

resource designed to help folks looking to transition their land, who perhaps don’t have a son or daughter to pass the land on to,” Taillon explained. “We hope it’ll be a one-stop shop for all your farm transition needs.” Profiles are created through the Virginia Farm Link database for landowners facing retirement, and farm seekers in search of land, equipment and experience. Farmers seeking land are matched with farmland owners in the database, according to needs outlined in their profiles. The program also provides assistance with preparing business transition plans and facilitation of transfers; information on innovative farming methods and techniques; and research assistance for agricultural, financial and marketing needs. “Access to land and capital are

the top barriers to farming,” Taillon explained. “We want to make it easy and fair for everyone, so providing these opportunities is a goal for Farm Link.” Jennifer Perkins, coordinator of the VDACS Office of Farmland Preservation, can help users navigate the site and build profiles. “If you do not have a need to post land or look for farming opportunities, the Farm Link site also offers farm transition guidance and can help you get started with succession planning and having those conversations with your family,” Perkins said. “It’s never too early to begin.” The program is free for participants. Costs are covered in part by funding from the Virginia agriculture license plate program. For more information, visit virginiafarmlink.org or @VAFarmLink on social media.

Focus on the road ahead

Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a timely reminder that inattentiveness while operating a vehicle can have perilous consequences. BY ADAM CULLER

very time drivers get behind the wheel of a moving vehicle, they have an obligation to make responsible choices to ensure the safety of those around them. Still, many motorists fall short of this responsibility by choosing to drive distracted, a dangerous action that can come at a price. “The choices you make—whether you’re on a cellphone or maybe you’re just inattentive adjusting your GPS system and all of those things—can lead to deadly consequences,” said John Saunders, director of highway safety for the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. “Not only on your part of losing your own life, but maybe causing the lives of others to be lost as well.” 30

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Citing preliminary Virginia DMV data from 2021, Saunders noted over 20,000 accidents were attributed to distracted driving last year. Of those crashes, 11,627 injuries were reported and 116 resulted in fatalities. In observation of Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April, motorists are being reminded to consider the results of their actions. Drive Smart Virginia—of which Virginia Farm Bureau is a founding member—is joining the cause by promoting its “Buckle Up, Phone Down” campaign. The Drive Smart initiative encourages drivers to limit behavior that can divert their attention away from the road. These actions include handling a cellphone, interacting with

passengers, adjusting audio or climate controls or operating a navigation system. While these brief actions seem harmless, it only takes a split second for an accident to occur. Saunders explained this is especially true on Virginia’s rural roadways, which make up about 75% of all roads in the state. Of the 967 fatalities that occurred on Virginia roadways in 2021, 546 happened on rural roads. The leading cause of these crashes was road departure—accidents in which drivers depart lanes unintentionally, and their vehicles are involved in side collisions, veer off the road or cross centerlines into oncoming traffic.

KATHY DIXON

State Fair competitions offer a wide array of categories in which Virginians of all ages can enter.

State Fair competitions offer blue-ribbon bragging rights BY KATHY DIXON

raci Garland sometimes works “I’m a State Fair blue-ribbon winner” into conversations. “It’s pretty awesome” to say those words, admits Garland, who used to visit the State Fair of Virginia and admire the winning competition entries but never thought she could participate since she lives in Richmond. “One year, it dawned on me that I could,” shared Garland, who has won 10 ribbons since first competing in 2016. At the time, her daughter was 4 years old and enjoyed helping in their backyard garden and the kitchen. “I thought it might be fun to try canning with her.” The duo made a green tomato and apple chutney that Garland entered in the open preserved foods category. She won a blue ribbon for it and has been “hooked ever since.” When Garland’s daughter was older, she entered the

State Fair youth baking competition and won a red ribbon for her carrot cake. State Fair arts and crafts, culinary and horticulture competitions are for anyone—artists, bakers, crafters, gardeners, plant experts, row crop farmers and more. There are categories for both adults and youth. “The experience is so rewarding,” Garland said. “It’s amazing to go from picking the fruit with my family, to thinking up fun jam flavors, to entering in the competitions, and sometimes even winning.” Each year, hundreds of Virginians enter the arts and crafts and horticulture competitions, and their entries are displayed during the fair. Adult entry fees are $1, and some categories come with small cash prizes in addition to bragging-right ribbons. Competition guides will be posted on the fair’s website, StateFairVa.org, late spring. Entry deadlines and descriptions of the

categories are included in those guides.

No pre-requirements for entries “Some people think you have to win at a county fair before you can compete at the state fair, but that’s a misnomer,” said Sarah Jane Thomsen, the fair’s manager of agriculture education and strategic programming partnerships. “Anyone can enter the arts and crafts, culinary and horticulture competitions if they meet the criteria.” And participants in the competitions contribute to the fair’s mission of educating the public about agriculture and making connections between where their food is grown.

Horticulture entries help connect Fair visitors who see shiny apples, giant tobacco leaves, hardy gourds, lush plants and colorful flowers in the horticulture tent are bound to learn more about Virginia

agriculture, Thomsen said. “A lot of people aren’t exposed to crops and plants like those displayed in the horticulture tent,” shared Lynwood Broaddus, a Caroline County farmer and frequent horticulture competitor. “But people are really interested in where their food comes from.” On Broaddus’ Spring Hill Farms, he and his son and brother grow wheat, rye and barley. For the past few years, they have entered samples of those crops in the horticulture competitions. He and his wife, Becky, also enter plants and vegetables from their backyard garden. Last year, Becky used a butterfly bush in the design for a special cut flower category. Not only did she win the blue ribbon, she won a coveted rosette as well. “She is very proud of it,” Broaddus said. And he obviously is too, because he hung it in the middle of the fireplace mantle in their living room. vafb.com / APRIL 2022

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