Cultivate SPRING 2018
Virginia Farm Bureau
Jefferson's venerable gardens, still verdant
Cultivate
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Features 11
Monticello’s agrarian roots still growing
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Soil and water districts helping homeowners
Thomas Jefferson’s mountaintop home was once an agrarian mecca and continues that tradition today.
Soil and Water Conservation Districts historically have helped farmers implement conservation practices. Now they’re helping homeowners as well.
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Wartime gardens engaged citizens, helped cultivate food victories
Thomas Jefferson's gardens at Monticello were restored to historical accuracy in 1938.
While U.S. troops fought World Wars I and II overseas, Americans planted “victory gardens” at home to contribute to the war effort.
THOMAS JEFFERSON FOUNDATION AT MONTICELLO
Volume 11, Number 2 Spring 2018 Cultivate (USPS 025051) (ISSN 1946-8121) is published four times a year. February, May, August, October. It is published by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Periodicals postage rate is paid in Richmond, VA. The annual Subscription Rate is $1.23 (included in membership dues). Postmaster: Please send changes of address to, Cultivate, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, P.O. Box 27552, Richmond, VA 23261; fax 804-2901096. Editorial and business offices are located at 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Telephone 804-290-1000, fax 804-290-1096. Email address is Cultivate@vafb.com. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. All advertising is accepted subject to the publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume liability for the content of their advertising. The publisher maintains the right to cancel advertising for nonpayment or reader complaints about services or products. The publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised. Member: Virginia Press Association
EDITORIAL TEAM Greg Hicks Vice President, Communications Pam Wiley Managing Editor Kathy Dixon Assistant Editor Sara Owens Staff Writer/Photographer Patricia Hooten Graphic Designer Maria La Lima Graphic Designer Claire Mills Advertising VISIT US ONLINE vafb.com
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Did You Know?
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For Your Benefit
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Heart of the Home
30
Marketplace
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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.
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE
ON THE COVER
Associate members will receive their next issue of Cultivate in August. The magazine is published quarterly, and back issues can be viewed at issuu.com/ virginiafarmbureau.
Monticello (Photo by Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello).
Did you know? About 8 percent of U.S. and Virginia farm owners market foods directly to local consumers through farmers’ markets, farm stands, community-supported agriculture and food hubs. The majority of the nation’s farms and ranches that produce food sell wholesale to distributors and processors that supply retail supermarkets, restaurants and institutions like hospitals and school systems. Producers also sell collectively through organizations like cooperatives. Farmers make marketing decisions based on the type of crops and animals they produce, time and labor availability, proximity to local consumers, and expected net returns.
vafb.com / SPRING 2018
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Save the Date!
WATCH US! > VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU WEEKLY TV PROGRAM
OPENING SEPT. 28!
This month on Real Virginia: timber, flower farms and conservation Featured this month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program: • Find out what gets made with Virginia-grown timber—and where it goes. • Learn about budding cut-flower farming opportunities in Virginia. • Discover how soil and water conservation districts help protect the environment. • See what’s at the heart of agriculture in Essex County. 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 select cable outlets around the state. It airs weekly on WVPT Harrisonburg, WCVE Richmond, WHRO Norfolk, WVVA Bluefield and WTKR Norfolk. Watch Real Virginia anytime online at vafb.com.
State Fair countdown As of May 15, there are exactly 136 days until the 2018 State Fair of Virginia opening on Sept. 28.
Fair fact:
VEGETABLES
DAVID PROETT PHOTOGRAPHY
The 2017 State Fair drew more than 3,000 entries in youth and open livestock and equine events. This year you can see a variety of horse and mule shows and demonstrations, as well as judging of champion beef and dairy cattle, goats, sheep and swine, in the fair’s Equine & Livestock Complex. When you arrive at the fair, the complex will be to your left as you pass through the Ticket Plaza. Fairgoers also can see a variety of farm animals, including newly hatched chicks, ducklings, cows and calves—and the ever-popular State Fair goats—in the Young MacDonald’s Farm exhibit in the Harvest Landing area north of state Route 30.
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varieties of more than 70 species of vegetables grown by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello. Learn more on Page 11.
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For Your Benefit
Making travel plans? Members enjoy discounted hotel stays, save on condo rentals Your Farm Bureau membership gives you access to two programs offering significant savings at thousands of hotels in North America. Advance reservations are required, and blackout dates may apply. Wyndham Hotel Group savings and TripBeatSM The Wyndham Hotel Group discount program covers stays at more than 7,200 Baymont Inn & Suites, Days Inn, Hawthorn Suites, Howard Johnson, Knights Inn, Microtel, Ramada, Super 8 Motel, Travelodge, Wingate by Wyndham and Wyndham Hotels locations. The discounted rate of up to 20 percent less than the “Best Available Rate” publicly available on the Internet is subject to availability at participating locations. Simply call 877-670-7088 to make your reservation, and give your Virginia Farm Bureau ID number—available from your county Farm Bureau and at vafb.com/benefits. Then, be prepared to show your current Farm Bureau member card when you check in.
Additionally, Wyndham’s TripBeatSM makes it easy, convenient and affordable to search and book resort vacations by providing access to more than 2,400 rental properties in desirable destinations in approximately 90 countries.* For details, visit TripBeat.com/vafb. Choice Hotels savings The Choice Hotels discount program offers savings of 20 percent at Cambria Suites, Clarion, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Econo Lodge, MainStay Suites, Quality, Rodeway Inn, Sleep Inn and Suburban locations. Simply call Choice Hotels International at 800-258-2847, and give your Virginia Farm Bureau ID number—available from your county Farm Bureau and at vafb. com/benefits—when you make your reservation. Be prepared to show your Farm Bureau member card when you check in. You also can visit choicehotels.com for reservations and other information.
Members eligible for Ford’s F-150 sweepstakes Until Sept. 30, Farm Bureau members are eligible to enter the Built Ford Tough F-150 Sweepstakes for a chance to win a two-year lease on a new 2018 F-150. There are three ways to enter the sweepstakes: 1. Complete the entry form online at FordSpecialOffer.com/FarmBureau/ Sweeps; 2. complete the official entry form at selected events across Virginia; or 3. text the word SWEEPS as an SMS text message to 46786 to receive a link to the entry form. Participants must be legal residents of the United States or District of Columbia, 21 years old or older with valid driver’s license, and current Farm Bureau members. Complete rules can be found on the sweeps website.
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Save wherever you go, with Member Deals Plus® Virginia Farm Bureau’s exclusive Member Deals Plus® benefit uses the nation’s largest private discount network to save you money on meals, clothing, vehicle care, and other goods and services. It uses “show your phone” mobile deals that can be accessed anywhere and redeemed from a smartphone at the point of sale, or from a home computer. Members can enjoy these discounts at more than 100,000 locations nationwide: • amusement parks • apparel • automotive parts and services • car rentals • concerts and events • dining and food • entertainment and recreation • home and garden purchases • museums, zoos and tours • outdoor equipment • golf • travel—and more. How to get started To register as a Member Deals Plus user, visit vafb.com/benefits, and click the Member Deals Plus link near the top of the page. Then, on the Member Deals Plus website, 1. Click “Register” in the top right corner, and use your Farm Bureau membership number. 2. Once you’re registered, you can start saving immediately. Then, to save with a mobile device, 1. Download the “Member Deals Plus” app from the AppStore or Google Play. 2. Sign in with your email address and password you created on the website. For assistance, contact Member Deals Plus customer service at 888-275-9136. Member Deals plus and Member Deals Plus are registered trademarks of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.
visit one!
virginia Farmers’ Markets
in full swing
Buy local!
BY SARA OWENS
T
he freshest fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs and honey—plus nursery plants, wool, skin care products, prepared foods and locally hand-crafted items—can be yours when you visit a farmers’ market near you. The number of local farmers’ markets in Virginia has grown tremendously in recent years. The state is now home to nearly 240, a significant increase from just 88 in 2005. “We do see changes from year to year with markets, both new ones coming on and old ones going out of business,” explained Elaine Lidholm, director of communications for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which operates the Virginia Grown marketing program. “Generally, however, we see overall growth and not loss.”
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Farmers’ Markets Wondering what you can pick up at your local market? Check out the seasonality chart for Virginia produce on page 10, courtesy of Virginia Grown.
Want to find local foods near you? Every time you shop at a local farmers’ market, you help support Virginia agriculture and farmers in your community. To find a market near you, use the locator on the Virginia Farm Bureau website, which accesses the National Farmers Market Directory of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. vafb.com/MembershipWork/ News-Resources/Farmers-Markets The Virginia Grown website also has a directory to help you find farm-fresh products. virginiagrown.com
National Farmers Market Week is Aug. 5–11 National Farmers Market Week is an annual celebration sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to highlight the important role farmers’ markets play in the nation’s food system. Now in its 19th season, NFMW is always held during the first full week of August, and many markets hold special activities to celebrate.
Virginia is home to nearly 240 farmers’ markets, many with devoted local customer bases. 8
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Farmers’ market — facts —
A
y
may– june
A
seasonal Fruits and Vegetables
ASPARAGUS A BEETS A BLACKBERRIES A BLUEBERRIES A CABBAGE A CUCUMBERS A GREEN BEANS A GREENS/ SPINACH A HERBS A onions A POTATOES A RASPBERRIES A SQUASH A strawberries
• There are more than 8,600 farmers’ markets nationwide. • Farmers’ markets create year-round opportunities for farmers and consumers. Many markets open each spring, but the number of winter markets has nearly tripled since 2010. • Sixteen percent of farmers’ market farmers are under the age of 35. The markets allow them to start small businesses, build a customer base and expand. • Farmers and ranchers receive 15.6 cents for each food dollar spent in a supermarket. At farmers’ markets, they receive the whole dollar. • More than 60 percent of farmers’ markets are managed by local volunteers. • More than 85 percent of farmers’ market vendors travel fewer than 50 miles to sell at a market. More than half travel less than 10 miles. Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farmers Market Coalition Local farmers’ markets showcase the freshest of a region’s seasonal produce, as well as farm goods produced year-round.
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Farmers’ Markets
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Monticello’s agrarian roots still growing today BY KATHY DIXON
M
onticello—lush lawns, stately columns and abundant agriculture. That’s right, former President Thomas Jefferson’s home was once an agrarian mecca and continues that tradition today. Monticello is said to be Jefferson’s autobiographical masterpiece, and its gardens were a botanical showpiece. They were a source of food and a laboratory of plants from around the world. The Thomas Jefferson Foundation Inc. maintains the property’s restored vegetable gardens. “We even sell seeds through our shop so people can grow what Jefferson grew,” noted Mia Magruder Dammann, the foundation’s marketing and communications officer. “What Jefferson grew” included 330 varieties of more than 70 different species of vegetables, the details of their growth precisely documented. His garden was 1,000 feet long and 80 feet wide. It was restored in 1938 when the foundation enlisted the Garden Club of Virginia to help maintain the Monticello garden plots’ historical accuracy. Jefferson had died in debt in 1826, and the plantation and gardens were left in disrepair, Dammann explained. Today, a full-time garden staff cultivates tobacco and wheat, along with produce. Vegetables, herbs and fruit grown at Monticello are served in its Café at Monticello and at tasting events. Seeds from heirloom varieties of vegetables and other plants are saved for planting the next season as well as sold. Jefferson’s farming extended beyond Monticello. He owned 5,000 acres in Albemarle County and 5,000 acres in Bedford County, maintaining five farms around Monticello: Milton, Tufton, Lego, Shadwell and Pantops. Tufton Farm is now the home of the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants. Established in 1986, the center collects, preserves and distributes historic plant varieties and strives to promote appreciation for the origins and evolution of native garden plants. Its work centers on plants Jefferson grew at Monticello but also covers the broad history of plants cultivated in America through the 19th century.
A variety of tours are available, and savings can be found by purchasing tickets online at Monticello.org. • Day passes and house tours include the grounds of Monticello. • Behind-the-scenes day passes and tours take you through the first floor of Monticello and up the narrow staircase to explore the private quarters on the second and third floors. • Hemings family tours present Monticello from the perspective of one of Virginia’s best-documented enslaved families. • Slavery at Monticello tours show the role of slaves in how the plantation operated and share information about their lives.
THOMAS JEFFERSON FOUNDATION AT MONTICELLO
Fruits, vegetables, tobacco and wheat are all grown in the restored garden and farm plots at Monticello.
Want to visit?
• Gardens and Grounds tours let you explore Jefferson’s lifelong interest in gardening, botany and agriculture. • Privately guided tours allow you to enjoy an intimate group setting while exploring Jefferson’s mountaintop home.
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PHOTO BY HEATHER HUMMEL PHOTOGRAPHY
Monticello Albemarle County
THOMAS JEFFERSON FOUNDATION AT MONTICELLO
Thomas Jefferson cultivated hundreds of food and ornamental plant varieties, carefully documenting their growth and care.
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Soil and water districts helping homeowners practice conservation
BY KATHY DIXON
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V
irginia’s soil and water conservation districts historically have helped farmers implement conservation practices, but now they are helping homeowners as well. The Virginia Conservation Assistance Program—an urban cost-share program that provides financial incentives and technical assistance to property owners who install conservation practices in the Chesapeake Bay watershed—began
PHOTO COURTESY OF SANDEE BAILEY
Landscaping behind this Henrico County home filters pollutants as rainwater flows down a sloping lawn toward a lake.
in 2012. It was tested until 2015 and then offered to 30 of the state’s 47 soil and water conservation districts. “VCAP is a great way to tap into helping non-farmers protect our waterways,” explained Kevin McLean, the program’s coordinator. “We’ve gotten a lot of interest from homeowners.” He said the total amount of costshare money paid to homeowners has increased from $150,000 in early 2016 to $2 million in 2018. VCAP is managed
by the nonprofit Virginia Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts.
“Everything we have done has benefitted the bay”
Sandee Bailey is one of the VCAP’s grant recipients. The Henrico County resident heard about the program through the Virginia Master Naturalist program’s newsletter. She recently had moved into a home with a sloping yard that led to a small lake. Every time it rained, “a torrent of pollutant-carrying vafb.com / SPRING 2018
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“VCAP is a great way to tap into helping non-farmers protect our waterways.” KEVIN McLEAN, PROGRAM COORDINATOR
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF VIRGINIA CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
water roared down around my house and straight into the (lake) water,” Bailey recalled. “The slope from the back of the house down to the lake was just as bad.” With cost-share assistance from the VCAP, she created rain gardens, built dry wells and established large areas of native plants in both the front and back yards. “Fast-forward just two years, and the rushing water coming down from the street is waylaid by a VCAP-funded dry well and rain garden,” Bailey explained. In the backyard, she and her family now enjoy birds, butterflies and other wildlife attracted by the new plants. “We would never have been able to do anything on this scale without VCAP’s assistance,” Bailey exclaimed. “Because my yard is on a lake that is part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, everything we have done has benefitted the bay.” Lakefront landscaping filters pollutants when water flows downhill after a storm.
These rain gardens’ native plants, mulch and rocks capture and filter stormwater and allow it to soak into the ground slowly, reducing the potential for erosion and minimizing the flow of pollutants from a yard into a storm drain.
A shift in focus
SWCD staff help implement the cost-share practices funded by the VCAP. The districts were established in the 1930s to develop conservation plans primarily to conserve soil resources and control and prevent soil erosion. Since the mid-1980s, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has relied on SWCDs to deliver programs that prevent nonpoint source pollution resulting from land runoff. Such pollution occurs when rain
or melted snow moves over the ground, carries away pollutants and deposits them into waterways. By contrast, point source pollution comes from a single, identifiable source, such as a factory or sewage treatment plant. McLean said the environmental movement focused on point source pollution in the ’70s and ‘80s and then shifted its focus to nonpoint source pollution. Environmentalists “realized that, despite all their work, a lot of sediments were still going into the bay and its waterways, and much of it was coming from residential areas,” he explained. “VCAP is an opportunity for homeowners to do their part in improving water quality.” Right now the VCAP is available only in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, but McLean is working to expand the program’s reach. To learn more, visit vaswcd.org/vcap.
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Is your home storm-ready? Hurricanes dominate headlines more often during the summer and fall than thunderstorms and lightning. But the South Carolina-based Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety Research Center cautions homeowners not to underestimate the destructive and deadly force of summer storms. Thunderstorms occur more often and have a direct impact on more people and homes in the United States than hurricanes. And, according to the National Weather Service, every thunderstorm produces lightning. IBHS says a whole-house or -building surge protector is the best starting point for reducing the risk of lightning damage, along with localized surge protectors for power cords of electronic equipment and any telephone and cable or satellite television lines.
Prepare your surroundings to reduce damage
• Trim trees and shrubbery away from structures, and remove any weakened sections of trees. • If a storm is imminent, limit sources of windborne debris by securing or removing lawn furniture, planters, bird feeders and decorative objects.
Protect your home’s openings
• If your garage door doesn’t have a pressure rating sticker, have it evaluated and, if necessary, have a bracing system installed. • Seal openings, cracks and holes on the outside of your home. Fill holes where wires, cables and pipes enter and exit the home, and seal around electrical boxes and circuit breaker
From big to small. From farm to front yard. As a Farm Bureau® member, you’re eligible to save.*
Platinum 2 savings for Farm Bureau® Members. John Deere GreenFleetTM Loyalty 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 GreenFleet can turn your loyalty into savings, go to JohnDeere.com/FarmBureau. Sign up today! *Must be a member of a participating State Farm Bureau and have a valid email address. John Deere’s green and yellow color scheme, the leaping deer symbol, and JOHN DEERE are trademarks of Deere & Company.
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panels. Seal cracks around wall outlets, dryer vents, bathroom and kitchen vents and wall lights.
Strengthen your roof
•M ake sure the roof sheathing is securely fastened to the roof frame. •S eal the roof deck to minimize water getting into your attic if the roof cover is blown off. •R e-attach loose shingles with roofing cement. • I f you have vinyl or aluminum soffit covers, strengthen their attachment to the walls and fascia. •C reate a continuous load path in your home, which means tying the roof to the walls and the walls to the foundation using metal connectors such as hurricane straps, clips or ties. For more information on thunderstorm protection, visit disastersafety.org/thunderstorms.
Camera
Lighting Alarm system
Inventory list
Security cameras, home inventories, alarm systems and exterior lighting can help deter or identify thefts from your home and vehicle.
Simple deterrents can help prevent thefts from your home, vehicle
H
ome thefts are not a new concern, but they are on the rise. “We’re seeing more thefts from people’s yards, inside their homes—including when people are home, not just when they’re away,” said Frank Dunton, Virginia Farm Bureau vice president of investigations. Dunton is a certified forensic, fire and fraud investigator with more than 40 years of experience. He said the first steps everyone should take are ensuring proper outdoor lighting and securing all windows, doors and vehicles. He recommended using bright LED lights that are motion-sensor activated. “When the lights come on due to motion, you are alerted that something is there,” Dunton explained. “They also can startle someone who isn’t supposed to be on your property.”
The best ways to secure your vehicle and its contents, he emphasized, are to lock it and to lock any valuables out of sight in the glove compartment or trunk. “Keep everything locked—your house, garage, car, and even your shed in the backyard,” Dunton added. He also suggested the following: • Install cameras on your house or outbuildings to alert you when someone is close by. “These cameras aren’t as pricey as they used to be and can be a big help in knowing who is on or around your property.” • Consider installing an alarm system. • Maintain an inventory list of valuable items, such as jewelry, tools, equipment and antiques. You also may want to keep a
photographic record of the items. “It’s important to also make sure those items have the proper insurance,” Dunton added. “If they were to be stolen, you want them to be replaced.” • Review your property on a regular basis to make sure nothing is out of place or missing. • Report all thefts—big or small—to the police. • Keep bushes and trees trimmed so you have clear view of your yard. • Never leave a ladder outside your home; that’s easy access for an intruder.
Going on vacation?
• Notify a trusted neighbor if you will be away for an extended period | Theft prevention cont'd on page 20 » vafb.com / SPRING 2018
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Two cost-saving features available for auto policies Virginia Farm Bureau personal auto insurance customers may be eligible for two enhancement features depending on their type of auto policy: new vehicle replacement coverage and accident forgiveness protection. Both are available at an added cost and may not be available until your policy renews. For more information, contact your Farm Bureau agent.
New vehicle replacement coverage For policies with an effective date of Sept. 1, 2017, and after, customers with a new vehicle that is two model years or less in age and has not been previously owned can have it replaced when a covered total loss occurs. Only vehicles with comprehensive and collision coverage will be eligible for the benefit. Coverage is available on any owned, new private passenger, farm and utility-type vehicle on a policy, not including antique vehicles, unlicensed farm use vehicles and vehicles having stated amount of coverage. The amount paid to replace the covered vehicle will not
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| Theft prevention cont'd from page 19 »
of time. Dunton suggested letting a neighbor know if anyone such as a relative, contractor or pet sitter will be coming to your house.
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Virginia Farm Bureau Fire & Casualty personal auto policies with an effective date of Nov. 1, 2017, and after are eligible for one at-fault accident to be forgiven on a policy at any one time when Accident Forgiveness Protection is added to that policy. The forgiven at-fault accident will not cause any change to existing premium adjustments that otherwise would be affected by the accident. This protection applies to all private passenger, farm and utility vehicles on a policy and excludes antique automobiles and unlicensed farm use vehicles.
In most instances, auto insurance does follow the vehicle on a policy. But there are circumstances that could revert responsibility for an accident back to the driver. For example, if there are bodily injury claims or the car’s owner doesn’t carry enough insurance, the coverage could be the driver’s responsibility. There are other situations that can affect coverage as well, so it is best to discuss specific questions with your insurance agent. Never assume you are covered.
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• Ask someone to collect your mail, newspapers and packages until you return. “A full mailbox and packages on the doorstep could indicate you aren’t home,” Dunton noted. “Package thefts also have been increasing, so the shorter period of time a package is on the porch, the better.” • Put some interior lights on a timer so it looks like someone is home at night. In general, Dunton added, if you see something, say something. “If you see something suspicious on your neighbor’s property, call them and let them know so they can check it out.”
Be alert to signs of drowsy driving
Y
ou’re driving down the road, yawning. You feel your eyelids drooping and have to fight hard to keep your eyes open. Suddenly you feel the car swerve to the shoulder—or worse—into oncoming traffic. These are the dangers of drowsy driving, which causes accidents daily. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes for Health to learn more about drowsy driving and help reduce related deaths and injuries. The NHTSA estimated drowsy driving was responsible for 72,000 crashes, 44,000 injuries and 800 deaths in 2013. Those numbers, however, are conservative estimates. Who’s most likely to drive drowsy? • drivers who do not get enough sleep; • commercial drivers who operate vehicles such as tow trucks, tractor trailers and buses;
• people who work nights or extended shifts; • drivers with untreated sleep disorders; and • drivers who take medications that make them sleepy.
Signs that it’s time to stop and rest:
Common signs of an over-tired driver are fairly obvious: • yawning or blinking frequently; • difficulty remembering the past few miles driven; • missing an exit; • drifting from your lane; and • hitting a rumble strip on the edge of the road. When experiencing any of these warning signs, pull over to a safe place and take a 15- to 20-minute nap, or change drivers. Turning up the radio or opening the window are not effective ways to stay alert, and drinking coffee or energy drinks alone is not always
enough. They may make you feel more alert, but their effects last only a short time.
How to avoid drowsy driving: •G et enough sleep. Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep per day, while teens need at least eight hours. •D evelop good sleeping habits, such as sticking to a sleep schedule. • I f you have a sleep disorder or have symptoms of a disorder, such as snoring or feeling sleepy during the day, consult a doctor. •A void drinking alcohol or taking medications that make you sleepy. Find out more at nhtsa.gov/ risky-driving/drowsy-driving.
Drowsy Driving Prevention Week Each November, the National Sleep Foundation conducts Drowsy Driving Prevention Week in a preholiday effort to reduce drowsydriving crashes. For details, visit drowsydriving.org.
Yawning and blinking frequently are signs that it’s time to take a break from driving.
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Insurance ratings source boosts assessment of Farm Bureau, subsidiaries
V
irginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. officials announced in March that the company’s financial strength rating, or FSR, from A.M. Best has been upgraded to an A- (Excellent) and its long-term issuer credit rating, or ICR, also was upgraded to an a-. The insurance rating and information source upgraded the company and its affiliates’ FSR from a B++ (Good) and its credit rating from a bbb+. This rating upgrade applies to VFBMIC and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Virginia Farm Bureau Fire and Casualty Insurance Co., Virginia Farm Bureau Town and Country Insurance Co. and Countryway Insurance Co. in Syracuse, N.Y. “I am incredibly proud of our team for this tremendous accomplishment,”
remarked Darlene P. Wells, VFBMIC executive vice president and general manager. “We’ve been working toward this goal for the past five years, and this didn’t happen by accident. We were intentional in our decisions; in fact, we had to make very difficult decisions to help improve the financial health of our company.” A.M. Best said the ratings “reflect Virginia Farm Bureau group’s balance sheet strength, … as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.” It added that the ratings are reflective of VFBMIC’s continued favorable trends in operating performance, which has resulted in improvement in overall balance sheet
strength. The improvements follow a series of underwriting initiatives targeted at reducing and diversifying risk exposures. “With over 85 percent of direct premium written in Virginia, the group is exposed to frequent and severe weather-related events, which have resulted in volatile operating results in past years,” A.M. Best noted. A series of devastating storms in 2011 and 2012 increased claim volume and ultimately brought the company’s A.M. Best rating down slightly. “We worked collaboratively to pursue our strengths and to overcome our weaknesses,” Wells explained. “We have had five consecutive years of outstanding underwriting results, outperforming the industry results during this time. We have grown our surplus significantly while also retiring a significant debt.”
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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. AADVOTH006M(15)-VA 55681VASENABS 22
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Free Medicare seminars available If you’re on or soon to be on disability, nearing retirement age, or are age 65 and still working, you may have Medicare on your mind. “As people get closer to enrolling in Medicare, they often have questions about how Medicare works and what they need for additional health insurance,” said Tracy Cornatzer, sales manager for Virginia Farm Bureau’s health insurance division. “Medicare can at times seem daunting or confusing, but we’re here to walk you through the process.” If you have questions about Medicare and want to know more, whether you are enrolled already or nearing enrollment, there may be a local Medicare seminar available, sponsored by your county Farm Bureau. The following seminars have been scheduled, and will be held at the county Farm Bureau office unless otherwise noted: • May 2, Hanover County Farm Bureau at Doswell Community Center • May 3, Amelia County Farm Bureau • May 7, King George County Farm Bureau at American Legion Post 89 • May 8, Prince Edward County Farm Bureau
• May 9, Loudoun County Farm Bureau at Purcellville Library • May 10, Prince George County Farm Bureau • May 10 and 11, Carroll County Farm Bureau • May 14 and 15, Albemarle County Farm Bureau at Jefferson-Madison Regional Library • May 17, Cumberland County Farm Bureau • May 22, Powhatan County Farm Bureau • May 24, Stafford County Farm Bureau at Central Rappahannock Regional Library-England Run Branch • May 24, Spotsylvania County Farm Bureau • June 6, Montgomery County Farm Bureau • June 6, Accomack County Farm Bureau • June 6, Northampton County Farm Bureau • June 13, Greene County Farm Bureau • June 26, Campbell County Farm Bureau at Campbell County Library
• July 9 and 10, Albemarle County Farm Bureau at Jefferson-Madison Regional Library Each seminar is available at no cost. To register, call your county Farm Bureau office, even if the seminar is held at a neighboring office.
Want to know the basics about Medicare? There are four types of Medicare: • Part A helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice and home health care. • Part B helps cover medical services, like doctors, outpatient care and other medically necessary services not covered by Part A. Many people purchase a supplemental insurance policy, such as a Medigap plan, to handle Part A and B coverage gaps. • Part C, or Medicare Advantage Plans, are combination plans managed by private insurance companies approved by Medicare that cover medically necessary services. • Part D is a prescription drug coverage that is available to everyone with Medicare. About three months before you’re eligible for Medicare coverage, you should receive a questionnaire in the mail. Your answers to these questions help Medicare set up your file and make sure your claims are paid correctly. Once enrolled in Medicare, you should schedule a free preventive visit with your doctor within the first 12 months to assess your health status. Staff at your county Farm Bureau office can assist you in obtaining supplemental insurance and answer your Medicare questions. You also may visit vafb.com/quote.
County Farm Bureaus across the state are offering free seminars to address questions about Medicare.
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Wartime gardens engaged citizens, helped cultivate food victories
W BY CLAIRE MILLS
hile U.S. troops fought World Wars I and II overseas, Americans planted “victory gardens” at home to contribute to the war effort. Throughout the nation’s involvement in World War II, U.S. food production and distribution networks were focused on feeding 16 million servicemen and -women stationed abroad, so citizens were urged to plant vegetable gardens to prevent domestic shortages. Between 1942 and 1944, an estimated 20 million victory gardens took root, supplying roughly 40 percent of the produce Americans ate. Gardens sprouted in backyards, schoolyards and empty lots. First lady Eleanor Roosevelt even planted one on the front lawn of the White House. On Farm Mobilization Day, Jan. 12, 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered a nationwide address emphasizing the important role to be played by American agriculture
in winning the war. Food, he said, “is the lifeline of the forces that fight for freedom."
Virginians answered the call
In Virginia, the call to action was answered by farm families across the state. Already known for selfsufficiency, farmers doubled down on efforts to produce food for their families, communities and country. Lee Frank, a King George County farmer, began managing his family’s farm in 1942 when he was just 14 years old. His father was injured in World War I, and the younger Frank took on his responsibilities while still going to school. Frank and his mother kept the farm going by raising corn, hay, wheat and vegetables. “I was too young to go to war when (World War II) first started. So it was nice to know victory gardens could help feed other people from families
whose sons and husbands had gone to war,” he recalled. Frank’s uncle had a tomato cannery where local growers took tomatoes and cucumbers from their gardens to be processed. His uncle also owned a country store in the community of Shiloh, where the canned goods were sold. On the farm, Frank’s mother raised chickens and a few dairy cows. She sold eggs and milk, along with butter she churned, in his uncle’s store. She often would barter farm goods for coffee and sugar, which were in short supply due to wartime rationing.
“Every Kitchen a Canning Factory”
Posters, pamphlets and magazines promoted victory gardening. Catchphrases such as “Can All You Can,” and “Every Kitchen a Canning Factory” extolled the benefits of preserving foods from home gardens. Home canning soared during World War II, reaching its peak in 1943, with more than 4.1 billion jars canned in homes and community canning centers. John Ferguson, vice president of Scott County Farm Bureau, was in seventh grade when Pearl Harbor was attacked. He recalled his family’s large stovetop canner, given to them by the former Farmers Home Administration during the ensuing war years. “My mother would can produce from our garden, and that would help feed us during the winter,” Ferguson said. “We could store potatoes and apples in the basement, but we had to can tomatoes, corn, beans, beets and cucumbers.” He explained that food from the garden was a lifesaver for his family and many others. “During the Depression and World War II, there was a scarcity of food and money. We had to live out of the garden. Food from the garden was about the only thing people had to eat.” World War II victory garden posters encouraged self-sufficiency.
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Herb gardening offers lots of flavor
F
reshly cut herbs are a flavorful addition to many recipes and are increasingly easy to find. Many grocery stores carry potted culinary herbs in the produce section, ready to consume. “If you don’t want to grow your own herbs, you can buy a plant from a local store and maintain it in your kitchen,” said Chris Mullins, a Virginia Cooperative Extension fruit and vegetable specialist. “The best way to use the plant is to snip from the top, and follow the care instructions on the packaging.” Potted herbs will keep in their original packaging for two to three
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round, transplant it to a larger pot,” Mullins said. “The plant will use up all the available nutrients in the (original) soil, so it needs to be transplanted.”
Growing your own herbs
weeks, he added, and should be kept on a saucer and watered from the bottom. “To keep the plant growing year-
If you want to grow your own herbs from seeds, it is important to use the right amount of space for the plant’s life stage, according to Margaret Shepherd of Shenandoah Growers, a greenhouse operation near Harrisonburg that grows 10 million plants per year. “Once the plant is older, you will want to space it out more,” Shepherd explained. She recommended following the space recommendations on the seed packaging to know how much
Parsley
Chives
Culinary herbs can be grown in both large and small spaces.
ful options room to give plants as they grow. Shepherd suggested using fullspectrum LED lights, which mimic the sun, to grow herbs from seed indoors, even in the dark. “There are plenty of home kits that are perfect for windowsills or apartments,” she added.
Friendly neighbors Some herbs can be grown in a container together if they share similar needs, including: • Parsley and basil: Both enjoy more water than woody herbs. Chives, nasturtiums, hot peppers and cherry tomatoes make great container additions with these, too.
Mint
• Rosemary and sage: These woody herbs prefer more sun and drier soil than leafier varieties. • Oregano and thyme: These semiwoody varieties work well with rosemary and sage as well. • Mint and—mint: All varieties of mint tend to take over a pot, so it’s best to grow them separately. Leave plenty of space between them so fragrances and flavors don’t mingle.
Saving herbs Never let a good herb go to waste! Preserve any fresh herbs that cannot be used right away. Basil can be pureed
Rosemary
and frozen in ice cube trays. Grind hot peppers with salt and a splash of white vinegar, then bottle the mixture to use as a hot sauce. Thyme, rosemary and sage can be dried and then sprinkled on dishes all year long.
Pairing herbs with food
Spice It Up!, a publication of Virginia Cooperative Extension, features information on food and herb pairings and the basics of cooking with fresh and dried herbs. It’s available at pubs. ext.vt.edu/348/348-739/348-739_pdf. pdf.
Thyme vafb.com / SPRING 2018
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Heart of the Home
Celebrate three national food holidays with one recipe
M
ay is the trifecta of national food holidays: Beef Month, Hamburger Month and Salad Month. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Board and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association have found a clever way to celebrate all three with their Burger on a Salad Four Ways recipe. This traditional burger recipe pairs
beef burgers with salad and adds tasty toppings from four different cultures.
Burger on a Salad Four Ways MAIN INGREDIENT
4 cooked ground beef burgers, 3 ounces each
Greek variation ingredients 2 cups chopped unpeeled English cucumber 2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce 2 cups chopped tomatoes ½ cup diced red onion ½ cup reduced-fat Greek dressing, divided ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese 2 tablespoons finely chopped Kalamata olives American variation ingredients 2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce 2 cups chopped tomatoes 1 cup chopped avocado ½ cup reduced-fat Thousand Island dressing ¼ cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons chopped dill pickles Asian variation ingredients 2 cups chopped Napa cabbage 1 cup diced red bell peppers 1 cup sugar snap peas ½ cup reduced-fat Asian dressing ¼ cup crushed chow mein noodles 2 tablespoons chopped dry-roasted peanuts Mexican variation ingredients
2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce 2 cups chopped tomatoes ½ cup corn kernels Whether served on a bun or with a side of greens, burgers are the base for many great meals. 28
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½ cup chopped mango
Heart of the Home
A burger on a salad is a natural choice for Beef Month, Hamburger Month and Salad Month, all observed in May.
½ cup salsa or reduced-fat Mexican dressing ¼ cup shredded reduced-fat pepper jack cheese 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro OR 2 tablespoons chopped green onion DIRECTIONS Place cooked burgers on a microwavesafe plate. Cover, and microwave on high 1½ to 2 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into the center registers 165°. Let stand 1 minute. Alternately, grill uncooked ground beef until the inside temperature reaches 165°.
Greek variation: In a large bowl, combine cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes and onion. Toss with ¼ cup dressing. Divide lettuce mixture evenly onto four plates. Top with burgers. Drizzle evenly with remaining ¼ cup dressing, or serve dressing on the side. Garnish with cheese and olives. American variation: Prepare recipe as for Greek variation, substituting 1 cup chopped avocado for cucumber, Thousand Island dressing for Greek dressing, Cheddar cheese for feta and chopped dill pickles for olives.
Asian variation: Prepare recipe as for Greek variation, substituting Napa cabbage for lettuce, red bell pepper and sugar snap peas for tomatoes, Asian dressing for Greek dressing, chow mein noodles for feta and chopped peanuts for olives. Mexican variation: Prepare recipe as for Greek variation, substituting corn kernels and mango for cucumber, salsa or Mexican dressing for Greek dressing, pepper Jack cheese for feta and cilantro or green onion for olives. Source: Recipe and photo courtesy of “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.” BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com
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Marketplace
2018 magazine classified ad schedule and policies Members of Virginia Farm Bureau are eligible to place one free 15-word classified ad per membership per year in Cultivate, which is mailed to associate members, or in Virginia Farm Bureau News, which is mailed to producer members. Ads of 16 to 30 words must be accompanied by payment of $20. Any additional ads placed by members in the same calendar year must be accompanied by payment of $10 for 15 words or fewer, or $20 for 16 to 30 words. Ads submitted without payment will be returned. We do not invoice for classified ads or provide proofs or tearsheets. Ads with more than 30 words and ads from nonmembers will not be accepted. Use the form in this issue of Cultivate or the online form at vafb.com/membership-at-work/membership/benefits/ marketplace to place your ad. No ads or cancellations will be taken by phone. Ads will be accepted only from members whose membership is current. Magazine classified ads can be placed in the following five categories only: • Crops;
• Farm equipment; • Hay/Straw; • Livestock; and • Livestock equipment. Classified ads will be published in the following issues: • April Virginia Farm Bureau News (mailed to producer members only); • May Cultivate (mailed to associate members only); • August Cultivate (mailed to associate members only); and • September Virginia Farm Bureau News (mailed to producer members only).
Finding your member number When placing your ad, be sure to include your Farm Bureau member number, which can be found on your membership card and above your name on the mailing label of your copy of Cultivate. All member numbers will be verified.
CROPS Virginia Farm Bureau 1982–2016
JUS T PUBLI S HED
From the Ground Up: Growth of a Modern Farm Bureau
CHINCOTEAGUE BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL – July 20-22. chincoteagueblueberryfestival.com. All things blueberry and more. 757-894-2334.
“An uplifting account of
DEER AND RABBIT REPELLENT – $13.95 makes 10 gallons. Safe, effective, long-lasting, guaranteed. 540-464-1969.
Virginia Farm Bureau”
GARLIC – Chemical free, naturally grown. Hardneck varieties. $8 per lb. Montgomery County. 540-353-1780.
the success story that is
Greg Hicks
Wayne F. Pryor,
FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE – BSB sickle bar cutter. Woods 7-ft. landscape rake. 804-782-1111.
FROM THE GROUND UP:
Growth of a Modern Farm Bureau
TRACTOR – 1947 Ford 2N, new clutch, working hydraulics and PTO. Good condition. $2,200. 804-761-9539.
If you are a Farm Bureau member, you’ve seen history in the making!
LIVESTOCK
Commemorate it with a copy of this colorful, hardbound history and celebration of Virginia Farm Bureau’s past 34 years! Available for $30 at DementiMilestonePublishing.com/from-the-ground-up. Or contact author Greg Hicks, greg.hicks@vafb.com.
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ORDER TODAY!
CHAROLAIS BULLS – High quality and easy calving. Veterinarian owned, $1,500 to $3,500. Abingdon, 276-628-9543. FOR SALE – Tennessee Walking Horses. WGC Ebony Masterpiece bloodlines. All ages. Promised Land Farm. 540-854-0023. REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS – Calving ease, semen tested, excellent bloodlines. Reasonably priced, good selection. C-Stock Farm, Scottsville. 434-286-2743 or 434-981-1397.
Marketplace
How to place your classified ad STEP 1
Use the form below to provide contact information and the text for your ad. • Ads will be accepted from Farm Bureau members only. • Classified ads are not transferable. • Please type or print. • Classified ads will not be accepted or cancelled over the phone.
STEP 2
Indicate the issues in which you want your ad to run.
STEP 3
Select the category in which you want your ad to run (Pick one only).
STEP 4
Your first ad of 15 words or less is free with your membership. Pricing for additional ads: 1–15 words $10/ad 16–30 words $20/ad Additional ads must be accompanied by a check (no cash) for each issue in which the ad is to appear. • Make check payable to: Virginia Farm Bureau. • Ads longer than 30 words will not be accepted.
Important: We are not responsible
• We do not invoice for classified ads or provide proofs or tearsheets. • Ads submitted without payment will be returned.
for typographical errors or errors due to illegible handwriting (No refunds available). Classified ads carried in Cultivate and Virginia Farm Bureau News do not constitute an endorsement by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and its affiliated companies and organizations. We reserve the right to edit or reject ads, including ads that represent a business in competition with the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company or any of our affiliated or affinity partners. We reserve the right to edit or reject any advertisement that makes reference to any particular political party or group, religious belief or denomination, race, creed, color or national origin.
STEP 5
Mail your ad (and payment) to: Virginia Farm Bureau News/Cultivate Classifieds P.O. Box 27552 Richmond, VA 23261-7552 Or place it via the Virginia Farm Bureau website at vafb.com.
Deadlines Ads and cancellations must be received (not mailed) by the following deadlines: ISSUE DEADLINE Mailed to producer members September August 3
Moving? If your address or phone
Mailed to associate members August July 5
number has changed—or is about to—don’t forget to contact your county Farm Bureau office to ensure that your membership and subscription information stays current!
One free 15-word ad per membership per year; dues must be paid before placing ad.
NAME:___________________________________________________________________________________________ MEMBER NO.:______________________________________________________________________________________ COUNTY:_________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS:________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY: __________________________________________
STATE:________________________
ZIP:______________
DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER: __________________________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS: ________________________ Ads will not be accepted without the information above
ADVERTISEMENT (one word per space; please type or print):
Category in which ad should run (select only one): q Crops q Farm Equipment q Hay/Straw q Livestock q Livestock Equipment No other categories available
1.________________________ 2.______________________ 3._________________________ 4.________________________ 5. _____________________________ 6._______________________ 7.______________________ 8._________________________ 9.________________________ 10.______________________________ ( ) 11._______________________ 12._____________________ 13.________________________ 14._______________________ 15. _____________________________ phone number
ISSUE IN WHICH AD SHOULD RUN:* q This is my one free 15-word ad for 2018 q August (mailed to associate members) q Payment enclosed: $ _____________ q Please place my ad in The Delmarva Farmer for 4 weeks at no additional cost to me. q S eptember (mailed to producer members) Your ad will automatically be included in the online VFB Marketplace for free. (Ads expire with membership). Ad placement available for these issues only
*
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