Cultivate April 2011 by Virginia Farm Bureau

Cultivate april 2011

Virginia Farm Bureau

| food • home • life

Agriculture online: ‘People just grab the information right up’ SaveOurFood.org

Contents

Cultivate Volume 4, Number 2 April 2011 Cultivate (USPS 025051) (ISSN 1946-8121) is published four times a year, February, April, July, November/December (combined issue). 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 $1.42 (included in membership dues).

POSTMASTER: Please send changes of address to, Cultivate, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, P.O. Box 27552, Richmond, VA 23261; fax 804-290-1096. Editorial and business offices are located at 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Telephone 804-290-1000, fax 804-290-1096. E-mail 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

Departments

Features 8 Agriculture online: ‘People just grab the information right up’ More and more farmers and others with an interest in agriculture are using social media, websites and other e-tools to share their stories and promote local foods.

15 Virginia history is full of farms and food This summer Virginians and visitors can learn more about both.

6 Farmers and motorists need to drive carefully this spring The business of raising safe, fresh and local foods sometimes entails moving farm equipment on public roads.

On the Cover

Jennie and Chris Simms of Southampton County, shown here with Killer Cat, use a blog and a series of geocaches to raise awareness of Virginia agriculture (Photo by Sara Owens).

4 Your Membership Advantage

EDITORIAL TEAM

Greg Hicks Vice President, Communications Pam Wiley Managing Editor Kathy Dixon Sr. Staff Writer/Photographer

20 In the Garden

Sara K. Owens Staff Writer/Photographer

22 Taste of Virginia

Bill Altice Graphic Designer

25 Good for You!

Cathy Vanderhoff Advertising

Maria La Lima Graphic Designer

26 Diggin’ It! 28 The Marketplace

VISIT US ONLINE

VaFarmBureau.org SaveOurFood.org

Publication schedule Associate members will receive their next issue of Cultivatee in July. The magazine is published quarterly.

Food for Thought

Your membership supports volunteers in your community Last month, to mark Virginia’s first Agriculture Literacy Week (March 13–19), volunteers from 71 county Farm Bureaus read agriculture-related books to children in their local schools. Some of those same volunteers have helped construct Learning Barns—bookshelves that are built and painted to resemble barns— for their local schools and stocked them with children’s books about farming and food. In fact, some county Farm Bureaus have set a goal of donating a Learning Barn to each elementary school in their counties’ school systems. One of those is the Chesterfield County Farm Bureau, which donated its 38th Learning Barn March 17 to Winterpock Elementary School. In the interest of promoting agriculture, county Farm Bureau volunteers also organize events such as annual farm tours for the public and activities at their county fairs. These are opportunities to not only get out and have an enjoyable day with your family, but also to get a close-up look at what kinds of farming activities take place not far from your front steps. And both farm work and residential property maintenance are the focus of numerous local Farm Bureau safety events held to reduce the risk of accidents. Other organizations that support your community also benefit from your county Farm Bureau’s interest. County Farm Bureaus

Virginia Farm Bureau President Wayne F. Pryor read to children at a Goochland County school during Agriculture Literacy Week.

hold drives for local and regional food banks, participate in educational events that bring bus-loads of schoolchildren to local farms, and organize benefits for volunteer fire and rescue companies. April is National Volunteer Month, when America recognizes everyone who sees a need—or gets asked to help address one— and says, “I can do something about that. Sign me up!” And as a Farm Bureau member, you’re helping support quite a bit of local volunteer activity.

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Virginia Far Faa m Bureau Ser Service vice Corpora poration tion is an indeppendent authorized agent in Virginia for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. trades as Anthem Blue Cross ss and Blu Bluee Shield Shield in Virg gin inia nia, and and its its service s area is all of Virginia except Virg ept for the City of Fairfax, f the Tow Townn of Vie Vienna nna, andd the h are areaa east east of of State S ate Rout St Route 123 1223. 3 Anthe h m Blue Cross Cross andd Bl Blue Shi Shield ld andd iits ts affili affi ffiliatedd HMO HMO Healt ealthK l hKee hKeepers pers, Inc Inc. are are indep independe endent nt licen licensees sees of the h Bl Blue C Cross Blue Shield Association. on. ®A ®ANT A HEM is a reg egiste i red trademarrk. k The The Blue luue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For exclusions, limitations, terms under which the policyy may be con ntinu tinued edd in in force force e or ddiiscontinued, costss an and comp mplete let det etails ails of the t coverage, call or write your insurance agent or the company, whichever is applicable.

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Cultivate APRIL 2011

Your Membership Advantage

Health insurance information at your fingertips: Web site offers you quotes, applications and more

Your membership helps Farm Bureau enhance members’ lives by promoting and supporting agriculture. It also affords you access to a variety of benefits and services available to members of your immediate household. For more information or details on all of your Farm Bureau member benefits, contact your county Farm Bureau office or visit VaFarmBureau.org/Benefits.

Farm Bureau members save at hotels all over North America Making travel plans for this summer? 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 The Wyndham Hotel Group discount program covers stays at 7,000 Baymont Inn & Suites, Days Inn, Hawthorne Suites, Howard Johnson, Knights Inn, Microtel Inns & Suites, Ramada, Super 8 Motel, Travelodge, Wingate, and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts locations. The discounted rate of 10 percent less than the “Best Available Rate” publicly available on the Internet is subject to availability at participating locations. Simply call 877-670-7088 (or 800-889-9707 for Super 8) to make your reservation, and give your Virginia Farm Bureau ID number—67496. Then, be prepared to show your current Farm Bureau member card when you check in. You also can visit Wyndham.com for reservations and other information.

If you need health insurance for yourself, your family or your employees, Virginia Farm Bureau makes it easy to find the information you need online. Visit VFBHealthInsurance.com to learn about options available to you. Farm Bureau offers individuals and families Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield medical and dental insurance and medical and dental Medicare supplement plans. Members who are business owners have access to group health insurance products from Anthem and several other major insurance providers. At VFBHealthInsurance.com you can learn about the various health insurance products Farm Bureau provides and get a side-by-side comparison of benefits and costs. If at any time you have questions, you’ll have contact information for a licensed health care representative at your county Farm Bureau who will be happy to follow up on your e-mail or phone call or meet with you at the county Farm Bureau office. If you’re a member who’s in the market for individual or family coverage, you can get an automatic product quote from Anthem. And if you like what you see, you can prepare and submit a secure online application. Of course, you’re always welcome to call or visit your county Farm Bureau office to get health insurance information, and licensed staff there can even help you compare the coverage you currently have to other products available through Farm Bureau.

Choice Hotels The Choice Hotels discount program offers savings of 20 percent at more than 5,000 Clarion, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Econo Lodge, MainStay Suites, Quality Inn, Rodeway Inn, Sleep Inn, and Suburban locations. Simply call Choice Hotels International at 800-258-2847, and give your Virginia Farm Bureau ID number—00800605—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. 4

Cultivate APRIL 2011

SaveOurFood.org

>> save the dates

Children can enter farm poster and essay contests through June 1 Theme is ‘Virginia Agriculture=Safe, Healthy Food’ Entries will be accepted through June 1 for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s annual youth essay and poster contests. Both are open to the public, and the theme for both is “Virginia Agriculture=Safe, Healthy Food.” Rules and entry forms are available from county Farm Bureau offices and online at VaFarmBureau.org/Contests.

Essay contest Two state-level essay winners will receive a $100 prize, a certificate and an invitation to read their essays at the 2012 VFBF Women’s Conference next spring. Essays will be judged in two age categories; participants in third through fifth grade should submit essays of at least 200 words, and participants in sixth through eighth grade should submit essays of at least 400 words.

Poster contest Poster contest entries will be judged in three age groups: kindergarten, first and second grade, and third through fifth grade. District-level winners will receive certificates and have their work displayed at the 2011 VFBF Annual Convention in November.

Capture the beauty of farming in photo contest Virginia has no shortage of bucolic llandscapes, d and d iff you’ve ever stopped d to capture the scene with a photo, why not enter it in the annual Virginia Farm Bureau Federation photo contest? VFBF is accepting entries for its agriculture-themed photo contest through June 1. The contest is open to Virginia residents, including members of county Farm Bureaus in Virginia. Rules and entry forms are available at county Farm Bureau offices and online at VaFarmBureau.org g/C / ontests. The contestt waas de design sig si gn ned d to showcase a riculture and ag an nd en enco cou urrag ge ap ppreciation for the vi the th visu visu ual al aapp pp pea eal al of of faarrm liliffee. En E nttrriees ca can an be be in an any of any of four ou ur caate teego gori gori go ries ries es: anim an nim imal a s, s, lan lan ands dsccaape ape pes/ s/rru ura rall lilife fe,, p fe peeop plee and d strru st ucttur ureess/e /eq qu uip ipme mentt. Pa Parrttic icip ipan ants ts’ s’ wo work rk willll be ju wi judg jud dged d iin n tth hreee aag ge caateeg ge go ori ries es: s: 6 to to 10 years 10 earrss, 11 to 177 yyea ea eeaars rs an nd d 1188 or or old der er. Bo Both Both th prints prin pr ints in ts and dd dig ig gittall en nttri tri ries iess wilill be be acc ccep pteed. d Phot Ph otos os wilill be os be ju ud dg geed on n cre reat eat ativ ativ ivity ity an it and comp co mp m pos osit osit itio tiio on. n. Sta tattee-llev e el el w win in nneerss’ w wo orrkk will ilill be reeccog be gn niize zed at at tthe he 20 he 0111 V VF FB BF F Annua nnu nn uaal al Conv Co Conv nven enti tion on. on on.

Young Farmers summer event will be in Southampton County Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers will gather in Southampton County for their annual Summer Expo. The event, scheduled for July 29 and 30, is open to anyone ages 18 to 35 and is geared toward people who support agriculture through production, education, promotion and leadership. More than 150 participants turned out for the 2010 Summer Expo in Shenandoah County. This year’s event will afford participants a view of agriculture in Southeast Virginia and will include tours of Amadas Industries in Suffolk and the Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Suffolk. Amadas manufactures farm machinery—including pull-type and self-propelled peanut combines, peanut diggers and irrigators—as well as tour buses used by NASCAR drivers and entertainers. Participants will learn about peanuts and cotton—two of the region’s major crops—at the Tidewater AREC. There also will be several educational sessions held at the Paul D. Camp Community College Workforce Development Center in Franklin. Also on the agenda are the Outstanding Young Agriculturalist Award finals, Young Farm Employee of the Year finals and Young Farmers Discussion Meet semifinals. There is no registration fee. Registration includes all program events and most meals. Participants are required to make and pay for their hotel arrangements and any optional tours. The final agenda and registration information should be available by May. For updated information, visit VaFarmBureau.org/YoungFarmers and access the Young Farmers newsletter. Information also is available from the VFBF Women and Young Farmers Department at 804-290-1032.

“Hay Barn” by Abby Parsons of Richmond County was a 2010 photo contest winner. VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Cultivate APRIL 2011

Safety

Farm equipment on the road? Farmers and motorists need to drive carefully By Sara Owens Sometimes the business of raising safe, fresh and local foods entails moving farm equipment on public roads. It’s nothing responsible farmers and drivers can’t handle. Each year, however, accidents involving farm equipment on the highway in Virginia result in property damage, injuries and occasionally deaths. “Don’t become a statistic,” said Jimmy Maass, safety manager for Virginia Farm Bureau. “As soon as you spot farm equipment or a slow-moving vehicle emblem, you should slow down to the speed of the equipment.”

Remember these? Some people learned these hand signals when they learned to ride a bike. What many motorists don’t realize is that the same signals are used by farmers who want to let traffic behind them know what they are about to do.

Turning

RIGHT

What you should know about farm equipment Farm equipment was not designed to go fast, Maass said. “Tractors and other machinery are designed for power—to pull plows through the dirt, make hay into bales and pull planters—so they are geared for these jobs. Think about a car in first gear: It has more pulling power, but it won’t go very fast.” Most farm equipment does not travel any faster than about 20 mph. “The farmer you are riding behind is going 20 mph because that’s as fast as he can safely go,” Maass said. Farm equipment also takes longer to stop. The closure distance between a car traveling at 55 mph and a tractor traveling at 15 mph can be extremely short, so don’t follow too closely. Some equipment requires the operator to swing wide to make a turn, so the farmer may be pulling off to the side of the road to make a turn and not motioning you to pass. Not all farm machinery will have a turn signal, so use extra caution. “If you do decide to pass farm machinery, use extreme caution,” Maass said. “If the farm equipment is being followed by an escort vehicle, you should never pass that vehicle. Escort vehicles should be treated as part of the farm equipment.”

Turning

LEFT

STOPPING

Concerned farmers in Fauquier County address road safety Farming in Fauquier County can be dangerous work. Non-farming commuters who use the county as a cut-through on their way to work in Northern Virginia, Washington and Maryland don’t always understand why their commute is made longer by slow-moving farm machinery. Frustrated drivers sometimes pass farm machinery in no-passing zones, in front of oncoming traffic. Cattle and hay producer Wayne Arrington of Catlett, works on several farms that are on opposite sides of a road on non-connecting pieces of land. He frequently must move equipment on a road that is used by commuters and lacks a place for him to pull over. A couple of months ago, Arrington was traveling down that road with 19 vehicles following him. By the time he turned 6

Cultivate APRIL 2011

off, there was only one; the other 18 drivers had passed him on a bridge with oncoming traffic. “When I make a left hand turn signal people think they can pass,” he said. “No one knows what hand signals mean anymore.” Most farmers in Fauquier County have experienced near misses and few accidents, but Arrington was concerned and contacted Fauquier County Farm Bureau for help. The county Farm Bureau, individual farmers, the Fauquier County Sherriff’s Office, the Virginia Department of Transportation and Virginia Farm Bureau raised the issue with the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors, who directed the county’s transportation committee to study the problem.

The committee developed a list of immediate and long-term recommendations. Fauquier Farm Bureau is working with the county to develop a temporary sign that can be placed in the right-of-way when farmers are moving equipment on the roadways. “We also hope farmers will report to the sheriff’s office when they will be moving farm machinery on the road, so we can develop data on how often slow-moving equipment is on the roadways,” said Ben Cooper, a past county Farm Bureau president. “Right now we have no data to work with, because it isn’t reported.” Plans for the temporary signage are still being developed, but the hope is that farmers will be able to borrow signs using a check-out system or purchase them at a low cost. SaveOurFood.org

sara owens

Safety

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I make a left-hand turn signal, people think they can pass,â&#x20AC;? said Fauquier County farmer Wayne Arrington. He frequently must use local roads to move farm equipment between non-connecting pieces of land. VirginiaFarmBureau.com

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:::

Virginia farmers embrace ::: emerging communication tools By Sara Owens

In areas where online access wasn’t always so readily available, high-speed, satellite and other connections are making it possible for farmers to access the Internet. Today, more and more farmers and others with an interest in agriculture are using blogs, social media and websites to share their stories and promote local farm products.

Southampton couple uses blog, social media to educate about agriculture

Cultivate APRIL 2011

Simmses

photos by sara owens

Social media and blogs are powerful online tools for farmers and others who want to reach consumers and tell agriculture’s story. In March 2010, Chris and Jennie Simms of Southampton County turned to the Internet to share their agricultural perspective through a blog called Agtually (Agtually.com). “Seventy-nine percent of the U.S. adult population uses the Web for shopping, communicating and seeking out information,” Chris Simms said. “What better way to communicate with the public than through a medium that so many people are already utilizing?” Simms grew up on his family’s farm in Southampton County, and his wife grew up in the suburbs of Georgia and North Carolina. Their blog is a combination of their two backgrounds. “Jennie typically shares recipes and her perspective on rural living as someone who didn’t grow up on a farm,” Chris Simms said. “I tend to discuss more of the technical side of farming and agricultural issues.” Though they do not farm, the Simmses have a passion for agriculture that drives them to spread a positive message. “We share stories from our daily lives of living in the country; true stories of remarkable local farmers and their families; recipes featuring locally grown agricultural products; and correcting the misconceptions that exist about agriculture

Chris and Jennie Simms of Southampton County named their agriculture blog Agtually.

today,” Jennie Simms said. The Simmses also use Facebook and Twitter to promote their blog. “It comes down to us, as the agriculture community, putting a face on agriculture,” Chris Simms said. “We have to go to the consumer and not expect them to seek us out.” The Simmses are also avid geocachers, and in July 2010 they created a series of geocaches called Agcaches. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played worldwide by

adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share one’s search experiences online. “We realized that a lot of the geocaches we were finding were in more urban areas, so we decided to mix geocaching and agriculture together and ended up creating Agcache,” Chris Simms said. “A big part of geocaching is going to places you don’t usually think of or don’t usually see. We thought we could use geocaching as a way to promote Virginia agriculture.”

SaveOurFood.org

So far, they have placed five agcaches around the state and have plans to place several more. “We hope to work with other agricultural groups outside of Virginia to get agcaches placed around the country,” Chris Simms said. The Agcaches are bringing consumers to farms and farmers’ markets, including Steve and Jordan Berryman’s College Run Farms in Surry, where the first agcache was placed. “Every weekend after we put it the first agcache on the geocache website, someone was out to find it,” Chris Simms said. “People also purchased produce while at the farm, promoting agritourism and becoming more exposed to farms.”

The Simmses have placed one of their geocaches near their home in Sedley.

Farmers turning to social media, Web to market their products For years, more and more businesses have turned to the Internet to sell their products, and Virginia farmers are no exception.

‘People just grab the information right up’ Heather Marker McKay, Marker-Miller Orchards Heather Marker McKay, manager of Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market and Bakery in Winchester, said she receives more feedback from customers through Facebook than by phone. “It’s a lot easier for people to just pop off an email real quick or write on the Facebook page,” McKay said. “It’s crazy how quickly things have evolved.” Marker-Miller Orchards has been on Facebook for almost two years. “We saw other businesses were using Facebook to promote themselves and decided to give it a try,” McKay said. “When it’s busy I sometimes think, ‘Why am I doing this?’ but then you receive a positive comment or a photo of a family enjoying their time picking apples together. You are instantly reminded why you’re in this business.” McKay said Facebook helps remind customers that her business is still around. “We used to send out postcards at the VirginiaFarmBureau.com

beginning of the season, but now we send updates on Facebook,” she said. “If peaches are ready to be picked, I hop on Facebook and let people know instantly. People just grab the information right up, and the peaches fly out of here.” Marker-Miller holds festivals during the year, and McKay uses Facebook to promote them. “Festival numbers seem to have increased because we can reach so many people so much more quickly now,” she said. “It’s definitely only helped.” McKay also uses email marketing via iContact to send an electronic newsletter to the 2,200 customers on Marker-Miller’s growing email list. “We send out an email about once a week during the picking season to let people know what’s going on at the farm,” she said. “Electronic media has given us a chance to really promote our business and let people know what’s available.” Last season, the strawberry crop was ripe a full three weeks early. “I went out one morning and picked 20 quarts of strawberries,” McKay said. “I put it out on Facebook that we had 20 quarts of fresh strawberries available and almost immediately they were gone. What would I have done before Facebook? Getting the word out quickly has definitely helped our perishable products to move quickly.”

McKay

“It’s crazy how quickly things have evolved,” Heather Marker McKay said of her farm market’s use of Facebook.

Cultivate APRIL 2011

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Customers ‘just want to see what’s going on’ Jay Yankey, Yankey Farms Jay Yankey, co-owner of Yankey Farms in Prince William County, has maintained a website for his operation for nearly four years and began using Facebook two years ago. Yankey said he and his wife, Sonja, update the homepage of Yankey Farms’ website during the growing season with announcements and information on items currently for sale and special events held at one of their farm stands or pumpkin patch. “The newest information is always up front. We also send out an electronic newsletter to our CSA (community supported agriculture) customers and use the Facebook page to communicate additional information,” Yankey said. “It’s easy to follow, and people can receive updates quickly.”

“As long as you can turn a computer on, you can use the Internet to tell your story,” Fauquier County egg, beef and produce farmer Erik Croushorn (right) said. He’s shown here with Prince William County farmer and CSA operator Jay Yankey.

Yankey

Croushorn This year, Yankey used Facebook to promote sign-ups for the CSA. “You pretty much have to have a Web presence in order to maximize your potential,” he said. “Facebook gives us the ability to let people know what’s going on with the farm. They like to have that personal connection; they just want to know what’s going on.” Yankey said he doesn’t know how much he will spend on print advertising this year, “because social media marketing doesn’t cost anything and is so much more effective. “The marketing we do through Facebook gets more people to come out to the farm stand than if we spent $1,000 on an ad in the local paper.” Yankey said he has started posting photos and videos from the farm frequently on Facebook to stay in touch with potential customers. “It’s a more personal connection to the farm. That’s what people want to see.” 10

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‘You can reach such a broader audience’ Erik Croushorn, Croushorn Farms Erik Croushorn supplies Yankey’s CSA with eggs. He also raises beef cattle and produce on his Fauquier County farm. Croushorn uses Facebook to market his operation and shares information about it through his website. “The main way of communicating is

online,” he said. “As long as you can turn a computer on, you can use the Internet to tell your story.” Croushorn said his website has enough information about his operation that people typically can find answers to their questions without needing to contact him. “It saves time on the initial information side of making a sale,” he said. “By visiting the site first, customers receive better information on what they are buying, and I find that I get a lot more emails on what’s available.” Croushorn also updates his website seasonally and uses Facebook to reach many people quickly. “You can reach such a broader audience and gain a larger customer base,” he said. “It just spreads virally.” He plans to add a blog to his website that will be linked to his Facebook page. “Items on Facebook tend to get crowded out for new items, and by the end of the day they’re gone,” he said. “With the blog, it will show up on everyone’s page and still be available on the website.” Croushorn said he finds that people are sending messages through Facebook more than they are posting on his Facebook page, emailing or calling. “While I’d rather call someone, I can’t tell society how to communicate,” he said. “I just have to adapt.” SaveOurFood.org

Want to know more? Agtually: Agtually.com Agcache: Agcache.com Marker-Miller Orchards: MarkerMillerOrchards.com Yankey Farms: YankeyFarms.com Croushorn Farms: Chornfarms.com

Friend and follow Farm Bureau and Save Our Food While you’re seeking out fresh, locally grown foods this spring, don’t forget to join Virginia Farm Bureau’s social media network. You can find Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Save Our Food and Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. tweeting on Twitter, posting on Facebook, making connections on LinkedIn and posting videos on YouTube. Check out some new changes on Save Our Food’s Twitter page, and enter to win free tickets to sporting and other events by visiting Farm Bureau Insurance’s Facebook page. To find out more, visit VaFarmBureau.org, SaveOurFood.org and FarmBureauAdvantage.com.

Virginia Grown app now available The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has made available a free Virginia Grown app for Windows Phone 7. Virginia Grown Mobile allows consumers to search for fresh-fromthe-farm products and get directions to the nearest farmers’ market, pick-your-own farm or other venue to purchase them. Details are available at appsfuze.com/applications/ windowsphone.foodanddining/virginia-grownmobile,7888.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Cultivate APRIL 2011

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Your Membership Advantage -SAVING YOU MONEY >> Your Farm Bureau membership helps support the farmers who produce foods for your family’s table.

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>> For information about all of the services included in your Membership Advantage, call your county Farm Bureau office today or visit VaFarmBureau.org.

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Farm Bureau to reach music fans in Virginia A three-year partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest music company, gives Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance the naming rights to the former Virginia Beach Amphitheater. The amphitheater, which is owned by the city of Virginia Beach, will now be called Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach. The music venue can accommodate 20,000 people and holds about two dozen concerts each year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach will elevate awareness for our organization, our insurance products and our Save Our Food campaign in support of Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farmers,â&#x20AC;? said Matt Smith, director of marketing and insurance strategy for Virginia Farm Bureau. In addition to the naming rights of the amphitheater, Farm Bureauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Save Our Food campaign is the sponsor of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Country Megaticketâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a series of six big-name country concerts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Virginia Farm Bureau is dedicated to making sure Virginia families have safe, fresh and locally grown food available to them, and to making sure American families never become dependent on foreign sources of food,â&#x20AC;? said Virginia Farm Bureau Federation president Wayne F. Pryor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe being aware of Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farming heritage and about all of the high-quality local foods available here is an important first step that everyone can take to show support for Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farms and farm families. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what drives the Save Our Food campaign, and we are pleased and excited to reach the substantial audience that amphitheater patrons represent.â&#x20AC;? This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Megaticket line-up includes Brad Paisley on June 3, Rascal Flatts on June 19, Tim McGraw on July 9, Toby Keith on July 23, Kenny Chesney on Aug. 4, and Jason Aldean on Sept. 11. Special package pricing is available for the concerts, and tickets can be purchased at megaticket.com.

â&#x2DC;&#x2026;

Get free tickets! â&#x2DC;&#x2026;

Virginia Farm Bureau members will have an opportunity to receive free tickets to seven different concerts at Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach this year. Tickets will be released on a firstcome, first-served basis and are limited to 1,000 tickets at each designated show. Details about this member-only promotion can be found at FarmBureauLive.com. Additionally, members who buy lawn seating tickets to concerts at the amphitheater can get a free lawn chair rental simply by showing their membership cards.

Secretary: Opportunities abound for Virginia ag trade growth Virginia may be ranked ninth in the nation for agricultural exports in 2010, but Todd Haymore, the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secretary of agriculture and forestry, is already itching to hit the road. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a number of trade missions coming up,â&#x20AC;? Haymore said March 16 at Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third annual Agricultural Trade Workshop. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In May weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to Asia: China, Korea and Japan. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to India and Israel in November, sometime after I get back from Cuba and before Thanksgiving.â&#x20AC;? According to trade figures released at the workshop, Virginia agricultural and forestry exports totaled $2.24 billion in 2010, despite a worldwide recession and a drought that reduced yields for some of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top crops. Exports of some Virginia commodities increased last year, including those of pork, poultry, wood products and soybeans. Meanwhile, the state continues working to open even unconventional overseas markets such as Cuba. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tremendous ag trade opportunity there,â&#x20AC;? said Charles Green, marketing director for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Green noted that Cuba imported $10.25 billion in products in 2010 and that soybeans, wheat, beans, peas, rice, poultry, pork and milk powder are all farm products it needs.

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VIRGINIA HISTORY is full of farms and food Blog serves up 18th century recipes— and 21st-century adaptations ONG BEFORE JULIA CHILD mastered beef bourguignon, American colonists excelled at cooking “Chicken the French Way.”

Farms and food are both integral parts of Virginia history, and this summer Virginians and visitors can learn more about both. If you visit Colonial Williamsburg you can watch demonstrations of how food was cooked in early Virginia kitchens. Or you can prepare adaptations of Colonial dishes in your own kitchen using recipes from Colonial Williamsburg’s “History is Served” blog. Throughout the state, commemorations are planned to mark the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Virginia farms fed both armies during the war, and many were battle sites as well. Articles and photos by Kathy Dixon VirginiaFarmBureau.com

“This chicken recipe is one of the best out there, and it would be a shame if no one could find it, so that’s why we put it on our site,” said Frank Clark, supervisor of Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Foodways Program and its new blog, “History is Served.” “We want people to learn how to make these dishes at home.” At recipes.history.org, interpreters post 18th-century recipes and their modernday adaptations every two weeks. Along with recipes for dishes like roasted leg of lamb and macaroons with cream are videos demonstrating how to prepare classic Colonial dishes such as boiled carrot pudding and beet pancakes. The blog was launched last December and features almost a dozen recipes. “Visitors have come here lately and said they’ve seen the site and they really like it,” said Robert Brantley, a Foodways journeyman who works in the Peyton Randolph House kitchen. “People are surprised that the colonists actually cooked. They think they only ate nuts and berries and chased deer with their hands.

(continued on the next page)

Civil War sesquicentennial commemoration begins this year This year marks the sesquicentennial— the 150th anniversary—of the Civil War. The Virginia General Assembly created the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission in 2006 to prepare for the observance. The commission is chaired by Speaker of the House Delegates William J. Howell (R-Stafford). “While the first battles of the Civil War began in 1861, the issues leading up to the Civil War developed long before that, and legacies of the war continue even

today,” Howell said. “No event in this nation’s history has had as much impact as the Civil War, and the goal of Virginia’s sesquicentennial commemoration is to better understand our past by examining many facets of the Civil War from many perspectives: Union, Confederate and African-American; battlefront as well as home front; and military tactics as well as cultural and social legacies.” Information about specific commemorative events and programs is available at virginiacivilwar.org. Cultivate APRIL 2011

“They’re also surprised that 18th-century citizens had fruits and vegetables and meats like we do, and that the foods were flavorful and not bland.” Clark added that 18th-century century cooks used spices but used th them differently than modern cooks do. For example, most Americans use cinnam cinnamon primarily in sweets, but in the 1700s “they put cinnamon on meats, sweets and sa savories alike.” The “Historyy is Served” project grew out of an initiative to write an 18th century cookbook book with modern translations, Clark said. Unfortunately, interpreters didn’t have time to write it, so they looked into a Web versi version. “We can reach each more people online,” Clark noted. He wants to make su sure modern Americans mericans have the opportunity to appreciate and cook the same sam foods that their an ncestors did. “I think itt helps people to understand where their food comes from an and how it gets to the table.”

photos by kathy dixon

Interpretive kitchens at Colonial Williamsburg allow visitors to see how early Virginians prepared their meals. Frank Clark, supervisor of the Historic Foodways Program, grates stale bread into crumbs for a recipe. Some visitors are surprised, he said, to learn that 18th-century cooks in Virginia had access to a variety of fresh, seasonal ingredients “and that the foods were flavorful and not bland.” 16

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SaveOurFood.org

Exhibits at the Frontier Culture Museum near Staunton include this representation of a Shenandoah Valley farmhouse built in the 1850s and inhabited during the Civil War, when the valley was known as the “Breadbasket of the Confederacy.”

{ 1861 – 1865 }

Virginia farms played key role in the Civil War Virginia farms were transformed into camps, clinics and combat zones during the Civil War. From 1861 to 1865, soldiers camped on Virginia farms, ate farm families’ food, took their livestock, turned their homes into hospitals and fought battles on the properties. Depending on the source, close to one-third of all Civil War battles were fought in Virginia, so it’s not surprising the state’s farms played an important role.

Peaceful Rockingham pasture was site of ambush From a window of Dr. Irvin Hess’ farmhouse in Rockingham County, visitors can see the site of a surprise ambush attack by Confederate soldiers against Union Gen. Julius Stahel’s 8th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Battle of Cross Keys. Gazing at the peaceful pasture, it’s hard to imagine. But on June 8, 1862, a contingent of Union soldiers trekked up the hill, as Confederate troops lay in wait behind the fence at its top. “The result was devastating to the North, with half of the 8th New York’s 500 soldiers as casualties in a period of less than 10 minutes,” Hess said. When Hess purchased the Widow Pence Farm, he knew it had belonged to a widow, Sarah Pence. But he didn’t know his VirginiaFarmBureau.com

great-great-grandparents, Henry and Annie Beahm, had owned a farm right across the road during the war. When the Widow Pence Farm went up for auction in 2000, Hess and his wife, Nancy, felt they needed to protect it. Knowing the family’s tie to the area made them even more determined. “Besides being a beautiful piece of land, I just felt a special connection to it … like I somehow belonged,” Hess said. With the help of the Civil War Preservation Trust, the Hesses were able to secure an easement on the historic farm, preserving it for future generations. They hold a youth Civil War camp each summer at the farm. Run by the Rockingham area partners of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District, the camp teaches children about the life of Civil War soldiers and includes a tour of the Widow Pence Farm house.

Dr. Irvin Hess has a relief map to give visitors details about the Battle of Cross Keys, which took place on his Rockingham County property in 1862.

Cultivate APRIL 2011

On June 8 1862, Union troops coming over the top of the hill in front of the tree line were ambushed by Confederate troops hiding behind a fence on Widow Pence Farm.

Cultivate APRIL 2011

SaveOurFood.org

Information on Civil War sesquicentennial events and programs is available at virginiacivilwar.org.

{ 1861 – 1865 } Farmland was prime location for troops

Union soldiers danced in King & Queen farm’s parlor

It was not unusual for military troops to use farmland as camps and to raid farm fields and farmowners’ pantries for supplies, said Dr. Kenneth E. Koons, a history professor at Virginia Military Institute. “Both sides foraged on farmland and routinely went into homes and took whatever foodstuffs they could find,” Koons said. “An army starved was an army put out of action without a bullet being fired,” according to Home Front to Front Line: The Civil War Era in the Shenandoah Valley. The booklet, edited by Jonathan A. Noyalas, tells the story of the Civil War in what was known as the “Breadbasket of the Confederacy” and notes that the abundance of farm products in the valley was crucial to the war. The family of Edward Embrey owns Peace Hill Farm in Nelson County, where Union soldiers camped when they were sent to destroy the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. Embrey said his grandmother told stories of how local citizens tried to protect their food supply. Neighbors on horseback rode from house to house warning people that Union troops were heading south. “They took livestock with them and drove them into the woods to hide them,” Embrey said. People also wrapped hams in sackcloth and buried them so soldiers wouldn’t find them.

At Jim Woolford’s farm in King William County, Union soldiers commandeered the family home for several days during the war. While there, the troops searched the house for food and valuables and trampled the wheat fields, according to a diary written by one of Woolford’s relatives. But there was some respite when the ladies of the house danced with Gen. Philip Sheridan and his men in the parlor, she wrote. Sheridan, whose scorched-earth tactics attempted to ruin the economic infrastructure of the Shenandoah Valley, set up camp in the front yard of Woolford’s great-great- grandparents’ home and stayed for three days. The worst destruction occurred when he sought to destroy the ability of Southern armies to feed themselves by burning barns and mills.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Unsuspecting soldiers attacked as Spotsylvania farm family took cover Another group of Union soldiers, under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Oliver O. Howard, sprawled across the fields at Hawkins Farm in Spotsylvania County in May 1863. They were resting, cooking beef and settling in for the night as Confederate Gens. Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson were planning a maneuver that is still studied today. They divided the Confederate troops in half. Lee kept his men visible while Jackson made a flank attack on the unsuspecting Union soldiers on the farm. The Union troops became suspicious when they saw wildlife rushing toward them and then “heard the blood-curdling rebel yell,” said Debbie Aylor, who grew up on Hawkins Farm. “One of the Hawkins girls started waving a white apron and yelling, ‘Here they come!’ before having to duck into the cellar with her brothers and sisters to get out of the way of bullets,” Aylor said. The farm sits on 135 acres in the middle of the site of the Battle of Chancellorsville, and its history has been passed down through generations, Aylor said. “My grandmother taught me the value of the land that we grew up on.”

Cultivate APRIL 2011

In the Garden

Roses’ varieties determine pruning plan Roses come in many different varieties, shapes and sizes. It’s important to determine what type of rose you are looking for before planting, said horticulturalist Mark Viette, and different varieties require different pruning plans. When choosing a rosebush, “keep in mind there are now rose varieties that are easy to grow and that have less disease and pest problems,” Viette said.

CLIMBING ROSES Climbing roses that have been trained up trellises should be pruned in the earlier part of spring and thinned out by no more than 20 percent. Take out longer pieces, but leave enough long pieces to produce flowers. Then train new pieces to climb the trellis. “Some of the side shoots or branches that are coming off the main lateral may also need to be thinned,” Viette said.

SHRUB ROSES Shrub roses should be pruned in early spring. “Pruning shrub roses is pretty simple, especially if you have the new disease-resistant roses,” Viette said. “They are not meant for cut flowers but they are great roses to grow for their color all season long.” Shrub roses will get as big as you want them to get, Viette said. If you want tall shrubs, then you need to do very little; just thin them out and shape them up a bit. Otherwise, prune shrub roses to 12 to 24 inches and thin them out a little.

HYBRID TEA ROSES

photos by sara owens

Hybrid tea roses should be pruned in the summer or fall. Trim them to 30 inches tall so they will not break open in the snow, ice or heavy winds. In April or after the threat of winter weather is over, cut the roses back to 12 to 18 inches from the ground, keeping three to six nice canes that will produce roses. Once hybrid tea roses start to fade, you will see a couple sets of leaves, Viette said. To cut the roses, cut right above that last set of leaves. “There is a leaf bud right inside that leaf,” Viette said. “You will want to cut ¹⁄8 inch right above that leaf bud at a 45-degree angle, cutting away from the bud so the water sheds off in the opposite direction of where new flower bud will grow.”

There’s a rose variety for many different sunny sites. 20

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In the Garden

Plant a garden to attract

sara owens

butterflies and hummingbirds

The right mix of plants can turn your garden into a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds, adding movement and additional color to the landscape. Horticulturalist Mark Viette suggests incorporating a variety of blue, purple and white plants such as blue flambeau, summer phlox, black and blue salvia, lantana, dwarf butterfly bushes and diana or white of Rose of Sharon bushes.

“A few shrubs in the backyard will work well to attract butterflies, hummingbird moths and hummingbirds,” Viette said. He also suggests adding colorful annuals to the perennial plantings. Butterflies are nectar-feeders, and in feeding they also pollinate plants. A mix of spring-, summer- and fall-blooming plants will draw butterflies to your garden for much of the year.

Mark Viette appears on Down Home Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s monthly television program. Viette and his father operate the Andre Viette Farm and Nursery in Augusta County and have a live radio show broadcast by more than 60 mid-Atlantic stations each Saturday morning. They also are members of the Augusta County Farm Bureau. Andre Viette currently serves on the organization’s board of directors, and Mark Viette is a former board member. VirginiaFarmBureau.com

So plan ahead. “Plant the garden where you can sit and enjoy it after a long, hard day,” Viette said. A list of plants that appeal to butterflies and hummingbirds is available in the “Garden Basics” section of viette.com.

To find the station nearest you that airs Down Home Virginia, or to view the show online, visit VaFarmBureau.org.

Cultivate APRIL 2011

Taste of Virginia

FRITTERS COMBINE SWEET POTATO, CORN IN A TASTY VIRGINIA BREAKFAST The word “fritter” comes from the French word for “fry,” said chef John Maxwell. A fritter is then anything mixed with flour that’s fried or cooked on a griddle.

Sweet Potato and Corn Fritters INGREDIENTS

2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh ginger 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or chives

These sweet potato and corn fritters have a light, airy texture thanks to the beaten egg white that’s folded into the batter. Peel the fresh ginger with a spoon so you just peel the skin and are not taking any of the ginger away. Cut the stems off each side of the root, and make long, thin slices and strips. Then cut the strips into smaller bits. “You want really tiny dices, nice minced ginger,” Maxwell said. When frying the fritters, watch for the egg to begin setting up and getting firm. That’s when it’s time to flip them. Try serving the finished fritters with grilled bacon.

½ cup self-rising flour ¼ cup milk 1 cup sweet corn 1 egg, separated (Hold the yolk and the white in separate bowls) ½ cup roughly mashed, cooked, cold sweet potato butter or canola oil (for frying) PREPARATION

In a bowl, mix together the ginger, herbs, flour, milk, corn and egg yolk. In a clean bowl, beat the egg white until stiff. Fold the egg white and sweet potato into the corn mixture. Heat the butter or oil in a nonstick frying pan, and cook large spoonfuls of batter over a low to moderate heat for about 3 minutes on each side.

Chef John Maxwell appears each month on Down Home Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s monthly television program, courtesy of Virginia Grown, a program of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. He’s also director of the Food Service Management Program at the Culinary Institute of Virginia in Norfolk.

To find the station nearest you that airs Down Home Virginia, or to view the show online, visit VaFarmBureau.org. Sweet Potato and Corn Fritters

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Taste of Virginia

TACO OMELET IS TWIST ON A TRADITIONAL ONE A taco omelet is an interesting take on a traditional omelet, said chef John Maxwell. He uses local eggs and fresh herbs and vegetables for extra flavor. While cooking the eggs, Maxwell said, keep the heat low so you don’t “insult an egg with too much heat, as the French say.”

Taco Omelet INGREDIENTS

3 large eggs ½ cup diced red onion 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound ground beef 1 teaspoon cumin ½ teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper ½ tablespoon + 1 teaspoon butter ¼ head of lettuce, shredded ½ cup diced tomato fresh cilantro to taste, shredded ½ cup sliced green onions ½ cup diced green and yellow bell peppers dollop of sour cream Monterey jack cheese PREPARATION

Break each egg into a small ramekin, and transfer one at a time to a medium-size bowl. Beat the three eggs together with a fork or whisk. Sauté red onion in olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add ground beef, and as the meat begins to brown stir in cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Remove browned beef from heat and drain. Melt ½ tablespoon butter in an 8-inch omelet pan over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs. Allow eggs to cook for about 45 seconds, and then gently move them around with a rubber spatula, allowing the uncooked portion to move to the bottom of the pan. Add ½ teaspoon butter under the edge of the omelet at either side. Flip the omelet quickly, and then transfer to a plate. Top the omelet with ½ cup of the meat mixture. Add a handful of the lettuce, tomato and cilantro. Garnish with green onions and bell peppers. Prepare this hearty omelet for breakfast, brunch, lunch or supper.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Finish the omelet with a generous dollop of sour cream, and grate Monterey jack cheese over the top. Serve immediately.

Cultivate APRIL 2011

Farm Tours

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Good for You!

Some carbohydrates are good for your health By Kathy Dixon CARBOHYDRATES AREN’T ALL BAD. Some are actually good. “Complex carbohydrates are the body’s main source of fuel,” said Linda Jackson Cole, a Virginia Cooperative Extension family and consumer services agent in Chesterfield County. “They have a lot of desirable qualities and are essential to a healthy diet. ”Complex carbohydrates are good for you.” The carbohydrates that give all carbs a bad rap are the simple ones, and they should play nothing more than a minor part in daily nutrition. Simple carbohydrates equate to simple sugars that are quickly converted to glucose in your body. They include naturally occurring sugars that are found in refined and processed foods, including white breads, sugary beverages and candy.

Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, are more slowly digested and are found in foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. “Complex carbohydrates move through your body slowly, whereas simple carbohydrates give your body an instant jolt,” Cole said. Foods that are high in complex carbohydrates are often also lower in calories. Additionally, it generally takes more time to eat 100 calories of a banana than it does to consume 100 calories of soda. Therefore, complex carbohydrates are more satisfying, and the calories add up more slowly when compared to simple carbs. “When you eat an apple for a snack, it will make you feel satisfied much longer than a candy bar,” Cole said, “and you’re getting fiber and nutrients. It’s a win-win.”

Another good reason to eat complex carbohydrates is that those coming from whole grains are high in fiber. Most Americans don’t get the recommended daily amount of fiber, so increasing complex carbohydrate foods usually means an associated rise in fiber intake. When shopping for complex carbohydrates, keep in mind that a good serving of whole grains will have at least 1 to 3 grams of fiber per serving. Look for breads, pastas, cereals and grains that meet that requirement, and when you buy pasta make sure it’s either whole wheat or whole grain, Cole said. Keeping carbohydrates to 45 to 65 percent of your total calories is a good way to divvy up nutrients. Make half your grains whole, and eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables a day.

Vegetables with Pasta Ingredients 1 cup uncooked whole-wheat pasta 16 ounces frozen mixed vegetables 1 tomato, chopped ¹/² teaspoon black pepper ¹/³ cup fat-free Italian salad dressing

Directions: Cook pasta according to package directions, and drain. Cook frozen vegetables according to package directions, and drain. Mix cooked pasta and vegetables with tomato, pepper and dressing. Serve warm or cold. Foods that are high in complex carbohydrates—fresh fruits and vegetables and whole-grain breads, pastas and cereals—are often low in calories.

Recipe courtesy of Virginia Cooperative Extension

Carbs at night myth debunked You can eat carbohydrates after 6 p.m.; just be sure not to overeat. It’s over-consumption of food late in the day that is the likely cause of weight gain related to night-time eating. “It’s not what you’re eating as much as it is how much you’re eating,” said Linda Jackson Cole, a Virginia Cooperative Extension family and consumer sciences agent in Chesterfield County. “Even when you’re eating late-night snacks, you need to choose nutrient-rich foods.” Cole suggests a small piece of fruit with a glass of skim milk or water. “Stay away from chips or candy,” she said. VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Cultivate APRIL 2011

Diggin’ It!

DIG INTO

CORN, AN ‘A-MAIZING’ FOOD DID YOU KNOW? • Archaeologists think Native Americans might have been growing corn as long as 7,000 years ago. • Corn is America’s No. 1 field crop. • Corn is grown on every continent except Antarctica.

alled “maize” by Native Americans, corn was a completely new food for the American colonists, as it is native only to North America, Central America and South America. In fact, in the early 1600s the American Indians introduced the settlers to this crop and taught them how to grow and prepare it. Colonists ate corn both as a vegetable and a ground-up grain. As a result, corn was an important crop that appeared in many forms on Colonial tables.

Benjamin Franklin even called it “one of the most agreeable and wholesome grains in the world.” Succotash, a common Colonial corn dish, gets its name from a Native American word that meant “boiled corn kernels.” Today, corn for grain or silage— a mixture of grains that is fed to farm animals—is raised in nearly every Virginia county. Virginia farmers harvest about 340,000 acres of corn for grain each year.

TRY THIS! Corn prints While we often think of corn kernels as being yellow, Native Americans grew several different types. Colors included red, white, blue and black.

MATERIALS: • yellow and green construction paper • scissors • glue • finger paints (yellow, white, red, blue and black) 26

Cultivate APRIL 2011

DIRECTIONS: 1. Cut the yellow and green paper to make a corn cob and husks. Glue them together. 2. Add the “kernels” by dipping your fingers into the paint and stamping them onto the cob.

You can make your own Indian corn print! SaveOurFood.org

Diggin’ It!

 TRY THIS! Homemade

Hasty Pudding, Johnnycakes, and Other Good Stuff: Cooking in Colonial America

johnnycakes Do you ever enjoy pancakes for breakfast? Americans living during colonial times enjoyed a similar food. These corncakes would be eaten for breakfast with maple syrup or apple butter, or they would be wrapped up and given to travelers for a snack. Be sure to have an adult help you make these, and always be extra-careful when working around the stove.

(suggested age: 8–11) Many people often enjoy Mexican, Chinese or Italian food, but what is American food? How did early settlers cook without grocery stores, refrigerators or microwaves? Hasty Pudding, Johnnycakes, and Other Good Stu tuff fff by Lo oretta Fr Fran a ces an Ichord seeks ks tto o answ swerr tho sw hose se questions. It includes Colonial al rrec ecip ec ipes ip es and nd ttheir modern ada daapt ptat atio at ions io ns.. ns

INGREDIENTS • 1 cup water • 2 tablespoons butter • 1 cup cornmeal • ½ teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon sugar • ½ cup milk • butter for frying

Corn crossword

Words in this puzzle appear on thesee two pages (Answers on Page 29 29). ). 1

DIRECTIONS 1. Heat water and butter in a saucepan until they boil. 2. Put cornmeal, salt and sugar in a mixing bowl while water and butter are boiling. 3. Pour boiling water and butter into mixing boil. Add milk, and stir with a wooden spoon until batter is mixed. 4. Over medium heat, melt a pat of butter in a skillet. 5. Drop six spoonfuls of batter into the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface of the cakes. Flip the cakes over with the spatula, and cook the other side. 6. Remove the cakes with a spatula, and place them on a platter. Wrap them in foil to keep them warm. 7. Dab more butter on the skillet, and continue cooking the rest of the johnnycakes. 8. Serve with maple syrup or apple butter. Source: Hasty Pudding, Johnnycakes, and Other Good Stuff: Cooking in Colonial America

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

3 4

Across 3. A mixture of grains that is fed to animals 5. Corn is native only to the _______ _____________. _. 6. This Colonial food could be eaten n for breakfaast or as a snack on n a tr trip ip. ip 7. Corn is grown on every continentt except _________________. Down 1. Native American word for corn. 2. Corn can be eaten as a vegetablee or a _______ ____ __ ____ __ ____ __ ___. __ _. 3. The word _______ comes from a Native Am mer eric ican ic an w wor ord or d me mean anin an ing in g “b “boi oile oi led le d co corn rn kker erne er nels ne ls.” ls .” 4. Indian corn was not always yellow w; it could be re red, d, w whi hite hi te,, __ te ____ ____ __ ____ __ ____ __ ____ __ ____ __ ____ or b __ bla lack la ck.. ck Cultivate APRIL 2011

Young farmers, ranchers say they’re in agriculture for life The majority of U.S. farmers and ranchers 35 and younger who were surveyed recently said they are in the business for life. The annual American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Program survey revealed considerable optimism and commitment among young-adult producers. The survey was conducted in February, and findings were released March 3. Nearly 94 percent of participants said they consider themselves lifetime farmers, and 96 percent would like to see their children follow in their footsteps. A record 87 percent said they are more optimistic about farming than they were five years ago. The previous high was 82 percent in 2008. “Farming and ranching is a tough but rewarding way of life. One trait all farmers and ranchers share is optimism and hope for the future, and that’s what this survey shows,” said Ben LaCross, AFBF YF&R chairman. “I would agree with that,” said Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Committee Chairman Bob Harris. “Most Virginia young farmers are optimistic about the future of farming, and they are doing everything they can to stay in business.” Nearly 90 percent of survey participants said they are better off than they were five years ago. They aren’t without concerns for

their future, though. The top concern they identified is economic challenges (22 percent), followed by government regulations and tax burdens. “We have all those challenges too, but we are especially concerned about preserving farmland so that there will be land for our farmers to continue cultivating,” Harris said. “Farmland has become very limited, and much of what’s available is unaffordable.” When asked what three steps the federal government should take to help young farmers and ranchers, 17 percent of survey participants said cut government spending. Seventy-two percent said balancing environmental and economic concerns is important to their operations, and 58 percent said they use conservation tillage. Ninety-two percent use a computer in their farming operation, and 98 percent have Internet access; 74 percent have high-speed Internet, 24 percent have satellite access and 2 percent rely on dial-up. Seventy-six percent use Facebook, and 74 percent consider communicating with consumers a formal part of their jobs. “More and more young farmers and ranchers know that we must reach out to our customers, and we are using social media and other 21st-century tools to tell our story and teach consumers,” LaCross said. “This is a trend that has staying power.”

Member Marketplace CROPS

FARM EQUIPMENT

ANTIQUE APPLE TREES – Summer Rambo, Wolf River, Virginia Beauty, Yellow Transparent. Over 100 different varieties available for planting. Catalog $3. Write: Urban Homestead, 818-A Cumberland Street, Bristol, VA 24201. 276-466-2931. www. OldVaApples.com

ANTIQUE – Horse-drawn Oliver plow, good condition, make offer. 540-672-3216.

USED – JD790 2004, 4-wheel drive, loader, bushhog, serious inquiries only $14,900 or reasonable offer. 434-841-8108.

FOR SALE – 1938 Oliver rowcrop 70; 1949 Oliver rowcrop 77. Sell together both $7,000. 540-616-7059.

WANTED – McCormick Deering one row corn picker, tractor mounted or pull type. Evenings 757-678-0062.

DEER AND RABBIT REPELLENT – $12.95 makes 10 gallons. Safe, effective, long lasting. 540-586-6798, www.repels.net HONEYBEE – Swarms, clusters, removed for free in King William and joining areas. Call 804-769-9488, 804-512-2425. TONY T’s APPLE FARM & KITCHEN – Front Royal Farmers Market JuneOctober, Thursdays 3-7, Saturdays 9-1. Organic berries, apples, baked goods. apple-farm22630@hotmail.com, 540-622-2612. TREES – Fig 12 cultivars. Pawpaw with award winning 17-ounce fruits, apple and pear. 804-598-3856.

Cultivate APRIL 2011

FOR SALE – Complete MFWD axle from John Deere 6430 tractor $5,000. 276-223-7773. FOR SALE – White 8900 combine grain head, 4-row wide, 6 row narrow corn heads. 804-529-6360. JD2440 – Tractor with front loader $13,000 and NH254 Hay rake/tedder $2,500. Call 540-382-8830. SNOW PLOW – Assembly for Wheel Horse tractors, 42-inch blade, very good condition, complete $325. 804-472-9652. TRACTOR – 6-ft. rear blade, 3-pt. hitch, CAT 1 $195. 540-937-3928.

HAY AND STRAW ROUND BALES – 5x5 shed kept, Alfalfa and Orchardgrass, $25 per bale, Bland, Va. 276-613-1250.

MADISON COUNTY – Locally raised all natural 100% pastured, grain finished Angus, Angus x Hereford beef. Wholesale-sides, retail-pounds and select packages via UPS shipping. Purchases at farm by appointment. Checkout www. RidersBackfieldFarmBeef.com, 540-923-4036. REGISTERED CHAROLAIS BULLS – High quality and easy calving EPD’s from $975 to $1,675. Abingdon, 276-628-9543.

LIVESTOCK ANGUS BULLS – Calving ease, semen tested, excellent bloodlines, reasonably priced and good selection. Delivery available, CStock Farm, Scottsville. Day 434-286-2743 after 7 p.m. 434-286-2076 or 434-286-2423. FARM TOUR – May 10, Campbell Co., livestock water systems, rainfall simulator. Call RELSWCD for reservation. 434-352-2819.

LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT LIVESTOCK BARNS – Hay sheds, rough and dressed lumber. Metal roofing, we make our own tin, 20 colors. Max Kendall Lumber and Tin, Axton, Va., www.maxkendalllumber. com Toll free 888-434-2825. STEEL BUILDINGS – Equipment storage and riding rings. Steel is for real – go steel. 540-219-4333.

TWO BOTTOM PLOW – 3-pt. hitch, 5-ft. disc and 6-ft. landscape rake, $900. Al 757-899-6904.

SaveOurFood.org

MemberMarketplace New for 2011: Use online Member Marketplace to find farm-fresh foods and on-farm events this summer!

2011 magazine classified ad schedule and policies Members of Virginia Farm Bureau will receive one free 15-word classified ad per membership per year in Cultivate, which is mailed to associate members, or in 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 VaFarmBureau. org/Marketplace to place your ad. Each gives you the opportunity to also include your ad online in Farm Bureau’s Member Marketplace. Online ads expire Dec. 31. No ads or cancellations will be taken by phone. Ads will be accepted only from members whose 2011 dues are paid.

Virginia Farm Bureau has expanded its classified advertising program to help you find producer members’ farm stands, CSAs and pick-your-own venues. And if you’re looking for family outing opportunities, you’ll also find a category for on-farm events. Members who farm are just beginning to place their ads. Check it out today at VaFarmBureau.org/Marketplace.

Corn crossword 1

e 4

u r

o h

t 7

• April Cultivate (mailed to associate members only);

• May Farm Bureau News (mailed to producer members only);

• July Cultivate (mailed to associate members only); and

• August 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 above your name on the mailing label of your copy of Cultivate. All member numbers will be verified.

If you’ve moved or acquired a new telephone number, please call or visit your county Farm Bureau office to update your membership records.

b l

i n

Classified ads will be published in the following issues:

Are your membership records current?

• Crops; • Farm equipment; • Hay/Straw; • Livestock; and • Livestock equipment.

answers from Page 27

a 2

Magazine classified ads can be placed in the following five categories only:

Email addresses and cellphone numbers help your Farm Bureau agent reach you in instances where prompt communication is important.

s h

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Cultivate APRIL 2011

Member 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.

Important:

• Ads longer than 30 words will not be accepted. • We do not invoice for classified ads or provide proofs or tearsheets. • Ads submitted without payment will be returned.

Step 5 Mail your ad (and payment) to: Virginia Farm Bureau News/Cultivate Classifieds P.O. Box 27552 Richmond, VA 23261-7552

Select the category in which you want your ad to run (Pick one only).

• You also can fax your ad to 804-290-1096. • Or place it via the Virginia Farm Bureau website at VaFarmBureau.org/ g Marketplace.

Step 4

Deadlines

Your first ad of 15 words or less is free with your membership.

Ads and cancellations must be received (not mailed) by the following deadlines:

Pricing for additional ads: 1–15 words $10/ad 16–30 words $20/ad

Issue

Step 3

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.

Deadline

Mailed to producer members May April 14 August July 1 Mailed to associate members July June 4

We are not responsible for typographical errors or errors due to illegible handwriting (No refunds available). Classified ads carried in Virginia Farm Bureau News and Cultivate 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.

Moving? If your address or phone 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; 2011 dues must be paid before placing ad.

NAME: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MEMBER NO.: __________________________________________________________________________________________________

Category in i which hi h ad d should run (select only one): ❑ Crops

COUNTY: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

❑ Farm Equipment

ADDRESS:______________________________________________________________________________________________________

❑ Hay/Straw

CITY: _________________________________________________ STATE:____________________________

❑ Livestock

ZIP:__________________ _

DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER: ___________________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS: _________________________ Ads will not be accepted without the information above

ADVERTISEMENT (one word per space; please type or print):

❑ Livestock Equipment No other categories available in magazines

1. ____________________________ 2.____________________________ 3. _______________________________ 4. ______________________________ 5. __________________________________ 6. ____________________________ 7. ____________________________ 8. _______________________________ 9. ______________________________ 10. _________________________________ ( ) 11. ___________________________ 12. ___________________________ 13. _______________________________ 14. _____________________________ 15. _________________________________ phone number

ISSUE IN WHICH AD SHOULD RUN:

❑ May (mailed to producer members) ❑ July (mailed to associate members)

* Ad placement available for these issues only 30

Cultivate APRIL 2011

❑ Payment enclosed: $_______________ ❑ This is my one free 15-word ad for 2011

❑ August (mailed to producer members) ❑ Please place my ad in The Delmarva Farmerr for 4 weeks at no additional cost to me ❑ Please place my ad online in the VFB Member Marketplace (Ads expire Dec. 31).

SaveOurFood.org

County Farm Bureau Offices Accomack

757-787-4208

Frederick

540-869-8650

Northumberland-Lancaster

804-435-0083

Albemarle

434-293-5775

Giles

540-921-1777

Nottoway

434-292-4389

Alleghany

540-962-3961

Giles

540-626-3201

Orange

540-672-3447

Amelia

804-561-2169

Gloucester-Mathews

804-725-3555

Page

540-743-5082

Amherst

434-946-5336

Gloucester-Mathews

804-642-3602

Patrick

276-694-7108

Appomattox

434-352-7851

Goochland

804-556-4119

Pittsylvania

434-432-2381

Augusta

540-886-2353

Goochland

804-290-1502

Pittsylvania

434-792-7484

Augusta

540-943-9820

Grayson

276-773-3091

Powhatan

804-598-3081

Bedford

540-586-9103

Grayson

276-236-7210

Powhatan

804-897-4989

Bedford

434-385-5239

Greene

434-985-7057

Prince Edward

434-392-3050

Bland

276-688-4341

Greensville

434-634-9471

Prince George

804-541-0559

Botetourt

540-992-2062

Halifax

434-572-4529

Prince William-Fairfax

703-368-6813

Brunswick

434-848-3542

Hanover

804-798-6534

Pulaski

540-674-5119

Brunswick

434-584-0290

Hanover

804-730-8730

Rappahannock

540-987-8225

Buckingham

434-983-2583

Henrico

804-270-6400

Richmond

804-333-4410

Campbell

434-332-5411

Henrico

804-737-4999

Roanoke

540-342-2626

Caroline

804-633-9825

Henry

276-638-7760

Roanoke

540-977-2196

Carroll

276-728-4103

Highland-Bath

540-468-2605

Roanoke

540-562-3710

Carroll

276-236-7210

Isle Of Wight

757-242-6730

Rockbridge

540-463-3603

Charles City-James CityNew Kent-York

Isle Of Wight

757-365-0400

Rockingham

540-434-6778

804-966-2310

King George

540-775-9650

Russell

276-889-1119

CC/JC/NK/YK

757-564-3929

King and Queen

804-769-2580

Russell

276-596-9036 276-386-7411

CC/JC/NK/YK

757-595-7143

King and Queen

804-785-9431

Scott

Charlotte

434-542-5822

King William

804-769-2580

Shenandoah

540-459-4019

Chesapeake

757-546-8000

Lee

276-346-2363

Smyth

276-783-6148

Chesterfield

804-748-5467

Loudoun

540-751-1111

Southampton

757-653-9341

Chesterfield

804-639-4070

Loudoun

703-858-0545

Spotsylvania

540-786-7575

Clarke

540-869-8650

Louisa

540-967-1370

Stafford

540-899-9454

Craig

540-864-6428

Lunenburg

434-676-2451

Surry

757-294-3285

Culpeper

540-825-0682

Madison

540-948-3311

Sussex

434-246-3531

Cumberland

804-492-4621

Mecklenburg

434-738-6141

Tazewell

276-988-6556

Dinwiddie

804-469-3726

Mecklenburg

434-584-0290

Virginia Beach

757-426-6115

Essex

804-443-3733

Middlesex

804-776-6886

Virginia Beach

757-467-0603

Fauquier

540-347-3172

Montgomery

540-382-8161

Warren

540-635-4074 276-628-7135

Floyd

540-745-2021

Montgomery

540-961-4086

Washington

Fluvanna

434-842-3411

Nansemond

757-934-2321

Washington

276-466-3987

Franklin

540-483-9225

Nelson

434-263-8328

Westmoreland

804-493-8004

Franklin

540-721-7047

Northampton

757-678-5158

Wise-Dickenson

276-328-8274

Franklin

540-483-4708

Northumberland-Lancaster

804-580-4422

Wythe

276-228-4042

Your county Farm Bureau office is your first point of contact for information on services and programs included in Virginia Farm Bureau’s Membership Advantage.

‘King Cotton’ and the Civil War featured on Down Home Virginia

Watch this!

To view Down Home Virginia, visit VaFarmBureau.org.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

There’s a cotton boom under way in Virginia, but many growers aren’t benefiting from it. And as America begins to mark the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, find out how Virginia farms played a pivotal role in that conflict. Those stories and more will be featured in the April edition of Down Home Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s monthly cable and satellite television show. The award-winning show airs nationwide at 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month on RFD-TV, as well as on 48 cable systems and three broadcast stations in Virginia. It’s also available online at VaFarmBureau.org. Check local cable listings for the show times in your area, or visit VaFarmBureau.org g for a list of participating stations. Cultivate APRIL 2011

Every year, 104,000 acres of Virginia farmland disappear forever. As a Farm Bureau member, you’re helping to stop this alarming trend. You can make an even bigger difference by telling your family and friends about Farm Bureau’s Save Our Food campaign and encouraging them to become Farm Bureau members as well. For less than $4 a month, each new membership will

Save 104,000 Acres of Virginia Farmland in 60 Seconds

help ensure that safe, fresh, locally grown foods remain accessible. So make a stand, and tell someone about Farm Bureau and Save Our Food today.

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