33 minute read
Heritage breeds are rare and flavorful
Past meets present in heritage breeds
Frauke Bruns holds a Red Wattle piglet. Large Black and Red Wattle hogs help clear the land on Pork Stork Farm in Orange County.
Big, floppy ears are trademarks of Large Black heritage pigs. Red Wattles are easily distinguished by their color. Barnyard animals that foraged on small farms in the 1800s are the livestock breeds that are considered “heritage” today.
Whether they are raising the animals for a niche market or just hoping to preserve a genetic legacy, Virginia’s heritage breed farmers are committed to preserving these types of cattle, swine and poultry for generations to come.
Heritage hogs preserve a genetic legacy
BY ALICE KEMP
Foraging in the forest, Frauke Bruns’ Large Black and Red Wattle hogs help clear the woods on her 170-acre property by eating acorns, hickory nuts and leaves.
“[Their meat] has the taste of the forest,” said Bruns, who owns Pork Stork Farm in Orange County with her husband, Doug. “They take a lot of herbs, grass, fruits and bark into their diet, and this creates a neat taste. And a different color—it’s a dark red.”
Bruns and her husband ventured into raising heritage hogs four years ago for a specific purpose—to create a unique selling point.
“We wanted to have rare breeds,” she explained. “Both breeds are known for their marbled meat.”
Mark Estienne, a professor and swine research physiologist at Virginia Tech’s Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center, said “heritage breeds have their place on farms providing pork for consumers who desire meat raised locally. The pork produced by heritage breeds contains more fat,” which some people enjoy. Specialty pork sells out quickly
That niche market is what Bruns counts on. She sells the specialty pork
at famers markets in Charlottesville and Georgetown and delivers or ships directly to customers. She said her sausages and pork chops are always the first to sell out.
In addition to supplying a niche market, heritage hog farmers play an important role in preserving a genetic legacy.
According to The Livestock Conservancy, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving heritage breeds of livestock, there are 11 heritage hog breeds. Most, including the Large Black and Red Wattle varieties, are listed as critical and threatened on the Conservancy’s Conservation Priority List. Breeds preserve genetic diversity
“To be considered heritage, breeds must be purebred, must have a long history in the U.S., and must have had an important place in U.S. agriculture,” Estienne said.
Red Wattles are one of the few heritage breeds unique to North America. Easy to distinguish, their coats can be a vibrant red, and they have two fleshy wattles on either side of their necks. Their meat is described as floral and robust.
The Large Blacks are one of the biggest and oldest breeds, originating in England and exported to the U.S. in the 1920s. The all-black pigs have big, floppy ears extending over their eyes, sometimes impeding their vision, Bruns said.
“I think there are more breeders for the Red Wattle than the Large Black,” Bruns said. “For the Large Black, I think we are down to 100 breeders.”
Preserving heritage breeds for genetic diversity is important, noted Estienne. For example, he said, a time may come when pigs are bred to tolerate high temperature and humidity. The Ossabaw Island Pig has adapted to hot and humid conditions since the 1500s and could be cross-bred with other suitable pigs.
“Once these breeds are gone, their unique package of genetics also is gone forever,” Estienne said.
BY NICOLE ZEMA
Thanksgiving shows off its true colors with a Virginia turkey as its centerpiece.
Virginians who raise heritage turkeys have perfected a slow-food production system, and some customers are willing to pay a premium for a heritage turkey to serve with their holiday spreads.
According to The Livestock Conservancy, official heritage turkeys reproduce and are genetically maintained through natural mating. They have a long, productive outdoor lifespan and slow growth rate compared to commercial varieties.
“Heritage is an original species that will continue the line,” said Ann Rosenfeld of Mickey and Ann’s Farmette LLC in Southampton County. They have raised multiple heritage breeds including Chocolates, Slates, Royal Palm, Black Spanish and Midget Whites on a quarter-acre wooded lot since 2014.
“That’s our original breeding stock,” bellowed Mickey Rosenfeld, projecting his voice over the shrill, throaty gobbling of 13 happy breeding hens, two toms, “and who knows how many juveniles.”
Originally the Rosenfelds started with Lavenders (or Slates), Chocolates and Midget Whites.
“With crossbreeding between Browns, Whites and Slates, we started getting all these new colors,” Mickey said. “It’s still considered heritage when they crossbreed.”
The birds take up to 30 weeks to reach a marketable weight. Hens can
Mickey and Ann Rosenfeld have repeat customers who buy birds from their Southampton County farm.
PHOTOS BY NICOLE ZEMA
The Rosenfelds’ varieties include a molting heritage Chocolate, above, and heritage Slate, below.
reach 10 pounds and toms up to 16. The meat is described as juicy and succulent, with a thin layer of “selfbasting” omega-3-rich fat under the skin.
Processing fresh turkeys the week ahead of Thanksgiving is a busy time for the Rosenfelds, who have their eyes set on retirement.
“It’s a job,” Mickey said. “We say we’re not going to do it again, but the on family farms BY ADAM CULLER
When it comes to Virginia cattle, most people picture black-and-white Holstein dairy cows or black Angus cattle found throughout the state.
Images of red Devons or “Oreo cows” rarely come to mind—because these rare breeds are limited to the few Virginia farms dedicated to raising heritage cattle.
“Heritage breeds generally are old breeds that have been around for hundreds of years,” said Richard Larson, who raises American Milking Devon cattle on Old Gjerpen Farm in Culpeper County. “They’re rare because as agriculture evolved, new breeds evolved and were better at what they were bred to do.” Old World cattle meet the New World
According to The Livestock Conservancy, Devon cattle were brought to America by the Pilgrims in 1623. Reddish brown in hue, the cattle were prized for the quality of their milk and beef, and were renowned for their ability to pull plows, wagons and other farming implements.
But with the advent of the tractor and breeding techniques that maximized beef and milk outputs from specialized cattle breeds, American Milking Devons were exiled from mainstream farming by the late 1800s. The breed is now critically endangered, with about 500 remaining.
Larson began raising American paycheck’s really good. We get a lot of repeat customers for fresh turkeys, though it’s an expensive bird for some people.”
The Rosenfelds and their friends prefer their heritage birds smoked in their walk-in smokehouse.
“We’ll smoke them about four hours, wrap them in foil and cook to temperature,” Mickey said. “So juicy
Heritage cattle affirm their function
and tender; no knife is necessary.” Milking Devons in 2006 after he discovered the breed was being raised at Mount Vernon and Colonial Williamsburg. He now maintains and breeds a core herd of eight cattle, selling grass-fed beef and calves to a niche market of customers interested in the heritage breed.
Larson said Milking Devons will always be scarce due to their production limits, but he believes they will be coveted by conservationists and families searching for a family cow.
“What’s happening now, as people’s view of the world is changing, their view of agriculture and how they want to be involved is also changing,” Larson said. “Most of my females go to families that want a milking cow for the family, whereas my bulls are sold to other breeders who want access to the genetics that I offer.” ‘Oreo’ cattle satisfy a specialty market
Envisioning a rural lifestyle for their family away from the hustle and bustle of Fredericksburg, Heather and Michael White swapped urban living for a centuries-old Halifax County tobacco farm in 2012.
The couple converted the land into a family farm, Sapphire Farms, with the intention of sustaining themselves and their children, Zoie and Tristan, with homegrown meat and dairy products. Currently, the couple raises heritage cattle, hogs, horses and poultry.
After starting with Jersey cattle, the
Sometimes called “Oreo” cattle, this Dutch Belted breed is raised by Heather and Michael White on Sapphire Farms in Halifax County.
Red Devon milking cattle were brought to America by the Pilgrims.
Whites became enamored with Dutch Belted cattle and transitioned to raising them in 2013. Marked with thick white stripes that bisect their midsections, their hides resemble Oreos. The twotone cattle are a critically endangered breed being conserved by Virginia farmers.
The breed is valued for its high-fat milk, its quality meat and its ability to
survive on rough pasture. Today, the family has a herd of 25 Dutch Belted, 15 of which are purebred, and has found success marketing the beef and dairy products locally and online.
Finding a market for Dutch Belted products is key, said Heather White, because it raises awareness and interest in conserving the breed. With around 200 remaining, the rarity of the hardy cattle is why the family decided to foster their own herd.
“Raising [Dutch Belted] is important to us because we wanted to be a part of saving this rare breed,” White said. “The environment is always changing—we’ll always have hard winter, we’ll always have storms and droughts—and for a breed of cattle to continually survive those things, that’s important to me.”
Weigh your health care options as open enrollment periods approach
BY ADAM CULLER
With open enrollment periods for the Affordable Care Act and Medicare fast approaching, it’s time for customers to weigh their health insurance options for 2021.
Medicare enrollment
From Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, Medicare beneficiaries may change their Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage for the upcoming year during the Annual Election Period. During this time, subscribers can enroll in, withdraw from or switch Part D drug coverage or Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C.
For most Medicare subscribers, the Annual Election Period is the only time to alter either plan for the upcoming year, and any policy changes will go into effect Jan. 1, 2021.
Gina Gentilini, senior individual account executive for Virginia Farm Bureau’s Health Insurance division, noted customers in Virginia will have access to several new Medicare Advantage plans in 2021.
“The Annual Election Period is a great time for people to evaluate if the plans they’re on are the plans they need to be on for the coming year,” Gentilini said. “If you’d like to see if a Medicare Advantage plan would be a good fit, contact your Farm Bureau office.” ACA enrollment
Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act runs from Nov. 1 until Dec. 15. The Healthcare.gov Marketplace plans for under age 65 allow subscribers to purchase their own health, dental and vision coverage. ACA plans do not require medical underwriting, and those who enroll during the open enrollment period will have coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2021.
Coverage can benefit those who are uninsured or underinsured due to their employment status, as well as those who have experienced changes to their medical or financial conditions. The open enrollment period is the time to evaluate if the coverage you’re on is right for you.
“We want customers to know that Farm Bureau is here to help them through both open enrollment periods,” said Tracy Cornatzer, sales manager for VFB’s Health Insurance division.
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Use caution around farm equipment during fall harvest
Fall harvest season is here, and it’s a busy and challenging time for farmers as they move equipment on local roads to get from one field to another.
The fall harvest can last until November, and it’s a particularly precarious time for farmers and drivers because there’s more equipment traveling on public roads, said Jeremy Moyer, Amelia County Farm Bureau president and member of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Farm Safety Advisory Committee. Supporting vehicles, such as tractor trailers and dump trucks, also are on roadways, transporting harvested crops.
“Some equipment is 15 or 16 feet wide with dual tires,” Moyer said. “There’s not great visibility for the operator. Even with rear cameras and mirrors, there are still pretty large blind spots behind a lot of equipment.”
Additionally, a large piece of equipment such as a combine can easily span more than one travel lane.
State law requires tractors and other
Farm equipment on roadways often takes up more than one lane, which is why drivers should exercise caution.
equipment that travels 25 mph or slower to be marked with a triangular slow-moving vehicle emblem when operated on public roads. Many farmers also use flashing amber lights, reflective decals and escort vehicles to alert approaching motorists.
“Most of the time, large farm equipment is not going very far, maybe a mile or two at the most,” Moyer added.
Drivers are urged to be aware and use caution if they encounter a tractor or other farm equipment on the roadway.
“I think some of the accidents have been when the farmers are making a left-hand turn and the driver behind doesn’t realize the farmer is turning,” said Becky Broaddus, a Caroline County farmer and member of the VFBF Farm Safety Advisory Committee.
Adding to the danger, some rural roads have sharp curves and low visibility, with turnoffs tucked out of sight. Broaddus emphasized that farmers will generally move over when it’s safe so cars can get by, but areas with trees, overgrowth, steep ditches or obstacles roadside mailboxes can prevent them from doing so.
“Be patient, and understand that the farmer is not trying to slow you down,” Broaddus said. “They’re just trying to get safely to their farm or their field. Don’t put yourself or the farmer at risk by trying to get around them when it’s not safe.”
Manage health and related expenses through preventive care
BY ADAM CULLER
Preventive care shifts the focus of medical care from treating the symptoms of illness and disease to avoiding illnesses while promoting good health.
Services like annual physicals, immunizations, medication management and any other benefits that help prevent illness, injury and premature death are all considered preventive care.
According to research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seven out of 10 Americans die each year from chronic diseases, many of which are preventable. An increased use of preventive health services results in less exposure to longterm illnesses that could have otherwise been prevented.
“Early detection is key,” said Tracy Cornatzer, sales manager for Virginia Farm Bureau’s Health Insurance division.
“If you’re taking care of your preventive visits, you may catch an illness early, which is beneficial healthwise and can be helpful in terms of cost. Don’t put off these services, because they could truly help if there’s something your doctor can catch in its early stages and can be treated.”
Most health insurance plans cover preventive care services in full, leaving no cost for subscribers. For many services, there is no copay, coinsurance, deductible or out-of-pocket expenses.
In addition to no costs associated with visits, preventive care also can help lower the cost of managing illnesses, because most diseases are more treatable in the early stages.
An annual preventive care plan should include bloodwork and a physical with your primary care physician. For women, a yearly visit with a gynecologist is recommended. Please check your health insurance policy for the frequency of covered routine services, as they vary.
Preventive care shouldn’t end with your physician. Regular visits to dentists and optometrists also can help reveal illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
“Your optometrist can catch macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma, and a checkup for the health of your teeth can reveal illnesses like throat cancer and oral cancer,” Cornatzer said.
Buck the financial burden of deer collisions with comprehensive coverage
BY ADAM CULLER
Deer migration and mating season is October through December, which means more deer on or near roads.
To many, Virginia’s natural splendor reaches its peak in the fall. And while fall is a great time to enjoy the state’s vibrant colors and crisp autumn air, the shifting seasons can cause additional risks on roadways.
One of those hazards is deer migration and mating season, which occurs from October through December, and often leads to an increase in collisions due to the animals’ increased movement around roadways.
To protect your vehicles against damage caused by hitting a deer, it’s advisable to add Other Than Collision coverage—also known as OTC or comprehensive coverage—to your auto insurance policy.
“It’s very important to have OTC coverage on auto policies, because collision coverage is not designed to pay for any collisions with animals,” said Lisa Whitus, underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “Collision coverage is there for a collision involving another vehicle or an inanimate object.”
Drivers in Virginia have a 1 in 74 chance of colliding with a deer or on the state’s roads. When an accident occurs, damage to a vehicle can be significant.
In 2019 VFBMIC received 3,651 auto insurance claims related to collisions with deer, almost a 25% increase from 2,923 in 2018. The claims amounted to $6.26 million in losses, an average loss of $1,715 per claim.
“Whether you own a large commercial vehicle, a luxury car or any other automobile, hitting a deer or other animals can cause a substantial loss,” Whitus said. “The reason most people purchase OTC coverage for their vehicle is because it’s relatively inexpensive and can help offset the cost of damages in the event of a loss.” In addition to providing protection against impact with animals, comprehensive coverage is designed to protect your vehicle from other damage not caused by a collision. Fire damage, glass breakage and weatherrelated damage are covered under most comprehensive auto policies.
To ensure your vehicles are protected against nature’s many surprises, contact your local Farm Bureau insurance agent.
Ride-share drivers require additional auto coverage
Offering convenient and reliable transportation to passengers, ride-sharing services like Lyft BY ADAM CULLER and Uber have become a preferred transit method in many American cities over the past decade.
While many people use these services for quick-and-easy commutes as riders, others use Lyft and Uber to earn primary or secondary income as drivers. If driving a Lyft or Uber appeals to you, it’s important to ensure your vehicle and passengers are covered in case of an accident.
“When you purchase an auto policy for your personal vehicle, there’s an understanding between you and your insurance company that you will not use that vehicle for business,” said Lisa Whitus, underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.
“The moment you begin to use your vehicle to pick people up for transportation, you’ll need to endorse your policy to include coverage in case something should happen to your vehicle or your passengers. Otherwise, there’s not going to be any coverage,” Whitus explained.
To guarantee full auto coverage when working for companies like Lyft and Uber, drivers must add a Transportation Network Company endorsement to their auto policies.
A TNC endorsement is designed to address gaps in collision and comprehensive coverage between a driver’s personal auto policy and any insurance policies offered by ridesharing companies to their employees. Coverage under this endorsement is only active once a driver has accepted a trip within a ride-sharing app.
In addition to securing full coverage on their vehicles, Uber and Lyft drivers are encouraged to increase their liability insurance coverage in the event passengers are injured in an accident.
The minimum liability coverage requirement for Virginia drivers is 25/50/20—$25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $20,000 for property damage. Expenses beyond each limit are then the driver’s responsibility.
Whitus recommends drivers discuss purchasing higher limits of liability with their Farm Bureau agent to protect against dire financial situations.
“If you’re in a wreck, especially when it’s your fault, liability insurance limits can be exhausted very quickly,” she said. “The more coverage you have, the more protection Virginia Farm Bureau can provide you.”
Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. once again named to Ward’s 50
Virginia Farm Bureau Top 50 has passed all safety positions and underwriting Mutual Insurance Co. and consistency screens results,” said Jeff Rieder, was named among and achieved superior partner and head of Ward the 2020 Property-Casualty performance over the five benchmarking at Aon, a Ward’s 50 Companies—for years it was analyzed. leading global professional the third year in a row. “Building a stronger services firm. The Ward’s
The list is compiled by financial base and continually 50 benchmark group also Ward Group, a consulting growing our premiums helps continues to achieve lower firm specializing in the our companies better serve expense ratios. insurance industry and a our policyholders,” Wells said. VFBMIC joined five other leading provider of industry The Ward’s 50 property- Farm Bureau insurance benchmarking. superior customer service casualty group of insurance companies recognized as
“During this time of and competitive products. companies produced a 10.9% Top 50 P&C companies: continued uncertainty, it Our local agents do a statutory return on average Tennessee Farmers Mutual brings us great pleasure to phenomenal job serving our equity from 2015 to 2019, Insurance Co., Rural Mutual be named one of the 50 policyholders.” compared to 7.3% for the Insurance Co. in Wisconsin, top property and casualty Each year Ward Group property-casualty industry Nodak Insurance Co. in companies in the country for analyzes the financial overall. North Dakota, Farm Bureau the third consecutive year,” performance of nearly “In selecting the Ward’s P&C Insurance Co. in Iowa said Darlene Wells, VFBMIC 2,900 property and casualty 50, we identified companies and Kentucky Farm Bureau executive vice president insurance companies in the that pass financial stability Mutual Insurance Co. and general manager. “This United States and identifies requirements and measure recognition stems from our the top performers. Each their ability to grow while strong financial stability, company named to Ward's maintaining strong capital
BY ADAM CULLER
Forward collision warning and other new safety features on cars means that some Virginia Farm Bureau auto policyholders are eligible for discounts.
Safety first: Insurance discounts are coming for collision avoidance technology
Equipped with autonomous to policyholders who drive vehicles braking systems, backup with collision avoidance technology. cameras and blind spot Eligible technology includes forward sensors that alert drivers to collision warning—with and without roadway hazards, modern vehicles are autonomous braking, blind spot prioritizing passenger safety. warning and rear automatic braking.
And as more automobiles with Premium discounts will apply only to advanced technology enter the U.S. customers of VFBMIC’s multivariatefleet, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual rated personal auto policy, or AMV, line Insurance Co. is preparing to reward of business. customers whose vehicles possess David Tenembaum, VFBMIC some of those safety features. actuarial manager, said Highway Loss
On new personal automobile Data Institute findings are enabling insurance policies and future the company to offer these new policy policy renewals effective on or discounts, as research found collision after Oct. 15, 2020, VFBMIC will avoidance technology can significantly begin offering premium discounts reduce accidents and claims.
HLDI research from 2018 revealed forward collision warnings with autonomous braking reduced the frequency of property damage liability claims by 13% and collision claims by 2.3%.
Forward collision warnings use sensors or cameras that warn drivers with audible and visual alerts they are getting too close to the vehicle in front of them. With the addition of autonomous braking, a vehicle will apply the brakes if a driver fails to respond to a rapidly approaching object.
Rear automatic emergency braking applies a vehicle’s brakes if a driver doesn’t respond to an object behind them. This feature reduced the frequency of property damage claims by 29.9% and collision claims by 12%.
Blind spot warnings, which alert drivers to vehicles in their blind spots, contributed to a 6.8% decrease in the frequency of property damage claims and a 1.5% decrease in collisions claims.
When combined, collision avoidance safety features could prevent onethird of reported crashes each year, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. Though cars with advanced safety technology represent just a fraction of all vehicles on U.S. roads, VFBMIC is eager to embrace the future with its new discount program.
“We want to be a market leader— insurance companies are just getting started analyzing this information and reacting to it,” Tenembaum said.
“A limited number of companies are offering these types of discounts, and we want to get ahead of the pack by not only offering discounts for advanced safety features, but higher-thanaverage discounts compared to our competitors,” he added.
If you are insured through Farm Bureau’s AMV program and any of your vehicles are equipped with collision avoidance technology, please contact your local Farm Bureau insurance agent to see if your policy qualifies for a discount.
Congress passes mental health legislation supporting rural communities
Bill intends to promote mental well-being and destigmatize mental health care in rural areas.
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Rural residents could soon benefit from the addition of federal mental health resources with the passage of the Seeding Rural Resilience Act.
The bipartisan bill is designed to promote mental well-being and destigmatize mental health care in rural communities, and create awareness of farm stress.
It passed as an amendment to the Senate and House versions of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2021.
“Congress recognizing that these resources are beneficial is absolutely imperative, because the more people that are aware of this mental health crisis, the more we’re going to be able to recognize and help farmers in crisis,” said Dr. Amy Johnson, a nurse practitioner with Centra Medical Group, farmer and Bedford County Farm Bureau president.
“By helping to decrease the stigma of mental health and the feeling that people have to suffer in silence, we’re more likely to get folks the help that they need.”
Once enacted, the bill would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide voluntary stress management training for Farm Service Agency, Risk Management Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service employees.
The bill also would fund a $3 million public service announcement from USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services to increase public awareness of farm and rural stress.
Lastly, the Seeding Rural Resilience Act would call for leading agricultural organizations and the secretary of agriculture to establish industry best practices for responding to mental stress.
With federal resources in place, Johnson said she’d like to see the continued deregulation of telehealth beyond the COVID-19 pandemic to improve communication with farmers in crisis. She spoke on the topic at the White House in July.
Noting the impact the pandemic has had on farmers and other rural residents, Johnson said government investment in addressing the mental health resources deficiencies in rural communities has come at an opportune time.
“With the fact that so many states had started from the grassroots level and created the impetus for mental health awareness, we already had a stronghold on those programs helping farmers,” she said.
“Now that the government is getting involved and putting forth the funds to create more public awareness and push these agencies further in their training, it’s huge. We now have something to grow on and aren’t starting from scratch when a stressful situation for farmers became more dire with the pandemic.”
Teen drivers’ chances of crashing increase with an older or smaller car. Modern auto technology can help keep them safer.
Study shows teens likely to drive less-safe vehicles
Ateenager’s first car is often For many, it’s seen as a rite of passage executive vice president and general a hand-me-down or an to give an old used family car to the manager of Virginia Farm Bureau inexpensive older, smaller newest driver. But older cars often Mutual Insurance Co., and a member model, and that could be lack modern safety technology like of the Drive Smart Virginia board of making an already high-risk segment of side airbags and electronic stability directors. “Safety and reliability are drivers even more unsafe. control that can help protect new, paramount.”
A study published recently by the inexperienced drivers. The IIHS conducted a separate study Insurance Institute for Highway Safety According to the study, teens are that revealed 2017 model-year small revealed nearly two-thirds of teen more likely to drive models that don’t and mini cars accounted for 15 of the drivers killed in crashes between 2013 offer those safety options. Since 2012, 20 vehicles with the highest death and 2017 were driving vehicles six to ESC has been mandated for all new rates. 15 years old. More than a quarter were vehicles. Research has shown that, compared driving micro, mini or small cars. Additionally, smaller cars pose a risk to older drivers, teens drive less yet
“It’s understandable that parents because their lighter mass takes the crash about four times as often. The don’t want to shell out big bucks for brunt of collisions with larger vehicles. IIHS study revealed that among their teen’s first car, and they probably The shorter front end in a small car drivers killed in fatal crashes from don’t realize how much safer a newer, also offers less protection than that of a 2013-17, less than 4% of teens killed larger vehicle is,” said Rebecca Weast, larger one. were driving vehicles under 3 years old IIHS research scientist and lead author “When considering a first car for compared to 9% of adults. Also, 38% of of the paper. “Small vehicles don’t your new driver, it’s important to teens were killed when driving vehicles protect as well in a crash, and older look at the safety features and make 11 to 15 years old compared to 32% of vehicles are less likely to be equipped sure they’re well-protected in the adult drivers. with essential safety equipment.” event of a crash,” said Darlene Wells,
Charcuterie boards offer delicious displays for the holidays
Few dishes are as impressive Historically all about meat, modern Richmond and cooking segment host and eye-catching as interpretations have broadened on Virginia Farm Bureau’s television a charcuterie board. charcuterie to include cheese, bread, program, Real Virginia. Pronounced shahr-ku-tuh- fruit, nuts and a variety of other food From salty to sweet or spicy, ree, this French culinary items. charcuterie boards boast an tradition is the art of preparing and “The premise behind it is to showcase abundance of flavors and textures that arranging cured meats and other meat nice meats,” said Chef Tammy Brawley, complement each other. They’re ideal products, especially pork. owner of The Green Kitchen in for entertaining—offering a variety
of options that allow guests to choose what they want to eat.
All about presentation, a charcuterie board gives the preparer an opportunity to demonstrate his or her creativity by arranging different ingredients together how they wish, Brawley noted.
She said along with meats like prosciutto, capicola and salami, her charcuterie boards always have a couple of different cheeses, olives, a pickled item, nuts, a sweet jam and a savory spread like mustard. A sliced baguette can be served on the side or on the board.
“The perfect charcuterie board is when you’ve got a variety of those types of foods,” Brawley emphasized.
We put together a festive charcuterie board showcasing some foods produced in Virginia: prosciutto, Soppressata salami, cheese and, of course, Virginia peanuts.
KATHY DIXON
This and that:
Get creative with charcuterie ingredients
Prosciutto Sausage Salami Ham Cheese varieties (hard and soft cheese) Olives Pickles Nuts Figs Apricots Grapes Apples Pears Vegetables Hummus Honey Jams Crackers and bread or crostini
This summer charcuterie board capitalized on seasonal ingredients like berries and cucumbers.
This holiday charcuterie spread focuses on traditional ingredients like salami and cheese, and mixes in Virginia peanuts and apples. There is no wrong way to assemble a charcuterie platter.
When hurricane season approaches, it’s best to prepare your home in advance.
Keep homes safe during active hurricane season Into each life some rain may fall, but a thorough hurricane preparedness plan can provide a silver lining in an emergency. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. This season is only three named storms away from becoming the most active hurricane season on record. There have been 25 so far, and the record is 28. A proactive approach can protect your family and property against the threat of severe weather. Farm Bureau members can access resources through vafb.com to help determine your risk, devise a plan, build an emergency kit and secure your property. When shopping for emergency supplies, remember your Farm Bureau membership affords you savings from Grainger. Hurricanes often generate rainfall that can cause severe flooding over wide areas, as well as spawn tornadoes, and severely affect areas well inland. Before a storm is imminent, plan a safe evacuation route out of its path. Review and become familiar with the plan well 3 Follow this three-step prep 1 2 Essential items for evacuation, or returning to your property after a severe storm, include the following: • flashlights and extra batteries • portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries • first-aid kit • emergency food and water (for humans and pets) • non-electric can opener • any personal medicines and supplies • duct tape, extra flashlights, batteries, glow-sticks, tarps, cleaning supplies, insulated coolers, gas can, generators, all-purpose extension cords and portable blowers, all available from Grainger.com. During the storm: • Monitor the news. • Stay inside, and keep pets safe with leashes or crates. • Tell someone your location, and • Charge your phone. • Use flashlights, not candles. After the storm: • Listen to local news for emergency instructions. • Make contact with others. • Avoid walking or driving in floodwater. • Avoid drinking tap water, and check for food spoilage. • Take photos for insurance claims. • Be aware of natural gas leaks, and watch for sparks and broken or frayed wires. • Be sure electrical systems or appliances are not wet before using. • Check for damaged pipes. • Disinfect items that may have been contaminated. For more storm preparedness information, visit grainger.com/ content/hurricanes and Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.’s Virginia in advance with family, friends and review your plan with loved ones. Hurricane Preparedness Central resource. co-workers.
Statement of Ownership
Correction
An article in the August issue of Cultivate magazine incorrectly listed Frying Pan Farm Park’s phone number. The correct number is 703-437-9101.
LEGAL
Notice of Annual Meeting
Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company
The annual meeting of policyholders of Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company will be held at 8:45 a.m., Thursday, December 17, 2020, at the Virginia Farm Bureau office, 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, Virginia for the following purposes:
1. To receive and act upon the reports of the officers of the Company. 2. To elect a Board of Directors, each to serve for the term of one year. 3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.
Dated this 1st day of October, 2020.
Kathleen M. Early, Secretary
Real farmers, sharing real stories, on real farms
REAL
VIRGINIA
A weekly television program produced by Virginia Farm Bureau Agriculture touches your life every day! Meet the Virginia farmers who raise products for your table and your community. Learn how to prepare delicious Virginia foods and cultivate a lush landscape and edible garden. Real Virginia airs nationwide at 3:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month on RFD-TV on Dish Network and DirecTV, and on many cable outlets—check local listings. Watch anytime at vafb.com, and weekly on
• WBRA Roanoke • WHRO Norfolk • WTKR Norfolk • WVVA Bluefield
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