Cultivate Fall 2021 by Virginia Farm Bureau

Cultivate FALL 2021

Virginia Farm Bureau

LASTING LANDSCAPES Natural materials transformed into long-lasting wreaths

Cultivate Volume 14, Number 4 Fall 2021 Cultivate (USPS 025051) (ISSN 19468121) is published four times a year. February, May, August, October. It is published by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Periodicals postage rate is paid at Richmond, VA and additional mailing offices. The annual Subscription Rate is $1.13 (included in membership dues).

Features 9

ANCIENT ART

Caning and weaving preserve techniques that are mostly unchanged since the mid-1600s.

WARM WOOD

Use quality firewood in fireplaces, backyard fire pits and wood stoves to keep chilly weather at bay.

“What inspires me— when you have to look twice to see what kind of material it is.” — AGNES VON STILLFRIED, King and Queen County

Postmaster: Please send changes of address to, Cultivate, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, P.O. Box 27552, Richmond, VA 23261; fax 804-2901096. Editorial and business offices are located at 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Telephone 804-290-1000, fax 804-290-1096. Email address is Cultivate@vafb.com. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. All advertising is accepted subject to the publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume liability for the content of their advertising. The publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised. The publisher maintains the right to cancel advertising for non-payment or reader complaints about services or products. Member: Virginia Press Association

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

O CHRISTMAS TREE

Tree growers insist there’s nothing better than a hand-cut or locally purchased Virginia-grown tree for the holidays.

BEYOND EVERGREEN

Wreath makers weave natural materials from Virginia’s landscape to make works of art that reflect the seasons.

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

Departments 4

By the Numbers

For Your Benefit

Heart of the Home

VISIT US ONLINE vafb.com

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MEMBERS — Address change? If your address or phone number has changed, or is about to change, contact your county Farm Bureau. They will update your membership and subscription information.

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE

Associate members will receive their next issue of Cultivate in February 2022. The magazine is published quarterly, and back issues can be viewed at issuu.com/virginiafarmbureau.

ON THE COVER Dried mushrooms and moss are combined into a festive wreath (Photo by Agnes von Stillfried).

Did you know? Virginia apples are good for your health and good for the state’s economy. Oh, and they are good for making many delicious cakes, pies and other holiday treats too! A medium-size apple contains just 95 calories and is high in fiber, vitamins C and K and other antioxidants. Apples are grown on almost 11,000 acres on 687 farms across the state. The fruit is cultivated primarily in the Shenandoah Valley, Albemarle and Rappahannock counties, and the southwestern counties of Patrick and Carroll. Seventy percent of Virginia apples are sold for processing and made into products like applesauce, apple juice, apple butter, slices and cider. Warm days, cool nights and rich soils make Virginia ideal for growing a wide variety of apples, including Gala, Ginger Gold, Granny Smith, Fuji, Jonathan, Red and Golden Delicious, Rome, Stayman and Winesap. The picking season begins in July and lasts through early November. According to the Virginia Apple Board, the fruit contributes an estimated $235 million annually to the state’s economy. And Virginia apples are exported to more than 20 countries.

vafb.com / FALL 2021

CHRISTMAS TREES

$10

million That’s the amount Virginia Christmas tree sales top annually.

WATCH US

Fall activities and pumpkins are featured on Real Virginia

Featured this month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program: • Virginia pumpkin growers continue to attract visitors to their U-pick patches. • Learn to identify invasive plants in your garden. • New Kent County’s pumpkins and other crops are featured in this month’s County Agriculture Close-up. Real Virginia airs nationwide at 3:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month on RFD-TV on Dish Network and DirecTV, and on selected cable outlets around the state. It airs weekly on WBRA digital channel 15.2, WHRO Norfolk, WVVA Bluefield and WTKR Norfolk, and on the first and third weekends of each month on WVIR Charlottesville and WRLH Richmond. Watch Real Virginia anytime online at youtube.com/ user/VirginiaFarmBureau.

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Find It and Win! Cultivate magazine is offering a new contest for its readers. In each issue, search for a farming icon, and enter to win. This month’s icon is a pumpkin. Contest rules are as follows: Find the pumpkin inside this publication. Once you’ve located it, send an email to membershipbenefits@vafb.com with the subject line “Found It.” The body of the email must contain the following: • Your name • Your mailing address • The membership benefit advertisement located nearest the image • The page number where the icon is located The first 15 members who submit correct entries will win a 20-ounce stainless steel Virginia Farm Bureau logo tumbler. Readers are eligible to 20-OZ. stainless steel win only one tumbler during the Virginia Farm Bureau contest period, January through logo tumbler! December 2021. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery. Winners will be contacted by email. *Virginia Farm Bureau and Countryway employees are not eligible to win.

Newer, larger vehicles offer teen drivers a safer ride BY ADAM CULLER

riving an older-model vehicle or a hand-me-down car is a common rite of passage for many teenage

drivers. Given that teenagers have the highest risk of being involved in a wreck, most parents avoid buying their children a new car because of the expense. However, according to a 2020 study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, teens’ higher crash risk may be among the best reasons to invest in newer vehicles. Analyzing crash data from 2013 to 2017, IIHS found 62.4% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes were driving vehicles between six and 15 years old. From 2008 to 2012, the figure was 65.4%. When compared to newer models, older vehicles lack modern safety technology that protects drivers, such as side airbags, emergency braking systems and electronic stability control. The IIHS study also revealed teens driving cars less than 3 years old—vehicles that have standard advanced safety technology— accounted for only 3.7% of all fatalities between 2013 and 2017. “Parents looking for a safe and reliable car for a new driver should consult with a list compiled by IIHS, and examine the safety features to make sure teens are going to be protected in the event of a crash,” said David Tenembaum, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. actuarial manager. “New vehicles offer the latest in both crash protection and crash avoidance for safety-conscious consumers,” he added. “In the last few years, many automakers have

Teen drivers are safer driving new vehicles instead of oldermodel cars.

added numerous safety features like lane departure warnings, front crash prevention systems, blind spot detection and more.” IIHS research also showed more than a quarter of teens involved in fatal accidents were driving vehicles classified as micro, mini or small. Due to their lighter mass, smaller cars pose an increased risk to motorists because they cannot withstand collisions with larger, heavier vehicles. Additionally, the smaller front end of a small vehicle offers less protection than that of a larger one.

Finding the right vehicle

For the second year, IIHS has teamed up with Consumer Reports to

publish a guide that lists affordable, safe and reliable vehicles for teen drivers. Despite increased demand for new and used vehicles and supply shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the two organizations have identified 61 vehicles between $6,400 to $19,800 that meet strict safety criteria. The full list can be viewed at iihs.org/ ratings/safe-vehicles-for-teens. “With used car prices so high this year, it may be tempting to have a newly licensed teen make do with a clunker or to buy them the smallest, cheapest new car available,” said IIHS president David Harkey. “As usual, we’re asking families to put safety at the center of this decision.” vafb.com / FALL 2021

For Your Benefit

Have fun, and get a truckload of savings with exclusive Virginia Farm Bureau benefits! Home/Business Savings NEW!

Get out and about with trusted member benefits

VFBF members save on Budget Truck Rental

Ford trucks are $500 off

Moving can be stressful, but renting your moving truck doesn’t need to be. Budget Truck Rental is one of the world’s best-known truck rental brands, with over 1,000 locations in the United States. And now, Farm Bureau members in Virginia can save 20% off Budget Truck Rental consumer rates. Take truck rental off your list of worries by visiting BudgetTruck.com/FarmBureau and completing the online reservation form, or call 800566-8422, or contact your county Farm Bureau office. Terms and Conditions: The Farm Bureau discount is only on reservations and cannot be applied in person at the rental counter. Discount only applies to truck rental and mileage rates and does not apply to taxes, surcharges, fees, refueling, moving supplies or optional items. Offer is not available in AK or HI and is subject to availability at participating locations; some blackout dates may apply. Rate may vary by location and seasonality.

Whether you’re hitting the open road or hauling stuff around, you may want to do it with a Ford pickup truck. Farm Bureau members are eligible for $500 Bonus Cash to use toward the purchase or lease of a new Ford Maverick, Ranger, F-150 or Super Duty®. Log onto Ford’s Farm Bureau member* website at fordfarmbureauadvantage. com. You must use your membership number and ZIP code to generate a certificate to present to your local Ford dealer. You also must be a Virginia Farm Bureau member for at least 30 days to qualify. *Farm Bureau Bonus Cash is exclusively for active Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. The incentive is not available on F-150 Raptor, F-600, F-650 or F-750 Super Duty.

Drive away with savings on Avis, Budget rental cars

Save up to 30% off Avis base rates with Virginia Farm Bureau’s Avis Worldwide Discount number. In addition, enjoy additional offers like dollars off, a complimentary upgrade or a free weekend day. • Call 800-331-1212 or visit avis.com/vafb to make a reservation.

Save up to 30% off Budget base rates with Virginia Farm Bureau’s Budget Customer Discount number. Plus get other great offers like dollars off, a free upgrade or a free weekend day. • Call 800-527-0700 or visit budget.com/vafb to make a reservation. Your Virginia Farm Bureau Avis Worldwide Discount number and Budget Customer Discount number are available from your county Farm Bureau and in the “Membership at Work” section of vafb.com (Register as a member on the site, and log in first).

Travel Services Your Farm Bureau membership gives you access to two programs offering significant savings at thousands of hotel properties. Reservations are required, and blackout dates may apply. 6

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For Your Benefit

Choice Hotels International The Choice Hotels International program offers a 20% discount off “best available rates” for Farm Bureau members at more than 5,000 locations. To access this discount rate, call 800-258-2847 or visit choicehotels.com. Use the Virginia Farm Bureau identification number, available at vafb.com/benefits and from your county Farm Bureau, when making a reservation. Present your membership card when you check in. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Whether you’re looking for an upscale hotel, an all-inclusive resort or something in between, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has the right hotel for you! As a Virginia Farm Bureau member, you will save up to 20% off the “best available rate” at over 8,000 participating hotels worldwide. To take advantage of this discount rate, call 877-670-7088 or visit wyndhamhotels.com/farm-bureau. Use the Virginia Farm Bureau identification number, available at vafb.com/benefits and from your county Farm Bureau, when making a reservation. Present your membership card when you check in.

Save on Dollywood’s No. 1 fall family event Dollywood’s Harvest Festival Presented by Humana was voted America’s No. 1 Fall Family Event by USA Today readers. Farm Bureau members in Virginia receive $10 off regular and children’s gate admission at Dollywood Theme Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Admission includes the Harvest Festival, which is open through Oct. 30. During the event, theme park guests can view fall decorations as they listen to the sounds of bluegrass and Southern gospel music on open-air stages. More than 300 live concerts will be performed during the festival. Also available are traditional Smoky Mountain culinary favorites, including smoked brisket, pork belly, turkey legs, fried green tomatoes, corn pudding and sweet potato casserole. Unique craftsmen from around the country will join Dollywood artisans in demonstrating and selling their handmade goods throughout the festival. At night, Great Pumpkin LumiNights offers a festival within a festival. In parts of the park, guests can enjoy artistic sculptures, whimsical scenes and pumpkinthemed food options. For more information, visit vafb.com/benefits or Dollywood.com.

more information. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Healthy Living

Members save on prescription drugs Virginia Farm Bureau’s free Prescription Drug Discount and Savings Program affords members discounts at more than 67,000 pharmacies nationwide, on all FDAapproved brand and generic drugs. Members pay no fee to use the program, which is designed for individuals with no insurance coverage for prescription drugs. The program works via what’s known as a “consumer care” or “point of sale card” that can be used by your entire household. There are no medical exams, no waiting periods, no claim forms to file and no exclusions for pre-existing conditions. Your county Farm Bureau can provide starter card information and details on how to locate participating pharmacies near you. Farm Bureau representatives also can help you compare potential savings on generic and name-brand drugs. For more information, visit vafb.com/benefits. You will need to register and log in as a member.

Shop, wine and dine at America’s largest home Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, was built by George and Edith Vanderbilt and is America’s largest home. The 8,000-acre property on which the home is located offers visitors tours, carriage rides, beautiful gardens, kayaking, horseback riding, paddle boarding, biking and much more. Farm Bureau members in Virginia will receive $10 off regular gate admission to the historic Biltmore estate. Members also can realize reduced rates at The Inn on Biltmore Estate, The Village Hotel and a variety of local accommodations. While there, browse through unique estate shops for wine lovers, gardeners, bookworms and everyone in between. Savor complimentary tastings of more than 20 handcrafted wines; view rare treasures from the Biltmore collection; and learn about the estate’s barnyard animals. Visit Biltmore.com/corporateperk for

vafb.com / FALL 2021

Virginia syrup producers can join new statewide association

BY NICOLE ZEMA

ne of the East Coast’s oldest agricultural activities is finding its sweet spot among Virginia’s most celebrated home-grown commodities. More than 100 maple and tree syrup producers are being contacted to form a new statewide coalition, initiated by researchers at Virginia Tech’s Department of Sustainable Biomaterials in the College of Natural Resources and Environment. With an association’s support, Virginia can be recognized for its rich, high-quality tree syrups, cohesively marketed and certified among the finest in North America. Guinevere Unterbrink, a wildlife conservation student at Virginia Tech, is tracking down tree syrup producers in Virginia, no matter the size or scale of

sugar camp. They attended a Virginia Tech workshop and looked to the community for guidance. “There’s such a rich tradition and history of making maple syrup out here, it wasn’t hard to find experienced families who have been making syrup a long time,” Christoph Herby recalled. Now they hope an official state association will establish production standards and earn their syrups “Virginia Grown” certification from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “It would be helpful to have a reference that says this is the Virginia state standard for maple syrup production,” Herby said. Tree syrup producers interested in participating can send their name, mailing address, county, phone number and email address to guinevereu@vt.edu

their operations. “Everyone counts, from hobbyists to farms,” Unterbrink said. “The goal is to start a syrup producers’ association to help producers find assistance, equipment and, if needed, markets for syrup.” Plus, an association will help new producers apply for grants, procure marketing funds and access the latest research and technical expertise, said Dr. Tom Hammett, professor of sustainable biomaterials at Virginia Tech. Highland-Bath County Farm Bureau members Christoph and Lauren Herby of Tonoloway Farm started producing maple, black walnut, maple-walnut and hickory syrups in 2019 after realizing their property was a long-abandoned

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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 digital channel 15.2 • WHRO Norfolk

• WTKR Norfolk • WVVA Bluefield

Watch the first and second weekends of each month on • WRLH Richmond

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• WVIR Charlottesville

ALICE KEMP

BACK to BASICS

Alice Higgins Augusta County

AN ANCIENT ART Virginians use caning and weaving to preserve pieces of history BY ALICE KEMP

Hand weaving seven-step cane chair seats for her Higgins Chair Caning business is tedious, but Alice Higgins said it's one of her favorites to weave.

ooping and weaving long, thin strands of cane with nimble fingers, Alice Higgins prides herself on continuing a centuries-old craft. “It’s been practiced in Southeast Asia, Portugal, France and England since the mid-1600s,” Higgins explained. “The techniques haven’t changed much. Weaving requires only a few common tools you probably already have, so you only need the desire, a little patience and some tenacity.” Her passion for the craft led her to start her own business. Previously working part-time for a furniture refinisher, the Augusta County native saw a need for weavers. After studying a library book, and lots of trial and error, she honed her skills and opened Higgins Chair Caning in 2005. Now she helps customers from all over the East Coast and has a shop in an antique mall where she weaves and sells restored antique furniture and caning supplies. “Woven chairs can fit into any décor,” she said. “The craftsmanship is exquisite. It’s hard to find the same quality in factory-made furniture.”

A peaceful process

Higgins said each individual chair “dictates the weave for the most part.” She explained that holes lining a chair seat’s perimeter indicate the seat is hand caned, one strand at a time. But if there’s a groove around the seat, it requires a pre-woven material called pressed cane that’s manufactured in rolls or sheets. Hand woven cane can be time-consuming and tedious, Higgins admitted, “yet it has to be one of my favorites to weave. When all is going well, hand-woven caning is very relaxing.” One of the most common weaving techniques is the seven-step method— vafb.com / FALL 2021

weaving cane in vertical and horizontal directions before going diagonal—forming the traditional octagon pattern seen on many antique chairs. There’s also rush, which is weaving twisted fibers from the outside of the chair frame to the inside, creating four triangular shapes that meet in the middle.

“When all is going well, hand-woven caning is very relaxing.” — ALICE HIGGINS Higgins Chair Caning Augusta County

Danish cord is a more contemporary look and is woven on the chair frame, creating a special basket weave design. Splint is a type of flat material made from rattan reed, ash, oak or hickory that’s woven in herringbone or basket weave patterns and commonly seen on Southern porch rockers. Then there’s blind cane. “It’s called blind cane because you don’t see it from the back,” Higgins explained. “The holes don’t come all the way through, and you have to end each strand right there in the hole and peg it as you go.”

Woven chairs like this rocking chair can fit into any decor. 10

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Round reed Flat reed

Binder cane

Danish cord

Cane

BACK to BASICS

Tommy Kwesi Asante Fredericksburg

“The most common type of repair is the chair seat,” he remarked. “Maybe a grandchild jumped on the chair or it just weakened over time.”

“It’s beautiful. It’s classic. There’s always a satisfaction in the work of art and using your own hands.”

PHOTOS BY TOMMY ASANTE

— TOMMY KWESI ASANTE The Master’s Touch Furniture Service Fredericksburg

Tommy Kwesi Asante (left, above) restores furniture with his daughter, Nana Eku Asante, and his son, Noble Boye Asante, at The Master's Touch Furniture Service.

Preserving antique heirlooms For Tommy Kwesi Asante, working on caned and woven furniture is about restoring special memories or giving new life to an heirloom passed down through generations. “When people come pick it up, they feel so satisfied to see it in pristine form that’s going to outlive them, and

they can pass it on,” he said. Owner of The Master’s Touch Furniture Service in Fredericksburg, Asante entered the business in 2014 when he immigrated to the U.S. from Ghana with his family. Already an established wood carver in his home country, he learned to cane and weave from the shop’s previous owner, who eventually retired and left the business to Asante.

Asante explained that fixing caned seats is the final step in the restoration process—the rest of the chair must first be repaired if necessary. Old cane is removed with a knife and chisel before new cane is woven or pressed cane installed. “You have to soak it in water before you work with it,” Asante explained about pressed cane. “Soaking it gives you the flexibility” to work the material without it breaking. After it’s applied, a rounded spline cane is glued on top to keep the pressed cane in place. While Asante acknowledged there aren’t many people currently caning or weaving—the time commitment and importing materials can be less profitable from a business standpoint—he believes preserving the ancient art is important. “It’s beautiful,” he said. “It’s classic. There’s always a satisfaction in the work of art and using your own hands.” vafb.com / FALL 2021

Sitting atop the Wren Building at the College of William and Mary, this weather vane is pierced with the date 1693, when the college was founded.

AERIAL architecture Scan the skyline to appreciate Virginia’s unique and historic weather vanes

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY NICOLE ZEMA

eather vanes have wafted with the wind for centuries. With their function, form and iconography, wind vanes have long forecast weather for farmers, offered direction and branded public buildings with designs that reflected regional identity. One must only elevate the eyes to notice the aerial architecture that abounds in Virginia. Farms, homes and businesses topped with weather-worn pieces are a familiar aesthetic in Southwest Virginia. And in Colonial Williamsburg, tradespeople have preserved and replicated historic weather vanes, learning about colonial architectural techniques through their materials and construction styles. The Sidewalks to Rooftops: Outdoor Folk Art exhibit in the Leslie Anne Miller and Richard B. Worley Gallery in Colonial Williamsburg’s Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum features dozens of historic and uniquely designed weather vanes from Virginia and surrounding states. Museum historians say early American weather vanes evolved from old banner or pennant vanes of Europe. “The nice thing about an iron flag—it’s like the wind is blowing all the time,” said blacksmith Ken Schwarz, master of the shop for Colonial Williamsburg Trades. Weather vanes became more widely available in the 1850s and still exhibit imaginative or traditional styles.

Colonial Williamsburg Snake, possibly Connecticut, circa 1850: Miniscule details like the teeth, tongue and eyes were unusual given a weather vane’s distance from the viewer, but the maker’s skill and pleasure in creating it apparently outweighed practical considerations.

vafb.com / FALL 2021

AERIAL Museum exhibit: The Sidewalks to Rooftops: Outdoor Folk Art exhibit at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum features dozens of weather vanes of different styles and eras.

College of William and Mary: The Wren Building vane sits atop the oldest U.S. academic building in continuous use.

Governor’s Palace: This weather vane was replicated when the palace, which burned in 1781, was reconstructed in the 1930s. The crown symbolizes royal authority.

FRED BLYSTONE

Public Hospital: Birds perch on the metallic-painted weather vane replica on the Public Hospital. Its original copper ball was a time capsule containing intentionally placed artifacts, as does this modern replica.

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Blacksmith photos: Blacksmith Ken Schwarz works on the tail of the iron weather vane designed in a postcolonial style for the cupola on the new art museum entrance. Journeyman Mark Sperry made the cross arms and compass point letters.

FRED BLYSTONE

Wrought iron: A wrought iron weather vane is thought to be constructed by James Anderson of Williamsburg, circa 1770. Anderson was blacksmith and armorer to the Virginia colony, likely the creator of the Bruton Parish Church and Williamsburg Courthouse vanes in the late colonial period.

Tazewell County Historic Crab Orchard Museum: A rooster weather vane tops the Historic Crab Orchard Museum & Pioneer Park, a cultural heritage center in Tazewell County. Farmer’s Almanac reports that roosters are common weather vane toppers, tied to the biblical story of the Last Supper when Peter denied Jesus three times “before the rooster crowed.” In the 9th century, Pope Nicholas decreed all churches must display the rooster as a symbol of Peter’s betrayal. The rule eventually went by the wayside, but roosters stayed on weather vanes.

Cuz’s Uptown Barbecue: A pig weather vane indicates what’s on the menu at Cuz’s Uptown Barbecue on U.S. Route 460. Proprietor Yvonne Thompson said the restaurant’s former bartender commissioned the creation of the swine vane as a gift, following a fire in 2008.

Trout: Dale Hill of Tazewell purchased this trout weather vane in Asheville, N.C., from an antique dealer. The fish sits atop a gazebo overlooking the Fincastle Turnpike. Wrought iron horse: A sparrow perches on Dennis Jones’ wrought iron horse weather vane at his Tazewell barn. “My mother-in-law got it for our house when Mary Jane and I married in 1984,” he said.

Windy Cove Farm: A horse weather vane rides the cupola on the Edmondson family’s horse barn at Windy Cove Farm.

Tazewell County Courthouse: Author and journalist Louise “Lou” Bland Leslie wrote a definitive history of Tazewell and reported this “T” weather vane once sat atop Tazewell High School. It was moved to the courthouse when the school building was razed in 1909.

vafb.com / FALL 2021

TIME to BURN

BY ADAM CULLER

The demand for Virginia-grown firewood heats up when the weather cools down BY ADAM CULLER

uilding and burning a real wood fire is an exceptional sensory experience. The warmth of dancing flames, the aroma of burning wood and the sound of crackling logs indulges the senses, so there’s little wonder why wood fires are so appealing in colder months. Whether you’re relaxing next to a backyard fire pit, or heating a home

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with a fireplace or wood stove, quality firewood is essential. As luck would have it, Virginia has more than 16 million acres of forestland. Virginia also is home to over 350 species of trees, and most can be used for firewood in some capacity, said Sabina Dhungana, forest utilization and marketing program manager for the Virginia Department of Forestry. However, when looking specifically

If you chop your own firewood, be sure to store it in a well-ventilated area where it won't get wet.

A fireplace crackling with real wood creates an ambience in one's home like nothing else can.

for firewood, she recommended Virginians purchase hardwoods, which burn cleanly and slowly, and generally provide a pleasant burning experience. “Oak, hickory and maple are species that grow in Virginia and are great for firewood,” Dhungana said. “Most firewood sold in Virginia is either red oak or white oak because of their density, which is a quality that makes the species desirable. For indoor

applications, hardwood is the way to go.” Density is the primary characteristic that determines how well a certain species of wood will burn, as well as how much heat it produces, Dhungana explained. In addition to hickory, maple and oak, other species like ash and birch also are known as excellent firewood sources. Various fruit trees—like apple and cherry—also produce efficient firewood that emits a sweet smell as an added bonus.

means it’s ready to be burned. Buying local also reduces the movement of wood, helping to mitigate the spread of invasive pests such as emerald ash borers, European gypsy moths and spotted lanternflies. Generally, firewood should not be moved more than 50 miles.

Buy local to protect Virginia forestland

While there are several ways consumers can acquire firewood, Dhungana recommended buyers purchase wood directly from local wood producers. Tree farmers and other merchants often sell firewood by specific species or as mixed wood, and the wood typically is sold pre-seasoned, which

This stack of wood is part of a cord, which measures 4 feet wide by 4 feet high by 8 feet long. vafb.com / FALL 2021

Additionally, purchasing local firewood supports tree farmers, provides markets for other private forest landowners and promotes healthy forest management. “Removal and use of firewood can improve forest health, the quality of our forests and reduce hazardous forest fire conditions,” Dhungana added. Virginians who don’t have access to private forestland can visit Virginia’s state forests to cut their own timber in designated areas with a firewood permit. Permits are issued by VDOF, and more information can be found by emailing stateforest@dof.virginia.gov.

TIME to BURN

Reason for the season

Before firewood is burned, it commonly goes through an air-drying process known as seasoning. During this procedure, moisture evaporates from the firewood, yielding wood that burns cleanly and efficiently. For the best burning results, the

Depending on their size, wood stoves can heat anywhere from 600 to 3,000 square feet of space.

moisture content of seasoned firewood should be less than 20%. To achieve this at home, wood should

be stored in a well-ventilated area and away from spots where it could get wet from rain or accumulated groundwater. Firewood often is stored and sold in stacks of 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet—a measurement known as a cord. While the 128-cubic-foot measurement is the universal standard for firewood storage, wood can be stored in unlimited quantities if the firewood is protected from the elements. Depending on the species, firewood can take between six months to two years for proper seasoning, so it’s important to find a dry area where the wood won’t be disturbed. “Wet wood will produce a lot of smoke and burn very slowly and inefficiently, and you won’t get as much heat,” Dhungana noted. “Also, don’t try to burn wood when it’s [freshly cut] if you have the option to buy seasoned firewood. When you burn clean and dry wood, it’s clear to see the difference between the two.”

Some woods better than others for heating purposes Most wood found in Virginia can be used as firewood, but certain species are more suitable than others for heating purposes. Every wood species is designated a British thermal unit value, which indicates how much heat wood produces when it’s burned. Greater BTU values denote higher temperature yields, rendering some woods more valuable for providing warmth on cool fall days or cold winter nights. Here are a few common wood types to consider when stocking up on firewood this season:

Oak White oak is known to burn long and produce an abundance of heat—26.5 million BTUs per cord— making it a popular choice for heating fireplaces and wood stoves in winter. Oak can be slightly difficult to split and can take up to 18 months to season, but when prepared properly, it’s tough to top.

Hickory Shagbark hickory produces even more heat than white oak at 27.7 million BTUs, but the sweet smell of its smoke is what sets this wood apart. Hickories

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can produce enough warmth to heat a home on the coldest winter days, and they’re a great option to heat a firepit or campfire as well.

Maple Producing medium heat—24 million BTUs—and a sweet aroma, red maple is a desirable wood for most heating applications in fall. Compared to other hardwoods, maples are decidedly low-maintenance, as they typically take less than a year to season and are easier to split than oak and hickory.

Pine White pine is a softwood, and produces just 14.3 million BTUs, making it most suitable for burning in mild fall temperatures. Despite yielding low heat, pines are ideal for outdoor use because they catch easy and burn quickly—perfect for sitting by a backyard fire for a few hours. Pinewood should be used with extreme caution indoors because it contains highly flammable resin. Note: BTU values sourced from the Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and Environment.

Get ‘real!’

Virginia-grown varieties loom large in national Christmas tree market BY NICOLE ZEMA

hen life’s seasons bring chaos, one can count on enduring traditions to remind us of our roots. Choosing, cutting and decorating a real Christmas tree is a nostalgic ritual at the core of many family holiday traditions. This custom can be sustained for years since more than 10,000 acres of pine, spruce and firs are currently grown on 500 Virginia Christmas tree farms. Whether hand-cut or purchased from a local retailer, the state’s growers insist there’s nothing like the real thing. Their Virginia-grown Christmas trees illuminate homes statewide and brighten up living spaces from Ohio to Puerto Rico.

Choose-and-cut kicks off the season

Frederick County tree grower and Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association President Ryan Clouse predicts Virginia-grown Christmas trees will sell out this year.

A crop that requires more than five years of cultivation is often harvested in a single weekend, thanks to families dedicated to the choose-and-cut Christmas tree tradition. Armed with saws, blankets, tarps and ropes, some of them line up at 9 a.m. on Black Friday to choose their trees. “Every local tree you can find will be sold this year,” predicted Ryan Clouse, president of the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association and a grower with Clouse’s Pine Hill Farm in Frederick County, a choose-andcut operation. “Already tight supplies were further impacted by heat and fires in Oregon, which is the largest tree-producing state,” he said. “It’s best to come the first weekend after Thanksgiving to have the best selection of trees!” Clouse’s Pine Hill Farm was established in 1977 when Ryan’s parents, Ron and Roberta Clouse, vafb.com / FALL 2021

Get ‘real!’ allowed FFA students to plant pine trees on their property for a project. The first crop of pines was harvested in 1984, and the family continues to plant 1,000 seedlings a year. About 15,000 spruce, fir and pine trees are currently growing on 20 acres. “We like to see families coming back—sometimes generations of the same families—who are really plugged into the Christmas tradition,” Clouse said. “What I love is when they open the car, and kids are running that way and this way, going across the farm two or three times, spending hours out here.” The effort of lying on a blanket and hand-sawing through a 12-inch trunk is all part of the experience, Clouse said. The farm provides saws, a tree-shaking service and baler twine for easy rooftop transport. “We want to make sure we shake out the squirrels to avoid a Griswold-style Christmas,” Clouse joked. Growers agree that while modern artificial trees closely resemble real Christmas trees, there’s no substitute for the real tree experience.

Choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms allow guests to stroll the property and search for the perfect tree.

White pine

Douglas fir

Scotch pine

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Nordmann fir

Extend the season The following tips from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services can keep your Christmas tree safe and fresh throughout the season.

Virginia-grown trees shipped far and wide Other families skip the saw and purchase fresh trees from local retailers. Many U.S. stores are supplied by wholesale growers like Bottomley Evergreens and Farms in Grayson County. Bottomley is Virginia’s largest Christmas tree farm, and plants 1 million seedlings annually on 600 acres. “This year we’ll cut around 600,000 (trees),” said Carlos Taylor, Bottomley’s Christmas tree manager. “They’ll go to Texas, parts of New Jersey and New York, Ohio, part of Florida and down to Puerto Rico.” Virginia Christmas tree sales top $10 million annually, and the state is ranked seventh nationwide for harvest and production. Grayson County’s hillsides tell a piece of that economic story, lined with uniform rows of spruce and pine. “And Fraser firs are the Cadillac,”

Fraser fir

Carlos Taylor of Bottomley Evergreens and Farms in Grayson County expects to cut around 600,000 trees this season.

Taylor said. “They grow better in the Blue Ridge Mountains than anywhere else. But you can’t pop a tree in the ground today and be ready to sell it this year.” Workers hand-harvest most trees in the seventh year following a multiseason regimen of trimming and shaping. Cut trees are chilled for freshness prior to shipping. “We’ll load 25 to 40 trucks a day with about 700 trees on each truck,” Taylor said. “You do the math!”

• Hydration: Slice the bottom off the trunk, and use a tree stand that will hold a gallon or more of water. A fresh tree may take up three or more quarts of water a day for the first few days. Never let the water level drop too low. • Safety: Keep trees away from major heat sources. Ensure low-heat light cords are in good condition and are turned off when you’re gone. • Replant or Recycle: Move the live tree to a sheltered area a few days before introduction to freezing temperatures. Re-plant when the ground is unfrozen, and mulch heavily over the top of the planted root ball to prevent it from freezing. Or search for tree recycling programs near you if disposing of a cut tree.

Northern Cottonmouth

Workers hand-harvest Christmas trees in their seventh year on Bottomley Evergreens and Farms in Grayson County. vafb.com / FALL 2021

Wreath designer Agnes von Stillfried is surrounded by wreathmaking materials in her studio in King and Queen County.

EVERLASTING LANDSCAPES Handmade wreaths reflect Virginia’s natural scenes and seasons BY NICOLE ZEMA

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looms, pods, shells, husks and grains that flourish and fade within Virginia’s seasonal cycles become a lasting landscape snapshot when woven into wreaths. A trail ride, beach walk or even a quick trip to the store is an expedition for natural wreath designers whose art form is inspired by the environment. “I’ll see something that

can be used to make a wreath, and pull over with my kids in the car,” said wreath designer Agnes von Stillfried of King and Queen County. “They say, ‘Not again! Mom, you’re so weird!’” Also known as Virginia Wreath Maker, Stillfried’s one-of-a-kind designs demand up-close inspection of materials that have undergone aesthetic transformation. “What inspires me—when you have to look twice to see

what kind of material it is,” Stillfried said. Sliced magnolia pods become miniature pineapples. Pecan shells are painted like delicate robin eggs. Spring daisies are fashioned from slices of hand-painted corn cobs. Polished acorns simulate a shiny string of pearls. Fuzzy wisteria pods resemble reptile skin. Stillfried’s favorite wreath is a thick lock of weeping lovegrass braided like a head of hair.

“It’s fun to make and so sturdy,” she said. “If you buy it today, it will be there in 15 years because it’s a heavyduty sea grass—an amazing material.” Wild mushrooms, tree bark, pine-needle ropes, turkey feathers and the rough underside of magnolia leaves lend organic textures to Stillfried’s original designs sold on her website. “All of the stuff I work with is from Virginia,” Stillfried said. “Farmer friends let me cut grains like

wheat and barley. And my dried okra was grown by Jim Woolford, a retired Farm Bureau agent.” Virginia’s natural scenes are summarized in the wreaths, which historically represent the unending cycle of life. While some of Stillfried’s materials are preserved in a static state, others are intended to dance with atmospheric fluctuations. “The pinecones will close up with the rain and open with the sun,” she explained.

Stillfried’s wreaths are created with natural materials found in Virginia—dried mushrooms, pecans, okra, maple leaves, fruit and feathers. Wreaths are sold through her Etsy shop DesignInACircle.

vafb.com / FALL 2021

EVERLASTING LANDSCAPES “The moss gets dry when the sun beats on it, but when it’s wet, it gets nice and green.” Stillfried, who holds a master’s degree in floral design, also creates traditional greenery wreaths. “For me, good technique is important,” she said. “It needs to be made so it’s holding up at least through the holidays.” Traditional wreath maker Roberta Clouse at Clouse’s Pine Hill Christmas Tree Farm has mastered her technique for selecting greens arranged into fragrant 18-inch wreaths that enhance front stoops throughout Northern Virginia. She gathers an assortment of fresh-cut fir and pine greenery, then overlays them in sections of a circle, clamped by metal claws with the stomp of a foot pedal. “I’m not that artsycrafty!” Clouse insisted. “But I do get a little picky with my greens. I like the look of the mixed greens because it adds more dimension.” Customers often pick up a seasonal wreath when they cut Christmas trees at the farm. Clouse can create up to four wreaths an hour, and she made more than 200 of them last season. “They will last through Christmas, depending on how you treat them,” Clouse said. “Between a storm door and a front door with the sun shining on it—they’ll be cooked in about a week. But if you hang it outside without too much direct sunlight, it will last through February!” 24

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Roberta Clouse's traditional evergreen wreaths often are bought by customers buying trees at Clouse's Pine Hill Farm in Winchester.

Roberta Clouse uses fresh-cut fir and pine greenery overlaid on a metal circle to make handmade evergreen wreaths each holiday season.

Claims texting service now available to VFB insurance customers BY ADAM CULLER

ustomers asked, and Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. responded. A service that allows policyholders to receive claim updates via text messaging is now available. The new texting service launched for all lines of business in mid-July, and all VFBMIC policyholders have access to this convenient feature when submitting a claim. The messaging system is powered by Hi Marley, a platform that connects customers to their insurance companies through intelligent text messaging. “The idea really came from our customers, because a lot of times they wanted us to text them their claim numbers, information about their adjuster or other updates related to their claims,” shared Anne Baskette, VFBMIC director of claims administration. “And while some of our agents and adjusters who have company cellphones could meet those requests, most of our claims are worked by office personnel who don’t have cellphones or the ability to text,” she explained. “That’s when we started looking for a platform that could help us text all of our customers and meet that growing demand.” Baskette said VFBMIC’s search centered on finding an intelligent system that could offer more than those that simply send messages asking customers to call their claims adjusters for updates. Customers will be asked if they want to receive text messages when calling in a claim, which is still a requirement despite the new texting integration. If so, they will automatically receive messages that provide their claim number, as well as information about their claims adjuster.

Virginia Farm Bureau insurance customers can now receive claims information via text messaging.

Additionally, customers will receive a message any time a payment has been made on their claim. Any automated messages sent through the claims texting service will pertain only to an individual claim, and VFBMIC will never use the service to send customers information about its products. Outside of receiving automated texts, policyholders also can utilize the messaging service to communicate directly with their adjuster instead of calling them. Through text, customers can obtain more information about their coverage, make an appointment to have their damaged property inspected, get updates on their claim status and more.

This level of personalized service typically is reserved for insurance companies that have a national presence, Baskette noted. In that regard, Virginia Farm Bureau is going above and beyond to provide its policyholders with exceptional customer service. “If customers want us to reach them by phone, email or text, we want to meet them where they want to be met,” Baskette said. “Their lives are very busy, so they’re not always going to have the time to stop what they’re doing to call us about their claim. This texting service has really helped us be more responsive to our customers’ requests for quick and convenient updates.” vafb.com / FALL 2021

Medicare beneficiaries: Time to prepare for open enrollment BY ADAM CULLER

he Medicare Annual Election Period begins soon, which means it’s time for Medicare beneficiaries to start considering their 2022 coverage needs. Medicare’s open enrollment period runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 and generally is the only time subscribers can change their Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage for the upcoming year. During this time, beneficiaries can enroll in, withdraw from or switch Part D prescription coverage or Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C. Any policy changes made during the Annual Election Period go into effect Jan. 1, 2022. Gina Gentilini, senior individual account executive for Virginia Farm Bureau’s Health Insurance division,

said customers should use the election period to determine whether their current coverage matches their medical needs. When shopping for new Medicare Advantage or Part D plans, Gentilini noted customers should keep a few key factors in mind. Subscribers should evaluate the potential use of the Medicare Advantage Plan they intend to enroll in, which will dictate their total out-of-pocket expenses for medical services. Customers also are urged to consider the total cost of their prescription drugs through Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. “The most important thing is to look at the overall picture of what that plan offers, and not so much what the premiums are and what the plan will

cost you upfront,” Gentilini said. “Just because something may be cheaper premium-wise out of your pocket, it doesn’t mean it’s going to be cheaper overall when you’re using it.” Those who turn 65 after the Medicare Annual Election Period still can obtain Medicare coverage for 2022. New beneficiaries can enroll during their Initial Medicare Enrollment Period, which starts three months before an individual’s 65th birthday, and concludes three months after. To learn more about Medicare enrollment options, or to discuss Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, contact your local Farm Bureau office or call 800-229-7779.

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Virginia Farm Bureau 1-800-229-7779 An authorized licensed insurance agent for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, license number: 109534

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

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Life insurance policies help protect family members in the event of an untimely death.

Keep your family’s well-being in mind when considering life insurance policies

scrambling to borrow money to make ends meet. In some cases, it could cause families to relocate, or force them to dip into retirement accounts, savings accounts or other investments. By securing a comprehensive life insurance policy, large expenses like a mortgage or financed vehicles can be covered, as can day-to-day expenses that mount when a household loses income. In addition to serving as replacement income for your dependents, money generated by these policies can be used to pay off debt, create an inheritance plan or start new savings accounts. “There’s really no one-size-fits-all life insurance policy,” Gardner said. “Taking care of the ‘right now’ is the most important aspect of any life insurance policy, but we also can address intermediate and long-term goals with that plan,” he added. “Our agents do their due diligence to make sure our customers’ needs are met— whatever they may be—and they’re protected with a viable and affordable solution.” To learn more about life insurance, including the benefits of whole life insurance policies versus term life, call your local Farm Bureau agent.

BY ADAM CULLER

o put it bluntly, death is an extremely difficult subject to broach. After all, who wants to talk about—or even think about—their own mortality or leaving loved ones behind? As uncomfortable as those topics can be, they need to be taken into consideration when purchasing life insurance. With the right policy in place, you can help protect your family financially and ensure their standard of living continues in the event of an untimely death. “Insurance companies spend a lot of time talking about instances of loss like car accidents, house fires or extreme weather damage,” explained Gerald Gardner, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual

Insurance Co. director of sales. “Thankfully, statistics show that some of these things will never happen to a lot of our customers,” he continued. “But a fact of life is that we all die eventually, and whether it’s because someone doesn’t want to think about it or plan for it, a lot of folks are underinsured when that time comes.” According to the Insurance Information Institute, about 46% of Americans don’t have life insurance policies. Among those who do, the coverage afforded by many of those policies typically isn’t enough to cover a family’s expenses when a death occurs. The ramifications of being unprepared for such an event can be dire, and often leave families

Life insurance can be a lifeline What happens when a loved one dies, and you have no life insurance? • Survivors may have to work additional hours or take additional jobs. • You may have to borrow money from friends, family or lending institutions. • There may be a need to withdraw funds from savings and investments. • You may have to move to a smaller home.

vafb.com / FALL 2021

Heart of the Home

Pumpkin perfection! It’s the season for a favorite fall flavor

THE INCREDIBLE EGG

Egg whites help create a fluffy texture for this layered caramel pumpkin torte.

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ith the arrival of autumn décor and sweater weather, pumpkin season is here. At their peak during October, pumpkins are packed full of beneficial vitamins and nutrients. Low in calories and rich in vitamin A, they help support immune health and vision. Eating pumpkins also is good for you as their fiber, potassium and vitamin C all help support heart health. Incorporating more pumpkin into your diet also may help control diabetes and blood sugar levels. Pumpkins come in all shapes, sizes and colors, from orange to green and even solid white. Some are grown for decoration and carving—such as the popular Jack O’ Lantern variety—while others are grown for eating and making pies, like sugar pumpkins. These smaller pumpkins have a higher sugar content, making them ideal for desserts. To select a good sugar pumpkin, find one that’s firm and heavy for its size. They can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to two months. Once you find the perfect pumpkin, here are some festive treats to make with them.

Pumpkin for Cooking

½ cup powdered sugar ½ cup caramel sauce, divided

Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

⅓ cup nonfat dry milk

INGREDIENTS 5 eggs

½ teaspoon ground allspice

½ cup oil

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

15 ounces canned or fresh pumpkin

1 cup canned or fresh pumpkin

DIRECTIONS INGREDIENTS One medium-size sugar pumpkin DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 375°. Cut the pumpkin in half, and discard the stem and stringy pulp. In a shallow baking dish, place the two halves cut-side down, and cover with foil. Bake for about 90 minutes, or until tender. Let cool for 15 minutes. Scoop pumpkin flesh from skin and place into a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. —Virginia Cooperative Extension

Caramel Pumpkin Torte INGREDIENTS 6 large eggs, whites and yolks separated 15 ounces canned or fresh pumpkin 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1½ teaspoons vanilla ¾ teaspoon cream of tartar ¾ cup sugar ¾ cup buttery cracker crumbs, such as Ritz ½ cup chopped, pitted dates ½ cup chopped pecans 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature

Heat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, beat egg yolks, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla. In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on high speed until foamy. Beat in the sugar, two tablespoons at a time, until the whites are glossy and stand in soft peaks. Fold in the egg yolk mixture, cracker crumbs, dates and pecans. Spread in two greased 8" round cake pans. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on wire racks. Loosen cakes from sides of the pans with a thin knife, and then gently shake cakes out of the pans onto racks. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar and two tablespoons of caramel sauce until smooth. Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread with half of the cream cheese mixture. Top with a second layer of cake, and spread with the remaining cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate the torte until ready to serve. Just before serving, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over top of the torte. —Recipe adapted from The Incredible Egg

2 cups sugar 2 3-ounce packages of vanilla pudding mix 2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon ground cloves

⅔ cup honey ½ cup orange juice ⅓ cup canola oil 2 eggs

3 cups all-purpose flour

DIRECTIONS

1 cup fresh cranberries

Heat oven to 350°.

DIRECTIONS

Coat a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

Heat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add oil and pumpkin, and beat until smooth. Add sugar and pudding mix, and stir to combine. Add cinnamon and fold in the cranberries and flour until ingredients are well-blended. Pour into two greased loaf pans, and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center to see if it comes out clean. —Recipe adapted from Carol Boyer, Shenandoah County, in Cooking Virginia Style with Farm Bureau Women

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, milk, cinnamon, baking soda and remaining spices. Set aside. In a separate mixing bowl, thoroughly combine pumpkin, honey, orange juice, oil and eggs. Gradually add the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture, and stir until smooth. Spread batter onto the baking sheet, and bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool, and cut into squares. —Recipe adapted from Virginia Cooperative Extension

Honey of a Pumpkin Bar INGREDIENTS nonstick cooking spray 2 cups whole-wheat flour

vafb.com / FALL 2021

Group insurance benefits employees, employers

BY ADAM CULLER

or business owners expecting to land top-level talent, offering a robust benefits package can help attract quality employees. Today, job seekers expect to receive quality benefits from their employers, and offering those individuals an attractive combination of insurance benefits can help boost employee retention and job satisfaction. Experient Health—a subsidiary of Virginia Farm Bureau’s health insurance division—can assist employers’ recruiting efforts by helping business owners purchase group insurance policies that appeal to prospective employees. “We typically work with businesses who have between two and 100 employees. We focus on the business owners’ needs and assist with setting

the business up with a package of insurance coverages that benefit their employees,” said Dawn Simmons, an Experient Health account executive. Simmons explained that most group insurance plans offered by businesses include employee coverage for medical, dental, vision, life and disability. Experient Health offers multiple options for each coverage type. Experient Health sells products from multiple carriers such as Aetna, Anthem, Optima Health, Piedmont Community Health Plan and United Healthcare. The location of a business ultimately will determine which insurance carriers and products are available. For a business to qualify for group insurance, it must have corporation status. Under the Affordable Care

KNOWING YOU M AT T ER S

Act, companies that have 50 or more full-time employees are required to offer group health insurance to their employees or pay a penalty. By offering coverage to a large group of individuals, business owners generally will have access to a broader range of coverage options than what’s available at the individual level. In most cases, the premium costs for subscribers are cheaper through group insurance, and the plans often offer better coverage and more cost-effective services. Corporations with only one employee—or sole proprietors—also can qualify for group coverage if certain criteria are met. For more information about group insurance, call 800-229-7779, contact healthsales@experienthealth.com or visit vafb.com/health

Working with a lender that knows agriculture matters to you. Your success matters to us. Contact Farm Credit when you’re ready for a financial partner.

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Statement of Ownership

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 2, 2021, at the Williamsburg Lodge, 310 South England Street, Williamsburg, VA, for the following purposes: 1. To receive and act upon the reports of the Company officers.

Together, we’ll overcome the opioid epidemic. #FarmTownStrong

2. To elect a Board of Directors, each to serve a 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, 2021. Kathleen M. Early, Secretary If someone you care about is suffering from opioid addiction, please visit farmtownstrong.org.

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Cultivate Fall 2021

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