Cultivate WINTER 2020
Virginia Farm Bureau
George Washington Founding farmer; celebrated conservationist
PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON’S MOUNT VERNON
Cultivate
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Features
“He (George Washington) was
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Mount Vernon farm exhibit
George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a love letter to sustainability and conservation.
so in awe of the
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Protect your bling
beauty of the
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Special insurance endorsements help protect your valuable jewelry—as well as other assets— against loss or theft. Successful succulents
Planting carefree succulents is a breeze for everyone—no green thumb required!
Departments 6
For Your Benefit
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Heart of the Home
natural resources the country had to offer.” — DEAN NORTON, Mount Vernon horticulturalist
Volume 13, Number 1 Winter 2020 Cultivate (USPS 025051) (ISSN 1946-8121) is published four times a year. February, May, August, October. It is published by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Periodicals postage rate is paid at Richmond, VA and additional mailing offices. The annual Subscription Rate is $1.31 (included in membership dues). Postmaster: Please send changes of address to, Cultivate, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, P.O. Box 27552, Richmond, VA 23261; fax 804-2901096. Editorial and business offices are located at 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Telephone 804-290-1000, fax 804-290-1096. Email address is Cultivate@vafb.com. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. All advertising is accepted subject to the publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume liability for the content of their advertising. The publisher maintains the right to cancel advertising for nonpayment or reader complaints about services or products. The publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised. Member: Virginia Press Association
EDITORIAL TEAM Pam Wiley Director, Communications Kathy Dixon Managing Editor Nicole Zema Staff Writer/ Photographer Adam Culler Staff Writer/Photographer Patricia Hooten Graphic Designer Maria La Lima Graphic Designer Alice Kemp Staff Writer/Advertising Coordinator VISIT US ONLINE vafb.com
WE’RE SOCIAL!
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE
ON THE COVER
Associate members will receive their next issue of Cultivate in May. The magazine is published quarterly, and back issues can be viewed at issuu.com/virginiafarmbureau.
George Washington to Princeton by Charles Peale Polk (American, 1767–1822), c. 1788, oil on canvas (Photo courtesy of George Washington’s Mount Vernon).
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.
conservation reserve program
Did you know? Farmers, ranchers and other landowners have enrolled a total of 24 million acres in the federal Conservation Reserve Program to protect the environment and provide habitat for wildlife. Advanced conservation practices are used on more than 50% of U.S. crop fields to improve environmental quality. Conventional tillage leaves the soil surface of farm fields bare and loosens soil particles, making them susceptible to erosion. Soil erosion removes the productive layer of topsoil, and sediments from the soil can end up in streams, rivers or lakes. No-till or conservation tillage—used on more than twice as many cropland acres than conventional—reduces erosion by protecting the soil surface and allowing water to infiltrate the land instead of running off.
WATCH US! > VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU WEEKLY TV PROGRAM
This month on Real Virginia: Learn why trade is important to Virginia farmers Featured this month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program: PHOTO COURTESY OF BACKUS AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
• Local farms feel the impact of international trade. • Get a jump on planting a spring garden with some insider tips. • Some farmers are making value-added specialty sauces. 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 WVPT Harrisonburg, WBRA Roanoke, WCVE Richmond, WVVA Bluefield and WTKR Norfolk. Watch Real Virginia anytime online at youtube.com/user/ VirginiaFarmBureau.
PLANTING ZONES
7 Number of planting zones in Virginia. Extreme minimum temperatures in these zones range from minus 20 to 15 degrees. See article on Pages 18–20.
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Save the Date!
National Ag Day, Agriculture Literacy Week National Ag Day 2020 will be celebrated on March 24 during National Ag Week, March 22-28. The annual observances are organized by the Agriculture Council of America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the public’s awareness of agriculture’s role in modern society. Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom will hold its annual Agriculture Literacy Week March 9-13 (See Page 26).
Meadow Event Park hosts ‘Big Bash for Big Red’ Paying tribute to the legendary 1973 Triple Crown champion, Secretariat’s 50th birthday celebration will take place March 28 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. Attendees have the option of purchasing a halfday ticket or a full-day ticket, which includes an evening cocktail reception and special program. Other Secretariat events also will be held in Ashland March 27 and 29. Visit MeadowEventPark.com for more information.
Golf tournament will benefit Agriculture in the Classroom The 24th Annual Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom Golf Tournament will be held May 18 at The Dominion Club in Glen Allen. The event benefits AITC, and teams of four can register to play. Lunch and dinner will be provided, and there will be a brief awards ceremony and reception following play. For more information, visit AgInTheClass.org.
Virginia Farm Festival to be held in May The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County will debut the Virginia Farm Festival VIRGINIA FARM FESTIVAL May 2 and 3. The event will be filled with family-friendly activities, music, Virginia crops and farm animals to celebrate Virginia agriculture. Highlights include sheep dog trials, a farm animal exhibit and large-scale farm equipment for children to explore. Adult tickets will be $6 in advance starting April 1; gate prices are $8. Children 12 and under will be admitted free. Farm Bureau members also will be admitted free with proof of membership, with a maximum of two admissions per membership. Parking is free for everyone. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit MeadowEventPark.com.
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For Your Benefit
No matter what you’re working on, enjoy special Farm Bureau member prices on selected products and supplies from Grainger Plus free shipping on all Grainger orders Members are eligible for special Virginia Farm Bureau prices on selected product categories and supplies from Grainger, plus free standard ground shipping on all standard Grainger products*. Farm Bureau members receive special pricing on the following categories: • Electrical • Motors • Cleaning: Consumables • Cleaning: Other • Hand Tools • Manufacturing: Welding
• Plumbing: Pipe, Valves, Fittings • Plumbing: Other • Safety: Facility Safety • Safety: People Safety • Outdoor Equipment • Power Tools
Get started with your price savings using one of three easy methods:
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Present the Virginia Farm Bureau organization account number at time of purchase. The number is available from your county Farm Bureau or visit vafb.com/benefits (Register as a member on the site, and log in first).
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Good news, weekend warriors! You can receive valuable John Deere discounts just for being a Virginia Farm Bureau member. All Farm Bureau members in Virginia receive access to the John Deere Rewards program. That means deeper discounts on mowers, utility vehicles and tractors at John Deere dealerships. Get details and register today at johndeere.com/farmbureau. Farm Bureau members are eligible for the following discounts: • $200-$3,700 off Commercial Mowing; • $50-$250 off Residential Mowing; • $250-$450 off Utility Vehicles; • $150-$350 off Tractors; • $400-$4,600 off Golf and Sports Turf; and • 15% to 19% off MSRP for Commercial Worksite.
500
Farm Bureau members receive
$
BONUS CASH *
Go to grainger.com/farmbureau to establish a new Grainger.com® account using that account number; or Call Grainger customer service at 800-472-4643 to update your existing Grainger account with the Farm Bureau organization account number.
To be sure you get your Farm Bureau member prices, always reference Virginia Farm Bureau’s organization account number when visiting your local branch, making a telephone order, or setting up your personal account online. If you have questions or need assistance, contact your county Farm Bureau. *FREE standard shipping on all orders shipped ground transportation. Other freight charges will be incurred for services such as expedited delivery, special handling by the carrier, sourcing orders and shipments outside the continental United States.
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John Deere program offers savings for every project
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2020 FORD SUPER DUTY ®
Don’t miss out on this offer. Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com today! *Farm Bureau Bonus Cash is exclusively for active Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. This incentive is not available on Mustang Shelby® GT350®/GT350R/ GT500®, Mustang BULLITT, Ford GT and F-150 Raptor. This offer may not be used in conjunction with most other Ford Motor Company private incentives or AXZD-Plans. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply. Must be a Farm Bureau member for 30 consecutive days prior to purchase and take new retail delivery from dealer by 1/4/21. Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com or see your authorized Ford Dealer for qualifications and complete details. Note to dealer: Claim in VINCENT using #37408.
For Your Benefit
NEW! BENEFITS
Brand-new and time-tested benefits available to members!
TRAVEL SERVICES NEW! Get
away to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville Biltmore Estate in Ashville, N.C., is America’s largest home. Built by George and Edith Vanderbilt, this property offers visitors tours, carriage rides, beautiful gardens, kayaking, horseback riding, paddle boarding, biking and much more on 8,000 acres. 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. Visit Biltmore.com/corporateperk, and use the promo code vafb. For lodging rates and availability, call Biltmore at 877-444-2458 and reference Virginia Farm Bureau and the promo code CP1000. Dedicated reservation specialists will help you find a rate that works in your budget, adding value to your visit to Biltmore Estate. Tickets must be purchased in advance. NEW! Visit
top-rated Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country Located in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Dollywood is recognized as one of the world’s best theme parks. Spanning 150 acres and located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood offers more than 40 rides and attractions, including Lightning Rod, the world’s fastest wooden coaster. Dollywood’s entertainment has won more awards than that of any
other theme park for its live shows featuring country, bluegrass, Southern gospel and classic rock. Master craftsmen demonstrate the area’s rich artistry, from handblown glass to blacksmithing. Dollywood’s Splash Country offers 35 acres of summertime fun. Adjacent to Dollywood, Splash Country has been named by the Travel Channel as one of the country’s best water parks. It operates mid-May to Labor Day. Members can now purchase discount tickets to the Dollywood Theme Park and Dollywood’s Splash Country—just in time for the park opening on March 14. Check with your county Farm Bureau for details later this month. HOME/BUSINESS
Save on Xerox printers and supplies NEW!
Farm Bureau members interested in purchasing printers and supplies like cartridges, toner and ink will receive preferred pricing on the latest Xerox technology and services, including up to 50% off home and office products and production printers. To learn more, visit Xerox.com/FarmBureau, or contact a Xerox representative at 800-ASK-XEROX, ext. 232. Make sure to reference the discount number 700916. Users must present their Farm Bureau membership card or member number at the time of sale. HEALTHY LIVING
Save on prescription drugs with special member program Virginia Farm Bureau’s free Prescription Drug Discount and
Savings Program affords members an average savings of 25% on FDAapproved name-brand and generic prescription drugs at more than 67,000 pharmacies nationwide. Members pay no fee to use the program, which is designed for individuals with no insurance coverage for prescription drugs. The Prescription Drug Discount and Savings Program works via what’s known as a “consumer card” 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 and compare potential savings on generic and name-brand drugs.
Eliminate the guesswork with preventive screenings Members can save on four noninvasive vascular health screenings— for carotid artery, abdominal aortic aneurysm, atrial fibrillation and peripheral arterial disease—and have a free osteoporosis screening and bone density test to assess risk for stroke, heart attack and bone fractures. Life Line Screenings, the national leading provider of preventive screenings, offers this collection of procedures to Farm Bureau members for $135. Watch for mailings about scheduled screenings in your area, visit vafb.com/ benefits (You will need to register and log in as a member) or contact your county Farm Bureau for details. vafb.com / WINTER 2020
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Seasonal salsas offer fun flavors for the winter BY ALICE KEMP
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alsa often is served as a summer snack, but it can be enjoyed year-round using seasonal ingredients. “The salsa trend is ablaze and shows no signs of burning out,” said Dr. Theresa Nartea, a Virginia Cooperative Extension specialist and Virginia State University associate professor of marketing and agribusiness. “For many consumers, salsa boosts ‘meal appeal’ with enhanced flavor and nutritional benefits due to the inclusion of fresh produce ingredients.” In fact, salsa has been America’s favorite condiment since 2000, when its sales surpassed ketchup. According to the Statista Research Department, almost 215 million Americans used store-bought salsa in 2019. Salsa in Spanish means “sauce,” and it has a long and rich history. Aztec lords in Central America would combine tomatoes with chilies and ground squash seeds to eat as a condiment with turkey, venison, lobster and fish. Salsa eventually found its way from Central to North America, and the first instance of it being manufactured in the U.S. was in the early 1900s. As its popularity increased, it became a staple in many households. “Salsa is one of the most diverse foods,” Nartea said. “It can vary from savory to sweet with different heat levels. Consumer palates also have become more sophisticated, and people are looking for a range of different flavors.” Though traditional salsa always uses a tomato base, chiles and spices, people are giving it a creative spin 8
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Roasted peppers or other vegetables can add smoky flavor to winter salsas.
with unique flavor combinations and ingredients. “You can use just about anything and create a salsa, and a lot more people are willing to experiment and try their own combinations,” said Sandy Stoneman, an Extension food safety agent in Wythe County. “I’ve seen someone make a butternut squash salsa. It might have been something they made up, but it was interesting and really good.” Virginia offers plenty of local, seasonal winter produce that can be made into salsa, such as sweet
potatoes, apples and winter squash. Many herbs also are available during the winter and can be added for a deeper flavor. “The heartier, warmer flavors are great for winter,” Stoneman said. “Roasted produce like tomatoes and roasted red peppers can bring out smokier flavors.” In addition to using winter produce, an alternative salsa is “cowboy caviar,” which uses canned black beans, corn, cilantro and onions. Just like traditional salsa, it is served with chips or as a topping for meats.
A “cowboy caviar” with beans, corn and cilantro is a good salsa substitute when fresh ingredients aren’t in season.
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Creator of world-renowned textiles honored in women’s monument
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BY KATHY DIXON
t the turn of the twentieth century, Laura Lu Scherer Copenhaver’s textiles were highly regarded—in the U.S. and around the world. “We have letters from Iran and a note from the personal secretary of the queen of England,” said Rita Copenhaver, who is related by marriage. “She took the hand-hook wool
A replica of Copenhaver’s Rosemont Industries catalog lies beside her seated statue. 10
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Laura Lu Scherer Copenhaver is one of 12 Virginia women depicted in bronze by New York sculptor Ivan Schwartz.
PHOTO COURTESY OF VIRGINIA WOMEN’S MONUMENT COMMISSION
rugs to the flower show in New York City and won first place.” The Smyth County entrepreneur created a farm-to-home enterprise long before any farm-to-table movements. In the early 1900s she started a textiles business and hired Southwest Virginia women to craft home goods. That entrepreneurial spirit led to Copenhaver being chosen as one of 12 women depicted in the Virginia Women’s Monument in Richmond’s Capitol Square. Her home business, Rosemont Industries, produced rugs, bedspreads and other woven, knitted and crocheted items. They were sold through a mail-order catalog and attracted customers throughout the U.S. and in Asia, Europe and South America. After Copenhaver’s death in 1940, the business was incorporated as Laura Copenhaver Industries and operated until 2012. “She knew there were sheep farmers here who were really struggling to feed their families who were getting no money for their wool,” Rita Copenhaver shared. “She located these farmers and their wives. She looked at old patterns for rugs and for coverlets that would use wool. And not only did she market their wool and get the highest price at the time … but she also set up a way for these sheep farmers and for other farmers to market their skills.” Copenhaver also was an early member of the Virginia Farm Bureau and served as its director of information. According to the Virginia Women’s Monument website, she “emphasized the importance of cooperative marketing of farm products in order to improve the standard of living for farm families.” Virginia Farm Bureau Federation donated $100,000 to the Virginia Capitol Foundation for the Copenhaver statue. About a fifth of the donation came from county Farm Bureaus. VFBF board member and Tazewell County farmer Emily Edmondson, who supported funding of the Copenhaver statue, said Copenhaver was the epitome of a rural entrepreneur. “We talk about value-added agriculture, and this is what she was doing before we had the term. Before there was farm-to-table,
Throngs of Virginians attended the monument dedication ceremony.
Copenhaver “emphasized the importance of cooperative marketing of farm products in order to improve the standard of living for farm families.”
she created farm-to-home with her textiles,” Edmondson said. “Copenhaver understood the economy of the time and found a way to help farmers and put people to work. She was just really an extraordinary woman and an inspiration.” Copenhaver and the other bronze figures will form Voices from the Garden, the nation’s first installation on the grounds of a state capitol to showcase the full range of achievements and contributions made by women. The monument also features a wall of honor inscribed with the names of 230 notable women. Current statues in the monument plaza besides Copenhaver depict Pamunkey chief Cockacoeske, who signed the Treaty of Middle Plantation in 1677; Mary Draper Ingles, a Southwest Virginia frontierswoman; Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly, a Dinwiddie County slave who earned her freedom and became a successful seamstress; Ann Burras Layden, one of Virginia’s earliest settlers; Virginia Estelle Randolph, a child of former slaves who became a world-renowned educator; and Adele Clark, an artist and founder of the Equal Suffrage League of Virginia. The remaining women to be memorialized are first lady Martha Dandridge Custis Washington; Colonial printer Clementina Rind; Civil War hospital administrator Sally Louisa Tompkins; entrepreneur and civil rights leader Maggie Lena Mitchell Walker; and physician Sarah Garland Boyd Jones. For more information about the monument, visit womensmonumentcom.virginia.gov. vafb.com / WINTER 2020
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THE GENTLEMAN GARDENER George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a love letter ★ to sustainability and conservation ★
he land at Mount Vernon is more than a setting for the story of George Washington’s life. It’s a character with an enduring role—just as the nation’s first president intended it. Visitors can observe the sprawling acreage and witness his intelligent land management and conservation practices. Washington’s love of the land led to an ongoing narrative of sustainability, experimentation and respect for the soil.
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COURTESY OF MOUNT VERNON
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BY NICOLE ZEMA
The Lower Garden was considered the kitchen garden where greens, vegetables and herbs were grown—and still are today.
Set against the backdrop of the Potomac River, George Washington’s Mount Vernon is open year-round. Guests can tour Pioneer Farm, where tobacco, wheat, hemp, flax and vegetables are still grown in the demonstration farm plots, representing a few of the 104 crop varieties once grown on site. Also on the farm is Washington’s innovative 16-side threshing barn, which was designed with just enough space between floorboards to allow
COURTESY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON’S MOUNT VERNON
horse-tread grains to slip through for easy collection. “You can’t work for a better boss than George Washington,” said Mount Vernon Horticulturist Dean Norton, who has worked at the site for 50 years. “His desire to have all farmers improve on their practices, and the time he devoted to the improvement of the soil and protection of trees—I think we can all learn a lesson from that.” Mount Vernon’s five 18th-century farms were comprised of 8,000 acres, of which 3,650 were cultivated by enslaved field hands. Washington’s experimental approach to conservation set the stage for other farmers to foster a sustainable relationship with the environment. He wrote the script on innovative land management practices like composting, growing unusual crops and rotating crops. “He was of the opinion that the land needed to rest, bringing utility back to
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The Mount Vernon mansion sits on the Potomac River, which George Washington strove to protect with his environmental farming methods.
A portrait of George Washington, who envisioned the functional vegetable gardens and picturesque botanical garden.
the soil—not necessarily trying to reap more money from it and make the soil worse,” Norton said. Today, guests can peruse the estate gardens, including the Fruit Garden and Nursery, Upper and Lower gardens and the Botanical Garden. Each site is still a showcase of Washington’s agricultural philosophy—natural, yet thoughtfully designed. “When visitors enter the garden enclosures, they are strolling the same gravel and brick paths that George and Martha Washington did 250 years ago,” Norton said. In 1785, Washington wowed his guests with the harmonious integration
of necessity and beauty in the Upper Garden. That’s where he grew fruits and nuts, and eventually incorporated wide borders of fragrant flowers and ornamental plants. The Lower Garden was a kitchen garden, mostly managed by Martha Washington, and still produces the same greens, vegetables and herbs. Washington experimented with new and unusual species in the Botanical Garden. His writings were often dedicated to agriculture and landscape. “He was so in awe of the beauty of the natural resources the country had to offer,” Norton said. “He had this great feeling of wanting to protect that.”
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MAP COURTESY OF THE MOUNT VERNON LADIES ASSOCIATION
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PLAN A VISIT ★
Want to know more?
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To learn more about George Washington’s Mount Vernon, plan a visit or book a specialty tour, see details at mountvernon.org. • Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from November through March, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April through October. • Commemorate the contributions of the enslaved people who lived and worked at Mount Vernon at the Slave Memorial, and learn about archaeological discoveries at the slave cemetery. • Take in the stately grandeur of the 21-room mansion, included in general admission. • Staff interprets the past in live demonstrations from April through October, including grain treading, sheep shearing and open hearth cooking. • Pay your respects at Washington’s tomb, and participate in a wreathlaying ceremony at designated times throughout the year. • Washington’s reconstructed, fullyfunctioning distillery and gristmill can be accessed with a free shuttle ride April through October. • Exhibits at the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center feature 23 galleries focused on the lives of George Washington and Mount Vernon’s enslaved community.
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Prioritize protection of precious pieces
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centuries-old celebration of romance, Valentine’s Day has long been associated with showering loved ones with gifts. While cards, flowers and chocolate have been mainstays for generations, giving jewelry for Valentine’s Day hasn’t always been commonplace. The practice became popular in the early part of the 20th century. If you are planning to give jewelry for the first time this year, or are adding to someone’s collection, protecting these trinkets from loss should be a priority. Though jewelry is usually partially protected under most homeowner insurance policies, its full value—and that of other luxury items in the home—often is left uninsured for those policies to remain affordable. To secure full value for jewelry in the event of theft or accidental loss, adding a personal articles floater to your policy is the best defense. “What homeowner insurance will cover regularly are the normal perils of loss, such as if your home burns down, your jewelry will be covered for fire damage,” said Lisa Whitus, underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “But if you simply lose jewelry, there is no coverage. If jewelry is stolen, there’s a limit under the policy for the reimbursement up to $2,500. “If you have a $10,000 wedding band set and it’s stolen, and you don’t have a personal articles floater endorsement on your policy for $10,000 with your appraisal, you’re only going to get $2,500 for that set,” she explained. “With the floater, appraised and 16
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scheduled items are typically eligible up to $25,000.” Not limited to jewelry and stones, the personal articles floater, or ML-61, also covers gold and silver, furs, fine art and firearms. While the personal articles floater will protect the full value of jewelry while in the home, it also will cover losses that occur outside of the home. Whitus explained that the most common instance of lost jewelry happens when it’s accidentally left somewhere after the wearer takes it off, such as leaving a ring in a restroom. Under standard homeowner policies, a loss like that wouldn’t be covered. “A homeowner’s policy on a home includes personal property normally in that home—your couch, your kitchen table, jewelry in your jewelry box. Once you start wearing that jewelry on vacation or even to the grocery store, and you lose it, there’s no coverage without the personal articles floater,” Whitus said. “But once you add these items to your policy with a floater, the endorsement follows the insured item, not the home.” Though some heartache over a lost item is inevitable, a call to your Farm Bureau insurance agent to put a plan in place for protecting those cherished items can help spare the headache. “Jewelry pieces represent more than just tangible property,” Whitus said. “They embody special memories of special occasions or special people in someone’s life, and those memories are worth protecting.”
Protect precious jewelry with a special insurance endorsement that covers accidental loss and theft.
this Valentine’s Day
BY ADAM CULLER
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While broccoli and collards (above) can grow in adverse weather conditions, less rugged crops like lettuce (below) should be protected by a cold frame or under a row cover.
Cabbage types—like the decorative one above and this savoy cabbage— are cole crops that thrive in cool temperatures.
Hardy varieties of leeks and carrots (right) can withstand winter frost and snow.
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Winter vegetable gardening can be a fruitful endeavor
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BY ADAM CULLER
uring gray winter days, the thought of waiting for more desirable planting conditions could entice even the most seasoned gardeners to stay indoors. But to miss out on the winter planting months is to forego an opportunity to grow thriving cole crops. With the right plan in place, tending to a winter vegetable garden can prove fruitful. “The wintertime really gives you an opportunity to do some things that are different that you don’t normally do in what we would call the main growing season,” said Chris Mullins, a Virginia Cooperative Extension horticulturist. “Snow peas or English peas, certain lettuce varieties and leafy greens are going to do better than other times. Certain herbs are going to do better when it’s cold out, and when you think about things like brassicas—cole crops like collards, kale, cabbage and kohlrabi, they’re going to do really well in cold temperatures.” Other vegetables to consider planting in winter gardens are carrots, parsnips and broccoli, all of which mature quickly and can withstand a hard frost, making February an ideal time to begin planting. Crops adverse to frost, such as tomatoes, watermelons and peppers, should be avoided. Proper
plant selection and protection is an important component of a successful garden, Mullins said. With frost damage posing one of the largest threats to winter plants, growers should be mindful of covering vegetables during potentially freezing temperatures. In cold frames and under row covers, tarps and blankets, crops are protected by warm air circulating underneath. Identifying warmer areas of a yard, ideally in an area with southern exposure, will help combat frost damage as well. Growers also should be cognizant of planting zones designated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With seven distinct planting zones in Virginia, growers in the mild winters of Tidewater will inherently have different experiences from those growing at altitudes in the western portion of the commonwealth. Getting familiar with these planting zones can ultimately aid in crop survival and growing a successful garden. “There are definitely differences as you look across the state of Virginia, and I think gardeners need to know that,” Mullins said. “Gardeners should learn what hardiness zone they’re in, what the weather typically does in their area with historical highs and lows, and plan accordingly. Think about talking to your Extension agent or talk to neighbors and get an idea of what it’s like in their local area.”
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Zones help Virginians plant successfully
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he U.S. Department of Agriculture has created a system of geographic hardiness—or planting— zones to aid with crop growth and survival. The zones are defined by an area’s annual extreme minimum temperatures. The U.S. is divided into 13 hardiness zones in 10-degree increments. Each zone is then divided into “a” and “b” subzones in 5-degree increments. With extreme minimum temperatures ranging from minus 20 to 15 degrees, Virginia has one of the most unique climates on the East Coast. Of all other states, only Alaska, Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington exhibit extreme annual lows within the same range.
Virginia Planting Zones Zone 5a Annual extreme minimum temperature: minus 20 to minus 15 degrees Only the northwestern portion of Highland County falls within Virginia’s 5a range. Zone 5b Annual extreme minimum temperature: minus 15 to minus 10 degrees Highland County also constitutes much of this zone, but sizeable areas can be found in Rockingham and Augusta counties. Other small pockets exist in Bath, Bland, Craig, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Shenandoah, Smyth, Tazewell and Washington counties. Zone 6a Annual extreme minimum temperature: minus 10 to minus 5 degrees Virginia’s 6a zone can be found mostly in the Valley and Ridge Appalachians and in higher altitudes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, as far east as Rappahannock County.
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Zone 6b Annual extreme minimum temperature: minus 5 to 0 degrees Zone 6b is comprised mostly of the land west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, though there are small pockets in Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties. Zone 7a Annual extreme minimum temperature: 0 to 5 degrees The largest of all planting zones in Virginia, Zone 7a largely represents the Piedmont region, though pockets can be found in the Tidewater counties of King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Northumberland and Westmoreland, and along the Virginia-Tennessee border in Lee and Scott counties. Zone 7b
Annual extreme minimum temperature: 5 to 10 degrees Zone 7b begins in the eastern half of Richmond’s metro area, extends into Virginia’s Tidewater counties,
and runs along the Virginia-North Carolina border from Chesapeake to Patrick County. Outlying pockets can be found in Albemarle, Arlington, Bedford and Roanoke counties as well as the cities of Alexandria, Bedford and Roanoke. Zone 8a Annual extreme minimum temperature: 10 to 15 degrees The cities of Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore comprise Zone 8a, with parts of Gloucester, Isle of Wight, James City, Mathews, Surry and York counties rounding out the rest of the zone. ZIP code-specific hardiness zones can be found at planthardiness.ars. usda.gov
‘SPREAD the LOVE’ DIY succulent arrangements will thrive inside without much fuss ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY NICOLE ZEMA
Virginia Cooperative Extension agent Sara Rutherford demonstrates how easily succulent arrangements can be created in virtually any container.
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ucculents may teach us something about relationships. The resilient desert plants are fortified to withstand harsh conditions. They flourish in arrangements, but also need a little personal space. Succulents are forgiving of unintended hurt or neglect; but they also can be loved to death. “As long as you give [a succulent] the light it needs near a windowsill, it will last year-in, year-out,” said Sara Rutherford, a Virginia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Emporia. While she has more than a decade of expertise in floral and landscape design, Rutherford said those without a green thumb can easily arrange their own succulent displays at home in practically any container. She added that the trendy plants are aesthetically diverse and relatively inexpensive. As she demonstrated a succulent arrangement, Rutherford layered a half-inch of pea gravel on the bottom of containers for drainage, and piled cactus soil mix on top of the pebbles. “I’ve used rocks from my driveway,” she said. “And any cactus-type potting mix of your choosing.” Rutherford coaxed the succulents from their individual containers. “I’m going to break this guy up into a couple of smaller pieces,” she said, gently untangling the roots of a Crassula muscosa, or watch chain succulent. “A lot of these plants are very forgiving. Push them down firmly, making sure their fibrous roots have good contact with the soil.” Rutherford gently tucked creeping golden moss at the edge of the bowl, as if draping a sentimental locket around a sweetheart’s neck. vafb.com / WINTER 2020
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AESTHETIC DIVERSITY Succulents are distinctive and affordable and can be purchased at most nurseries
Ghost echeveria
Lace aloe
Afterglow echeveria
Virginia Cooperative Extension agent Sara Rutherford uses her fingers to dribble water on the succulent arrangement—enough to moisten the soil and not drown the roots.
Tokyo sun
“It’s nice to put the cascading plants toward the edge of the pot,” she said. “And I’m trying to think about the colors. With design, you want to repeat colors so the eye flows. You can fill the container, but it’s good to leave some space for the plants to grow. Space to breathe is beneficial.” Rutherford advised saving the waxy leaves if they break off, as succulents grow through vegetative propagation instead of from seeds. “He’s going to sprout a root if you put him down in the soil,” she said, holding the broken leaf of a sedum. “They’ll get tall and gangly. You can cut them down and start a new pot, just like you would divide a perennial out in the garden to keep it going. Spread the love.”
Jade plant
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Rutherford dribbled tap water on the soil of the finished succulent arrangements–enough to moisten the soil without drowning the roots. Yellowed, wilted leaves are a symptom of both underwatering and overwatering. “Succulents are good for somebody who might forget to water their plants all week,” Rutherford said. “But with indoor plants, people often kill them with kindness. They water them too much or keep them too warm, which can sometimes do the opposite of what you intend.” Rutherford said Virginians may contact their local Extension offices for additional gardening tips.
Rutherford recommends leaving space between succulents so they have room to grow. The bright arrangements need little water but should be kept near a natural light source.
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Missed open enrollment? If you missed the 2019 deadline for health insurance open enrollment—Dec. 15—you may still be in luck. For individuals who missed the open enrollment deadline, a short-term health insurance plan may be an option. Short-term health insurance plans help bridge gaps in coverage for individuals and families in times of transition. They give people the flexibility to drop the coverage at any time without penalty and the ability to apply for another term of coverage, with certain restrictions. “These policies are likely a good choice for applicants who need coverage without a qualifying event, who are between jobs or are waiting for a new employer’s coverage to become effective,” explained Brett Denton, vice president of Experient Health. Short-term plans are not designed to cover everything, and typically will not
cover routine office visits, maternity, mental health or preventive care. They also will not cover preexisting conditions. For more information about shortterm health insurance plans, call 800-229-7779, or visit vafb.com/quote.
Qualifying life events trigger special enrollment period
If you experience a qualifying life event during the year, you may be able to enroll in a marketplace plan outside of open enrollment. Examples of qualifying events include, but are not limited to: • Losing existing health coverage, including job-based, individual and student plans.
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•L osing eligibility for Medicare, Medicaid or CHIP. •T urning 26 and losing coverage through a parent’s plan. •G etting married or divorced. •H aving a baby or adopting a child. •E xperiencing a death in the family. •M oving to a different ZIP code or county. •M oving as a student to or from the place you attend school. •B ecoming a U.S. citizen. If you experience a qualifying life event, there are strict timeframes regarding when you can purchase a marketplace plan, so don’t delay. Call 800-229-7779, or visit vafb.com/quote for details.
Individuals will likely consolidate insurance coverage into a single policy when they marry.
Life happens!
When it does, contact your Farm Bureau insurance agent
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BY ADAM CULLER
ife is full of changes—some happy and some less so. From marriage or starting a family to handling the loss of a loved one, it’s important to keep insurance matters in mind during all of life’s big moments. By staying in touch with your insurance agent each step of the way, it is possible to keep your family protected and achieve peace of mind. “You met with your insurance agent when you wrote the policies, and if your life changes, something in your policy might need to change,” said Lisa Whitus, underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual
Insurance Co. “You need to discuss those changes with your agent to make sure the right changes are made to your policy so you can still be covered correctly.” When marrying, individuals will likely merge assets. It’s advisable to combine personal property and liability coverage with your spouse, but it’s also important for a couple to meet with their agent to ensure their newly unified assets are fully insured. Consolidating coverage into a single policy for newlyweds can simplify the claims process if an accident happens at home or to an automobile. Often, discounts are applied to premiums
for married couples with combined policies. Contacting your insurance agent at this stage also is beneficial in addressing the topic of life insurance to create a financial plan for spouses’ and children’s futures. “Many of us need to provide this protection to our families in the event of an untimely death,” said Gerald Gardner, VFBMIC sales director. “Life insurance also can be used for estate planning purposes or to ensure a business can continue to operate in the event of the death of an owner.” Like spouses, dependent children are covered by most home and auto insurance policies. But coverage for children gets trickier when they move out because they are no longer automatically covered under their parents’ policies. A call to your insurance agent can help clarify any gaps in coverage a now-independent child may have, and agents can help find insurance solutions for children who may not have the financial resources to weather losses. Purchasing renters’ insurance and life insurance are other good ideas for children ready to strike out on their own. When it comes to divorce and death, preparing for unexpected and difficult situations can be less straightforward when dividing assets. No solution will fit each unique situation, and that is why it is important to confer with your insurance agent regularly. “The main thing people need to know is who currently has ownership of real property—land and homes—and who currently has legal ownership of their automobiles,” Whitus said. “Then, the second thing is who is going to have possession of those properties. People will need to know who they’re titled to, who they’re deeded to, and who’s going to be living in them or driving them.” To stay current with your coverage during all of life’s events—or to update your policy, contact your Farm Bureau insurance agent.
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PB&J Hooray! named AITC Book of the Year
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irginia’s Agriculture in the Classroom program has selected PB&J Hooray! by Janet Nolan as its 2020 AITC Book of the Year. Volunteers will read the book to students during the annual AITC Agriculture Literacy Week, March 9-13. The book traces the paths of grapes, peanuts and wheat as they make their way from the field to a lunchtime favorite. Starting in the kitchen, the story works back through the shopping, delivering, producing, harvesting, farming and planting processes using fun, rhythmic language. “We look for books that portray an accurate view of modern agriculture,” explained Lynn Black, Virginia AITC education coordinator. “We also take care to make sure that the book is written at an appropriate read-aloud level for our predominantly pre-K through third-grade audience.” Virginia AITC began celebrating Agriculture Literacy Week in 2011. Now in its 10th year, it is the program’s largest educational event, with approximately 2,000 volunteers reading to 60,000 children statewide. The week provides students with an opportunity to learn about agriculture, farming and the sources of their food.
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In PB&J Hooray! students will follow the paths of grapes, peanuts and wheat from the field to their tables.
REAL VIRGINIA
Copies of PB&J Hooray! are available for purchase at $10 each. Book order forms are located on the AITC website. In addition to the book, purchasers also will receive a volunteer toolkit containing reading tips, coloring pages and other complimentary activities. Volunteers are encouraged to share agriculture’s story by reading the book to children in prekindergarten through the third grade.
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 • WCVE Richmond • WHTJ Charlottesville • WHRO Norfolk
26 Promo Ad CULTIVATE Real Virginia 2 cmyk.indd 1
“As generations continually become more removed from the farm, it is important to help connect children to the source of their food and fiber,” Black said. “It is Agriculture in the Classroom’s goal that during Ag Literacy Week children will gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the role of agriculture in their daily lives. We also benefit from connecting those in the farming community with their local schools.”
• WTKR Norfolk • WVPT Harrisonburg • WVVA Bluefield
“Each year we gain more readers and partner organizations eager to participate,” Black noted. “Because of the popularity of the program, we encourage readers to coordinate with others in their area.” Agriculture Literacy Week volunteers include county Farm Bureau volunteers, Farm Bureau Women’s and Young Farmers committees, FFA and 4-H members, partners from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and other state agencies, and members of other agricultural organizations and businesses. Colonial Farm Credit, Farm Credit of the Virginias and Southern States Cooperative Inc. have been major supporters as well.
For details or to order books, visit AgInTheClass.org.
1/11/19 10:01 AM
Virginia farm dog was finalist for People’s Choice Pup award
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f Hemi the Virginia border collie could talk, he’d have a lot to say. He was one of 10 dogs across the U.S. that competed in the 2020 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year Contest created by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The public was encouraged to vote for their favorite farm dog on social media by Jan. 17 to select the People’s Choice Pup. “Hemi is one of those critters we wish could talk because of the stories he could tell,” said Judy Tammi, one of Hemi’s owners. Tammi and her husband, Leo, are sheep farmers in Augusta County who rely on dogs to help with the farm operation. One day Hemi disappeared. Leo Tammi sent another dog to finish his job and
chastised Hemi when he later reappeared, not realizing he had sustained significant injuries to his abdomen. Puncture wounds suggested it was an animal attack. “He’s an honest dog. You give him a job to do, he goes at it with all his heart and all his soul. He’s been an amazing companion here on the farm,” Tammi said about 14-year-old Hemi, who is now retired. “When you have a working relationship with one of these dogs, it’s an extension of yourself. You depend on them for every job that needs to be done around the farm, and Hemi has been a totally honest dog.” AFBF began the contest to celebrate farm dogs who work alongside their
American shoppers spend just 9.7% of their disposable income on food.
Americans spend less than 10% of disposable income on food Americans are buying more food but spending less of their disposable income on it. Affordable food prices and rising income levels have led to greater food security nationwide, with a little pocket change left for many Americans. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service’s annual Food Expenditure Series revealed that an average 9.7% of individuals’
total disposable income was spent on groceries and dining out in 2018. The report found $1.7 trillion was spent on total domestic food expenditures in 2018, up $78.2 billion from the previous year. While total food expenditures in the U.S. continue to increase, the portion of individuals’ disposable income spent on food decreased to 4.8% in 2017, the lowest level since 2012. Household
Hemi the border collie, right, herded sheep on an Augusta County farm before retiring.
people. The contest was sponsored by Purina. “Farm dogs lighten the workload and enrich our lives by providing faithful and playful companionship,” said Zippy Duvall, AFBF president.
income is up $6,000 since 2012. The percentage of household income spent on food is an indicator of national wellness and food security, according to the report. As incomes rise, households tend to spend a smaller share of their total income on food, while the total amount spent on food increases. The U.S. has the most affordable food in the world in terms of total consumer expenditures. “Food is affordable here because U.S. agricultural producers and Virginia farmers are so good at what they do,” said Wilmer Stoneman, vice president of agriculture, development and innovation at Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “Technology and farm management have improved so much over the last few decades it’s hard not to have a good crop or quality production.” Stoneman said U.S. production of good food, and plenty of it, keeps the prices low. “It’s supply and demand—classic economics,” he continued. “We have figured out how to produce highquality products across the board, keeping prices down, which is a benefit to the consumer. That’s the beauty of a free-market system.” vafb.com / WINTER 2020
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Heart of the Home
Good-bye casserole dish; hello sheet pan!
6 cups diced beets, about 1½ pounds 5 cups diced sweet potatoes, about 1½ pounds 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Save time on prep and cleanup with sheet pan meals
In less than 2 hours, beets and sweet potatoes turn a delicious roast into a complete meal in this one-pan recipe.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE VIRGINIA BEEF COUNCIL
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ake dinnertime less hectic by making a sheet pan meal. Preparation is simple, and cleanup can be a snap. Simply place all ingredients on one baking sheet. When everything is done, you have a complete meal. The Virginia Beef Council offers some tasty sheet pan recipes to try.
DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 325°. Line a large, shallow baking pan with parchment paper. Combine garlic, ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper; press evenly onto all surfaces of beef roast. Place the roast fatside-up in the pan. Insert an ovenproof meat thermometer so the tip is centered in the thickest part of the beef, not in fat.
One Pan Beef Roast with Root Vegetables INGREDIENTS parchment paper 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon salt, divided 1 teaspoon pepper, divided 3-pound beef bottom round roast
In a large bowl, mix beets and sweet potatoes with oil, remaining ½ teaspoon salt and remaining ½ teaspoon pepper; toss to coat. Arrange vegetables around the roast. Do not add water or cover. Cook for 1¼-1¾ hours for medium rare. Remove the roast when the meat thermometer registers 135°. Transfer the roast to a carving board, and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand for 15 to 20 minutes (Temperature will continue to rise about 10° to reach 145°). If vegetables are not tender, return them to the oven and roast until tender. Carve roast into thin slices; season as desired. Serve with roasted vegetables.
Easy Sheet Pan Meatloaf and Potatoes INGREDIENTS 8-ounce can tomato sauce, divided 1½ pounds lean ground beef
Heart of the Home
Meat and potatoes get a modern makeover in this sheet pan meatloaf recipe.
1 small onion, finely chopped 1 egg 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper parchment paper non-stick cooking spray 2 pounds red potatoes, cut into ¾" cubes ½ teaspoon garlic salt ½ teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon dry mustard DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 400°. Reserve ¼ cup of tomato sauce; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, remaining tomato sauce, bread crumbs, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt and pepper, mixing lightly but thoroughly. On a parchment-lined sheet pan,
shape beef mixture into an 8"x4"x2" loaf. Toss potatoes with nonstick cooking spray, garlic salt and pepper. Spread potatoes evenly around the meatloaf on the sheet pan. Place sheet pan on center rack of oven, and bake for 40 minutes. Meanwhile, combine reserved tomato sauce with brown sugar and dry mustard. Spread sauce evenly on the meatloaf, stir potatoes, and continue cooking another 20 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the center of the meatloaf registers 160°. Remove meatloaf, and let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Test potatoes for doneness, and return to oven if needed while meatloaf rests. Cut meatloaf into slices. Serve with potatoes. Four-Pepper Meatloaf Variation: Prepare meatloaf as described, adding ⅓ cup finely chopped green bell pepper, ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper and ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper to ground beef mixture.
SOURCE: VIRGINIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
1 cup dry bread crumbs
Cook at 375° for 45-55 minutes or until the meat has reached a safe internal temperature. Serve and Enjoy
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Corporate structure for park, State Fair reorganized
employees,” said David Priddy, senior vice president of accounting and business services and treasurer. Virginia Farm Bureau is committed to preserving Virginia’s rich agricultural heritage, ensuring that The Meadow thrives as a regional event and equine venue.
Efforts are underway to strengthen the organizational framework supporting the State Fair of Virginia and The Meadow Event Park. Commonwealth Fairs and Events Inc., which currently owns The Meadow and operates the State Fair, will be absorbed by its parent company, Virginia Farm Bureau Holding Corp., a subsidiary of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “This action allows us to achieve greater operating efficiencies within
Classified ads discontinued The State Fair of Virginia attracts more than 200,000 visitors each fall.
the overall corporate structure and will not affect the fair’s or The Meadow’s visitors, events, ticket prices or
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Decorated hay bales earn acccolades for farm groups Almost 50 county Farm Bureaus, county Farm Bureau women’s committees, schools, FFA and 4-H groups and businesses entered this year’s annual Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Committee Hay Bale Decorating Contest to highlight agriculture across the state. Winners were announced Dec. 3 during the 2019 VFBF Annual Meeting in Norfolk, and they are: • Best Agribusiness, FFA or 4-H Display – Franklin County 4-H • Best Promotional Display – Botetourt County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Best Agricultural Theme Display – Wise-Dickenson County Farm Bureau • Most Creative Display – Fisher & Company of Tazewell County • Convention Favorite – Page County 4-H Livestock Club • Honorable mention for a farm safety display – Northampton County Farm Bureau County Farm Bureaus, FFA chapters, 4-H clubs and agribusinesses in Virginia created a variety of displays with hay bales to compete in Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Hay Bale Decorating Contest.
Franklin County 4-H won best-agribusiness display for its “Clover the Lucky 4-H Horse” hay bale entry.
The competition was sponsored by the VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee and ran from Sept. 1 through Nov. 1. County Farm Bureaus were encouraged to solicit entries from local businesses and organizations such as farmers markets and agricultural school groups. “I am thrilled we keep receiving more entries each year,” said Faye Hundley, chairman of the VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee. “The creativity in the hay bale displays was outstanding! With entries depicting tractors, animals and farm safety practices, these displays help tell our agriculture story.”
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