FBN Jan 2011

‘ANYONE WALKING THROUGH THE DOOR WILL KNOW’ STATUE HONORS FARMERS

Contents 5

Virgnia g arm Bureau News

“Anyone walking through the door” will note farm focus

Virginia Farm Bureau celebrated its members and the nation’s farmers with the installation of a farmer statue in the lobby of its headquarters.

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Farm Bureau to stand its ground at Legislative Day

On Jan. 25, Farm Bureau leaders from across the state will visit their state delegates and senators to discuss the organization’s stand on specific issues.

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Photo contest winners shared varied views of agriculture

See first-place winners in Virginia Farm Bureau’s annual farm-focused photo contest.

Departments 15

Your Membership Advantage

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In the Garden

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Good for You!

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Taste of Virginia

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The Marketplace

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Volume 70, Number 1 January 2011 Virginia Farm Bureau News (USPS 017-763) (ISSN 1525-528X) is published six times a year, January, March, May, June, August, September/October (combined issue).

It is published by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Periodicals postage rate is paid in Richmond, VA. The annual subscription rate is $1.42 (included in membership dues).

Postmaster: Please send changes of address to, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Farm Bureau News, P.O. Box 27552, Richmond, VA 23261-7552; fax 804-290-1096. Editorial and business offices are located at 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Telephone 804-290-1000, fax 804-290-1096. E-mail address is virginiafarmbureaunews@vafb. com. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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.

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

publication schedule Producer members will receive their next issue of Farm Bureau Newss in March.

The magazine is published six times a year.

editorial team Greg Hicks Vice Pres., Communications Pam Wileyy Managing Editor Kathy Dixon Sr. Staff Writer/Photographer Sara Owens Staff Writer/Photographer Bill Altice Graphic Designer Maria La Lima Graphic Designer Cathy Vanderhofff Advertising

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virginia farm bureau federation

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Officers Wayne F. Pryor, President Edward A. Scharer, Vice President Board of Directors

On the Cover 5

Virginia Farm Bureau has installed a tribute in bronze to the commonwealth’s and nation’s farmers at its headquarters near Richmond (Photo by David Proett).

director district Emily Edmondson 1 Archie B. Atwell 2 Evelyn H. Janney 3 Gordon R. Metz 4 Stephen L. Saufleyy 5 Peter A. Truban 6 Thomas E. Graves 7 H. Carl Tinder Sr. 8 Henry E. Wood 9 Joseph H. Williams 10 J. M. Jenkins 11 W. Ellis Walton 12 M. L. Everett Jr. 13 David L. Hickman 14 Janice R. Burton * Robert Harris **

county Tazewell Smyth Floyd Henry Rockingham Shenandoah Orange Albemarle Buckingham Pittsylvania Lunenburg Middlesex Southampton Accomack Halifax Pittsylvania *Women’s Committee Chairman **Young Farmers Committee Chairman

P r e s i d e n t ’s M e s s a g e

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Returning to our roots, and working for our future in 2011 I think it is accurate to say that 2010 was a year when Virginia Farm Bureau members “got back to their roots.”

Farm Bureau was formed 84 years ago to lobby for and represent farmers in Richmond and Washington. With federal legislation and EPA regulations related to the Chesapeake Bay looming over most farmers in the state, we mobilized a full-court press this past year to oppose both measures.

We’ve been pressing hard on this issue for more than 12 months now, and last fall we delivered 28,170 letters from members opposed to Senate Bill 1816 to Virginia’s Congressional delegation. We do not stand alone in this effort. The American Farm Bureau Federation has recognized that the bill would make sweeping changes to the federal Clean Water Act that would affect every farm operation in the nation if allowed to proceed.

I have no doubt that change is coming to our environmental regulations regarding the Chesapeake Bay. And Virginia farmers are ready and willing to do our fair part to clean up the bay. But this must be positive change that helps farmers, not ill-planned mandates rammed down our throats. That’s why Farm Bureau supported an alternative bill, the bipartisan H.R. 5509, in the House of Representatives, and we will support similar legislation in the next Congress.

In addition to the federal environmental legislation, Virginia Farm Bureau will work with all of our elected leaders to promote our common goals of lowering taxes and passing stalled free trade agreements with Columbia, Panama and Korea.

And there’s one more issue that’s not really on the radar screen yet, but it will be soon. This new Congress will be writing the 2012 Farm Bill. I believe that that upcoming debate will give farmers a chance to reform federal policy—and I truly believe that we face a crossroads, where we had better work for reform or end up with nothing at all.

At the state level, the Chesapeake Bay will continue to be a focus as Virginia determines how it will implement a watershed implementation plan and fund the costs associated with such plan. We also will work to obtain a state constitutional amendment that locks in property rights protections against eminent domain abuse. Our members have spoken loud and clear that they rely on a strong locally based Virginia Cooperative Extension system that we will fight to maintain. Finally, farmland preservation and protection from wildlife damage to farms will continue to be priorities.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

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kathy dixon

On a less ominous note, Virginia Farm Bureau co-sponsored a successful agriculture trade workshop in Norfolk, where Gov. Bob McDonnell announced that in 2009 Virginia set a record with $2.3 billion in farm exports. We plan to host another trade workshop this March (See related article on Page 4).

Farm Bureau also held two major Save Our Food festivals at the state fairgrounds in Caroline County last year. These events were huge outreach programs that helped promote our brand and our mission of representing Virginia farmers.

We also redesigned our websites this year, making them more attractive and giving Farm Bureau a positive presence on the Internet, and we won American Farm Bureau’s top media relations award. Our Young Farmers Program added a fourth collegiate chapter, and our Agriculture in the Classroom program received grant funds and national recognition from the Monsanto Corp.

These outstanding programs are supported by you, our Farm Bureau members, and you are among the producers nationwide that we honored when we permanently installed an impressive bronze statue of a farmer in the lobby of our state office last fall. I hope you get an opportunity to see it.

I’m honored to have been elected to a new term as your president. I look forward to working with you this year for the good of all farmers.

Wayne F. Pryor, a Goochland County beef and grain producer, is president of Virginia Farm Bureau.

january 2011

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Virginia Farm Bureau wins national awards for its programs

Cotton was among Virginia’s top agricultural export products in 2009, along with soybeans, wheat, corn, barley, leaf tobacco, meat, poultry, wood products and fresh vegetables.

Third annual International Trade Workshop to take place in March “Agricultural Trade: Opportunities in Uncertain Times” will be the theme of the third annual International Trade Workshop, scheduled for March 16 and 17 in Norfolk.

The event, which will be at the Sheraton Waterside Norfolk Hotel, will be offered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, the Virginia Port Authority and Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics.

The workshop is designed to provide producers, private-sector businesses, industry officials and policymakers with a forum for discussing export opportunities for U.S. and Virginia agriculture; federal and state programs to promote agricultural exports; and specific opportunities and obstacles to agricultural and food exports.

“Agriculture exports continue to be a bright spot for Virginia and U.S farms, even in difficult economic times,” said Spencer Neale, VFBF senior assistant director of commodity marketing. “Virginia set a record for exports in 2009 with about $2.3 billion worth, and we’re on track for the same amount in 2010.”

Speakers will include Richard T. Crowder, former U.S. chief agriculture trade negotiator; Dr. Robert Thompson, professor emeritus of the Gardner Endowed Chair in Agricultural Policy at the University of Illinois; Todd Haymore, Virginia secretary of agriculture and forestry; and VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor. Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is one of several invited guests. The workshop will include a tour by boat of the Port of Virginia.

Embassy representatives from Australia, Japan and Mexico have been invited to participate in a panel discussion of their perspectives on agricultural trade with the United States.

Registration is limited. For more information and to register, call Neale at 804-290-1153 or visit VaFarmBureau.org/Agriculture/trade_conf. f

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation has received four out of a possible five American Farm Bureau Federation Awards of Excellence for work in 2010.

The awards are given annually to recognize state Farm Bureaus that excel in specific areas of programming. VFBF won awards in the categories for agriculture education and promotion; leadership development; policy implementation; and public relations and information.

In addition, the organization captured two AFBF President’s Awards for work in the areas of policy implementation and public relations and information.

The President’s Award is the top honor given to a state Farm Bureau for program activities.

“Many members and staff were involved in the work that earned us these awards,” said VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor, “and we are delighted to be recognized by our Farm Bureau peers.”

Farm Bureau surpasses 2010 membership goal, sets record Virginia Farm Bureau exceeded last year’s membership milestone with another record number.

“This is great news,” said Virginia Farm Bureau President Wayne F. Pryor, who reported that, as of Oct. 31, 2010, the organization had 149,901 members— 44 more than in 2009.

“This bountiful harvest of members took a full year of labor,” Pryor said. “This achievement is due to the combined efforts and hard work of our county Farm Bureau leaders, agents and office staff, our field employees and all of those in our state office during 2010.”

The organization also exceeded its national membership goal set by the American Farm Bureau Federation, by 1 percent.

A total of 11,160 new members joined Virginia Farm Bureau last year, and nearly 93 percent of existing memberships were renewed.

Noteworthy Quote

“Finally, I thought, … a statue in Richmond without controversy. No battle flags. No weapons.

No color of skin. No connections with any causes except honesty, hard work and a God-fearing respect for the land.”

Virginian-Pilot writer david proett

Farm Bureau pays tribute to producers with statue

Linda McNatt, in an Oct. 17 column about the statue Virginia Farm Bureau installed in the lobby of its state office as a tribute to

A statue honoring those who’ve contributed almost $79 billion annually to Virginia’s economy was unveiled last September at Virginia Farm Bureau’s headquarters in Goochland County. The bronze farmer stands in a field of early corn, gazing off into the distance as if contemplating the future of his crop.

“Without a doubt, now anyone walking through the door will know that we are an agricultural organization,” said President Wayne F. Pryor.

The idea to honor farmers stemmed from a Rockbridge County Farm Bureau resolution recommending some sort of tribute. The statue was sculpted by Matt Glenn, president of Big Statues Inc. in Provo, Utah. It is mounted on a base of Pennsylvania sandstone from Richmond-based Luck Stone Inc. VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Virginia and U.S. farmers

january 2011

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LEGISLATIVE DAY 2011

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

SaveOurFood.org

LEGISLATIVE DAY 2011

FARM BUREAU TO STAND ITS GROUND ON BEHALF OF AGRICULTURE AT ANNUAL

C LEGISLATIVE DAY D

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or the second year in a row, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation members are standing their ground during Legislative Day. On Jan. 25 Farm Bureau leaders will visit elected officials at the state capitol to share concerns and let them know that they are standing their ground against unreasonable legislation.

“This session is key for building relationships between elected officials and their constituents since we’re soon going into an election year,” said Trey Davis, VFBF political education and legislative specialist. “Legislative Day gives us the opportunity to further those relationships.”

Legislative Day offers producer members a chance to visit their delegates and senators while the General Assembly is in session. Farm Bureau members present critical legislative issues while marketing a theme to keep the discussion fresh in lawmakers’ minds.

Prior to the General Assembly, Farm Bureau members decided to stand their ground on animal welfare; Chesapeake Bay regulations; funding for agriculture best management practices; protecting private property rights; restored funding to maintain a strong local structure for Virginia Cooperative Extension; farmland preservation; and wildlife damage. With Legislative Day occurring a couple of weeks after the beginning of this year’s legislative session, members may continue to lobby on those issues or another issue that needs critical contacts.

After lunch at the Richmond Marriott and a briefing session

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Farm Bureau leaders will present their senators and delegates with a puzzle depicting Virginia farm commodities, for donation to their hometown elementary schools.

with Farm Bureau staff, members will have appointments with their respective legislators.

The VFBF Women’s Committee will host a legislative reception that evening, during which Farm Bureau leaders can talk with their representatives in an informal setting.

Agriculture commodity maps that have been made into puzzles will be presented to legislators to donate to their hometown elementary schools. The puzzles depict the state of Virginia and include pictures of the commodities grown in each region.

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LEGISLATIVE DAY 2011

Environmental concerns helped shape 2011 priority issues

The Capital Connection Action Center on Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s website helps members follow legislative issues and communicate with their elected officials.

Website offers easy connection to legislators For producer members who want to stay abreast of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s legislative lobbying efforts, the solution is just a click away.

If you have Internet access, all you need to do is access the Capital Connection Action Center. To get started, simply visit VaFarmBureau.org; locate the “Policy & Action” drop-down menu at the top of the screen, and select “Action Center.”

The center is password-protected. Contact Norma Opel at norma.opel@vafb.com m to obtain a password.

“We rely on the grassroots involvement of our members to be an effective lobbying organization,” said Trey Davis, VFBF political education and legislative specialist.

Once logged on to the site, members can read urgent action alerts, find talking points on important topics and copy sample letters to send to legislators. They also will find e-mail links for contacting their respective state senators and delegates and Virginia’s Congressional delegation.

In cases of an issue that needs to be publicized immediately, members can contact their local news media via e-mail from the action center.

Members who would like more information can contact Davis at trey. davis@vafb.com m or 804-290-1017.

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

Farmers are as concerned as anyone else—if not more—about their land and water.

That’s why they are troubled about proposed regulations that cast a negative light on the gains agriculture has made in water quality.

“Virginia Farm Bureau’s members are committed to environmental stewardship,” said Wilmer Stoneman, VFBF assistant director of governmental relations. “Clean water and good soil are fundamental to our success.

“Virginia has put more than $80 million into its Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share program since 2006. Farmers have matched this spending with 60 cents for every dollar and are lined up at the door to do more.”

That’s why Farm Bureau members continue to stand against proposed Chesapeake Bay regulations that would create unfunded water quality mandates and regulation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Opposing Senate Bill 1816 is just one of the organization’s legislative priorities this year.

Every year, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation leaders determine the organization’s critical legislative issues. When the General Assembly convenes, the farmers meet with their legislators, discuss the issues and ask for their support.

“A lot of our elected officials don’t have an agricultural background,” said Trey Davis, VFBF political education and legislative specialist. “That’s why it’s important for our leaders to educate them on bills that will adversely affect their farming operations.”

Other 2011 priorities In addition to water quality, other concerns this year include: • prohibiting any restrictions on the way farmers care for their animals; • protecting private property rights; • restoring funding to maintain a strong Virginia Cooperative Extension local structure that meets farmers’ needs; • preserving Virginia farmland; and • pushing for compensation for wildlife damage to farms, as well as developing new tools for farmers to protect their crops and livestock.

“Wildlife damage can be very costly to farmers,” said Rob Hall, a Northampton County grain producer. “I stopped growing wheat because of damage from geese.”

Hall allows hunters to hunt deer on his property, so damage to his corn and soybeans from wildlife is minimal. However, he said, without the hunters, “the wildlife will eat anything you have. And farmers have enough obstacles to making a profit that they don’t need to add wildlife damage to the list.”

Footing the bill for cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay is one example of what farmers are up against. Farm Bureau is urging the General Assembly not to give in to federal threats and mandate that farmers implement conservation practices without funding. “The current voluntary incentive-based program is already underfunded at the state and federal levels,” Stoneman said. “Farmers are committed to utilizing cost-share dollars when they are appropriated.”

Regarding property rights, Farm Bureau is once again supporting a state constitutional amendment reinforcing the current eminent domain law. The legislation says that property can be taken only when the public interest dominates the private gain and the primary purpose of taking the property is not for any private financial gain or benefit or for an increase in employment.

However, there have been efforts to weaken that legislation. With this year being prior to an election, supporters have an opportunity to seek passage of a resolution to start the process for getting a constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2012.

Farmers rely on information as provided through Virginia Cooperative Extension. Over the past 20 years, budget cuts have taken a toll on maintaining a strong local Extension system. Farm Bureau also will push for a strong local Extension structure that enables that agency to address local needs in light of agriculture’s impact on the state economy.

SaveOurFood.org

LEGISLATIVE DAY 2011

GENERAL ASSEMBLY VFBF Annual Convention in late November Resolutions Committee meeting in early November Senatorial District meetings October through December VFBF board gives final approval to priority issues in October VFBF Legislative Committee recommends short-term priority issues in October County Farm Bureaus develop policy recommendations May through October VFBF Legislative Committee recommends long-term priority issues and long-term focus areas in May Regional policy development meetings to generate feedback on long-term focus areas held March through May

THE VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION POLICY PYRAMID

2011 policy development meetings set for spring Sin Si nce Fa nce nc arm rm Bur urea eau u is a g gra ra asssro oot ots ts orga rga g niiza z tion, i itt is on on tth he he l ca lo call and and re an regi gion gi on onal na all lev evel elss th that at iiss ssue ue es an and nd co con ncerns off producer er m mb me mber e s arre fi er firs r t di rs d sc scov over ov ered and deb er d bat a ed e . Po oli lici cies es b beg gin i to be devvelop elop el oped d at th t at at tim ime, e a and nd the nd h o one ness wiith ne h the mosst su supp pp por ortt m ve on to the mo e Virgi gini n a Fa ni Farrm Bureau u Fe Fede d ra ation n Resollut u io onss Comm Co mmit itte it tee te e me meet etin ing g in in the ffal all. l.

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VirginiaFarmBureau.com

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sherri mckinney

Women’s Conference will take place in Richmond

Information from workshops at the annual Women’s Conference can help county Farm Bureau women’s committees meet their annual goals and refine their programs.

“Ready, Set, Grow” will be the theme of the 2011 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Conference.

The conference will be held March 25-27 at the Hilton Richmond Hotel and Spa. It will feature workshops on how to promote Farm Bureau membership and communicate with elected officials, as well as a county Farm Bureau project idea exchange.

The conference also will include judging for the 2011 Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador program, and a state winner will be announced at the event.

Members can register at county Farm Bureau offices. Your county Farm Bureau also can provide information on Women’s Committee activities in your community.

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

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Risk management meetings gearing up for 2011 The following meetings for farmers with an interest in risk management opportunities have been scheduled, and more are being planned for this winter: • Jan. 11, Providence Forge (Four Rivers Producers); • Jan. 12, St. Stephens Church (Five County Producers); • Jan. 12, Harcum (Mid-Peninsula Producers); • Jan. 13, Heathsville (Northern Neck Crop Conference); • Jan. 19, Rocky Mount (dairy futures class); • Feb. 11-13 3, Blacksburg g ((Young g Farmers Winter Expo); and • March 16-17, Norfolk (International Trade Workshop).

All meetings are free—excluding the International Trade Workshop—but reservations are required.

The meetings are offered by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation in cooperation with Virginia Cooperative Extension and other organizations.

For more information or to arrange a risk management meeting in another area, contact Jonah Bowles, VFBF agriculture market analyst, at 804-290-1117 or jonah.bowles@vafb.com.

Members can save at Farm Bureau warehouse open house on Feb. 25 Farm Bureau members can save up to 10 percent on purchases from the Virginia Farm Bureau Service Corp. Products Division at its Feb. 25 open house.

Since 1965, the products division has provided farmers with a variety of quality supplies, through Farm Bureau-certified local dealers and the Farm Bureau warehouse in Henrico County.

The open house will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the warehouse, located at 1541 Mary St. in Sandston. Refreshments will be available.

Members can save on a variety of parts for their cars cars, trucks and farm machinery, including tires, batteries and oil and grease products. They also can save on disk blades, plow parts, chisel teeth, roller chains and cutting parts for hay equipment and combines. The discount is available for all products except baler twine, which already will be specially priced for the open house.

“The open house provides the opportunity for members to see the wide variety of products we offer exclusively to Farm Bureau members, and they can save even more money,” said Ron Diamond, Farm Bureau’s director of administrative services and the products division.

The warehouse is a 53,000-square-foot facility with a daily inventory valued at $1.2 million. It serves about 400 dealers throughout Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina, as well as a handful in West Virginia and Delaware.

For information on specific products, call the warehouse at 800-476-8473.

Women’s Program participants to take part in National Ag Week, Ag Literacy Week activities

By Sara Owens County Farm Bureau women’s committees will donate nonperishable food items, along with fact sheets about eating healthy, to regional food banks, food pantries and Ronald McDonald Houses across the state to mark National Agriculture Week, which is March 13-19.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

On March 15 they will celebrate National Agriculture Day—along with Agriculture Literacy Day. To mark Agriculture Literacy Day— and Week, members will read ag-related children’s books and conduct other ag-related activities at schools in their communities.

“This is another way we can tell our story about agriculture to many different generations,” said Janice Burton, chairman of the Virginia Farm Bureau

Federation Women’s Committee. “Farmers provide food and fiber for everyone, and it’s important that we celebrate our contribution to society and also educate children on the importance of agriculture and where their food comes from.”

Contact your county Farm Bureau office for more information on how you can contribute or participate in the National Agriculture Week celebration.

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Your Membership Advantage -SAVING YOU MONEY >> Your Farm Bureau membership helps support the farmers who grow our nation’s food.

It also gives you access to a wide variety of benefits and services, and it can pay for itself quickly in savings and convenience!

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HEALTHY ADVANTAGES NEW! Member’s Medical Alert Help ensure that you or a loved one can summon help at home in an emergency.

Get free shipping, a 30-day, money-back trial and no long-term contract. Visit MembersMedicalAlert.com or call 877-288-4958, and use code FB102.

Prescription Drug Discount Save on more than 12,000 prescription drug products, at more than 53,000 pharmacies nationwide. Obtain a discount card from your county Farm Bureau, and find a participating pharmacy near you at VaFarmBureau.org/benefits/ health.htm.

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Visit QualSight.com/-vafb, or call 866-979-9575 to schedule an initial appointment with a participating doctor near you.

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FINANCIAL ADVANTAGES Farm Bureau Bank Full member banking services.

Contact your county Farm Bureau office, visit FarmBureauBank.com or call 800-492-FARM for more information.

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

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New rollover protection structures coming to a county near you In a joint venture between the Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH is providing free CostEffective Rollover Protection Structures—or CROPS—to 25 farm tractor owners. In addition, Farm Bureau Safety and NIOSH will help install the CROPS. “Virginia Farm Bureau Safety is very excited about this project, because it will give 25 Virginia farmers the opportunity to receive rollover protection for their tractors at no cost,” said Jimmy Maass, the organization’s safety coordinator. “This project could help make CROPS available for Cost-Effective Rollover Protection Structures, or other farm tractor models in the future.”

CROPS, can be viewed in February and March.

The project will help NIOSH study how easy it is to install this type of rollover protective structure and determine how the devices can be built for less.

Participants have been asked to allow Farm Bureau Safety and NIOSH to use their farms as demonstration sites to show the CROPS to other farmers, local metal fabricators and the media. Installations will take place in 22 counties: • Feb. 15, Dickinson and Russell counties; • Feb. 16, Montgomery and Craig counties; • Feb. 17, Botetourt and Rockbridge counties; • Feb. 18, Albemarle and Nelson counties; • Feb. 28, Bedford and Amherst counties; • March 1, Campbell and Charlotte counties; • March 2, Pittsylvania County; • March 3, Patrick and Henry counties; • March 4, Halifax County; • March 14, Fauquier and King George counties; • March 15, Hanover and Essex counties; • March 16, Southampton County; and • March 17, Greensville County.

Installations should take place at 8 a.m. and at 1 p.m., but the times are subject to change. If you are interested in attending a demonstration call 804-290-1376 or e-mail safety@farmbureauadvantage.com.

Be careful, be compliant: Agriculture is one of the most dangerous jobs Agriculture is one of the most important industries in the nation and also one of the most hazardous.

In 2008, 456 farmers and farm workers died from a work-related injury for a fatality rate of 25.1 deaths per 100,000 workers.

(Continued on page 14) VirginiaFarmBureau.com

RECENTLY ENROLLED IN MEDICARE? If you’ve recently enrolled in Medicare and aren’t sure what to do next, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services offer the following tips:

Call your doctor’s office, and schedule your “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam.

The exam is an easy way for you and your doctor to get an accurate benchmark for your health. At the end of your appointment, be sure to schedule an annual “Wellness Exam” for the following year. Medicare now covers a yearly check-up.

Register at MyMedicare.gov Register at MyMedicare.govv for easy access to your health information. The free, secure online service provides access to personalized information regarding your Medicare benefits and services

Take advantage of all your Medicare resources Check out the “New to Medicare?” section of medicare.govv for information customized for new enrollees, or review your “Medicare & You 2011” handbook.

Get updates on health care insurance reform Virginia Farm Bureau is compiling updates on the details of health care reform legislation passed earlier this year in the “Resource Center” section of its insurance website at FarmBureauAdvantage.com.

Farm Bureau offers individuals and families Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield medical and dental insurance as well as medical and dental Medicare supplement plans. Members who are business owners have access to group health insurance products from Anthem and several other major insurance providers.

Licensed staff at your county Farm Bureau office can share details about available products and help you compare the coverage you currently have to coverage available through Farm Bureau.

january 2011

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Identity Theft 911 benefit to be discontinued Virginia Farm Bureau will on March 1, 2011, discontinue the LifeStages Identity Theft Services member benefit provided by Identity Theft 911.

Members receiving assistance through that program as of that date will continue to be assisted until the resolution of their cases.

Starting March 1, information on protecting personal information and avoiding identity theft will be available at FarmBureauAdvantage.com.

Be careful continued from page 13

Farm Bureau members are eligible for a 30-day money-back trial of the new Member’s Medical Alert benefit.

New medical alert benefit can give peace of mind Help is always within reach for Virginia Farm Bureau members who use the newest addition to Farm Bureau’s Membership Advantage.

The Member’s Medical Alert program, powered by national provider LifeStation, makes it easy for members or their loved ones to summon assistance to their homes in an emergency.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer this service,” said Brad Lowery, Farm Bureau vice president of field services. “It’s something that can allow senior adults to remain independent while providing their families with peace of mind.”

The equipment is simple to install; users plug it into an existing phone line.

LifeStation maintains a state-of-the-art, 24-hour call center with care specialists users can reach via a tabletop console or a help button that can be mounted on a wall, worn around the neck or wrist or clipped to a belt. The care specialists can contact local emergency services professionals or designated family members or friends.

All Member’s Medical Alert equipment will be shipped at no charge.

Farm Bureau members pay a special monthly rate of $25.95 and are eligible for a 30-day money-back trial. The service involves no long-term contract, and members may cancel at any time.

To order or get more information call 877-288-4958, or visit membersmedicalalert. com, and reference code FB102.

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

The range of industry hazards is many; however, most agricultural-related accidents involve machinery. Here are some basic tips to foster safety on your farm: • Install rollover protection structures, protective enclosures or frames on farm tractors that are without those safety devices. Any tractor built after Oct. 25, 1976, must have a ROPS if employees are operating the machinery.

• Inspect equipment routinely, and make repairs and adjustments before further use.

• Replace guards on farm equipment immediately after maintenance.

• Follow instructions on safety data sheets and labels that come with chemical products, and communicate that information to all employees.

• Remember that unventilated grain silos and manure pits are breeding grounds for methane gas, carbon dioxide, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.

For information on state labor regulations related to farming, visit the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry website at doli.state.va.us or call 800321-6742. You will be asked to key in your ZIP code to receive the phone number for the DOLI office near you.

SaveOurFood.org

Your Membership Advantage

Your membership can save you $500 on a new Dodge Farm Bureau members can save $500 on the purchase or lease of eligible 2010 or 2011 Dodge vehicles.

Presenting your Farm Bureau member card at your local Dodge dealership entitles you to a $500 cash allowance on the purchase or lease of a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500 or 3500 pickup, as well as the 3500, 4500 or 5500 Chassis Cab models. The certificate also can be used when purchasing or leasing a 2010 Dodge Journey, Grand Caravan, Dakota, Durango, Nitro, Charger, Avenger or Caliber or a 2011 Dodge Journey; Grand Caravan; Ram 1500, 2500 or 3500 pickup, including the 3500, 4500 or 5500 Chassis Cab models; Charger, Dakota; Nitro; Avenger; or Caliber.

The cash allowance can be used in addition to any national consumer incentives.

Specific restrictions apply, and details are available from your county Farm Bureau.

Your membership helps Farm Bureau enhance members’ lives by promoting and supporting agriculture.

It also affords you access to a variety of benefits and services available to members

Got something to move? Members save with Budget Truck Rental Make moving easier with the trucks and services of Budget Truck Rental. Your Farm Bureau membership will save you 15 percent when you make your next Budget Truck Rental reservation.

Budget offers reliable, easy-to-drive trucks from more than 2,800 locations nationwide and provides roadside assistance.

Renters must meet Budget age, driver and credit requirements. To make your reservation visit budgettruck.com/virginiaa or call 800-566-8422, and use the Virginia Farm Bureau account number: 56000132266.

of your immediate household. For more information or details on all of your Farm Bureau member benefits, contact your county Farm Bureau office.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

january 2011

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PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS shared varied views of agriculture First-place winners in the 2010 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation photo contest captured the colors, textures and interactions that are integral to farming in Virginia.

All winning entries can be viewed at VaFarmBureau.org, and an entry form and guidelines for the 2011 contest is available on the VFBF website as well, in the “Member Programs”” section.

“My Goat, My Friend” by Marrisa Cowart, Campbell County

“Lone Cow in the Morning” by Molly Harrison, Carroll County

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

SaveOurFood.org

“Grain & Seed Clipper”

by Robert Bartlett, Pittsylvania County

“Bring Me Some Hay” by Ellen Davidson, King William County

“Sis in the Hay” by Daniel Dockery, Scott County “Hay Barn” by Abby Parsons, Richmond County

“Feeding Time” by Mary McCoshey, Washington County

“I’m First” by Joe Miller, Shenandoah County

“Rise & Shine” by Kyle McGhee, Bedford County

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

“Setting Sun” by Chelsie Haines, Augusta County

january 2011

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VIRGINIA AGRICULTURE:

A CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Virginia agriculture’s changing landscape was 2010 convention theme Recent and anticipated changes were the focus of last year’s Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention, which had “Virginia Agriculture: A Changing Landscape” as its theme.

Nearly 800 farmers and others with an interest in agriculture and agribusiness gathered Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 at The Homestead in Hot Springs.

Goodlatte: Common sense needed in bay improvement efforts What U.S. Rep. Robert W. Goodlatte told 600 farmers was no surprise: Fewer and fewer Americans—including members of Congress—have an understanding of agriculture.

“The number of members of Congress who have the honor of representing agricultural producers is reduced with each redistricting,” he noted, and many who will make decisions that affect farms “have never been on a farm before.”

While it is important to protect and preserve the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, “it’s also very important that we do it with common sense,” he said.

Goodlatte spoke Nov. 29 at the opening luncheon of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s 2010 Annual Convention.

He and Rep. Tim Holden of Pennsylvania are co-sponsors of H.R. 5509, the Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization and Improvement Act, which Farm Bureau leaders have said takes a more reasonable approach to bay improvement than competing legislation in the U.S. Senate.

That legislation, S. 1816, would give the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency unprecedented authority over water and land use policies in the bay’s six-state watershed. Farm Bureau leaders have asserted that it will result in unwarranted, unfunded federal mandates and that it is based on data that does not accurately reflect existing on-farm efforts to protect water quality.

“This is not the way, I think, we need to treat our farmers,” Goodlatte said.

Further, he said, the government should ensure that any new farm regulations to protect water quality are both effective and cost-effective. Those that would result from S. 1816, he said, are “of unknown cost to farmers and unknown benefit to the Chesapeake Bay.” Goodlatte told farmers he believes 2011’s new Congress “will have a friendlier mindset toward American agriculture.”

He said he will fight for reasonable water quality regulation “until the government gets it right.”

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

Pryor, Scharer, Burton and three directors re-elected Wayne F. Pryor was re-elected to a third term as president of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, and Edward A. Scharer was re-elected to a third term as vice president.

Janice R. Burton of Halifax County was re-elected to a fifth two-year term as chairman of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Committee.

Three VFBF directors were re-elected to new terms: Evelyn H. Janney of Floyd County, Peter A. Truban of Shenandoah County and Henry E. Wood of Buckingham County.

Wayne F. Pryor

Edward A. Scharer

Janice R. Burton

Evelyn H. Janney

Peter A. Truban

Henry E. Wood SaveOurFood.org

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VIRGINIA AGRICULTURE: A CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Pittsylvania producer will chair Young Farmers Committee

Results of November elections called mixed bag for agriculture

Pittsylvania County cattle and sheep producer Robert “Bob” Harris of Chatham has been elected to a twoyear term as chairman of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Committee.

Harris has served on the committee for two years, representing the counties of Amelia, Brunswick, Campbell, Charlotte, Halifax, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Robert Harris Nottoway, Pittsylvania and Prince Edward. He serves on the Pittsylvania County Farm Bureau board and as the young farmer advisor for his local Farm Service Agency.

Harris works for Heath Landscaping. His wife, Kristal, is a business education teacher at Tunstall High School. Together, they raise beef cattle and Katahdin sheep on their 100-acre farm.

Farmers should be encouraged by the results of November’s Congressional elections, but it’s not all smooth sailing for agriculture, a speaker told Virginia producers on Nov. 29.

“This was a wave election that overwhelmingly favored Republicans,” said Mark Maslyn, executive director of public policy for the American Farm Bureau Federation. “But whether that’s good for farmers depends on the issue.

“I think on taxes, trade and environmental regulations, the election results are encouraging,” Maslyn said during a workshop at the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s 2010 Annual Convention.

Maslyn said Republicans, who typically support policies that are favorable to agriculture, picked up six U.S. Senate seats and added 11 state houses, and eight more states now have majorityRepublican legislatures.

“A large turnover happened, and there are new leaders out there.” In fact, Maslyn said, there are 93 new lawmakers—many of whom are not familiar with agriculture issues at all.

Therefore, educating elected representatives is crucial, he said.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

He told he workshop participants that it’s more crucial than ever for them to contact their legislators and talk to them about issues of concern such as water quality regulations, estate taxes and the federal deficit.

For example, he said, many new lawmakers wonder why Farm Bureau doesn’t support cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay. It’s not that farmers are opposed to improving water quality; they are opposed to unfunded federal regulations, Maslyn said, and that’s the kind of thing legislators need to hear from producers themselves.

“Thinking you can get involved is important, but it’s not enough; action is required,” Maslyn said. “Silence means everything is OK. If you don’t darken the doorways of lawmakers, then they won’t know what you want.”

Delegates elect new District 12 board member

W. Ellis Walton

W. Ellis Walton of Middlesex County has been elected to a three-year term on the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation board of directors.

Walton will represent Farm Bureau producer members in Caroline, Essex, Gloucester, Mathews, King and Queen, King William, Middlesex, Northumberland, Lancaster, Richmond and Westmoreland counties. He succeeds board member Robert E. Hall, who did not seek re-election.

County Farm Bureaus recognized for excellence Farm Bureaus in Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Prince George and Montgomery counties were recognized Nov. 30 for their work in educating the public and promoting agriculture and Farm Bureau.

The four organizations received Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Best in State Awards.

Chesterfield County Farm Bureau, led by President Howard C. Nester Jr., won in the membership acquisition category.

Dinwiddie County Farm Bureau, led by President Alvin Blaha, won in the member involvement and retention category.

Prince George County Farm Bureau, led by President William Kreider, captured honors in the category for agriculture promotion or education activities targeting the general public.

Montgomery County Farm Bureau, led by President Bruce Stanger, was recognized for its governmental relations program.

Speakers: Interest in local foods continues to grow The number of farmers’ markets in the United States has more than doubled in the past decade, and more and more young farmers are entering the agriculture field as local food producers.

While there are still political and marketing challenges, the local foods movement continues to mature, according to experts at a panel discussion at the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s 2010 Annual Convention.

“We definitely have developed a two-tier food system, but my viewpoint is we have room for both,” said Matt Lohr, Virginia commissioner of agriculture and consumer services and moderator for the discussion titled “Farm Gate to Dinner Plate: Building Community Food Systems.”

Lohr noted that his own family farm consists of a commercial broiler chicken operation and an agritourism business. “One of my favorite statistics is that we have about 20 percent of our farmers in this nation producing about 80 percent of the food we eat, and Continued on the next page

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

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VIRGINIA AGRICULTURE: A CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Farm Bureau honors two with Distinguished Service Awards

Appomattox County producer is Farm Woman of the Year

Former Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Robert S. “Bob” Bloxom and Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-6th, were recognized Nov. 30 with Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Distinguished Service Awards.

Bloxom was honored for his tireless efforts in support of farmers, first on his native Eastern Shore and then across the state as the first cabinet-level representative of the state’s largest industry.

Prior to his appointment as secretary, Bloxom had a distinguished career in the Virginia House of Delegates from Robert S. Bloxom 1978 to 2004. First appointed to the agriculture and forestry secretariat by former Gov. Mark Warner, Bloxom represented Virginia farmers on trade missions and in the administrations of both Warner and Gov. Tim Kaine before retiring in 2009.

Goodlatte also spent his career representing farmers. First elected in 1990, Goodlatte has served on the House Agriculture Committee since taking office.

He chaired the committee from 2003 to 2007 and was its ranking member of the committee in 2007 and 2008. In 2010, Goodlatte stepped up to help Virginia farmers again by co-sponsoring the Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization Rep. Bob Goodlatte and Improvement Act with Rep. Tim Holden of Pennsylvania. His legislation allows states and communities more flexibility in meeting water quality goals than competing legislation in the Senate.

Joanne Jones of Appomattox County has been named Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s 2011 Farm Woman of the Year.

Judging for the designation is based on participants’ contributions to family, home, farm business, community and Farm Bureau.

Jones co-manages Dark Leaf Farm, a family-run operation. Her duties on the farm include running the combine and grain drill, cutting tobacco and handling paperwork.

She is an active Farm Bureau member and has participated in Farm Bureau Women’s Program and Young Farmers Program Joanne Jones events in her community.

The mother of two holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in crop and soil environmental science from Virginia Tech.

Young Farmers honor Zirkle for program support For his outstanding contribution to the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers Program, the VFBF Young Farmers Committee posthumously honored John R. Zirkle Sr. of Shenandoah County with the 2010 VFBF Warren Beach Award.

Zirkle, a cattle, poultry and small grains producer, who died in April 2009 represented Farm Bureau producer members in the counties of Clarke, Frederick, Loudoun, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren on the VFBF board and is remembered for his tireless efforts to promote the value of future agricultural leaders.

His wife, Denise, accepted the award Nov. 30 at the VFBF Annual Convention.

Zirkle was a past president of Farm Bureau of Shenandoah County.

He was a member of the American Farm Bureau Poultry Advisory Committee, the Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative board and the Shenandoah County Conservation Easement Authority. He also was an associate director for Lord Fairfax Soil and Water Conservation District.

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

Speakers continued from page 19 80 percent of our farmers producing the other 20 percent,” he said.

Jim Cummings, agribusiness consultant for the North Carolina Sustainable Local Food Advisory Council, said the food-buying public “is catching on that they’d rather have something grown by someone they know and trust.” The council was created in 2009 by an act of the North Carolina General Assembly to help facilitate discussion and recommend policy for that state’s farmers. “I don’t think you’re going to see a falloff in interest in local foods. If so, we would have seen it in 2008 or 2009, when the economy was down,” he added.

Meanwhile, people outside the agriculture community are looking at the growth of the local food movement and seeing different things, according to Gary Matteson, vice president of beginning and small farmer programs and outreach for the Farm Credit Council. He said farmers need to learn their language and understand their agendas in order to better market their goods.

“For instance, health advocates believe local food can improve people’s diets in urban areas,” he said. The incidence of diabetes is up wherever consumption of fatty, processed foods is prevalent, Matteson said, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services views increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables as a major dietary goal for the nation. “Why don’t we try to ride that wave a bit?”

Matteson recommended Virginia farmers get together now to address challenges facing their entire industry, rather than allowing themselves to be divided into small farmer versus big and commercial farmer versus local. “That’s Farm Bureau’s strength,” Matteson noted. “You know politics. Why not deal with these issues in a common environment?”

One group that has been working hard to expand its local food network is the Local Food Hub in Albemarle County. “Our sales are up almost 300 percent from last year, and at this point we have more demand than supply,” said director Kate Collier. “So interest is increasing all the time. And the customers we’ve worked with that only wanted local foods on a special-occasion basis now are looking to incorporate them on a regular basis.”

SaveOurFood.org

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VIRGINIA AGRICULTURE: A CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Young Farmers recognize members’ accomplishments Lee County producers win Achievement Award Jonathan and Amber Cavin of Lee County were named this year’s Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Achievement Award winners.

The Cavins operate a farm in Rose Hill, where they grow burley tobacco and raise about 200 head of beef cattle.

The Achievement Award recognizes farmers who are successful in production agriculture and provide leadership on and off the farm.

Winston Vaughan of Amelia County was this year’s runner-up.

Jonathan Cavin has been farming full-time since 1997 but started helping on his father’s and grandfather’s farm when he was 8. At 17 he started his own greenhouse business, which he uses today to start tobacco seedlings.

The Cavins served on the VFBF Young Farmers Committee from 2004 through 2009. Jonathan Cavin currently serves as Lee County Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers Committee chairman.

Vaughan raises small grains, hay and cattle. He has chaired the Amelia County Farm Bureau Young Farmers Committee since 2006 and also serves on the county Farm Bureau board.

The Cavins will receive $500, courtesy of Virginia Farm Credit Associations; $500, courtesy of Dodge; $500 from the Chesterfield County Farm Bureau; up to 200 hours’ use of a Kubota M-series tractor from Kubota Corp.; a new Stihl chain saw, courtesy of MidAtlantic Stihl; and a travel package to the 2011 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Atlanta and the 2011 VFBF Young Farmers Winter Expo in Blacksburg.

Vaughan also will receive a travel package to the AFBF convention, and he and the other five finalists for the award received $500 from VFBF.

Southampton County couple wins Excellence in Agriculture Award Chris and Jennie Simms of Sedley were named this year’s VFBF Young Farmers Excellence in Agriculture Award winners.

The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes individuals for their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.

Chris Simms has been employed by Colonial Farm Credit for 11 years and is a relationships manager in the organization’s Commercial Loan Group. He previously served as young farmer liaison and is pursuing a master’s degree in agribusiness at Kansas State University. Jennie Simms has held administrative positions for Smithfield Foods Inc. and is a licensed Realtor.

Chris Simms is the immediate past vice-chairman of the VFBF Young Farmers Committee.

The couple is active in their community and on the VFBF Young Farmers Committee. They also have an agricultural blog, Agtually. com, and have developed a series of geocaches called AgCache for the purpose of promoting Virginia agriculture.

Chris and Jennie Simms

Amber and Jonathan Cavin VirginiaFarmBureau.com

The Simmses will receive $500, courtesy of Dodge; a new chain saw, courtesy of Stihl; up to 200 hours’ use of a Kubota utility vehicle, courtesy of Kubota; up to $5,000 toward the purchase of the vehicle, courtesy of the Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.; and $1,000 toward the purchase of the vehicle, courtesy of the VFB Health Insurance Companies. They also will receive a travel package to the 2011 AFBF Annual Convention and the 2011 VFBF Young Farmers Winter Expo.

Robert and Krystal Harris of Chatham in Pittsylvania County are this year’s Excellence in Agriculture Award runners-up.

Robert Harris is employed by a landscaping company, and Krystal Harris is a business education teacher for the Pittsylvania County school system. They specialize in cross-bred cattle and raise Katahdin hair sheep on their 100-acre farm.

Robert Harris serves on the Pittsylvania County Farm Bureau board, and Krystal Harris is a member of the organization’s Women’s Committee.

They will receive $500, courtesy of VFBF, and a travel package to the 2011 AFBF convention. january 2011

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VIRGINIA AGRICULTURE: A CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Isle of Wight man wins Discussion Meet Bill Henley, whose family raises grain, timber and beef cattle in King and Queen County, took top honors Nov. 30 in the VFBF Young Farmers Discussion Meet.

First runner-up was Christy Huffman Kerr of Augusta County.

Other finalists were Jason Pratt of Pulaski County and Chris Van Vlack of Loudoun County.

The Discussion Meet is a committee-style discussion of a predetermined agricultural topic. Participants are judged on their ability to build consensus and work toward solutions. This year’s final-round topic was how Farm Bureau and other agricultural organizations can work together for the good of the industry.

Henley was awarded a John Deere Gator utility vehicle, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co.; $500, courtesy of Dodge; and $250, courtesy of the Virginia Farm Bureau Service Corp.

Dodge Program.

He also will receive travel packages to the 2011 AFBF convention and VFBF Young Farmers Bill Henley Winter Expo.

Kerr will receive travel packages to the AFBF convention, and she and the other finalists will receive $500, courtesy of VFBF; and $250, courtesy of the VFB Service Corp. Dodge Program.

Henley, who lives in Isle of Wight County, is a senior loan officer with Colonial Farm Credit ACA in the company’s Courtland and Windsor offices. He is a 2002 graduate of James Madison University and holds degrees in management and economics.

Lee County siblings honored for environmental practices Jonesville twins Jacob and Jessica Ingle have been named winners of this year’s VFBF Young Farmers Environmental Stewardship Award.

The award recognizes the efforts of young producers who work to protect natural resources.

Eric Brittle of Southampton County was this year’s runner-up.

The Ingles will receive a paid trip to the VFBF Young Farmers Winter Expo in February 2011. They also received $500 and a commemorative plaque, courtesy of Bayer CropScience, and an outdoor sign recognizing them for good environmental stewardship to display at their farm entrance.

Brittle received $250 and an outdoor sign.

The Ingles are second-generation farmers who have worked hard to implement a conservation plan on their parents’ Sugar Run Stock Farms.

The two recent high school graduates work on the beef cattle and goat farm, where they have installed fences to implement rotational grazing. Over the past few years they have followed a 22

Virginia Farm Bureau News

Jessica and Jacob Ingle nutrient management plan, addressed a sinkhole problem and planted ground cover and buffers to keep animals out of their farm pond.

Their family farm has become a conservation model in the county, and it was among area farms visited last year by Logan County Conservation District representatives from Kentucky who were interested in agricultural best management practices.

The Ingles serve as environmental volunteers with their local Natural Resources Conservation Service and soil and water conservation district.

Young Farmers winners will compete in January Winners of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture Award and Discussion Meet will compete on the national level this month at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Atlanta.

SaveOurFood.org

Save Our Food festival draws 3,000 in second year

photos by sara kyle

More than 3,000 people attended the second Save Our Food Holiday Festival on Dec. 11 in Caroline County.

The event is the area’s largest holiday food and wine show.

Virginia first lady Maureen McDonnell (top right) was on hand to assist Todd Schneider, executive chef at the Executive Mansion, in preparing and sharing Virginia corn and crab fritters. Kroger Bistro chefs prepared Virginia apple flambe, and food samples were shared by vendors like Goats R Us of Nottoway County and Pungo Creek Mills of Accomack County.

The next Save Our Food Summer Festival will be held July 24.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

january 2011

23

The Biggest Sales Event of the Year is Back

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

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SaveOurFood.org

In the Garden

photos by pam wiley

From garden to gift item, gourds can be a family project

WHAT’S NOT TO LIKE about a plant you can grow, harvest, preserve and decorate as a family? And they make unique gifts as well!

“You can grow your own, or you can buy them toward the end of the season,” between Halloween and Thanksgiving, said horticulturist Mark Viette, who has grown and decorated apple and bottle gourds.

They take 6 months to a year to dry,

Viette said, and their ideal storage temperature is 55 to 65 degrees.

“Put them in a cool basement or garage that won’t get too cold,” he said.

As the gourds dry out, their outer surfaces will lose their color but sometimes start to show interesting markings. When you shake them, you’ll hear loose seeds inside.

Dried gourds can be cleaned up with sandpaper if you want a cleaner finish, or

with a plastic scrubbing pad if you want a more distinct look. Then they’re ready to be painted, stained or given a coat or two of polyurethane.

If you’re making gourds into bird houses, cut a 1¼-inch hole for the entrance, and drill small holes in the bottom for drainage. Don’t forget to put a hole in the top for a cord or wire by which the gourd can be suspended.

Mark Viette appears on Down Home Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s monthly television program. Viette and his father operate the Andre Viette Farm and Nursery in Augusta County and have a weekly radio show. They also are members of the Augusta County Farm Bureau. Andre Viette currently serves on the organization’s board of directors, and Mark Viette is a former board member.

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

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

january 2011

25

Good for You!

Breakfast may not boost metabolism but helps control weight

By Kathy Dixon When it comes to losing or maintaining weight, there are no magic bullets.

Some say the key is boosting your metabolism, and that eating breakfast will jump-start it.

However, registered dietitian Karen Ridings said there is no evidence that eating breakfast boosts your metabolism.

“But if you eat breakfast, it will help you manage your appetite so you don’t eat unhealthy snacks later on,” she said.

And there are other proven methods to rev up your metabolism and help control weight.

“The American Dietetics Association recommends aerobic exercise and building muscle mass through strength training exercises to increase your metabolism,” said Ridings, who is also a Virginia Cooperative Extension family and consumer science agent in Frederick County.

Muscle mass decreases as people age, and muscle burns more calories than fat tissue. So by lifting weights and increasing their muscle mass, people can increase their metabolism, Ridings said.

Additionally, as people age, their metabolism slows down, so they need to cut back on calories. Some people think skipping breakfast is a way to do that.

However, Ridings explained, when people wake up in the morning they are operating on a glucose deficit and need food to increase their energy level.

“There are a lot of nutritious, low-calorie options for breakfast,” she said. “And for people who don’t like breakfast food, they can eat sandwiches instead.”

A tomato and scrambled cholesterol-free real egg product sandwich on whole-grain bread, for example, is a healthy breakfast.

So is lean ham and lowfat Swiss cheese on a multi-grain English muffin.

Ridings also recommends eating highfiber cereals with added fruit, oatmeal with raisins and nuts, or yogurt with fruit and granola. Stay away from pastries, doughnuts and overly sugared cereals, she said.

No matter what you are eating, portion control is important, Ridings said. People can use the “plate method” for eating dinner, in which half of the plate is filled with vegetables, a quarter of the plate is protein and the other quarter is something starchy like corn or brown rice, she said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s mypyramid.govv nutrition website recommends five servings of fruit and vegetables each day, so it’s important to work them into every meal. “To get in your daily requirement of fruits and vegetables you have to make a conscious effort,” Ridings said.

“People are hoping for an easy way to lose or maintain weight, but there isn’t one.

It’s a balance between the intake of food and the output of exercise.”

Nutty Breakfast Pizza ingredients 1 whole-wheat English muffin 2 teaspoons peanut butter 2 teaspoons apple butter ¹⁄⁄8 cup mixed fruit, such as banana, pineapple or strawberries 1 teaspoon raisins (optional) 1 teaspoon nuts (optional) directions Split English muffin in half, and toast it.

Spread peanut butter and apple butter on the muffin halves.

Top with mixed fruit. Add raisins or nuts as desired.

Fruity French Toast ingredients 4 large eggs, beaten 1 cup skim milk ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg ½ teaspoon vanilla 8 slices whole-wheat bread 1 tablespoon margarine 3 cups strawberries, sliced ¹⁄⁄3 cup maple syrup dash of cinnamon directions In a large bowl, beat eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla until mixed well.

Melt margarine in a large skillet on medium high heat.

Dip one slice of bread at a time in the egg mixture to coat both sides. Place in hot skillet, and brown each side, about 2 minutes or more.

To make the fruit sauce, combine strawberries, syrup and cinnamon, and mix well. Microwave mixture for 30 seconds until it’s warm. Spoon immediately over French toast.

Recipes courtesy of Virginia Cooperative Extension

Eating breakfast can help manage your appetite so there’s less temptation to snack later in the day.

26

Virginia Farm Bureau News

SaveOurFood.org

T Taste of Virginia

SOUTHWESTERN STIR-FRY ? IS SIMILAR TO CHILI ?

The secret ingredient in Chef John Maxwell’s Southwestern Beef Stir-Fry is coffee. “I always add coffee to my chili,” he said.

The caffeine might be an eye-opener, but flavorful, fresh ingredients do much for this warm-you-up recipe. kathy dixon

Southwestern Beef Stir-Fry INGREDIENTS

2 pounds beef, trimmed 2 tablespoons minced garlic 1 tablespoon oregano 1 tablespoon cumin powder 1 lime 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ½ cup diced onion ½ cup green onion, white part only, reserving tops for garnish ½ cup minced Poblano pepper 1 cup peeled, diced tomato 1 cup black beans, drained 1 cup beef stock ¼ cup coffee 1 ounce tequila (optional) PREPARATION

Cut the beef into julienne strips and toss with garlic, half of the oregano and half of the cumin. Add a squeeze of lime juice and allow to marinate for one hour.

Heat the oil in a wok or sauté pan until it’s almost smoking. Add the onion and sauté until clear, then stir in the marinated beef.

Add the white part of the green onions and more lime juice. Stir in the Poblano pepper, tomatoes and black beans.

Add in the beef stock and then the coffee. If desired, add the tequila.

Garnish with minced green onion tops and serve with tortillas.

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

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

Chef John Maxwell prepared his Southwestern Stir-Fry Chili last summer at a Down Home Virginia taping at the Williamsburg Farmers’ Market.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

january 2011

27

Volunteers to introduce FARMER BEN in local schools The Farmer Ben book Ready, Set, GROW!! produced last year by Agriculture in the Classroom will feature prominently in Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s first Agriculture Literacy Week celebration in March (See related article, Page 11).

Ag industry participants, led by Farm Bureau volunteers, will be reading Ready, Set, GROW!! and other agriculture-related children’s books at elementary schools in their communities and conducting other ag-related activities.

AITC created Farmer Ben in response to requests from Farm Bureau volunteers for a character that represents a modern Virginia farmer. The foundation plans to publish additional Farmer Ben books.

“I always tell people that Disney has Mickey Mouse, and this is kind of our Mickey Mouse,” said William “Bear” Lloyd of Washington County, the 2010 VFBF Farm Bureau Ambassador. Lloyd has read Ready, Set, GROW! to children in his community for FFA and Farm Bureau projects. “They love it,” he said, noting that the book often prompts children to ask questions about local farms.

“They see Farmer Ben, and then they’ll ask you if you do that.”

Farm Bureau volunteers “have already been more than willing to go into their local schools and read to children,” said AITC director Karen Davis. “We’ve been delighted with how Farmer Ben has been received, and many county Farm Bureaus have expressed an interest in buying copies of Ready, Set, GROW!! to donate to school libraries.

“Farmers reading to children is a very simple and powerful way to make a connection.”

Information on how to order Ready, Set, GROW!! is available is the “Volunteers” section of AgInTheClass.org, along with and other Farmer Ben materials.

AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM www.agintheclass.org

AITC SUPPORTERS In addition to many individuals who contributed, these organizations made contributions to the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom between July 1 and Nov. 30 of 2010.

Leader Level ($1,000 to $9,999) • Augusta County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • BB&T • Botetourt County Farm Bureau • Culpeper County Farm Bureau • Farm Credit of the Virginias • Houff Foundation • King William County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Orange County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Rockingham County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • VFBF Central District Women’s Committee • Virginia Beach Farm Bureau • Virginia Beef Industry Council • Virginia Corn Board • Virginia Horse Industry Board • Virginia Pork Industry Board • Virginia Small Grains Board • Virginia Soybean Board • Washington County Farm Bureau

Builder Level ($500 to $999) • Albemarle County Farm Bureau

AITC workshop impact

• Amelia County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Amelia County Farm Bureau Young Farmers Committee

Each year Virginia’s Agriculture in the Classroom program sets a goal for attracting educators to its free workshops. The events show elementary school teachers and middle school science teachers how they can use agriculture to teach material they already are expected to present, and AITC provides them with Standards of Learningaligned lesson plans and other teaching materials at no cost.

Year

Teachers attending

Projected number of students reached with workshop lessons

• Brunswick County Farm Bureau • Henry County Farm Bureau • Nelson County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Russell County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • VFBF Midwest District Women’s Committee • Warren County Farm Bureau

2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,898 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58,170 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1884 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45,654 2010 (Nov. 30) . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,253 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25,402 28

Virginia Farm Bureau News

• Whole Foods Grocery

Find more information about AITC at AgInTheClass.org. Donations to the AITC program are always welcome and can be mailed to AITC, P.O. Box 27552, Richmond, VA 23261.

SaveOurFood.org

NEW FOR 2011

MemberMarketplace New for 2011: Use online Member Marketplace to sell farm-fresh foods and promote farm services and events If you want to advertise your farm stand, CSA or pick-your-own operation, your farmrelated services or special events on your farm, Virginia Farm Bureau’s new Member Marketplace is a good place to start.

Farm Bureau has expanded its online classified advertising opportunities this year to help members promote their farm products and events.

In addition to classified ads in Farm Bureau News and Cultivate magazines, members will be able to place free classified ads on the organization’s website at VaFarmBureau.org. They can be placed in the categories that currently appear in the magazines—crops, farm equipment, hay and straw, livestock and livestock equipment—as well as in the following new categories: • Agritourism; • Agricultural event notices;

• • • •

Agricultural services; Community-supported agriculture; Horses; Nursery and greenhouse; and

• On-farm sales.

Members who have on-farm sales or community-supported agriculture businesses will be able to list their operations in a searchable Fresh Food Locator directory.

Internet-only ads will have a 45-word maximum and will have to be placed via the Farm Bureau website. Only members with paid 2011 memberships will be able to place ads.

Place your online ad today, or get more information, at VaFarmBureau.org/ marketplace.

2011 magazine classified ad schedule and policies Members of Virginia Farm Bureau will receive one free 15-word classified ad per membership per year in Farm Bureau News, which is mailed to producer members, or in Cultivate, which is mailed to associate members.

Ads of 16 to 30 words must be accompanied by payment of $20.

Any additional ads placed by members in the same calendar year must be accompanied by payment of $10 for 15 words or fewer, or $20 for 16 to 30 words.

Ads submitted without payment will be returned. We do not invoice for classified ads or provide proofs or tearsheets.

Ads with more than 30 words and ads from nonmembers will not be accepted.

Use the form in this issue of Farm Bureau News or the online form at VaFarmBureau. org/marketplace to place your ad. No ads or cancellations will be taken by phone.

Ads will be accepted only from members whose 2011 dues are paid.

Magazine classified ads can be placed in the following five categories only: • Crops; • Farm equipment; • Hay/Straw; • Livestock; and • Livestock equipment.

Classified ads will be published in the following issues: • April Cultivate (mailed to associate members only); • May Farm Bureau News (mailed to producer members only); • July Cultivate (mailed to associate members only); and • August Farm Bureau News (mailed to producer members only).

Finding your member number When placing your ad, be sure to include your Farm Bureau member number, which can be found above your name on the mailing label of your copy of Farm Bureau News. All member numbers will be verified.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

january 2011

29

The Marketplace

How to place your classified ad Step 1 Use the form below to provide contact information and the text for your ad.

• Ads will be accepted from Farm Bureau members only.

• Classified ads are not transferable.

• Please type or print.

• Classified ads will not be accepted or cancelled over the phone.

Step 2 Indicate the issues in which you want your ad to run.

Step 3 Select the category in which you want your ad to run (Pick one only).

Step 4 Your first ad of 15 words or less is free with your membership.

Pricing for additional ads: 1–15 words $10/ad 16–30 words $20/ad Additional ads must be accompanied by a check (no cash) for each issue in which the ad is to appear.

• Make check payable to: Virginia Farm Bureau.

• Ads longer than 30 words will not be accepted.

• We do not invoice for classified ads or provide proofs or tearsheets.

• Ads submitted without payment will be returned.

Step 5 Mail your ad (and payment) to: Virginia Farm Bureau News / Cultivate Classifieds P.O. Box 27552 Richmond, VA 23261-7552 • You also can fax your ad to 804-290-1096.

• Or place it via the Virginia Farm Bureau Web site at VaFarmBureau.org.

Important: We are not responsible for typographical errors or errors due to illegible handwriting (No refunds available). Classified ads carried in Virginia Farm Bureau News and Cultivate do not constitute an endorsement by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and its affiliated companies and organizations. We reserve the right to edit or reject ads, including ads that represent a business in competition with the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company or any of our affiliated or affinity partners. We reserve the right to edit or reject any advertisement that makes reference to any particular political party or group, religious belief or denomination, race, creed, color or national origin.

Deadlines Ads and cancellations must be received (not mailed) by the following deadlines: Issue Deadline Mailed to producer members May April 4 August July 1 Mailed to associate members April March 4 July June 3

Moving?

If your address or phone number has changed — or is about to — don’t forget to contact your county Farm Bureau office to ensure that your membership and subscription information stays current!

One free 15-word ad per membership per year; 2011 dues must be paid before placing ad.

NAME: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MEMBER NO.: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Category in which ad should run (select only one): ❑ Crops

COUNTY: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

❑ Farm Equipment

ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

❑ Hay/Straw

CITY: ______________________________________________________ STATE: ________________________________ ZIP: ___________________

❑ Livestock

DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER: ____________________________________________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS: ______________________________ Ads will not be accepted without the information above

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

❑ Livestock Equipment

No other categories available

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

placement available for these issues only * ❑Ad April ❑ August (mailed to producer members)

❑ May ❑ July

30

❑ Payment enclosed: $_______________ ❑ This is my one free 15-word ad for 2011 ❑ Please place my ad in The Delmarva Farmer for 4 weeks at no additional cost to me

Virginia Farm Bureau News

SaveOurFood.org

County Farm Bureau Offices Accomack

757-787-4208

Frederick

540-869-8650

Northumberland-Lancaster

Albemarle

434-293-5775

Giles

540-921-1777

Nottoway

804-435-0083

Alleghany

540-962-3961

Giles

540-626-3201

Orange

540-672-3447

Amelia

804-561-2169

Gloucester-Mathews

804-725-3555

Page

540-743-5082

Amherst

434-946-5336

Gloucester-Mathews

804-642-3602

Patrick

276-694-7108

Appomattox

434-352-7851

Goochland

804-556-4119

Pittsylvania

434-432-2381

Augusta

540-886-2353

Goochland

804-290-1502

Pittsylvania

434-792-7484

Augusta

540-943-9820

Grayson

276-773-3091

Powhatan

804-598-3081

Bedford

540-586-9103

Grayson

276-236-7210

Powhatan

804-897-4989

Bedford

434-385-5239

Greene

434-985-7057

Prince Edward

434-392-3050

Bland

276-688-4341

Greensville

434-634-9471

Prince George

804-541-0559

Botetourt

540-992-2062

Halifax

434-572-4529

Prince William-Fairfax

703-368-6813

Brunswick

434-848-3542

Hanover

804-798-6534

Pulaski

540-674-5119

Brunswick

434-584-0290

Hanover

804-730-8730

Rappahannock

540-987-8225

Buckingham

434-983-2583

Henrico

804-270-6400

Richmond

804-333-4410 540-342-2626

434-292-4389

Campbell

434-332-5411

Henrico

804-737-4999

Roanoke

Caroline

804-633-9825

Henry

276-638-7760

Roanoke

540-977-2196

Carroll

276-728-4103

Highland-Bath

540-468-2605

Roanoke

540-562-3710

Carroll

276-236-7210

Isle Of Wight

757-242-6730

Rockbridge

540-463-3603

Isle Of Wight

757-365-0400

Rockingham

540-434-6778

Charles City-James CityNew Kent-York

804-966-2310

King George

540-775-9650

Russell

276-889-1119

CC/JC/NK/YK

757-564-3929

King and Queen

804-769-2580

Russell

276-596-9036

CC/JC/NK/YK

757-595-7143

King and Queen

804-785-9431

Scott

276-386-7411

Charlotte

434-542-5822

King William

804-769-2580

Shenandoah

540-459-4019

Chesapeake

757-546-8000

Lee

276-346-2363

Smyth

276-783-6148

Chesterfield

804-748-5467

Loudoun

540-751-1111

Southampton

757-653-9341

Chesterfield

804-639-4070

Loudoun

703-858-0545

Spotsylvania

540-786-7575

Clarke

540-869-8650

Louisa

540-967-1370

Stafford

540-899-9454

Craig

540-864-6428

Lunenburg

434-676-2451

Surry

757-294-3285

Culpeper

540-825-0682

Madison

540-948-3311

Sussex

434-246-3531

Cumberland

804-492-4621

Mecklenburg

434-738-6141

Tazewell

276-988-6556

Dinwiddie

804-469-3726

Mecklenburg

434-584-0290

Virginia Beach

757-426-6115

Essex

804-443-3733

Middlesex

804-776-6886

Virginia Beach

757-467-0603

Fauquier

540-347-3172

Montgomery

540-382-8161

Warren

540-635-4074

Floyd

540-745-2021

Montgomery

540-961-4086

Washington

276-628-7135

Fluvanna

434-842-3411

Nansemond

757-934-2321

Washington

276-466-3987

Franklin

540-483-9225

Nelson

434-263-8328

Westmoreland

804-493-8004

Franklin

540-721-7047

Northampton

757-678-5158

Wise-Dickenson

276-328-8274

Franklin

540-483-4708

Northumberland-Lancaster

804-580-4422

Wythe

276-228-4042

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

Addresses for county Farm Bureau offices, along with contact information for individual Farm Bureau insurance agents, are available online at FarmBureauAdvantage.com.

Farmers tackle pressing state issues, on Down Home Virginia

Watch this!

To view Down Home Virginia, visit VaFarmBureau.org

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Farm Bureau producer members will be pressing for a state constitutional amendment to better protect property rights in the 2011 Virginia General Assembly. That story will be featured in the January edition of Down Home Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s monthly cable and satellite television show.

Also on the show, Chef John Maxwell will cook a delicious apple and potato chowder, and horticulturist Mark Viette will explain how to save money when designing a garden.

The award-winning show airs nationwide at 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month on RFD-TV, as well as on 48 cable systems and three broadcast stations in Virginia. It’s also available online at VaFarmBureau.org.

Check local cable listings for the show times in your area, or visit VaFarmBureau.org g for a list of participating stations. january 2011

31

Every year, 104,000 acres of Virginia farmland disappear forever.

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

Save 104,000 Acres of Virginia Farmland in 60 Seconds

help ensure that safe, fresh, locally grown foods remain accessible.

So make a stand, and tell someone about Farm Bureau and Save Our Food today.

.org