FBN Jan 2020 by Virginia Farm Bureau

JANUARY 2020

Farm Bureau News The Voice of Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Agricultural Producers

The Very Best of Virginia

Stressed Out

Farmers are struggling economically, emotionally and physically

Farm Bureau News

Volume 79, Number 1 January 2020

Features 13

“I’m selling my cattle within a

Farm stress

few cents of what

Farmers are declaring bankruptcy, selling their farms and facing skyrocketing input costs—all of which is leading to excess stress.

my grandfather was selling his for in the ’80s.”

Entrepreneur honored

A Southwest Virginia agribusiness entrepreneur is one of 12 women depicted in the new Virginia Women’s Monument.

— JAMES YOUNG

NICOLE ZEMA

Virginia Farm Bureau News (USPS 017763) (ISSN 1525-528X) is published four times a year. January, April, September, November. 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, 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. Email 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 assumes no liability for products or services advertised. The publisher maintains the right to cancel advertising for nonpayment or reader complaints about services or products. Member: Virginia Press Association

EDITORIAL TEAM Pam Wiley Director, Communications Kathy Dixon Managing Editor Nicole Zema Staff Writer/Photographer

Adam Culler Staff Writer/Photographer

Harvesting Perspectives was focus of annual meeting

Patricia Hooten Graphic Designer

Delegates to the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting adopted policies for 2020 and learned how to improve their farm businesses.

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

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Departments

Officers Wayne F. Pryor, President

Board of Directors

Scott E. Sink, Vice President

For Your Benefit Heart of the Home

DIRECTOR

WE’RE SOCIAL!

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE

Producer members will receive their next issue of Virginia Farm Bureau News in April. The magazine is published quarterly, and back issues can be viewed at issuu.com/virginiafarmbureau. 2

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

ON THE COVER James Young said industry uncertainties are stressing farmers out (Photo by Nicole Zema).

DISTRICT COUNTY

Emily Edmondson 1 Tazewell Richard L. Sutherland 2 Grayson Bruce N. Stanger 3 Montgomery Gordon R. Metz 4 Henry Russell L. Williams II 5 Rockbridge Peter A. Truban 6 Shenandoah Thomas E. Graves 7 Orange Leigh H. Pemberton 8 Hanover William F. Osl Jr. 9 Cumberland Robert J. Mills Jr. 10 Pittsylvania J. M. Jenkins Jr. 11 Lunenburg J. Barry Bates 12 Essex M. L. Everett Jr. 13 Southampton David L. Hickman 14 Accomack Faye Hundley * Essex S. Kyle Sturgis ** Northampton *Women’s Committee Chairman **Young Farmers Committee Chairman

President’s Message

Changes, growth in 2019 lay the groundwork for a productive 2020

he theme for last month’s 2019 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting was Harvesting Perspectives. It was chosen to reflect the fact that our producer members— and Virginia farmers in general—have varied backgrounds, experiences and areas of expertise. But any way you look at it, I think most of what I shared in my year-in-review remarks was good news. You’ll find much of it WAYNE F. PRYOR detailed in the next several pages of this magazine. We celebrated a quarter-century at our headquarters in Goochland County—“The House That Agriculture Built”—and throughout the year we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the American Farm Bureau Federation. For the third consecutive year, Farm Bureau met its membership goal. The State Fair of Virginia had another strong year and reached a milestone in youth scholarships. Farm Bureau’s insurance companies are poised for growth after a long effort to rebuild, and the health insurance companies continue to do well in an extremely challenging marketplace. I’m pleased to report that Anthem will offer Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance products in every county of the state this year, a major victory for rural Virginia. And our Health Care Consultants team reached almost 900 people statewide during 75 Medicare educational seminars. Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC trustees endorsed 126 candidates for their positions supporting agriculture, and 95% of those candidates were elected. Earlier in the year, we were successful at the General Assembly on 34 out of 41 policy positions. We also saw change and progress in Washington. The EPA finally repealed the illconceived “Waters of the U.S.” rule. Under an article of the 2018 Farm Bill, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued national regulations regarding industrial hemp production. And the Trump administration successfully negotiated a bilateral U.S.-Japan trade agreement. Our grain marketing division sold 4 million bushels of grain and soybeans to 30 purchasers in four states, serving 300 members and their businesses. The VFBF Agriculture, Development and Innovation Department assisted 21 producer members in applying for USDA’s value-added producer grant. Nineteen of those applications were successful, resulting in more than $3 million dollars in funding. These efforts are all designed to boost support for local food producers and urban farmers—folks who raise local food in the very neighborhoods of their urban customers. It’s an important and growing trend, and Farm Bureau wants to be at its forefront. Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom hit an all-time high of reaching more than 400,000 children in the 2018-2019 school year. We’re grateful for all the financial support for AITC by Farm Bureau members across the state. Additionally, and as a result of a member resolution last year, your state board of directors created a Farm Safety Advisory Committee to work with our members to promote safety practices on the farm and on the road. That’s a condensed version of news I shared, but I can honestly say 2019 was a year of positive change for Virginia Farm Bureau, and another in which we celebrated the deep roots we have in Virginia and American agriculture. I am proud to serve as your president, and I pledge to do my very best in 2020 to make Virginia Farm Bureau a better, stronger and more valuable association for all our members. Wayne F. Pryor, a Goochland County hay and grain producer, is president of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

Top membership counties for 2019 as of Oct. 31, 2019

County Farm Bureau

Members

Washington 3,291 Charles City-James City- New Kent-York

3,110

Hanover 2,886 Tazewell 2,758 Bedford 2,650 Franklin 2,608 Augusta 2,533 Henrico 2,445 Smyth 2,435 Rockingham 2,353 County Farm Bureau

Percentage of goal

Chesapeake 107.21 Alleghany 106.59 Bedford 106.30 Henrico 104.80 Prince Edward

104.32

Amherst 104.22 Appomattox 103.61 Prince George

103.55

Richmond 102.95 Wise-Dickenson 102.90 County Farm Bureau

Member retention rate

Amherst 95.92% Southampton 95.80% Lunenburg 95.41% Buckingham 94.80% Rappahannock 94.77% Floyd 94.58% Giles 94.52% Surry 94.47% Isle of Wight

94.35%

Prince Edward

94.23%

vafb.com /

JANUARY 2020

2019

VFBF | YEAR IN REVIEW

Thank you for your membership! As a Farm Bureau member, you’ve put your support squarely behind your community and the farms that produce the nation’s food and other important products. Here’s a summary of what Virginia Farm Bureau Federation did to support producer members, their farms and their communities in 2019.

Your Membership Advantage Staff at your county Farm Bureau office are happy to provide details about any of these member benefits!

TRAVEL SERVICES • Choice Hotel Discounts — 20% off the “best available rates” at Cambria Suites, Clarion, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Econo Lodge, MainStay Suites, Quality, Rodeway Inn, Sleep Inn and Suburban locations • Wyndham Hotels and Resorts Discounts — up to 20% off at over 8,000 AmericInn, Baymont Inn & Suites, Days Inn, Hawthorne Suites, Howard Johnson, LaQuinta, Microtel, Ramada, Super 8 Motel, Travelodge, Wingate by Wyndham and Wyndham Hotels locations • TripBeatSM Resort Condo Rental Savings — at thousands of vacation destination properties • Avis Car Rental Savings — up to 30% off Avis base rates • Budget Car Rental Savings — up to 30% off Budget base rates

HOME/BUSINESS/ FARM SAVINGS

HEALTHY LIVING • Life Line Screenings — for stroke, heart attack and bone fracture risks

• Ford and Lincoln Vehicle Savings — $500 for eligible Ford vehicles and $750 for eligible Lincolns

• Prescription Drug Discount — at more than 67,000 pharmacies nationwide, on all FDA-approved brand and generic drugs

• John Deere Rewards savings — on residential, commercial and utility equipment • Member Deals Plus®* — lets you save wherever you go, with the nation’s largest private discount network on meals, clothing, vehicle care, and other goods and services, with online access and show-your-phone technology. • Grainger Savings — Special member prices on selected categories and brands from Grainger, plus get free standard ground shipping on all standard Grainger products**. • Tires — competitively priced auto, truck and farm tires, and farm equipment parts • Caterpillar Machine Discounts — Save up to $5,000 on qualifying new Cat machines from participating dealers, and receive an additional $250 credit on work tool attachments purchased with new Cat equipment. • Case IH Equipment Discounts — Save $300-$500 on qualifying products from participating dealers.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

INSURANCE PROTECTION New product offerings give members more options than ever before. Fast claims service when you need it most and personal, face-to-face service. • Auto, Home, Life — a wide array of auto, home and life insurance products, as well as farm, business liability and personal property insurance • Health — Staff at your county Farm Bureau office can help you review and enroll in individual, group or Medicare supplemental health insurance plans with health insurance carriers in both the public and private health insurance marketplaces.

FINANCIAL • Banking Services — including credit cards, deposit accounts and mortgage, vehicle and education loans • Estate Planning Assistance — free, no-obligation analysis to help you set financial goals

*Member Deals Plus® and Member Deals plus® are registered trademarks of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. **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.

AGRICULTURE, DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION

GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

Agriculture, Development & Innovation

Legislative & Grassroots Engagement

Commodity advisory committees’ input contributed to policy changes regarding federal tobacco crop insurance. Advisory committees also were instrumental in the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services adopting changes to the Grade A milk regulation reducing allowable limits for somatic cell and bacteria counts. The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability offers technical and business development services for producers transitioning from commodity production to value-added and to those expanding value-added businesses. As of October 2019, VA FAIRS had provided technical assistance with 16 grant applications, three feasibility studies and 12 business plans. VA FAIRS helped 19 farmers secure a total of $3.05 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture value-added producer grant funding during the 2018-19 fiscal year. VA FAIRS also hosted a marketing workshop series, educating farmers about marketing products using Instagram. The Lulus Local Food program upgraded and enhanced its website that helps food hubs and farmers directly market their products. It also:

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

• Partnered with the Virginia Farmers Market Association and Illinois Farmers Market Association to bring farmers markets online so managers can expand their geographic reach.

• With state legislators’ transition to temporary office space completed, VFBF resumed its annual Legislative Day event. • Young Farmers and Growing Leaders led a new participant training session and networking opportunity for producers who had not attended Legislative Day before.

GRASSROOTS POLICY DEVELOPMENT

• Nearly 300 county Farm Bureau leaders representing 63 counties attended regional policy development meetings. • Members at the meetings surfaced 370 issues and received updates on key topics. • An additional 10 county Farm Bureau leaders took part a joint issue surfacing event at the Virginia Grain and Soybean Conference.

FEDERAL ISSUES

• Farm Bureau’s three biggest wins on federal issues were passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, repeal of the 2015 “Waters of the U.S.” rule, and the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement.

• Worked with The Market at 25th Street in Richmond’s historic Church Hill to develop an online market for customers to purchase products from local farmers and pick up at the store.

• Over 400 individuals made more than 1,200 contacts with Virginia lawmakers regarding 13 federal-issue action alerts.

• Was awarded a $130,000 USDA Farm to School Grant to partner with school districts in Henrico and Goochland counties, Greensville County, Williamsburg and James City County. The schools will use Lulus software to source food from local farmers for their cafeterias.

• VFBF took a full delegation of five members to American Farm Bureau Federation’s Advocacy Fly-In in June and met with six of Virginia’s Congressman and Sen. Mark Warner.

The VFBF Grain Division moved 4 million bushels to 30 destinations in four states, and developed or maintained relationships with 300 member entities. It also added an additional merchandiser, Josey Moore, to better serve members. ADI and other departments worked with University of Virginia to host two farm-to-table events for 140 medical and nutrition students. Attendees learned about food production methods and their nutritional and health differences, and food messaging and health claims. ADI began working with Farm Bureau leaders to explore ways for the organization to harness its diversity and provide inclusive opportunities for all farmers.

• VFBF policy prevailed on 34 out of 41 key policy issues during the 2019 Virginia General Assembly.

• VFBF coordinated seven agriculture roundtables or farm tours for Virginia’s Congressional delegation.

VFBF AGPAC

• Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC endorsed 126 candidates with whom members felt Farm Bureau would be able to build or maintain a strong relationship. Of the 87 House of Delegates candidates endorsed, 80 were elected; 38 of the 39 Senate candidates endorsed were elected. • VFBF AgPAC local evaluation committees of farmers interviewed 74 candidates prior to Election Day.

LOCAL AFFAIRS

• From August 2018 to August 2019 county Farm Bureaus participated in over 150 local affair activities. • Many county Farm Bureaus met directly with their boards of supervisors, hosted board members at an event or had representation at county government meetings.

vafb.com / JANUARY 2020

2019

VFBF | YEAR IN REVIEW

MEMBERSHIP & FIELD SERVICES

Growth & Service 2019 MEMBERSHIP

VIRGINIA AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM

Education

TOTAL MEMBERS

• In 2019, Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom connected with more than 400,000 children and set a goal of 500,000 student connections in 2020.

10,116 NEW / 119,256 RENEWING

• Virginia AITC funded 83 school grant projects that touched a cumulative 45,500 children. Grants were awarded for school gardens, agricultural experiences and STEM activities.

NUMBERS

129,372

Member retention: 92.40% overall

PRODUCERS

TOTAL PRODUCER MEMBERS

33,755

721 NEW / 33,034 RENEWING ASSOCIATES

TOTAL ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

95,617

9,395 NEW / 86,222 RENEWING MOST-USED MEMBER BENEFITS 1. Choice Hotels International/ Wyndham Hotel Group savings 2. Ford Bonus Cash/Lincoln Bonus Cash savings 3. John Deere Rewards savings 4. Member Deals Plus® 5. Grainger purchase savings 6. Life Line Screenings 7. Avis/Budget car rental savings 8. Case IH equipment discounts 9. Prescription Drug Discount and Savings Program 10. Caterpillar machine discounts Information on these and all member benefits is available from your county Farm Bureau and at vafb.com/benefits. *Member Deals Plus® and Member Deals plus® are registered trademarks of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

• AITC also awarded grants of hydroponic growing systems to two schools with the help of HYVE Indoor Farming Systems. • More than 2,000 educators attended an AITC training event where they participated in hands-on lessons and classroom activities. • More than 1,500 volunteers read AITC Book of the Year Right This Very Minute to over 63,000 children last spring during Agriculture Literacy Week. • Virginia AITC continued to build the Farm Life 360 resource, a series of virtual reality videos shot on Virginia farms of all kinds. • Two staff positions were created to serve county Farm Bureau needs and pursue AITC fundraising. • Volunteers utilized AITC resources to connect with 107,000 children at over 100 events. • Chris Kniesly, an Alexandria science teacher and Virginia AITC Teacher of the Year, was named 2019 National AITC Teaching in Excellence Award winner. • Debbie Brubaker of Franklin County was named the 2019 NAITCO Agriculture Advocate.

COMMUNICATIONS

News & Communication VFBF published or produced the following: • Quarterly issues of Virginia Farm Bureau News magazine and Cultivate magazine. • Weekly broadcasts of the television program Real Virginia. • “County Close-up” segments for Real Virginia that profiled agriculture in 11 counties: Augusta, Buckingham, Culpeper, Frederick, Madison, Pittsylvania, Powhatan, Prince William, Roanoke, Tazewell and Wise.

THE MEADOW EVENT PARK

State Fair of Virginia & The Meadow Event Park • The Meadow Event Park continued to increase facility rentals and diversify uses of the property. In July, The Meadow hosted the eight-day International Airstream Rally, which drew guests in more than 700 Airstream travel trailers from across the U.S. and Canada. • Meadow staff and VFBF announced the Virginia Farm Festival, a rebranding of the Virginia Horse Festival for 2020 that will focus on the start of the growing season and family entertainment.

• Monthly e-newsletters that reminded members about available benefits while providing entertaining seasonal articles. • Seasonal articles for six issues of Cooperative Living magazine, published by the Virginia, Maryland and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives with a circulation of more than 550,000 Virginia households. • Weekly batches of agriculture news tips for newspaper, television, radio and farm press contacts statewide. In more than 1,000 instances, Virginia print and broadcast media outlets shared news about Farm Bureau; commentary from the organization’s members, volunteer leaders and key staff; and news about the State Fair of Virginia. News releases distributed in 2019 brought attention to more than 25 of Farm Bureau’s deserving award winners and shed a bright light on positive Farm Bureau activities like the Annual Meeting, Legislative Day, Young Farmers Program and Women’s Program activities, the State Fair and more. Cultivate magazine, mailed to associate members, captured the American Farm Bureau Federation’s “Best Magazine” award for state farm bureaus. Cultivate shares information of interest to Farm Bureau insurance customers, information about Farm Bureau member benefits, features about Virginia agriculture, and seasonal cooking and gardening content. Virginia Farm Bureau News and Cultivate readership surveys found more than 90 percent of members who receive the magazines read them and enjoy the content. The Real Virginia county agricultural profiles were provided to county Farm Bureaus for their use locally. Real Virginia airs across the state, and nationally on RFD-TV. It is also available on YouTube and vafb.com. Farm Bureau partners with WVPT in Harrisonburg, a PBS affiliate. This opens the door to gain access to other PBS stations in Richmond, Charlottesville, Roanoke, Lynchburg and Danville. About 40 stations air the program, including an array of government and local access channels.

• The State Fair of Virginia saw a successful 10-day run with attendance of 245,000. The goal in 2019 was to focus on rolling out new branding initiatives through advertising and programming. “The State Fair is where the people, products and culture from all corners of our commonwealth are brought together for 10 days of celebration,” noted Executive Director Marlene Jolliffe. “It’s fascinating, it’s fun and it’s our job to make it happen.” • The 2019 fair saw increases in competition entries; Ed Expo participation; and carnival, food and beverage sales. • Since 2013 over $500,000 in scholarships have been presented. • Nearly 2,500 Farm Bureau member discounts were given on fair gate admissions. Members also enjoyed discounts on fair food and beverages. • Early work on a new building to house livestock during events at The Meadow began in 2019. vafb.com / JANUARY 2020

2019

VFBF | YEAR IN REVIEW

WOMEN'S PROGRAM

Women in Leadership

YOUNG FARMERS PROGRAM

Young Farmers’ Opportunities

• County Farm Bureau women’s leadership committees took part in Agriculture Literacy Week activities; community schools’ ag day programs; ag displays at farmers’ markets, libraries and other locations; fundraisers to benefit Agriculture in the Classroom; and other events.

• In 2019 the VFBF Young Farmers continued to contact and build relationships with state and federal lawmakers. Young Farmers were enthusiastic participants in Farm Bureau’s “I Farm I Vote” campaign.

• The VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee hosted a lunch on the grounds of the state capitol for legislators and their aides, showcasing Virginia agriculture and locally sourced foods.

• Program participants initiated, hosted and managed Virginia’s first-ever youth Discussion Meet at the 93rd State FFA Convention and Virginia 4-H State Congress in Blacksburg.

• About 270 participants gathered in Bristol for the 2019 Women’s Spring Conference—marking the event’s return to Southwest Virginia after more than a decade.

• Young Farmers took part in the fifth annual slow-moving vehicle safety display at the State Fair of Virginia.

• Both 2019 Young Farmers Expos saw increased attendance and together drew more than 350 participants. • The 2019 Young Farmers Winter Expo took place in Smithfield and offered workshops on timely agricultural topics. • The 2019 Young Farmers Summer Expo was based in Shenandoah County. Participants heard remarks from Canadian and Japanese embassy representatives and NFL player-turned-farmer Jason Brown. The event included Discussion Meet semifinals, as well as judging for the Excellence in Agriculture Award and Outstanding Young Agriculturalist title: Rose Jeter of Botetourt County was named Excellence in Agriculture Award winner.

•

Robby Burchett of Lee County was named Outstanding Young Agriculturalist.

•

• Three members were honored at the 2019 VFBF Women’s Spring Conference: Dr. Megan Seibel of Botetourt County was named the inaugural VFBF Outstanding Woman in Agriculture.

•

Gayle Barts of Pittsylvania County was named inaugural Distinguished Farm Bureau Woman.

•

Chelsea Bickley of Louisa County was named the Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador.

•

• A raffle of a custom golf cart and two cash prizes raised more than $30,000 for AITC. The Women’s Program continues to be AITC’s single largest financial supporter. • A record number of entries—including more from county Farm Bureaus—were judged in the annual Hay Bale Decorating Contest.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

• Other Young Farmers were recognized for their accomplishments and leadership at the 2019 VFBF Annual Meeting: Glenn and Amanda Dye of Stafford County were named winners of the Young Farmers Achievement Award.

•

Sarah Rudolph of Wythe County won the final round of the Discussion Meet.

•

• For a 10th consecutive year, VFBF Young Farmers had a successful trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention. Amy Fannon Byington of Lee County was first runner up for the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award.

•

John and Lydia Shepherd of Nottoway County placed third in the YF&R Achievement Award program.

•

Jesse Martin of Rockingham County took part in two rounds of the YF&R Discussion Meet.

•

Save the Date!

Legislative Day to include presidents’ conference

Conference on agricultural trade will be held in Richmond

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Legislative Day will be held Jan. 26-27 at the Omni Richmond Hotel and at the Capitol. A special conference for county Farm Bureau presidents will be held in conjunction with the event. On the agenda is a tour of The Meadow Event Park, legislative briefings, an update on the new Safety Advisory Committee and ideas for county Farm Bureau annual meetings. Presidents can get additional information from their county Farm Bureaus.

The 12th Annual Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade is being planned for March 10-11 at the Richmond Marriott downtown. Details are still being developed. Visit ag-forestry.virginia.gov/agtrade2020/ home for save-the-date information.

Young Farmers Expo set for February The 2020 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Winter Expo will take place Feb. 21-23 in Central Virginia. The expo will include tours highlighting the historic Green Spring region. The event hotel is the Best Western in Zion Crossroads. At least 180 young farmers are expected to gather to network and learn about key agricultural issues. For additional details and to register, visit YoungFarmersExpo.org.

Women’s Spring Conference to be held in Harrisonburg The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Spring Women’s Conference will be held March 20-22 at the Hotel Madison in Harrisonburg. The conference will include tours and workshops on farm finances, women’s health and nutrition and conservation, as well as a keynote address by Chris Kniesly, 2019 Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year. Attendees also are encouraged to join the Farm Credit Knowledge Center Farm Management Institute event prior to the start of the conference. Dr. Dave Kohl and Greta Halahan will discuss current trends in agriculture. For more information, contact Angela Haskovec, women’s program manager, at 804-290-1031 or angela. haskovec@vafb.com.

National Ag Day, Agriculture Literacy Week observed in March 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 related article on Page 23).

Golf tournament will benefit AITC 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/va.

Supporters help raise money for Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom at its annual golf tournament.

vafb.com /

JANUARY 2020

REAL VIRGINIA, WATCH US! >> VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU WEEKLY TV PROGRAM

This month on Real Virginia: Find out just how stressful farming can be; and learn more about Smyth County’s agricultural roots Featured this month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program:

• One of this year’s national FFA officers hails from Virginia.

• Stress on the family farm is affecting farmers across the state.

• The commonwealth’s cotton production is on the rebound.

• Smyth County and one of its agricultural entrepreneurs are honored in a new women’s monument. 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, WHRO Norfolk, WVVA Bluefield and WTKR Norfolk. Watch Real Virginia anytime online at youtube.com/user/ VirginiaFarmBureau.

Women’s Committee changes name The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Committee changed its official name to Women’s Leadership Committee, effective Dec. 4, 2019. The change was approved by delegates to the VFBF Annual Meeting. The committee requested the change to make its name consistent with that of the American Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Program and those of 13 other state Farm Bureau women’s programs. “This change also better reflects the contributions that our Farm Bureau women make to the organization as a whole,” said Faye Hundley, chairman of the VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee. “Our state women’s committee and those in counties across the state are instrumental in leading a variety of education and outreach efforts in our communities. We are leaders, and the name change reflects that.” 10

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Women’s Leadership Committee members in 2018 shared agricultural products with legislators at the General Assembly.

Corporate structure for park, State Fair reorganized 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 the overall corporate structure and will not affect the fair’s or The Meadow’s visitors, events, ticket prices or 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.

China lifts ban on U.S. poultry products

Charles City corn grower breaks yield record—again Charles City County farmer David Hula has broken another record. Hula, who was featured in the November 2019 issue of Virginia Farm Bureau News, had the highest yield on record for corn production in the 2019 National Corn Growers Association competition—616.19 bushels per acres in the minimum-till irrigated category. He held the previous record of 542 bushels. His record-breaking corn harvest was documented on the reality TV show Corn Warriors. The fourth-generation producer farms with his dad, Stanley, his son, Craig, and two brothers, Johnny and Jeff.

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More than $1 billion worth of poultry and poultry products are expected to be exported to China in the coming year, following the dissolution of a U.S. poultry ban imposed since 2015. China banned imports following a 2014 avian influenza outbreak. U.S. poultry has been free of the disease since August 2017. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said reopening China to U.S. poultry “will create new export opportunities for our poultry farmers and support thousands of workers employed by the U.S. poultry industry.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports the U.S. is the world’s second-largest poultry exporter, with global sales of poultry products valued at $4.3 billion last year. Virginia’s poultry industry has generated almost $13 billion overall in statewide economic activity, supporting 52,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to the Virginia Poultry Federation. There are more than 1,100 family-owned poultry farms in the commonwealth. Jacki Easter of Amelia County, a member of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Poultry Advisory Committee, is one of those farmers. Her family raises broilers, and she expressed relief that China lifted the ban. “My first reaction was, ‘Hallelujah,’” Easter said. “This is definitely good news. We need all the markets that we can have available, and China has been a huge market for U.S. poultry.” The economic effects of a ban, and the lifting of one, are felt exponentially. In addition to raising broilers, the Easters produce feed grain that is largely fed to poultry. “When you’re not moving those chickens, that means you’re not moving that grain,” she explained. “But with a greater demand for poultry comes more demand for feed grain for poultry.” Easter pointed out that increased demand for those products means farmers will buy more equipment and hire more workers, further strengthening the economy as a whole.

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JANUARY 2020

Water quality tops list of issues farmers will discuss with legislators in 2020

armers’ concerns over proposed mandatory conservation requirements top the list of issues to discuss with legislators during the 2020 Virginia General Assembly session. Regarding certain proposed recommendations of the Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan, or WIP III, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation is urging legislators to: • Oppose mandating nutrient management plans for all cropland acres on farms greater than 50 acres in the Chesapeake Bay watershed if fewer than 85% of such farms have a voluntary nutrient management plan by Dec. 31, 2025. • Oppose specifying that contract applicators must apply commercial fertilizer on farm operations greater than 50 acres per a nutrient management plan in the bay watershed area. • Oppose mandating stream exclusion for all livestock from all perennial streams in the bay’s watershed after Dec. 31, 2025. • Oppose extending the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act to the entire bay watershed, which adds an unnecessary layer of local regulatory control over agriculture. • Oppose diminishing a landowner’s ability to harvest trees on their property if local governments are given more authority to encourage tree conservation. “Year after year, studies show that the voluntary, incentivized conservation practices farmers implement on their operations are helping Virginia reach its water quality goals,” said Martha Moore, vice president of VFBF governmental relations. “By recommending that some of these practices be mandatory, the commonwealth is demonstrating a lack of faith in the agricultural 12

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

community when our efforts have helped foster great improvements in the Chesapeake Bay.” Farmers will address this and other issues at the annual VFBF Legislative Day on Jan. 27. The theme of the event is Farmers In Action to emphasize the importance of farmers being politically active. In addition to voicing WIP III concerns, Farm Bureau also will be advocating for funding of the Agricultural Best Management Practices program, increased funding to retain Virginia Cooperative Extension agents, and the ability to use crop protectants. “It’s critical that farmers reach out to legislators, whether it’s through faceto-face visits, emails or phone calls,” said Kelly Roberts, VFBF assistant director of member engagement. “Hearing directly from farmers on how an issue could impact their operation could greatly affect how a legislator votes on a bill. With many of these issues, like the WIP III, farmers can’t afford to stay silent.” — TEXT ALERTS —

Receive Action Alerts and legislative updates via text message

Want to receive Farm Bureau Action Alerts and legislative updates directly to your phone? Text “VAFB” to 52886 to receive text message notifications when Farm Bureau sends out important legislative information. If you prefer to receive action alerts by email, contact Kelly Roberts at kelly.roberts@vafb.com or 804-290-1293 with your name, membership number and contact information.

Majority of AgPACendorsed candidates won in November election One hundred eighteen of 126 candidates endorsed by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC were successful in their respective races this past November. Thirty-six of the 38 successful candidates endorsed for state Senate seats were incumbents. Two of those candidates are current members of the House of Delegates and have been endorsed by VFBF AgPAC in previous elections. They are Del. John Bell in the 13th District and Del. Todd Pillion in the 40th District. Seventy-one of the 80 successful candidates endorsed for House of Delegates seats were incumbents. Newly elected candidates endorsed by VFBF AgPAC were Republicans William C. “Will” Wampler III in the 4th District, John Avoli in the 20th District, Wendell Walker in the 23rd District, Chris Runion in the 25th District, Carrie Coyner in the 62nd District and Amanda Batten in the 96th District, and Democrats Sally Hudson in the 57th District, Don Scott in the 80th District and Alex Askew in the 85th District. Eighty-six of the 88 county Farm Bureaus in Virginia chose to participate in the VFBF AgPAC last year. They provided representatives to serve on local evaluation committees that interviewed candidates and provided input to the VFBF AgPAC board of trustees. “By participating in the VFBF AgPAC process, our members create opportunities to establish relationships with their elected officials,” said Kelly Roberts, VFBF assistant director of member engagement and administrative officer for VFBF AgPAC. “In turn, farmers can become great resources on agriculture issues and help these officials understand how other issues could impact local farms.”

“You borrow, borrow, borrow. And that’s where the stress comes in.” — James Young on the economic stresses of farming

NICOLE ZEMA

by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people working in farming, fishing and forestry were 3.4 times more likely than other American workers to die by suicide. Farmers are having to sell out, but the sales profits aren’t enough to cover debts. That makes some farmers wonder why previous generations could run the farm but they can’t, Johnson said. “This can lead to depression, anxiety and lack of sleep.”

FARM STRESS: IT’S REAL, AND IT’S AFFECTING FARMERS

BY KATHY DIXON

AMES YOUNG said he has a small circle of friends, and 95% of them are struggling farmers. “Farming today is very stressful,” shared Young, who is a seventhgeneration beef cattle farmer in Bedford County. “I feel like a 16-yearold scuffling around for gas money. And everyone I know is in the same boat. It’s depressing.” Times are tough for farmers these days. More farmers are declaring bankruptcy, having to sell their farms and facing skyrocketing input costs.

“This is the longest period of struggle farmers have ever faced,” explained Dr. Amy Johnson, a nurse practitioner with Centra Medical Group, and a Bedford County farmer herself. “There are natural disasters and financial stress, low commodity prices and uncertain trade situations. That’s why the mental health of farmers is so much worse now.” Farming is so stressful that the agriculture industry has a higher suicide rate than most other occupations. According to a 2016 study

Farm finances create anxiety

Johnson has treated patients for stress and anxiety because of the financial state of their farms. “Folks are not sure what’s going to happen and whether they’ll have a farm to leave for the next generation. The anxiety and stress are very real.” Young said the farm economy got especially bad five years ago, forcing him and his wife, Christine, to cut back on expenses. On their Central VA Cattle Co. farm, they reduced the size of their herd and quit planting crops. Now they focus on managing a small beef cattle herd and growing hay. “I’m selling cattle within a few cents of what my grandfather was selling his for in the ’80s,” Young lamented. “How do you buy a $400,000 combine when you’re getting ’80s prices? “You borrow, borrow, borrow. And that’s where the stress comes in.” vafb.com /

JANUARY 2020

FARM STRESS Young said cattle prices are like those in the ’80s but equipment prices have skyrocketed.

A strong majority of farmers say financial issues, farm or business problems and fear of losing the farm impact farmers’ mental health. — National Morning Consult poll sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation Young said he deals with it by ignoring it. “Personally, I put my head down and just keep going. That’s what most of us do.” But he admitted to not sleeping well due to worry. “I’m concerned it’s not going to get better.”

Lack of sleep leads to accidents

Stress and lack of sleep lower one’s immune system, Johnson said. Stress also can result in making poor decisions. “And that’s when accidents happen and injuries increase.” She heard from a patient who said the farmer next door had to sell out, and the neighbors labeled him a failure. “We need to be supportive and encouraging to our farmers, not call them failures,” Johnson said. Young said it’s not that easy. Although mental health issues are less stigmatized as a whole, he said there are farmers who “would throw you under the bus pretty fast” if they found out someone was seeking professional mental health help. “It’s still stigmatized here.”

The American Farm Bureau Federation recognizes that farm stress is becoming more prevalent. The organization has created a resources page for farmers: fb.org/programs/stress-and-mentalhealth-resources. 14

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

NICOLE ZEMA

AFBF offers mental health resources page

Farmers need to reach out Robert J. Mills Jr., a Pittsylvania County farmer and District 10 Virginia Farm Bureau board member, is a member of the Virginia Department of Agriculture Farmer Stress Task Force. He said the agriculture community historically has hesitated to ask for help. Sadly, “asking for help is a sign of weakness,” he said. However, if farmers are struggling, they need to reach out. There are limited mental health resources in rural areas, but farmers can contact a friend, family member or clergy and let them know they’re struggling. There also is a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline that’s available 24/7. Call 800-273-8255. Farmers in need can visit a general practitioner and share information with them. Dr. Amy Johnson, a nurse practitioner with Centra Medical Group, recommends being honest and fully explaining the situation. Depending on the severity, the doctor can recommend further help. “Farmers tend to be stoic, but internalization is their downfall,” she said.

Symptoms of depression

When to seek professional help

• Persistent sad, anxious or empty mood • Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities • Decreased energy, fatigue • Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions • Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening or oversleeping • Appetite and/or weight changes • Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts • Restlessness, irritability • Persistent physical symptoms

• If you don’t have a strong support network to turn to, talk with and lean on. • Your thoughts, fears or emotions interfere with daily living. • Your sadness, loneliness, moodiness or nervousness lingers and adversely affects your work, school work and relationships. • You have problems with alcohol or other drugs, drastic weight reduction, or changes in sleep or eating patterns. • You exhibit unmanageable impulsiveness, hostility, anger or violence. A common reason people do not seek help is that they are in denial— thinking the problem is not bad enough to seek help for—or they fear sharing personal thoughts with someone else. Another reason is worry about what others will think, or thinking it’s possible to tough it out alone. A trained counselor or psychologist can help identify constructive ways to deal with emotions.

If you experience any of these symptoms for longer than two weeks, if you feel suicidal or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily life, see your family doctor. Source: National Institute of Mental Health

Source: Virginia Cooperative Extension

Farm stress led to state task force BY ADAM CULLER

Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, Virginia commissioner of agriculture, formed the Farmer Stress Task Force last spring. Dr. Amy Johnson, a nurse practitioner with Centra Medical Group and president of Bedford County Farm Bureau, is a member of the group, as are other Farm Bureau producer members, along with representatives from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health. Bronaugh formed the task force after hearing from concerned farmers about high stress and higher rates of suicide in rural communities. It was those conversations and Pittsylvania County farmer Robert J. Mills Jr.’s “poignant” request to Bronaugh and Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring to address the issue that led to the group’s formation. Still in its first phase, the task force has focused its efforts on giving agricultural workers mental health resources like the National Suicide Hotline number. The next phase is to train individuals about mental health issues including people to whom agricultural workers can relate. They will coordinate a network of mental health services in rural communities. “Farmers are probably more comfortable talking with someone they trust who understands what they do, the ins and the outs of it,” Bronaugh said.

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Rural entrepreneur honored in new womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s monument

Laura Lu Scherer Copenhaver is one of 12 Virginia women depicted in bronze by New York sculptor Ivan Schwartz.

BY KATHY DIXON

ong before the farm-to-table movement, a Smyth County woman created a farm-to-home enterprise. In the early 1900s, Laura Lu Scherer Copenhaver started a textiles business and hired Southwest Virginia women to craft home goods. That entrepreneurial spirit led to Copenhaver being chosen as one of

Virginia Farm Bureau board member Emily Edmondson brought her 9-year-old grandchildren, Thomas Yearians and Katie Fisher, to the historic event. 16

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

PHOTO COURTESY OF VIRGINIA WOMEN’S MONUMENT COMMISSION

12 women depicted in the Virginia Women’s Monument in Richmond’s Capitol Square. Copenhaver, who died in 1940 at age 72, 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.” 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, the business was incorporated as Laura Copenhaver Industries and operated until 2012. Virginia Farm Bureau Federation board member and Tazewell County farmer Emily Edmondson, who supported funding of the Copenhaver statue, drove from Southwest Virginia to attend the Oct. 14 monument dedication and unveiling of seven statues. She also delivered the invocation for the ceremony. “This is a monument that is long overdue,” she said. “People think of our forefathers, but Laura Lu Copenhaver was one of Virginia’s foremothers.” Virginia Farm Bureau Federation supported installation of the Copenhaver statue and donated $100,000 to the Virginia Capitol Foundation for it. About a fifth of the donation came from county Farm Bureaus. Edmondson explained that 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, she created farm-to-home with her textiles,” she 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. “For far too long, we have overlooked the

From left, VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Faye Hundley, VFBF Women’s Program Manager Angela Haskovec, and Copenhaver’s granddaughters Laura Eleanor Bennett and Katherine Ratcliffe pose by the statue with Edmondson.

Copenhaver “emphasized the importance of cooperative marketing of farm products in order to improve the standard of living for farm families.”

transformative contributions of women and other underrepresented groups to the history of this country and this commonwealth,” Gov. Ralph Northam proclaimed at the dedication. “I am proud that with the addition of this women’s monument to Capitol Square, we are finally telling a more complete story about Virginia.” Mary Margaret Whipple, vice chairman of the Women’s Monument Commission and a former state senator, said the monument was created “to honor real women who did real things in this commonwealth.” Other statues unveiled in the monument plaza in October 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 / JANUARY 2020

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION®

2019 Annual Meeting

HARVESTING

PERSPECTIVES DECEMBER 2-5, 2019 Hilton Norfolk The Main Norfolk, VA

Minnesota grain farmer Theresia Gillie told attendees that farmers should put their families before their businesses.

Voting delegates came from all over the state.

County presidents opened the general session with a parade of flags.

Over 200 voting delegates helped set policy for 2020.

VFBF 2019 Annual Meeting

Farm stress front and center at this year’s annual

eynote speaker Dale Moore addressed several topics important to farmers—in particular their mental health. Moore, executive vice president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, said trade, policy issues, agricultural labor and the farm bill “can be hashed out all day long. But if men and women working in agriculture across this country aren’t healthy and are not being taken care of, we are missing the mark on what the priority is.” He commended Virginia Farm 18

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Bureau Federation President Wayne F. Pryor on initiating a process to promote greater awareness of stress and mental health issues hurting farmers. An AFBF survey of farmers and farm workers revealed that 90% said the current economy is raising stress levels and negatively affecting their mental health. “I grew up in a town half the size of this room,” Moore said to the audience of over 600. “You hurt your leg or arm, or got knocked on the head, and no one thought twice about going to the doctor. You from small towns know, if someone has a mental problem, they

keep it to themselves, they don’t talk about it. We want to make sure folks can recognize stress, and are provided resources necessary to help folks deal with what they are feeling.” Additionally, one workshop speaker shared how farm financial losses led her husband to take his own life. During Stress on the Family Farm, Minnesota grain farmer Theresia Gillie recounted diminished harvests in 2015 and 2016, when she and her husband lost $500,000. Faced with mounting financial losses and the prospect of losing the farm his family had operated since 1899, Keith Gillie killed himself in April 2017.

BATES

Essex County farmer elected to first term on VFBF board of directors

meeting With farmers nationwide facing many of the same issues, Gillie reminded her audience that many factors can cause stress on the farm. Most, like depressed economies, crashed markets and harsh weather, are outside anyone’s control. “Whatever is going on at your farm is not your fault,” Gillie emphasized. The Kittson County, Minn., commissioner continues to farm 950 acres of her family’s farm with neighbors. She advised producers to stop comparing the farms they’ve inherited to the ones run by previous generations

of their families. With advanced equipment, increased land value and evolving crop genetics, she noted, modern farming is inherently different. There is, she said, “no dishonor in quitting,” and she further implored farmers to put their families before their businesses. “That family farm means a lot to a lot of us, but your family is more important. I do not want anyone in this room or across this nation to do what Keith did to me and my son.”

Cattle and grain producer J. Barry Bates of Tappahannock was elected to a three-year term on the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation board of directors. As District 12 board member, Bates will represent Farm Bureau producer members in Caroline, Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond and Westmoreland counties. He serves on the VFBF Livestock Advisory Committee and is a past Essex County Farm Bureau president and current member of that organization’s board. Additionally, he serves on the Essex County Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Committee.

Three directors re-elected District 3: Bruce N. Stanger, Montgomery County District 6: Peter A. Truban, Shenandoah County District 9: William F. Osl Jr., Cumberland County

For more information visit: vafb.com/ convention vafb.com / JANUARY 2020

Stafford County farmers honored for their leadership Glenn and Amanda Dye Southern Farm Bureau of Stafford County were Life Insurance Co. named winners of the discounted by Mark IV 2019 VFBF Young Farmers Honda in Wytheville; and Achievement Award. cash awards of $1,000 The award honors young from Farm Credit, $500 farmers who are successful from VFBF and $500 from in production agriculture Chesterfield County Farm and provide leadership on Bureau. They also will and off the farm. The Dyes receive a travel package to raise corn and soybeans in the 2020 American Farm GLENN AND AMANDA DYE Stafford and Appomattox Bureau Federation Annual counties and have served on the Convention in Austin, Texas, where VFBF Young Farmers Committee. they will compete for the AFBF Young Additionally, Glenn Dye serves on the Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Stafford County Farm Bureau board of Award. directors and has been active in leading Sarah Large of Buckingham County efforts for farm equipment highway was Achievement Award runner-up. safety in Virginia. She will receive $500 from Farm The couple will receive one year’s Bureau and a travel package to the use of a Kubota tractor of their choice; AFBF Annual Convention. a Kawasaki Mule utility vehicle from

Wythe County agriculturalist wins Young Farmers Discussion Meet Sarah Rudolph of Wythe County took top honors in the annual Young Farmers Discussion Meet. The Discussion Meet competition is designed to simulate a committee meeting in which discussion and active participation is expected from each contestant. RUDOLPH Competitors are judged on their discussion skills, understanding of important agricultural issues and ability to build consensus. This year’s topic was “How can Farm Bureau build upon collaborative relationships such as Farm Town Strong to combat nationwide crises such as opioid dependence and addiction and mental health issues?” It references a campaign by the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Farmers Union to address opioid concerns in rural America. Rudolph said Virginia Farm Bureau 20

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

should work to support expanded resources for those in rural communities struggling with opioid dependence and mental health issues. She won a John Deere Gator utility vehicle, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. and will receive an upgraded model thanks to James River Equipment in Buchanan. She also will receive a $1,000 cash award from Virginia Farm Bureau Health Care Consultants. She will compete on the national level in January at the 2020 AFBF Annual Convention in Austin, Texas. First runner-up was Jonathan Grimes of Wythe County. Other finalists were Thomas French of Shenandoah County and Brandy Puckett of Carroll County. All four Discussion Meet finalists won $500 from VFBF.

Jerry Jenkins (right) received the Distinguished Service Award from VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor.

Farmers— and friends of farmers— earn accolades Distinguished Service Award J.M. “Jerry” Jenkins of Lunenburg County is serving his 16th term on the VFBF board of directors. He is a grain producer and former tobacco grower. Warren Beach Award for support of Young Farmers Scott Sink, VFBF vice president and past chairman of the Young Farmers Committee. County Farm Bureau Awards of Excellence 1st Place: Bedford County Farm Bureau – Dr. Amy Johnson, president 2nd Place: King William County Farm Bureau – Charles Piersa, president Ishee-Quann Award for Media Excellence Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg Journalism Awards Staff of the Daily NewsRecord in Harrisonburg, daily newspaper; Rappahannock Record in Kilmarnock, weekly newspaper; Neesey Payne of WDBJ7 in Roanoke, television; Frank Wilt of WSVA in Harrisonburg, radio; Cathy Dyson of The Free Lance-Star in Fredericksburg, Members’ Choice Award.

WOR KSHOPS

“

‘Awkward conversations’ key to changing minds, speaker says

e’re going to talk about something a little uncomfortable,” announced agriculture communicator and social media influencer Janice Person. She was leading a discussion titled Stepping into the Uncomfortable to teach farmers how they can have productive discussions about modern agriculture with friends, family and strangers. “It’s like you’re an awkward kid in the first day of junior high again. It’s so hard to step up and have conversations with people who don’t understand modern agriculture,” Person said. “But the 98% of Americans who don’t farm for a living can really have an impact on our businesses and lives,” so it’s important for farmers to engage them. Her advice to farmers was to decide whether they have the time and patience to engage someone who has negative attitudes toward modern farming techniques. If they do, they need to ask questions to determine values about which the other person is passionate. And then they should seek common ground. “They may have said something that you consider a negative allegation about farmers, but they may just think they’re stating the obvious,” Person explained. “And asking them for a little more information can help you understand where they are coming from.” The goal of asking questions is to help share values and start a conversation, not win an argument, she said. “If somebody is really emotional about something, and you just want to give them a solution, they will reject it. They have to know that you care before they care what you know.” Person is founder of JPlovesCOTTON LLC and is known for her tweets and blogging about her favorite fiber.

Analyst tells farmers to share agriculture’s economic importance with legislators

ith Democrats in control of Virginia’s government for the first time in a quarter of a century, political analyst Dr. Robert Holsworth told farmers they need to educate legislators about the importance of agriculture. “The education of legislators is going to a be a critical issue both during the General Assembly session and outside of it,” Holsworth said when he addressed the general session Dec. 4. “You need to impress upon them the absolute economic contributions that agriculture makes to Virginia.” Holsworth is a managing partner of DecideSmart LLC and team lead for higher education and civic engagement projects. He is former director of the Center for Public Policy and the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University. Speculating on legislation that could be introduced in the 2020 General Assembly, Holsworth listed “some things you can take to the bank.” Democratic legislators, he predicted, will implement “a whole list of gun control and gun safety” laws, enact environmental legislation and propose bills related to voting rights. He also said they may introduce legislation to approve in-state tuition for children of immigrants who are under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, as well as higher salaries for public school teachers. “It’s a sea of change that’s occurred, and it’s very important for everyone to get involved,” he concluded.

Creative, clever hay bales—like this one from the Botetourt County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee—help promote agriculture during the annual contest.

Hay bale winners named Almost 50 county Farm Bureaus, county Farm Bureau women’s committees, schools, FFA and 4-H groups and businesses entered the 2019 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Committee Hay Bale Decorating Contest.

Winners 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 – WiseDickenson County Farm Bureau • Most Creative Display – Fisher & Company of Tazewell County • Convention Favorite – Page County 4-H Livestock Club • Best Safety Display – Northampton County Farm Bureau

vafb.com / JANUARY 2020

Federal crop insurance product is expected to help Virginia dairymen.

Dairy farmers get some relief with revenue protection

truggling dairy farmers may get some relief from a Farm Bureau insurance product that is intended to help dairymen manage risk. Virginia Farm Bureau Crop Insurance has been offering a federal crop insurance product called Dairy-RP. “This is the first dairy revenue protection product available to dairy farmers,” explained Tony Banks, a commodity marketing specialist for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “Other federal risk management tools are intended to manage milk margin. But unlike other risk management tools, this

product can be tailored for milk pricing and production conditions present in Virginia.” Recognizing the need to enhance the federal risk management tools available to dairy producers, the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Farm Bureau Insurance Services and other groups developed Dairy Revenue Protection. Dairy-RP is an area-based insurance product designed to protect against quarterly declines in revenue from milk sales. The program recognizes that every farmer in the U.S. is paid a different price for milk. Dairy-RP is unique in its ability

Farm inspection program in place for workers’ compensation policyholders

irginia Farm Bureau has implemented an inspection program to aid producer members who have Farm Bureau workers’ compensation insurance. The program’s focus is identification and elimination of hazards. Inspections will take place on all farms with Farm Bureau farm workers’ compensation insurance during the next three years. “It’s no secret that agriculture is considered one of the most hazardous industries to work in,” said Scott DeNoon, farm product and underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “Farming is an inherently dangerous occupation due to the number and variety of hazards that exist, including the use of heavy machinery and 22

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

equipment, and exposure to animals and chemicals. The inspection program, which began in July 2018, involves a Virginia Farm Bureau field underwriter visiting a policyholder’s farm to meet with the policyholder and conduct a safety assessment. The assessment is a review of equipment and machinery, as well as areas such as workshops, chemical and fuel storage sites and animal and grain storage facilities. Once the inspection is complete, the underwriter works closely with the policyholder’s Farm Bureau insurance agent to provide appropriate recommendations for minimizing or eliminating identified hazards. “Our field underwriters are very knowledgeable about the various aspects of farming and are skilled in

to closely match farm-level milk price risk by providing milk pricing options based on either classified milk prices or the value of the components in the milk, such as butterfat and protein. “The number of dairies that have been forced to close or sell to larger operations is shocking,” noted AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We have always known revenue protection insurance could help farmers weather this storm, but no one offered it.” Since 2014, the annual average U.S. all-milk price has fallen by more than 30%, according to AFBF Economist Dr. John Newton. Dairy Revenue Protection was developed and approved through the Federal Crop Insurance Act’s 508(h) process, which allows private parties to develop insurance products that are in the best interests of producers. For more information and to apply visit dairyrp.com. For Virginia-specific information, contact either David Hunnicut, VFB state crop specialist, at 804-290-1207, or Kevin Lynch, regional crop agent, at 434-594-7734.

identifying farm safety hazards and offering corrective solutions,” DeNoon noted. The program is intended to create a safe work environment by reducing accidents and injuries, which helps policyholders control and, in some cases, reduce their insurance costs. “Many farm accidents are preventable,” DeNoon said, “and we believe it is our duty to partner with our insureds to assist in creating a safe work environment and keeping workers’ compensation premiums affordable.” Virginia law requires farm and horticultural employers with more than three full-time employees to purchase and maintain workers’ compensation insurance. Your county Farm Bureau insurance agent can provide additional information on workers’ compensation insurance and the inspection program.

PB&J Hooray! named AITC Book of the Year

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. “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.” 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. “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.

In PB&J Hooray! students will follow the paths of grapes, peanuts and wheat from the field to their table.

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

If someone you care about is suffering from opioid addiction, please visit farmtownstrong.org.

vafb.com / JANUARY 2020 CS18_149 Farm Strong Qpg Ad_r.indd 1

23 11/15/18 10:13 AM

When children leave the nest, it’s time to re-evaluate and adjust insurance coverage.

Life happens!

When it does, contact your Farm Bureau insurance agent

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 24

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

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 nowindependent child may have, and agents can help find 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.

Protect equipment with a watchful eye on coverage

urchasing farm equipment is a tremendous financial undertaking, and it’s important to protect your

assets. When buying a new truck, tractor or combine, policyholders should take the initiative to secure insurance coverage. It’s common practice for a dealership to initiate the insurance paperwork process, but it is ultimately the responsibility of the policyholder to ensure proper coverage and eliminate the possibility of a gap in coverage. “If you’ve invested two, three, four hundred thousand dollars on

equipment, don’t rely on the dealership to call your insurance agency,” said Scott DeNoon, farm product and underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “The dealer could have a million things going on, and it could slip through the cracks. You don’t want to be left holding the bag if something happens to a piece of equipment and you find out you don’t have coverage after all.” From the time of purchase, policyholders have 30 days to add the new equipment to their policy to guarantee coverage. By calling your insurance agent directly, you can

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simplify the process. VFBMIC recommends that a buyer’s first call after a purchase be to their county Farm Bureau insurance agent. Share the new equipment’s make, model and serial number, as well as the desired coverage amount. The initiative shouldn’t stop there. By staying current with all existing coverage, DeNoon said, you can avoid any surprises if an equipment loss occurs. “It is generally a good rule of thumb to sit down at least once a year with your agent and meet face-to-face,” DeNoon said.

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For Your Benefit

Save on qualifying Case IH equipment from participating dealers Members can save $300 to $500 on qualifying products from participating Case IH dealers. You can generate a certificate to present at your local dealership at vafb.com/benefits; have your membership number at hand. Eligible individual, family or business members receive the following manufacturer discount on purchases of the listed products: • Farmall Compact tractors, A, C and C CVT series – $300 • Farmall Utilities, C and U series – $500 • Self-propelled windrowers – $500

3. Call Grainger customer service at 800-472-4643 to update your existing Grainger account with the Farm Bureau organization account number.

• Large square balers – $500 • Round balers – $300

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 or visit vafb.com/benefits.

• Small square balers – $300 • Disc mower conditioners – $300 • Sickle mower conditioners – $300 • Scout Utility Vehicles – $300

500

irginia Farm Bureau members get special member prices on selected categories (below) and brands from Grainger, plus free standard parcel shipping on all standard Grainger products. Get started with your price savings using three easy methods: 1. Present the Virginia Farm Bureau account number at time of purchase. It’s available from your county Farm Bureau office or vafb.com/benefits (You will need to register and log in as a member). 2. Go to grainger.com/farmbureau to establish a new Grainger.com® account using that account number; or

• Maxxum Series and Farmall 100A series – $500

•S afety: Facility Safety •S afety: Footwear •S afety: People Safety •C leaning: Consumables •C leaning: Other • Electrical •H and Tools

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•H VAC: Filters •H VAC: Other •M anufacturing: Welding • Motors •P aint, Equipment & Supplies

Program offers members prescription drug discounts

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.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

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

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.

•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.

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vafb.com / JANUARY 2020

Heart of the Home

Pot pies aren’t just for chicken Pot pies are crusty, comforting and filled with the meat of your choosing

basic pot pie consists of crust, meat, vegetables and gravy. Pot pies became popular in American cuisine in the late 1700s, according to Kansas State University Research and Extension. In 1951, the first frozen pot pie was created by the C.A. Swanson company and was made with chicken. Since then, varieties of pot pies have expanded to include beef, ham, lamb, pork, turkey and even tofu. Whatever ingredient you favor, a pot pie is the perfect dinner dish to warm you on a chilly night.

Rustic Lamb Pie INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 pounds ground lamb 2 finely diced celery ribs 2 finely diced carrots 3 cups leeks, cut into thin rings 4 cloves minced garlic 3 russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½" pieces 3 cups beef stock 2 teaspoons salt 1 cup peas ½ cup water ¼ cup cornstarch 1 sheet puff pastry 1 whisked egg DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400°. In a large cast-iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add ground lamb, and cook 28

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMERICAN LAMB BOARD

1 tablespoon curry powder

Lamb, vegetables and aromatic herbs add flavor to this pot pie.

Heart of the Home

until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Remove from skillet and set aside. Using the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil. Add celery, carrots and leeks. Cook until vegetables start to soften, stirring often. Add garlic, and continue cooking for 1 minute. Add cooked lamb, potatoes, beef stock, curry and salt, and stir until all ingredients are combined. Bring mixture to a simmer, and cook until potatoes are tender. Add in peas, and cook for another minute. In a small bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch until liquid becomes cloudy. Over medium-low heat, add this slurry to the prepared lamb mixture, and cook about 5 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat. On a well-floured cutting board, roll out puff pastry until it’s large enough to cover the skillet. Place the pastry over the skillet, pressing it down on the edges. Cut 3-4 slits in the top with a sharp knife. Using a pastry brush, coat the top of the pastry with the egg. Set the prepared pie on a large rimmed baking sheet, and place in the center of the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown. Serve warm. -AMERICAN LAMB BOARD

Beefy Pasty Pie INGREDIENTS

1½ pounds ground beef 1¼ cups shredded carrots 1¼ cups shredded russet potatoes ¾ cup shredded onion 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper 1 refrigerated pie crust 1 egg, beaten ketchup or beef gravy (optional)

NATIONAL CATTLEMEN’S BEEF ASSOCIATION

anymore

Slits in the crust release steam while pot pies— like this beef one—bake.

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, salt and pepper, stirring lightly. Divide mixture evenly into six 8-ounce ovenproof ramekins or bowls, packing mixture down evenly. Set aside. Unfold pie crust on a flat surface, pressing out fold lines with fingers. Cut the crust into six circles, about 3¾" in diameter. Place a crust circle over each ramekin, allowing the edges to drape over the rim, and crimp them to seal. Cut three slits in each crust to vent; brush the tops with egg. Place ramekins on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a thermometer inserted into the center registers 160° and the crust is golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serve with ketchup or gravy, if desired. -NATIONAL CATTLEMEN’S BEEF ASSOCIATION

2 cups cubed sweet potatoes 2 cups chicken broth ½ cup flour 1 cup skim milk 2 cups cubed ham 1 package refrigerated pie crust ¼ cup finely chopped pecans 1 tablespoon thyme DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350°. In a large pot coated with nonstick cooking spray, sauté the onion over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Add sweet potatoes and ¾ cup chicken broth. Bring mixture to a boil, and simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender. Stir in flour. Gradually add milk, stirring until well-combined. Add ham; bring mixture to a boil, and transfer to a 7" x 11" baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. If mixture is too thick, add more broth or milk. Unfold the crust, and form into a circle; sprinkle pecans on one side. Fold in half and roll with a rolling pin, pressing pecans into the crust. Place the crust on top of the ham and sweet potato mixture, and bake for 30 minutes or until crust is brown. Sprinkle with thyme. -NATIONAL PORK BOARD

Ham and Sweet Potato Pot Pie INGREDIENTS nonstick cooking spray 1 cup chopped onion

vafb.com / JANUARY 2020

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Agriculture in the Classroom benefits from fundraisers Over $40,000 was raised at this year’s Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting to benefit Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom. The VFBF Women’s Program raffled a custom golf cart and cash prizes to raise money for AITC. The statewide committee, county women’s committees and county Farm Bureaus had been selling raffle tickets since the spring. The raffle raised $31,200, which more than doubled the original goal. Silent and live auctions sponsored by the VFBF Young Farmers program and held during the annual meeting generated a total of $8,857 for AITC.

Classified ads discontinued Attention, members: Virginia Farm Bureau Federation will no longer be accepting or publishing classified ads in its member magazines or on vafb.com, effective immediately.

The VFBF Women’s Program helped raise $31,2000 for Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom by raffling this custom golf cart.

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