FBN March 2011

Virgnia VaFarmBureau.org

March 2011

Farm Bureau News

VIRGINIA AMONG U.S. AQUACULTURE’S BIGGER FISH

Contents 12

Virgnia g arm Bureau News

Virginia among U.S. aquaculture’s bigger fish

Commercial aquaculture got its start in Virginia the 1960s. Today, sales rank the commonwealth eighth nationwide.

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Virginia couple honored at AFBF convention in Atlanta

A Southampton County couple won this year’s Excellence in Agriculture Award at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting. About 100 Virginians participated in the event, which coincided with a news-making winter storm.

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Farm fatalities down; Fauquier producers working to keep roads safe

Considerably fewer people died in farm work-related accidents last year than in 2009, and producers in Fauquier County are helping to protect motorists and themselves when they have to move equipment.

Departments 7

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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Member Marketplace

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Volume 70, Number 2 March 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

editorial team

Producer members will receive their next issue of Farm Bureau Newss in May. The magazine is published six times a year.

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

Cherrystone Aqua Farms employees Alfred Tazewell (left) and Larry Thomas load a basket of live clams onto a boat to be taken to the company’s Northampton County packing house (Photo by Kathy Dixon).

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

Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. to acquire Countryway Insurance Co. Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. is expected to acquire the Countryway Insurance Co., a property and casualty insurance company based in Syracuse, N.Y. Countryway offers farm, home and auto insurance products in 10 states through more than 380 independent agencies.

VFB Insurance has agreed to purchase 100 percent of Countryway’s stock from United Farm Family Mutual Insurance Co., doing business as Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.

The transaction is subject to New York Insurance Department approval.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.,” said Executive Vice President and General Manager Bill Anderson. “The product similarities— farm, personal auto and home—provide strong synergies that should prove beneficial to both companies.

“We look forward to expanding upon Countryway’s tradition of providing quality products and services through the independent agent distribution system,” Anderson added.

“We could not be more pleased that Countryway will be acquired by Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., another member of the Farm Bureau family of companies,” said J. Jerry Canada, Executive Vice President and CEO of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Co. Countryway has premiums in excess of $33 million and operates primarily in rural New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Virginia. The company’s headquarters will remain in Syracuse.

Noteworthy Quote

“You come to Nebraska, and you’re going to have the fight of your life.

If you think you can intimidate Nebraskans, you’re kidding yourself.

E-newsletter, video blog showcase food and Farm Bureau issues If you haven’t signed up to receive Connections, Virginia Farm Bureau’s monthly e-newsletter for its Save Our Food campaign, look for signup links on many of the pages at SaveOurFood.org.

Connections delivers a broad range of articles compiled by Farm Bureau staff about farming and food issues and their impact on the foods consumers choose for their families.

Also, get The Real Dirt Farm Bureau uses The Real Dirt, t its video blog on YouTube (TheRealDirtVA) and VaFarmBureau.org, to share insights into issues of concern to the organization’s producer members.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

I’ll organize the whole state if that’s what it takes.”

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman, on what will happen if the Humane Society of the United States attempts to force legislation related to animal agriculture in that state. Heineman spoke Jan. 21 at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference.

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Washington Watch

American Farm Bureau files suit to stop EPA bay plan

By Norm Hyde The American Farm Bureau Federation filed a lawsuit Jan. 10 in federal court to block the implementation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new “nutrient diet� regulatory plan for the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Finalized at the end of 2010, the plan dictates how much nitrogen, phosphorous and sediment will be allowed into the bay from sources such as sewage treatment plants, manufacturing, small businesses, residential areas and farm fields. “We’re not opposing the cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay. What we are doing is saying the way this particular program is being used is unlawful,� said Ellen Steen, AFBF general counsel. “There are three fundamental problems: EPA is micromanaging in excess of its authority under the Clean Water Act; its numbers are scientifically invalid; and its rush to judgment failed to allow meaningful public participation.�

The EPA’s regulatory program relies on establishing total maximum daily loads, or TMDLs, for each tributary waterway in the six-state bay watershed. AFBF believes the TMDLs unlawfully micromanage state actions and the activities of farmers, homeowners and businesses. The EPA’s plan imposes

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specific pollutant allocations on activities such as farming and homebuilding, sometimes down to the level of individual farms and backyards.

The AFBF lawsuit contends that the Clean Water Act requires a process that allows states to decide how to improve water quality and take into account the economic and social impacts on businesses and communities. It also contends the EPA relied on inaccurate assumptions and on a scientific model that it admits was flawed to establish the TMDL limits, therefore violating the Administrative Procedures Act’s prohibition of “arbitrary and ~ Ellen Steen, capricious� agency AFBF general counsel action. “We filed suit to prevent the Chesapeake Bay regulations from setting a national precedent in water pollution policy,� Steen said. “The basic provisions of law that EPA claims to be relying on here apply nationally. So if EPA can take this action in the Chesapeake, we can’t see any reason why they wouldn’t take it in other areas. And, in fact, EPA has sent very strong signals that it intends to follow a similar approach in areas like the Mississippi River watershed.�

Prior to the issuance of its TMDL plan, the EPA accepted a watershed implementation plan submitted by the administration of Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell. In less than a year’s time, stakeholders from all sides of the issue worked with the McDonnell administration to develop a plan to address the EPA’s TMDL limits. “Our members appreciate Gov. McDonnell’s concern for the future of their farms and his willingness to hear their concerns,� said Wayne F. Pryor, president of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “More than half of Virginia is in the bay watershed, and Virginia’s farmers benefit as much as anyone from clean water. But goals to protect water quality have to be achievable and economically feasible. EPA’s expectation for the amount of work that needs to be done is exaggerated, determined in an accelerated and arbitrary way, and without all the facts. The legal action taken by American Farm Bureau is the logical next step to address our concerns. Our entire economy is at stake. Everyone will be touched, so we have to get this right no matter what it takes.�

‘We’re not opposing the cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay. What we are doing is saying the way this particular program is being used is unlawful.’

Viewing Virginia

kathy dixon

Grandin to cattlemen: See surroundings as livestock would Grandin, who is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and designs livestock handling facilities, said allowing animals to move voluntarily is much better than forcing them to move.

“Lead them, and let them follow,” she said.

“Out West we drive cattle, but here on the East Coast we do lots of pasture rotation, so you need to lead the cattle.”

Additionally, Grandin said, livestock handlers should be more aware of what’s in the environment “Animal vision is tuned in to see little distractions,” Dr. Temple on a farm. A plastic lid in Grandin noted at the Virginia Forage and Grasslands Council’s the middle of a road may winter beef conference. not bother them, but an animal will balk when it

By Kathy Dixon sees an unfamiliar object.

“Animal vision is tuned in to see little Farmers will find it much easier to distractions,” Grandin said. Things like handle livestock if they understand the shadows, reflections, moving objects animals’ point of view. and air blowing on them are all reasons That’s what national animal welfare for cattle to try to back out of a chute. “If expert Dr. Temple Grandin told close to those are there, they won’t go in.”

400 attendees Jan. 20 at the Virginia Signs that animals are uncomfortable Forage and Grassland Council’s winter with their situation include showing beef conference. the whites of their eyes, bobbing their When Grandin first started working with heads, swishing their tails and constant beef cattle in the 1970s, she determined defecating. the only way she could find out how cows “When that happens, you’ve scared perceive the world was to get inside the the you-know-what out of them,” chutes in cattle-handling facilities. “I’m Grandin said. “These are simple things an extreme visual thinker because of my to watch for.” autism, so I got down in the chutes to see In her 35-year career designing what was going on.” handling facilities for ranches, farms and What she found is that animals are meat processing facilities, she said, she easily distracted and therefore easily learned that well-engineered facilities scared. provide the tools for calm, low-stress “Here’s the basis of good animal handling of livestock but they don’t care: Calm animals are easier to handle replace good animal management. than excited, fearful animals,” Grandin told “Good cattle handling involves no livestock producers at the conference. “I don’t screaming or waving of the arms, just a care what kind of animal you work with.” calm voice.”

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Animal Ag Alliance offers tips for farm employers An increasing number of animal rights activists want to prevent Americans from eating meat, milk and eggs.

Some acquire farm jobs and work undercover for animal rights groups.

Because of that, many farmers are requiring new hires to sign animal care agreements and undergo additional training and reporting in proper animalhandling techniques.

The national Animal Agriculture Alliance, which is based in Arlington, says farmers need to take steps to ensure their operations are safe from attacks by animal rights extremists.

“Extremists are attempting to use emotional images and scare tactics to discourage Americans from eating meat, milk and eggs because they do not believe we have that right,” said Kay Johnson Smith, executive vice president of the Animal Agriculture Alliance. “Farm managers must be wary in order to protect their way of life.”

The alliance recently suggested ways farmers can protect their operations.

Farmers should make employee safety their first priority, Smith said.

And, when hiring, farmers are advised to check references closely and make sure an applicant’s previous experience is legitimate. During interviews, they should ask if the potential employee is collecting information for another company.

The alliance also advises farmers to specify that any employee who observes animal mistreatment must immediately notify a supervisor. In some cases, animal rights activists who worked undercover at livestock operations witnessed abuse and never reported it.

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Employers, are you at risk for an ERISA violation? obligations on employers who sponsor group health plans. Each plan must be reviewed separately to determine the applicability of “grandfathered” or “non-grandfathered” status under the PPACA. Your Virginia Farm Bureau health insurance agent can put you in touch with Farm Bureau’s third-party vendor who can assist you with the various Employee Retirement Income Security Act reporting requirements and help you obtain the documentation necessary to comply with the requirements.

Call the Virginia Farm Bureau Health Care Consultants department at 800-277-8323.

The PPACA requires annual notices to eligible employees based upon status of any group health plan. Grandfathered plans will be required to send out 11 specific notices to employees, and nongrandfathered plans will be required to send out 14 notices.

PPACA reforms are added to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act portability subparts of ERISA, and mandates require insurers and plan sponsors to properly notify all eligible group health plan employees on or before the first day of the renewal or effective date of the plan. Liability for failure to comply with reforms is the same as violating HIPAA portability under ERISA and IRS code.

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.

Worried about the high cost of Health Insurance?

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INDIVIDUAL INSURANCE Get the best rates available on Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield coverage and the personal service of 107 Farm Bureau offices state-wide.

So when you have questions, you’re able to talk directly with a professional you can trust.

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(800) 229-7779 Get the Membership Advantage. > FarmBureauAdvantage.com Virginia Farm Bureau Service Corporation is an independent authorized agent in VA for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Anthem’s service area is Virginia, excluding the city of Fairfax, the town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. HMOs are not available in all areas of Virginia. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its affiliated HMOs, HealthKeepers, Inc., Peninsula Health Care, Inc. and Priority Health Care, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For exclusions, limitations, terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued, costs and complete details of the coverage, call or write your insurance agent or the company, whichever is applicable.

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

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Your Membership Advantage

Save on car rentals from Avis, cars and trucks from Budget Going places this spring or summer? Your Virginia Farm Bureau membership can get you significant savings when you rent vehicles from Avis and Budget.

Avis savings Members can save 5 percent to 25 percent on Avis’ daily and weekly rates when they reference Farm Bureau’s Avis Worldwide Discount number: A298846. Avis also offers special services that can make renting and returning an Avis car quick and easy. And the Avis Wher2 GPS Navigation system offers turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic routing and hands-free calling when used with Bluetooth-capable phones.

To rent a car, visit avis.com/vafb or call 800-331-1212.

Budget savings Budget offers Farm Bureau members up to 20 percent off their rates when members reference the Farm Bureau Budget Discount number: Y775746.

To rent a car, visit budget.com/vafb or call 800-527-0700.

Budget truck savings

Your membership

Moving large items or lots of cargo can be easier than ever 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/virginia or call 800-566-8422, and use the Virginia Farm Bureau account number: 56000132266.

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 of your immediate household.

For more information or details on all of your Farm Bureau member benefits, contact your county Farm Bureau office or visit VaFarmBureau.org/ Benefits.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

march 2011

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

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LEGISLATIVE DAY 2011

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sara owens

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Members (clockwise from top left) Della and Bill Osborne, Howard Nester and Susan and Bob Threewitts were among producers who participated in Legislative Day.

Producer members make lasting connections with legislators

By Sara Owens

M

ore than 140 producer members from across Virginia met with their state senators and delegates Jan. 25 during Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Legislative Day. As in 2010, the theme for the event was “Stand Our Ground.” Farmers explained Farm Bureau’s stand on budget funding for water quality programs, farmland preservation and Virginia Cooperative Extension. They also discussed proactive agricultural animal care standards; support of private property rights; and preventing wildlife damage to farms.

“We’ve been holding Legislative Day in January for many years. The event improves every year, and the participation continues to grow,” said Trey Davis, VFBF political education and legislative specialist.

“It’s always a great opportunity for our members to express their concerns to their representatives face to face. That personal connection really makes a difference.”

Several farmers have attended the

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annual event for many years, including Bill and Della Osborne who have traveled to Legislative Day from Tazewell County since 1992.

“In the last four to five years we have really developed a relationship with the legislators, and they expect us each year,” Bill Osborne said. “Most of the legislators seem like they want to work for the good of the commonwealth. That impresses me.”

Della Osborne said she enjoys the legislative reception at which the VFBF Women’s Committee serves as hosts after members meet with their representatives.

“It’s a great opportunity to meet our legislators in an informal setting,” she said.

Rockingham County Farm Bureau President Bob Threewitts and his wife, Susan, said they attend Legislative Day each year because if no farmers speak up, others will assume everything is OK. “We can’t take that attitude,” Bob Threewitts said. “We need to make sure

our opinion is expressed and not assume the legislators understand. … We shouldn’t expect others to speak for us.”

Chesterfield County Farm Bureau President Howard Nester and his wife, Lucy, attend Legislative Day to represent farmers in that heavily populated county.

“With 318,000 people living in Chesterfield, we have a number of legislators serving our county,” Howard Nester said. “We’ve built bridges with legislators to the point that they know who we are and we can talk to them about issues and be open and candid.”

In counties that are losing farmers and farmland, legislators aren’t likely to know the potential impact of bills on farms unless they keep in touch with farmers, Lucy Nester said.

“We work hard to provide our country with a safe, healthy food supply. What we don’t need are more regulations and restrictions from a law that had towns and subdivisions in mind.”

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::: AFBF CONVENTION :::

sara owens

V

VIRGINIA DELEGATES HELP PRODUCE RESULTS AT NATIONAL CONVENTION S

irginia Farm Bureau Federation delegates didn’t see any Georgia peaches in Atlanta during the 92nd annual American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting. Instead, they saw snow and ice covering the streets while the delegates helped shape national Farm Bureau policies for the coming year.

The theme of the Jan. 9-12 event was “Producing Results,” and eight delegates from Virginia took a part in helping shape policies regarding environmental regulations, the 2012 Farm Bill, food safety issues and animal welfare.

AFBF opposes the proposed Chesapeake Bay Clean Water and Ecosystem Restoration Act that has been of particular concern to Virginia farmers (See related article on Page 4).

“Having the support of Farm Bureau’s national organization will go a long way toward helping Virginia farmers in their fight for reasonable, informed, sciencebased regulation,” said VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor.

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agwired

Virginia Farm Bureau News

The convention drew an estimated 6,500 participants, about 100 of whom were from Virginia.

Among them were voting delegates Pryor, of Goochland County; VFBF Vice President Edward A. Scharer of Albemarle County; Paul Anderson of Frederick County; Thomas Burton of Halifax County; Roger Elkins of Lee County; W.P. Johnson Jr. of Bedford County; Donna Kerr of Amelia County; and Hunter Richardson of King and Queen County.

The meeting included presentations on agricultural and environmental policy; food safety; animal welfare and the economic outlook for crops and livestock. Mike Rowe, creator and executive producer of the Discovery Channel’s series Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe delivered the keynote address.

Rowe said he knows farmers and ranchers work hard and smart and care about the environment.

“You find a farmer, scrape off the dirt, and you’ll find one of the greenest people on the planet,” he said.

He also knows first-hand that farmers are surrounded by angry activist groups, each with its own agenda. He received complaints after farm-related episodes of Dirty Jobss aired.

“Our country is asking you to do more with less every single year, and I see a lot of other agendas pushing at you. The rest of the country needs to understand what you guys do on a day-to-day basis. We are not sufficiently astounded that you guys feed [the nation] every day,” Rowe said.

The 2012 AFBF Annual Meeting will be held in Honolulu.

Southampton couple win national Farm Bureau honor Chris and Jennie Simms of Sedley were named winners of this year’s American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award.

This is the second consecutive year —and the third time in eight years—a Virginia couple has won the award.

“We are very proud of our Young

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::: AFBF CONVENTION :::

Page 10: Virginia Farm Bureau Federation delegates Paul Anderson (left) and Vice President Edward A. Scharer participated in policy discussion at the Georgia World Congress Center a day after Atlanta acquired an icy glaze.

Page 11: Chris and Jennie Simms of Southampton County claimed the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award. Mike Rowe of the Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe delivered the convention’s keynote address. Atlanta attractions that drew convention participants included the World of Coca Cola.

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Farmers Program participants, and it’s great to see that they are receiving national recognition for all of their hard work and accomplishments,” Pryor said.

“Young farmers and other ag professionals are the key to agriculture’s future, and the Simmses are utilizing modern technology to help farmers and consumers stay connected.”

The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young adults who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation but actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, their leadership abilities 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

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positions for Smithfield Foods Inc. and is a licensed Realtor.

Chris Simms is the immediate past vice chairman of the VFBF Young Farmers Committee, and both he and his wife are active VFBF Young Farmers Program participants. They also write an agricultural blog, Agtually.com, and have developed a series of geocaches called AgCache to promote Virginia agriculture.

“We feel the most important issue facing agriculture is to continue reaching out to the public through social media and other online tools,” Chris Simms said.

The Simmses will receive a 2011 Dodge Ram pickup, courtesy of Dodge.

Three other VFBF Young Farmers Program winners from the 2010 state convention competed in AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers recognition programs during the convention.

Bill Henley of Isle of Wight County, who won the 2010 VFBF Discussion Meet, advanced to the semifinal round of national competition. Jonathan and

Amber Cavin of Lee County, winners of the 2010 VFBF Young Farmers Achievement Award, were among the top 10 competitors for the AFBF Achievement Award.

Virginia receives national honors State Farm Bureaus were recognized at the convention for successful programs that advanced their members’ interests.

The VFBF received four out of a possible five AFBF Awards of Excellence, which recognize state Farm Bureaus that excel in the areas of agriculture education and promotion; leadership development; member services; policy implementation; and public relations and information.

In addition, the VFBF received two President’s Awards for work in policy implementation and public relations and information. Virginia’s was one of only 12 state Farm Bureaus that earned President’s Awards.

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Hybrid striped bass like this one raised in James City County are among the products grown by members of the Virginia Aqua-Farmers Network LLC.

VIRGINIA AMONG U.S. [ AQUACULTURE’S BIGGER FISH ]

BY KATHY DIXON

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Neale said commercial freshwater aquaculture began in Virginia in the 1960s and then started expanding rapidly in the late 1980s, when farmers were being advised to diversify their operations. Aquaculture was a good fit—especially for those with ample water sources.

Sales of Virginia aquaculture products rank the state eighth nationwide, with sales of $40.9 million in 2005, according to the 2005 Census of Aquaculture.

In 2009, the farm-gate value of hard clams in Virginia was $26 million according to the Virginia Shellfish Aquaculture Situation and Outlook Report for that year.

Taking into account processors, shippers and marketers, Virginia’s clam industry has an economic impact of as much as $65 million, according to the report.

The state’s oyster industry is valued at almost $3.3 million, according to the same report, which is issued by the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences. photos by kathy dixon

griculture and forestry contribute almost $79 billion annually to Virginia’s economy, and aquaculture contributes more than 5 percent of that amount.

“Virginia aquaculture is a vital part of Virginia agriculture and offers an option for some of our landowners who have had to look for something other than traditional agriculture,” said Spencer Neale, senior assistant director of commodity marketing for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. Neale also serves as the staff advisor to Farm Bureau’s Aquaculture Advisory Committee, which was formed 18 years ago.

Aquaculture is the process of raising fish or seafood in a controlled environment, whether outside or in an enclosed facility. Virginia aquaculture includes clams, oysters, softshell crabs, catfish, perch, tilapia, striped bass, freshwater prawns, cobia, spot and more.

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AQUACULTURALISTS HELPED BY [ EXTENSION CENTER ]

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hen Rory Calhoun and his sister, Cathy, decided to establish a large-scale hybrid striped bass continuous production recirculating system in Mathews County, they contacted the Virginia Tech Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Hampton for help. The research station was able to operate a prototype of an intensive hybrid striped bass grow-out facility for them and test their ideas for the system.

“They served as a sounding board as well as provided direct technical evaluation of all of my concept modifications,” Rory Calhoun said. “Without the crucial support and assistance I received from the VSAREC, I would not have been able to move beyond just dreaming about a continuous production facility.”

When aquaculture producers have problems with their operations, the research station tries to solve them.

“We find better ways to improve the production, quality, safety and marketing of Virginia aquaculture products,” said Dr. Mike Schwarz, aquaculture specialist for the VSAREC. “Mr. Calhoun said he would have lost a lot of money if he’d had to do this on his own,” Schwarz said.

“That is absolutely the truth,” Calhoun said. “As a result of the experience gained through the prototype operation, I have been able to scale up the design and confidently move forward to developing a final design for continuous production at the rate of 100,000 pounds per year.”

Local farmers can feed local fish Calhoun’s operation will be among the larger recirculating systems in the state,

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but no matter what size a fish farm is, the cost of food is a constant concern, Schwarz said. Fish food can comprise 40 percent or more of the total production cost of any aquaculture operation.

Many fish feeds contain significant amounts of fish meal and fish oil, which are expensive components. If the researchers can help find less-costly substitutes made with plant proteins and oils, they can help reduce production costs for fish farmers.

The VSAREC, in collaboration with the Southern Illinois University Carbondale, is researching replacement of fish meal and fish oil in fish feeds with extracts from soybeans, Schwarz said. Feed made from soy is all-natural and can reduce the costs and improve the sustainability of fish feeds.

If the research is successful, local crop farmers can increase their soybean production, which then can be used to produce local feeds for aquaculture products.

“Then we can ramp up aquaculture production and agricultural production at the same time,” Schwarz said. “And we’ll have locally produced fish that are fed with a locally made product; it’s a win-win situation.”

Fish raised for food, fishermen and aquariums Many freshwater fish produced in recirculating systems are raised for humans to eat, but there are other aspects of freshwater aquaculture as well.

Schwartz said fish raised for stocking ponds is a lucrative part of the industry.

Some Virginia producers also have state contracts to provide stock fish for statemaintained lakes and waterways.

Additionally, bait fish and ornamental

‘We find better ways to improve the production, quality, safety and marketing of Virginia aquaculture products.’

Dr. Mike Schwarz, aquaculture specialist, VSAREC

fish are becoming more popular markets.

The advantage of producing aquaculture products in Virginia, Schwarz said, is that the state is a one-day truck drive from Atlanta to New York, with Washington in between. That enables producers to provide the freshest products within a day of harvest.

‘We need to improve the marketing’ While aquaculture production is gaining in popularity, markets need to be expanded.

Virginia has been very successful in live tilapia and clam markets, said Dr. Dan Kauffman, business seafood Extension specialist at the VSAREC. However, opportunities in other markets are less well developed.

“We need to improve the marketing of Virginia’s aquaculture products,” Kauffman said. He is working with various producers groups, including the Virginia Aquaculture Network, to explore different avenues for sales of aquaculture products.

He and others have applied for a grant to produce a booklet that would help community event organizers host shrimp boils using Virginia-raised freshwater prawns.

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VSU AQUACULTURE RESEARCH EDUCATES NEW FISH FARMERS

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onsumer interest in Virginia-grown fish and seafood is growing, and Dr. Brian Nerrie wants to help farmers raise those products to meet the demand.

“Our objective is to educate farmers so they can produce a crop that has Dr. Brian Nerrie market value,” said Nerrie, a Virginia Cooperative Extension aquaculture specialist at Virginia State University.

At VSU’s Randolph Farm, he and other Extension faculty raise a variety of fish and shrimp in 57 aquaculture ponds.

Recreational fishing can benefit fish farmers Nerrie and other staff use research findings to educate current and potential

aquaculture producers.

The first state funding for aquaculture was earmarked in 1989.

Since then, VSU, Virginia Tech and researchers have been working to strengthen Virginia’s freshwater aquaculture industry, raising channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, rainbow trout and freshwater shrimp.

Fishing is one of the top recreational activities in the state, Nerrie said, and the fish for stocking the ponds can be raised by small-scale producers. “In Virginia we have a lot of small family farms, and they can make money in aquaculture.”

VSU offers educational opportunities like a three-day fish school and various workshops throughout the year.

Prawn production has potential VSU’s Extension program also works closely with Virginia Tech Extension agents, co-hosting regional and county workshops, Nerrie said. A recent focus is on former tobacco growers who are looking for alternative income. Some are turning to freshwater shrimp production.

According to the National Marine Fisheries Service, shrimp is the topconsumed seafood in the United States.

One of VSU’s current aquaculture focuses is assisting farmers in developing freshwater shrimp, or prawn, production.

And they are making strides.

“The growth of that has been phenomenal,” Nerrie said. “The freshwater prawn business is generating $200,000 a year.”

VIMS’ ROLE IS AS VARIED AS CREATURES IT STUDIES

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he Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s role in aquaculture is as varied as the bivalves and crustaceans its researchers study.

From oysters planted in the Chesapeake Bay to tilapia raised in tanks in Southwest Virginia, VIMS’ goal is for Virginia aquaculture to succeed.

“Everyone’s objective at VIMS is to help the [aquaculture] industry,” said Mike Oesterling, fisheries and aquaculture specialist for the VIMS Virginia Sea Grant Program. “Those of us who interact directly with the industry, our goal is to help them better utilize their resources and make money in aquaculture.”

Research jump-started Va. clam industry One of the largest marine research and education centers in the United States, is located on the York River at Gloucester Point and employs close to 100 faculty members, 300 employees and more than 100 graduate students on its campus.

Comparing the organization to an agricultural research station, Tom Murray 14

Virginia Farm Bureau News

said VIMS “takes complex biological work and transfers it to the field.” Murray serves as the Sea Grant Extension Program leader.

“The whole hard-shell clam industry came about from research and development at the VIMS research station,” said Dr. Standish Allen, a researcher and head of the Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center. VIMS established an Eastern Shore research lab in Wachapreague in 1962 and subsequent research there jumpstarted Virginia’s multi-million-dollar hard clam industry.

VIMS is mandated by the state to conduct research and provide scientific advice about the management of marine resources. Their programs are funded by the Virginia General Assembly or by state and federal agencies.

Farmed oysters, and spot Allen’s current research on oysters is helping to develop oyster aquaculture in the Chesapeake Bay. “Basically we’re taking a wild oyster and making a domesticated model that’s farmable in all areas of the Chesapeake Bay,”

Allen said. “There are different growing environments in the bay, so the challenge is to develop a species that will work in many parts of the bay.”

Allen added that when he started working with VIMS in 1998, Virginia watermen couldn’t raise an oyster to commercial size because of diseases. “We concentrated our research on an oyster that would live to market size, and we’ve reached that objective.”

And current market conditions prove just that. The number of Virginia aquacultured market oysters sold has grown from less than 1 million in 2005 to 12.6 million in 2009. It is expected to double next year, Murray noted.

VIMS researchers are also interested in new aquaculture species. Oesterling said spot is one example. VIMS studied the tiny fish that has low value as food but is good for bait. Now there is a commercial firm on the Eastern Shore raising spot to sell for bait.

“Once they know it works, the industry’s not shy about scaling up.”

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AQUACULTURE PRODUCT MARKETING IS MEETING CONSUMER DEMAND

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resh and local isn’t just for produce and meats anymore.

Customers are starting to look for fresh, local seafood and that’s good news for aquaculturalists who are selling directly to consumers and restaurateurs.

Over the past 7 years Paige Hogge, co-owner of Buster’s Seafood in Urbanna, has found that selling her crabs and other seafood at farmers’ markets in Williamsburg and Northern Virginia is much more profitable than selling them to wholesalers. And she believes there are others out there who can benefit by doing the same thing.

The Virginia Aqua-Farmers Network LLC is working with freshwater aquaculture producers to help them market and sell their fish. The cooperative members include producers of channel catfish, rainbow trout, hybrid striped bass and freshwater prawns.

VAN processes and freezes its own products and recently has been selling some of the fish and shrimp at the Williamsburg Farmers’ Market too.

“VAN’s objective is to find ways to help our aqua-farmers produce more efficiently and to help find markets for their products,” said manager, Dr. Lynn Blackwood.

Booklet to help with direct marketing Hogge is trying to help saltwater producers in a similar fashion. She received a grant from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to write “Getting Started with the Water Harvest Program: A Guide for Watermen to Make More for Their Catch by Selling Direct at Farmers’ Markets,” a “how-to” manual for watermen who want to directmarket fresh seafood. The manual can be downloaded at http://web.vims.edu/adv/ docs/2010PaigeHoggeManualFINAL.pdf?svr=www.

The manual is tied to the Water Harvest Program, which is part of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Virginia Grown program, which identifies agricultural products grown in Virginia with a special logo. The Water Harvest logo will do the same for aquaculture producers.

“This will help increase awareness and consumption of locally harvested or raised seafood and aquaculture products,” said Leanne DuBois, VDACS direct marketing manager.

“We want to promote and create a demand for sustainable, locally-harvested seafood—both wild-caught and farm-grown.”

The manual was handed out at a fall water harvest workshop where almost 40 aquaculture producers and watermen were in attendance. Marketing presentations were made by VDACS, VIMS, the Virginia Sea Grant Marine Advisory program, Virginia Tech’s seafood lab, the Williamsburg Farmers’ Market manager, Hogge and seafood regulators.

“The participants took away the fact that there are like-minded groups to help watermen and aquaculture producers market their products,” DuBois said. “We’re finding there really is an interest in direct marketing seafood products.”

Tilapia

Blue Ridge is world’s largest producer of farm-raised tilapia Every year, Blue Ridge Aquaculture Inc. in Martinsville produces 4 million pounds of tilapia, shipping between 10,000 and 20,000 pounds of live fish every day.

Blue Ridge Aquaculture is the world’s largest producer of tilapia using indoor recirculating aquaculture systems, which filter water from fish or shellfish tanks so it can be reused within the tank. This dramatically reduces the amount of water and space required to intensively produce seafood products.

Blue Ridge Aquaculture was founded in 1993, operates out of a 100,000-squarefoot facility, and employs about 30 people.

The company sells live fish to distributers in major metropolitan markets in the Northeast such as Washington, New York, Boston and Toronto.

‘The demand is there’ Bryan Plemmons, managing partner of Casta Line Trout Farms in Goshen, has tapped into the local demand for his freshwater trout. The company mainly sells live rainbow, brook and golden trout to fee-fishing operations and private stream owners.

Casta Line hatches out about 1 million eggs each year and is currently producing 300,000 pounds of fish. It is able to dress fish at its processing facility in Highland County and deliver them to nearby restaurants, including that of The Homestead. Other retail customers buy directly from the Casta Line site.

“It really does not get any fresher, and most of our customers don’t want to get fish anywhere else,” Plemmons said. “The demand is there, but we’re hoping for a reversal of the drought conditions.”

His trout are raised in outdoor raceways fed with spring water, and since 1996 there have only been two years with average rainfall amounts, he said. “Our production is off by about 30 percent because of the lack of precipitation.”

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

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SUCCESSFUL BIVALVES SPAWNED IN CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT

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ittlenecks and middlenecks are the stuff good clambakes are made of, and each year 85 million of them come from Cherrystone Aqua Farms and its subsidiaries on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

The clams are raised in a controlled environment from conception to cultivation.

“This enables us to harvest clams yearround,” said Tim Rapine, Cherrystone’s aquaculture production manager. And that makes the company happy as a clam to know its customers are getting fresh, consistent-quality bivalves.

Different names for different sizes • Littleneck clams are .9 to 1.05 inches.

• Middlenecks are 1.05 to 1.2 inches.

• Greatnecks are 1.2 inches or larger.

1 million clams a day There are times when as many as 1 million clams are shipped out of the Northampton County facility in a single day.

“At certain times of the year like Fourth of July or Memorial Day or Labor Day, it’s not unusual,” Rapine said. “Our littlenecks are shipped out within 24 hours of being harvested.” They are sold to wholesalers fresh, live and in the shell.

Cherrystone is one of the largest producers of aquaculture clams in the United States. It is a division of Ballard Fish and Oyster Co. Inc., a seafood company that’s been in business since 1895.

The company’s clams are grown in the high-salinity waters of their namesake, Cherrystone Creek. Additionally, Cherrystone clams are grown in the oceanflushed waters around the Eastern Shore.

The company has bayside and seaside clam and oyster grounds as far south as Cape Charles and as far north as the Maryland state line.

Clams are beneficial to the waterways, Rapine said, because they help restore water quality through filter feeding.

Production starts in hatchery Once harvested, Cherrystone’s clams and oysters are immediately cleaned, 16

Virginia Farm Bureau News

Cherrystone Aqua Farms clams are hatched indoors and moved to outdoor beds when they reach a designated size. When they get a little larger, they are moved from shallow-water beds to deeper waters.

packed, refrigerated and shipped fresh all over the United States.

The bivalves’ lives begin onsite in a hatchery. Employees bring adult clams into the building and place them in 66-degree water, which is ideal for spawning. Once the eggs are fertilized, they are placed in containers of algae-rich water. At this point, the larvae are microscopic and look like granules of sand.

At 500 microns or .005 inches, they are moved to larger containers, where they continue to feed in algae-rich water. They stay there until they are about 3 millimeters in size, slightly smaller than a pencil eraser.

At that point, the clams are placed in trays of sand in shallow-water beds for 10 to 12 weeks.

Then the clams are put into deeper waters and covered with plastic netting, which keep out hungry blue crabs and cow-nose rays.

“Rays can eat a bed of clams in under an hour,” Rapine said.

Cherrystone employee Larry Thomas harvests live clams from a grow-out bed.

The clam beds are comprised of areas that are about 14 feet wide and 50 feet long.

All of the areas in which they are planted are leased from the state.

The clams spend anywhere from 18 to 30 months in their grow-out beds, until they are big enough to harvest. When the mollusks are brought in on boats, they go straight to Cherrystone’s packing house.

SaveOurFood.org

[ ENJOY FRESH VIRGINIA SEAFOOD AT HOME ] Virginia Seafood Gumbo Serves 4 INGREDIENTS

1½ tablespoons cooking oil 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped green pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups beef broth 16-ounce can tomatoes or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon thyme ½ teaspoon red pepper or several drops of hot sauce ½ teaspoon oregano, crushed 12 ounces skinned and cubed (1-inch cubes) catfish or striped bass fillet 1 cup sliced okra or 10-ounce package frozen okra 3 cups cooked rice

Linguine & Clams with Spicy Tomatoes and Olives Serves 4 to 6 INGREDIENTS

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil 4 garlic cloves, minced ½ teaspoon crushed hot red pepper 28-ounce can Italian peeled tomatoes, drained and chopped ¼ cup pitted green olives, quartered lengthwise 1 tablespoon salt 2 teaspoons dried oregano ½ teaspoon dried basil 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, divided 50 littleneck clams 1 cup dry white wine 1 pound linguine DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS

Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add onion, green pepper and garlic. Sauté until tender.

Add broth, tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer for about 15 minutes. Add fish and okra. Cook briefly until fish is done through. Serve over rice.

SOURCE: VIRGINIA MARINE PRODUCTS BOARD

Oysters on the Half Muffin INGREDIENTS

4 thin slices country ham butter or margarine 2 English muffins, buttered or toasted 12 oysters, about ½ pint Easy Hollandaise Sauce DIRECTIONS

In a skillet, sauté the ham lightly in butter.

Remove and place a ham slice on each muffin half.

Sauté oysters in the same pan just until edges curl.

Place oysters on top of ham. Cover with warm Hollandaise sauce.

Easy Hollandaise Sauce: Stir one egg in a saucepan with 2 tablespoons lemon juice. After mixing well, place over moderate heat. Add one half stick (4 tablespoons) butter or margarine.

Stir constantly as the butter melts and the sauce thickens.

In a deep skillet, sauté garlic and hot peppers in olive oil for one minute. Add the chopped tomatoes, olives, salt, oregano, basil and one teaspoon of the parsley. Cover and cook until tomatoes begin to break down, about 3-5 minutes.

Add clams and wine to tomato sauce. Cover, increase heat to high and cook, shaking pan occasionally. Clams will open in 3 to 5 minutes.

With a slotted spoon, transfer the clams to a bowl, then cover to keep warm. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender, but firm, 8 to 9 minutes, then drain. Add pasta to the tomato/clam sauce to absorb some of the sauce.

With tongs, transfer pasta immediately to a large shallow bowl. Place cooked clams in shells over the top of the pasta. Pour remaining juice from skillet over clams. Sprinkle with remaining chopped parsley. Serve with a green salad, a light, dry white wine and lots of good Italian bread.

SOURCE: CHERRYSTONE AQUA FARMS

Fried Virginia Oysters with Collard Slaw & Crème Fraiche Serves 6 INGREDIENTS for crème fraiche

1 cup sour cream 2 ounces buttermilk ½ ounce fresh orange juice

SOURCE: VIRGINIA MARINE PRODUCTS BOARD

Seafood recipes in this article also are available at SaveOurFood.org.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

INGREDIENTS for slaw

6 collard leaves, cut into ribbons half a head of white cabbage, shredded ½ cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons black seedy mustard 2 tablespoons white vinegar 2 tablespoons sugar pinch of salt and pepper INGREDIENTS for fried oysters

1 cup cornmeal 1 cup flour pinch of salt and pepper 1½ pints shucked oysters peanut oil for frying DIRECTIONS

Mix all crème fraiche ingredients together, and let stand overnight.

Mix all slaw ingredients together, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Mix meal, flour and seasonings together to dredge oysters. Toss the oysters in the dredge to coat them lightly, and fry them quickly in hot peanut oil to get them crisp on the outside and still moist on the inside.

Place the oysters on top of the slaw, and serve the crème fraiche on the side.

SOURCE: VIRGINIA MARINE PRODUCTS BOARD

Impossibly Easy Gourmet Clams Serves 4 INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons butter, divided 2 cups (8 ounces) chopped leeks, white part only) 40 small Virginia clams (about 4 pounds), rinsed and scrubbed under cold water 1 cup dry white wine 1/4 cup chopped fresh tarragon or 1½ tablespoons dried freshly ground black pepper to taste DIRECTIONS

Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large high-sided sauté pan over medium heat. Add leeks, and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Stir in clams and wine, then cover and simmer for 4 minutes or until clams have opened. Stir in remaining butter, sprinkle with tarragon, season with pepper and serve immediately with crusty bread.

SOURCE: VIRGINIA MARINE PRODUCTS BOARD

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Teens encouraged to apply for

Outstanding Young Agriculturalist Award High school juniors and seniors with an interest in agriculture have until March 31 to enter Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Outstanding Young Agriculturalist Award program.

The annual award recognizes teens for outstanding academic, community and agribusiness achievement.

Martin “Marty” Harris of Orange County won the award in 2010. Harris lives on an 80-acre farm where he and his family raise Holstein heifers.

Harris said the competition has inspired him to stay involved in the agricultural community, even if his career takes him elsewhere.

“Agriculture occupies a huge place in our society, and without young advocates to

step forward and continue to represent the farming community, it could be overlooked by the rest of the American public,” he said.

He encourages others to enter the competition because it provides a great opportunity to develop public speaking skills and self-confidence.

“The connections that could be made with others in the agriculture industry are invaluable,” Harris said. “Just having the opportunity to attend the Young Farmers Summer Expo and the annual Virginia Farm Bureau Federation convention was incredible, and everywhere I went I was met with kindness and support.”

Entry forms and details are available at county Farm Bureau offices and online at VaFarmBureau.org/Contests.

District winners will compete for the state-level award at the VFBF Young Farmers Summer Expo in late July. The state winner will receive an award valued at $1,500, including $250 from Virginia Farm Credit Associations, $500 from VFBF Service Corporation’s Dodge program and $750 from the VFBF Young Farmers Committee and Women’s Committee.

All prizes are subject to change based on sponsor availability.

If you’d like to have Harris speak at your upcoming event, e-mail youngfarmers@vafb.com or call 804-290-1032.

Capture the beauty of farming in photo contest Virginia has no shortage of bucolic landscapes, and if you’ve ever stopped to capture the scene with a photo, why not enter it in the annual Virginia Farm Bureau Federation photo contest?

VFBF is accepting entries for its agriculture-themed photo contest through June 1. The contest is open to Virginia residents, including members of county Farm Bureaus in Virginia.

Rules and entry forms are available at county Farm Bureau offices and online at VaFarmBureau.org/Contests.

The contest was designed to showcase agriculture and encourage appreciation for the visual appeal of farm life.

Entries can be in any of four categories: animals, landscapes/rural life, people and structures/equipment. Participants’ work will be judged in three age categories: 6 to 10 years, 11 to 17 years and 18 or older. Both prints and digital entries will be accepted.

Photos will be judged on creativity and composition. State-level winners’ work will be recognized at the 2011 VFBF Annual Convention.

“Hay Barn” by Abby Parsons of Richmond County was a 2010 photo contest winner.

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SaveOurFood.org

SA F E T Y

FauquierCounty

works to make roads safer for farmers, motorists

By Sara Owens

FARMING IN FAUQUIER COUNTY CAN BE DANGEROUS WORK. Non-farming commuters who use the county as a cut-through on their way to work in Northern Virginia, Washington and Maryland don’t understand why their commute is sometimes made longer by farm equipment that cannot exceed 25 mph.

Arrington recounted an incident in which he was moving equipment and had 19 vehicles following him. By the time he turned off the road, there was only one—the other 18 drivers had passed him on a bridge with oncoming traffic.

“When I make a left-hand turn (hand) signal, people think they can pass,” Arrington said. “No one knows what hand signals mean anymore.”

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“They’re moving fast to get to work, and they don’t like to get stuck behind farmers moving equipment on the road,” said Ben Cooper, a past president of Fauquier County Farm Bureau.

Cattle and hay producer Wayne Arrington of Catlett works on his own two farm properties and four additional ones. While his property is close by, he often has to move his equipment on roadways where there is no place for him to pull over.

“No one knows what hand signals mean anymore,” noted cattle and hay producer Wayne Arrington, shown preparing to make a turn in Fauquier County.

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SA F E T Y

Be careful out there!

By following proper safety procedures, famers can do their part to help reduce the number of accidents related to moving farm equipment on the highway.

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Display a slow-moving vehicle emblem to alert motorists, as required by state law.

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Use amber strobe lights and red and orange reflective tape to make equipment more visible to motorists.

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Use an escort vehicle when traveling with large pieces of equipment, in heavy traffic areas or on winding roads.

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Pull off to the side of the road at a safe place if there’s a line of cars behind you. Let motorists make the decision to pass; never motion for them to go around you.

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Turn on your headlights and flashers when moving equipment on the road. Do not turn on your work lights—they can blind other drivers.

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Install a rollover protective structure on your farm equipment, and always wear your seat belt.

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One Sunday morning, a local farmer who was traveling on his tractor with a hay rake attached was passed on the same bridge by a driver in a pickup truck towing a horse trailer.

“He chose Sunday morning to move that piece of equipment thinking it would be the best time,” Arrington said.

Fortunately, most farmers have experienced near misses—and very few accidents.

Arrington took his concern to the Fauquier County Farm Bureau.

The organization, along with individual farmers, the Fauquier County Sherriff ’s Office, the Virginia Department of Transportation and Virginia Farm Bureau—raised the issue with the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors. The supervisors directed the county’s transportation committee to study the problem.

The committee developed a list of immediate and long-term recommendations, and Cooper said the local Farm Bureau is hoping to help accomplish as many as possible.

Currently, they are working with the county to develop a temporary sign that can be placed in the right-of-way when farmers are moving equipment on the roadways.

“We also hope farmers will report to the sheriff ’s office when they will be moving farm machinery on the road, so we can develop data on how often slow-moving equipment is on the roadways,” Cooper said. “Right now we have no data to work with, because it isn’t reported.”

While plans for the temporary signage still are being developed, the hope is that farmers will be able to borrow the signs using a check-out system or purchase them at a low cost. Cooper hopes the Virginia Transportation Commission will recognize the project as a pilot program and make it available to counties across the state.

Elected officials, county staff, local farmers and the Fauquier County Farm Bureau have undertaken efforts to make county roads safer for producers who must move equipment.

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SA F E T Y

Agriculture Safety Awareness Week is March 6-12 State and county Farm Bureaus are making safety a top priority this spring through the Agricultural Safety Awareness Program.

As a part of ASAP, March 6-12 has been designated as Agriculture Safety Awareness Week.

This year’s theme, “Growing the Most Important Crop,” emphasizes making farms and ranches safer for farm families and employees, with a special emphasis on children.

sara owens

Save on highway safety products for farm equipment

A rollover protective structure and a fastened seat belt go a long way toward keeping a tractor operator secure in the event of an overturn.

Virginia saw decrease in farm-related deaths in 2010 Eight lives were reported lost due to farm work-related accidents in Virginia in 2010—six fewer than in 2009.

Tractor overturns and all-terrain vehicle accidents accounted for four fatalities, while other tractor or equipment issues and collisions involving farm equipment led to the other four, according to unofficial statistics from Virginia Farm Bureau.

For the past 16 years, tractor overturns have led to 40 percent of farm work-related deaths annually. Rollover protective structures and seat belts are key items that can help prevent deaths due to tractor overturns.

“With tractor rollovers still causing the majority of fatalities, we have a lot more work to do,” said Jimmy Maass, VFB safety coordinator. “Getting more farmers to install a ROPS and wear seat belts will go a long way toward reducing these numbers further.

“It’s also important that farmers do all they can to make themselves visible while travelling on the roads by utilizing slowmoving vehicle emblems, reflective tape, warning lights and escort vehicles. Taking a few extra minutes to make sure you are operating as safely as possible will save you so much more in the long run.”

Farm Bureau has kept unofficial records of farm fatalities and injuries occurring in the state since 1994. According to the organization’s 16-year totals, 103 people have died when their tractors overturned; 55 were involved in unspecified tractor or equipment mishaps; and 43 were run over by tractors or other farm equipment. The remaining 58 fatalities were attributed to operating farm equipment on public roads and to incidents involving animals and all-terrain vehicles.

Farm Bureau Safety staff travel across Virginia presenting farm safety seminars and inspecting farms for potential safety risks.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Don’t leave drivers in the dark! Make sure your equipment is clearly visible at any time of day with the proper emblems, tape and lights to safely travel on the road.

Virginia Farm Bureau is offering its members up to 20 percent off items to help prevent accidents while moving farm equipment on public roads.

Slow-moving vehicle emblems, reflective tape kits and amber strobe lights can be ordered through any county Farm Bureau office at special prices through April 30.

“Farmers need to make sure their equipment is clearly visible and that they are following the proper safety guidelines,” said Jimmy Maass, safety coordinator for Virginia Farm Bureau.

Virginia law requires an SMV emblem to be displayed at all times on farm equipment designed for operation at speeds of no more than 25 mph. Members can purchase both metal emblems and SMV decals from Farm Bureau.

Two reflective tape kits are available: red, orange and amber strips, and red-and-white striped strips. The amber strobe lights have a magnetic base and require two D batteries.

Virginia sales tax will be added to all order prices. Orders are limited to 12 of each item per membership.

Special spring pricing is available on the following: • • • • •

Metal SMV emblems SMV decals Reflective tape kits (red/amber/orange) Highway-use reflective tape kits (red/white), 10-foot and 150-foot rolls Magnetic amber strobe lights

march 2011

21

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22

Virginia Farm Bureau News

1880 East Market St. z 540-437-0604 1030 Richmond Rd. z 540-885-8000

Join Other Farmers for the

“Best of Alaska” Agricultural Tour & Cruise 14 days from

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DENALI NATIONAL PARK VIA TRAIN; 7-DAY INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE; ALASKA STATE FAIR; TOUR ACTUAL FARMS IN ALASKA!

Departs August 30, 2011 Travel to the agricultural community of Palmer and visit a local farm and Palmer Botanical Gardens. Enjoy a visit to the Great Alaska State Fair, where you view monster-sized vegetables. Board the Alaska Railroad for your scenic journey to Denali National Park and overnight.

Then on to Anchorage and Seward before boarding the Holland America “Statendam” for a seven-night cruise on the inside passage and Glacier Bay, with stops in Haines, Juneau and Ketchikan. From Vancouver, transfer to Seattle for overnight and city tour.

Call for low-cost airfare prices. Space is very limited and will sell out fast! $100 deposits are due now to reserve your tour. *Per person, dbl. occ., plus $299 taxes, services, gov’t fees, visitor’s tax. Based on limited inside staterooms. Upgraded cabins are available.

Airfare is extra. Space is limited, so call today! OPEN SUNDAYS. $100 deposits are due now to reserve your tour. For information, reservations, and itinerary, call YMT Vacations...

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SaveOurFood.org

Farm Bureau to reach ★ music fans in Virginia ★ A thre ree-yearr parrtn tne ership with Live eN Nation n En Ente tertainment, the wo orld’s la larges estt musicc compan any, gives ess V Virginia Farm rm Bure eau Inssuran nce the naming ri rights to the former er V Virginia Beac ach Am mphittheater.

The am mphit ithe heater,, which h is own wn ned by th the city off Vi Virginia Be each, will now be called Farm m Bureau Live at Vi Virginia Beach. The e music venue can accomm modate 20,000 peo eopl ple pl and ho olds ab bout two do ozen concertss each h year.

“We e be elie eve Fa arm Bu ureau u Live att Virgin nia Bea ach will eleva ate awarene ess forr our organizzation, our in nsurance e productss and ou ur Savve Ou ur Food camp paign in suppo port of Virgiinia’’s farme ers,” said Matt Sm mith, directtor of marketin ng and insu urance strate egy fo or Virgin nia Fa arm Bu ureau..

In n add dittion to the nam min ng rig ghts off the amphiitheate er, Farm m Bu ure eau’ss Save Our Food campa aign iss the sponssor of thiss yea ar’s Cou untry Mega aticket— —a se eries of six big-na ame countryy co oncerrts.

“Virginia Farm rm mB Bureau is dedicat ated to m ma aking g sure Vi Virginia fami mili lies e have safe e, fr fresh an nd locallllyy grow wn fo f od d availab able to them, and d to making g su s re Ame merican fa f milie es neve er beco ome depe de pendent on ffor o eign sou o rces of food d,” said d Vi Virgin nia i Farm m Bureau FFed e eration n preside ent Wayn yne F. Pry r or. “We be elieve being aware e of o Virgini nia’s farm ming he eritage e and abo out all of th he high gh-q gh -quality loccal -q a foods ds availlab a le he ere is an imp portantt first step thatt ev e eryone ne can tak a e to o show su s ppo ort for Viirgin nia’s farm fa r s and fa farm fam milies.

“TTha hat’s what at drive es the Save Our Foo od cam mpaign gn, and d we are pleassed and d excite ed to reach the h su ubstan ntial aud dience th hat amphi hitheate er patrron o s re eprese ent.”

Th his year’’s Mega atickett line-u up inclludes Brad Paisleyy on Ju une 3, Rascall Flattss on Ju une 19 9, Tim McGrraw on n July 9, Tob

by Keiith on July 23, Ke enny Chesn ney on n Aug.. 4, an nd Jason Allde ean on Sept. 111. Speccial pa ackage e priccing is availa able fo or the co once erts, and tick kets ca an be purchased at me egatick ket.com m.

®

Get free tickets!

Virg gin inia FFarrm Bureau au membe bers r willl ha have ve a an opportunity to receive i free tickets to sev even nd differe ent concert rtss at Farm rm Burea eau Li at Vi Live Virg r in nia i Beach thi hiss year. Tiick ckets wiill b be re rele leas a ed on a first-come, first-se serv rved db ba asis and nd are limitted to 1,00 000 ti ticket ets at each c desig gna n te ed sh show.

De eta t ils abo out th this member-on only ly promotion on ccan be found d att FarmB BureauLive.com m.

Addiiti tionally, me m mb mberrs who buy la lawn w seating ticke kets ts tto o concerts at th he am amph phitheater can g ge et a free la awn chairr rental si simply by showing ng their mem e be bershi hip p cards.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

march 2011

23

KILL LAKE WEEDS

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Proven AQUACIDE PELLETS .

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To book, call 800-258-2847 or visit choicehotels.com and ask for discount code 00800605.

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Farm Bureau members save 10% and more on Grainger products

• 10% off all Grainger catalog items (over 200,000) • 35% off Farm Duty Motors • 30% off select Safety Items • Up to 60% off Manufacturer’s List Price on Tools including: DeWalt, Stanley, Milwaukee, Proto, Blackhawk and Westward Ordering is easy!

On-Line, by telephone or directly at your Grainger branch location Contact your county Farm Bureau office for important information!

24

Virginia Farm Bureau News

* Advance reservations required. Must be a Virginia Farm Bureau Member to receive discount. Discount subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Valid at participating Choice hotels. Offer not valid at Suburban Extended Stay Hotel® properties. © 2008 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved. 06-528/08/07

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ID # 67496 must be mentioned at time of reservation.

For reservations call: 877.670.7088 *Best Available Rate” is defined as the best, non-qualified, publicly available rate on the Internet for the hotel, date and accommodations requested. The discount for International properties may be less than or equal to 20% of Best Available Rate. Certain restrictions apply. To redeem this offer call the hotel brand phone number above and give ID at the time of reservation. Offer not valid if hotel is called directly,caller must use toll free numbers listed above. Advanced reservations are required. Offer is subject to availability at participating locations and some blackout dates may apply. Offer cannot be combined with any other discounts, offers, or special promotions. Discounts vary by location and time of year.

Offer is void where prohibited by law and has no cash value.

SaveOurFood.org

In the Garden

Plant a garden to attract butterflies and hummingbirds

sa s ara ow ar ween ens

THE RIGHT MIX of plants can turn your garden into a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds, adding movement and additional color to the landscape.

Horticulturalist Mark Viette suggests incorporating a variety of blue, purple and white plants such as blue flambeau, summer phlox, black and blue salvia, lantana, dwarf butterfly bushes and diana or white of Rose of Sharon bushes.

“A few shrubs in the backyard will work well to attract butterflies, hummingbird moths and hummingbirds,” Viette said.

He also suggests adding colorful annuals to the perennial plantings.

Butterflies are nectar-feeders, and in feeding they also pollinate plants. A mix of spring-, summer- and fall-blooming plants will draw butterflies to your garden for much of the year.

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 live radio show broadcast by more than 60 mid-Atlantic stations each Saturday morning. 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.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

So plan ahead. “Plant the garden where you can sit and enjoy it after a long, hard day,” Viette said.

A list of plants that appeal to butterflies and hummingbirds is available in the “Garden Basics” section of viette.com.

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

march 2011

25

Good for You!

When it comes to carbohydrates, they’re not all bad

By Kathy Dixon NOT ALL CARBOHYDRATES ARE BAD. “Complex carbohydrates are the body’s main source of fuel,” said Linda Jackson Cole, a Virginia Cooperative Extension family and consumer sciences agent in Chesterfield County. “They have a lot of desirable qualities and are essential to a healthy diet.

“Complex carbohydrates are good for you.”

The carbohydrates that give all carbs a bad rap are the simple ones, and they should play nothing more than a minor part in daily nutrition.

Simple carbohydrates equate to simple sugars that are quickly converted to glucose in your body. They include naturally occurring sugars that are found in refined and processed foods, including white breads, sugary beverages and candy.

Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, are more slowly digested by your

body and are found in healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

“Complex carbohydrates move through your body slowly, whereas simple carbohydrates give your body an instant jolt,” Cole said.

Foods that are high in complex carbohydrates are often lower in calories.

Additionally, it generally takes more time to eat 100 calories of a banana than it does to consume 100 calories of soda. Therefore, complex carbohydrates are more satisfying, and the calories add up more slowly when compared to simple carbs.

Fresh fruits and vegetables—excellent complex carbohydrates—are low in calories and packed with vitamins and other nutrients.

“When you eat an apple for a snack, it will make you feel satisfied much longer than a candy bar,” Cole said. “And, you’re getting fiber and nutrients. It’s a win-win.”

Another good reason to eat complex carbohydrates is that those coming from whole grains are high in fiber. Most Americans don’t get the recommended daily amount of fiber, and increasing complex carbohydrate foods in the diet usually means an associated rise in fiber intake.

When shopping for complex carbohydrates, keep in mind that a good serving of whole grains will have at least 1 to 3 grams of fiber per serving. Look for breads, pastas, cereals and grains that meet that requirement. And when you buy pasta, make sure it’s either whole-wheat or whole-grain, Cole said.

Keeping carbohydrates to 45 to 65 percent of your total calories is a good way to divvy up nutrients. Make half your grains whole, and eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

Vegetables with Pasta Ingredients 1 cup uncooked whole-wheat pasta 16 ounces frozen mixed vegetables 1 tomato, chopped ¹/² teaspoon black pepper ¹/³ cup fat-free Italian salad dressing

Directions:

Foods that are high in complex carbohydrates—fresh fruits and vegetables and whole-grain breads, pastas and cereals—are often low in calories

Cook pasta according to package directions, and drain. Cook frozen vegetables according to package directions, and drain.

Mix cooked pasta and vegetables with tomato, pepper and dressing. Serve warm or cold.

Recipe courtesy of Virginia Cooperative Extension

Carbs at night myth debunked You can eat carbohydrates after 6 p.m.; just be sure not to overeat.

It’s over-consumption of food late in the day that is the likely cause of weight gain related to night-time eating.

“It’s not what you’re eating as much as it is how much you’re eating,” said Linda Jackson Cole, Virginia Cooperative Extension family and consumer sciences agent in Chesterfield County. “Even when you’re eating late-night snacks, you need to choose nutrient-rich foods.”

Cole suggests a small piece of fruit with a glass of skim milk or water. “Stay away from chips or candy,” she said.

26

Virginia Farm Bureau News

SaveOurFood.org

T Taste of Virginia

APPLES AND BRANDY LEND DISTINCTIVE ? FLAVOR TO THIS POTATO CHOWDER ?

The equation is simple.

“Bacon plus potatoes equals chowder,” said Chef John Maxwell.

“This soup is great for the cold weather.”

Apple and Potato Chowder INGREDIENTS

4 ounces bacon, diced 2 leeks, white part only, cleaned and sliced 5 cups tart apples such as Granny Smith, peeled, cored and chopped, plus half an apple, diced for garnish 6 cups chicken stock ¹⁄8 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or one cinnamon stick 2 cups potatoes, peeled and chopped 2 teaspoons apple brandy 1 cup heavy cream salt and white pepper to taste (optional) 2 tablespoons butter parsley for garnish PREPARATION

In a heavy-bottomed stock pot, cook the bacon until it is crispy and all fat has been rendered. Remove the bacon.

Look for a tart apple such as Granny Smith for this recipe.

Over medium heat, sauté the leeks in the bacon fat, covered, for 3 to 4 minutes. Toss in the chopped apples and cook, uncovered, for about 5 minutes, coating them well with the fat.

Pour in chicken stock, add cinnamon and potatoes, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 45 minutes.

Stir in brandy and cream, and season to taste. If using a cinnamon stick, remove it from soup.

Sauté the diced apple in butter and let pieces drain on paper towels until ready to serve. Ladle soup into bowls and top with apple and parsley. Good hot or chilled; serves 6.

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.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

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

march 2011

27

Volunteers planning to read in local schools for Ag Literacy Week At press time, volunteers from more than 50 county Farm Bureaus and other parts of Virginia’s agriculture community had made plans to read Agriculture in the Classroom’s book Ready, Set, GROW! and other ag-related books in local schools this month.

Their visits will mark AITC’s first Agriculture Literacy Week celebration, which will coincide with National Ag Week, March 13-19. Many county Farm Bureaus also purchased copies of Ready, Set, GROW! to donate to school libraries.

Among the volunteers will be Todd Haymore, Virginia’s secretary of agriculture and forestry; Gerard Robinson, state secretary of education; Matt Lohr, commissioner of agriculture and consumer

services; and Virginia Farm Bureau Federation President Wayne F. Pryor.

“It’s been so gratifying to see how Virginia’s agriculture community has embraced Agriculture Literacy Week,” said AITC director Karen Davis. “Our volunteers have never let us down, and the value of reading to children and making them aware of agriculture in their communities is not lost on these individuals.

“Reading to a child opens the door for conversations, and these volunteers are uniquely qualified to talk about Virginia agriculture.”

Information on how to order Ready, Set, GROW!! is available is the “Volunteers” section of AgInTheClass.org, along with 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 Dec. 1, 2010, and Jan. 31, 2011.

Leader Level ($1,000 to $9,999) • Chesterfield County Farm Bureau • Farm Credit of the Virginias • Nelson County Farm Bureau • Old Dominion Electric Cooperative • Prince William-Fairfax County Farm Bureau • Southwest District Women’s Committee

Ways your AITC donation makes a difference If you made a contribution to Agriculture in the Classroom last year, here are some of the activities and programs you helped fund.

• More than 1,350 teachers received training and materials from AITC between midJuly and Dec. 31, 2010; they have the potential to reach about 40,000 students.

Builder Level ($500 to $999) • Amherst County Farm Bureau • Gloucester-Mathews Farm Bureau • Greene County Farm Bureau • Houff’s Feed and Fertilizer

• AITC mailed 10,000 teacher newsletters about woolly animals—an opportunity to educate about animal care—to educators across the state last fall.

• Maryland and Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association Inc.

• AITC’s widely used Virginia agriculture map handout has been updated.

• Rockbridge County Farm Bureau

• New Sproutt magazines have been developed for elementary school students; they focus on agriculture careers, food crops that have been altered to meet consumer needs, and gardening.

• AITC developed a Farmer Ben activity book as a companion piece for Ready, Set, GROW! It is available to teachers and volunteers through the online store at AgInTheClass.org.

Thanks to donors’ generous support, AITC makes its workshops and materials available at no cost to teachers and school divisions statewide.

28

• Russell County Farm Bureau • Virginia Agribusiness Council 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.

Educators who participate in Agriculture in the Classroom workshops learn hands-on activities they can use in their classrooms.

Virginia Farm Bureau News

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.

Are your membership records current?

If you’ve moved or acquired a new telephone number, please call or visit your county Farm Bureau office to update your membership records.

E-mail addresses and cell phone numbers help your Farm Bureau agent reach you in instances where prompt communication is important.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

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. Each gives you the opportunity to also include your ad online in Farm Bureau's Member Marketplace. Online ads expire Dec. 31.

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.

march 2011

29

Member 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/ Marketplace.

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 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 *❑AdMay (mailed to producer members)

❑ Payment enclosed: $_______________ ❑ This is my one free 15-word ad for 2011 ❑ July (mailed to associate members) ❑ Please place my ad online in the Virginia Farm Bureau Member Marketplace (Ads expire Dec. 31). ❑ August (mailed to producer members) ❑ Please place my ad in The Delmarva Farmer for 4 weeks at no additional cost to me

30

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.

Young farmers focus on social media, on Down Home Virginia

Watch this!

To view Down Home Virginia, visit VaFarmBureau.org

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

For the third time in eight years a couple from Virginia has won a coveted American Farm Bureau award, this time for their use of social media to promote agriculture. Plus, a Rockingham County greenhouse operation is one of the top herb producers on the East Coast. Those stories and more will be featured in the March edition of Down Home Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s monthly cable and satellite television show.

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. march 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