FBN May 2014 by Virginia Farm Bureau

Virgnia VaFarmBureau.org

May 2014

Farm Bureau News

Ag and forestry export outlook still bright

Contents 15

Virgnia Farm Bureau News

Virginia farm exports set new record, opportunities grow

Annual exports of Virginia farm products have once again reached a record high. That was one of the success stories shared at the sixth annual Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade. 4

Lee County volunteers bring parts of their farms to local schools

Lee County Farm Bureau producer members marked Virginia’s Agriculture Literacy Week by visiting local schools with animals from their farms. 8

Helpline taking calls about Virginians’ wildlife concerns

The Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline, which opened last fall, has handled more than 2,000 calls from citizens with concerns about wild animals.

Departments 26

Have a Soup-er Year

Heart of the Home

Marketplace

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. Email 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.

Correction In producing a wine that will be labeled and marketed as a Virginia wine, the commonwealth’s farm wineries generally may use no more than 25 percent fruits, fruit juices or other agricultural products grown or produced outside Virginia. Incorrect information was published in the March issue of Virginia Farm Bureau News.

Volume 73, Number 3 May 2014

Member: Virginia Press Association

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

virginia farm bureau federation

8 publication schedule Producer members will receive their next issue of Virginia Farm Bureau News in June. The magazine is published six times a year.

On the Cover 15

A record $2.85 billion in Virginia agricultural and forestry products were exported last year.

Officers Wayne F. Pryor, President Scott E. Sink, Vice President Board of Directors director district Emily Edmondson 1 Richcard L. Sutherland 2 Evelyn H. Janney 3 Gordon R. Metz 4 Stephen L. Saufley 5 Peter A. Truban 6 Thomas E. Graves 7 H. Carl Tinder Sr. 8 William F. Osl Jr. 9 Robert J. Mills Jr. 10 J. M. Jenkins Jr. 11 W. Ellis Walton 12 M. L. Everett Jr. 13 David L. Hickman 14 Janice R. Burton * Nathan A. Aker **

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

Member participation contributes to Farm Bureau legislative successes

Farm Bureau producer members in Virginia can rest assured that their contact with state legislators made a difference this year in the General Assembly, which adjourned March 8 without passing a state budget. “Farm Bureau policy prevailed on a number of key issues this year,” said Martha Moore, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation vice president of governmental relations. “We determine our successes based on Farm Bureau policies and not based on the number of bills” that passed or failed. Moore noted that a record number of Action Alerts were sent out this year to ask members to contact legislators on various issues. Those issues included funding for the state’s Agriculture Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program and for operational support and technical assistance for soil and water conservation districts. Until the budget has been approved, Farm Bureau won’t know if it was successful on those issues, Moore said.

On-farm activities Farm Bureau was successful in getting amendments to the zoning code to even out the playing field when it comes to the state regulating on-farm activities. The new on-farm activities bill grants all farmers the same protections from local government controls as those given to Virginia farm wineries. It’s a protection that some have sought as interest has grown in buying food directly from local farms. “What it should mean to you as a farmer, regardless of the size of your operation, is VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation made a record number of requests for members to contact state legislators this past winter.

that you’re going to have a greater degree of flexibility in regards to local government on the types of activities that you’re going to be able to hold at your farm,” said Trey Davis, VFBF assistant director of governmental relations. “That includes agritourism activities, pick-your-own farms, roadside stands, corn mazes, as well as the sale of products that you may want to have on your farm, and the sale of items incidental to your farm.” Sponsored by Sen. Richard Stuart, R-Montross, and Del. Bobby Orrock, R-Thornburg, the on-farm activities bill was the product of more than a year of discussion by a working group assembled by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore. Farm Bureau was one of the interest groups participating in discussions. The working group was assembled after an attempt to

amend Virginia’s Right to Farm law failed in the 2013 General Assembly. “Our members felt the current Right to Farm law was serving the needs of production agriculture well, and there was no need to amend it,” Davis said. “But there was a consensus among the majority of participants of the working group to go forward with legislation to bring the rest of the industry up to the same protections that farm wineries already have, with the rationale being that if it’s good enough for one aspect of the agriculture industry, … then it would be good enough for producers. And that’s whether you’re farming on 10 acres or 10,000 acres.”

‘Navigable waters’ and other issues Farm Bureau also helped defeat legislation that would have taken away a landowner’s ability to shoot dogs that attack livestock. And the organization was successful in stopping a bill to define navigable waters under the Clean Water Act as intrastate waters including groundwater, ditches, culverts, pipes, desert washes, sheet flow, erosional features, farm and stock ponds and prior converted cropland. “We believe that federal CWA authority should be limited to navigable streams and waterways that have continuous flow,” Moore said. Other Farm Bureau successes included stopping an increase in the minimum wage and the passage of a bill to reorganize the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries to include more landowner representation. may 2014

Lee County volunteers bring parts of their farms to local schools Alexis Gibson remembers the first time there were farm animals at her school. That was last school year, and she admitted she was a little skittish. “I was kind of scared last year,” said the fifth-grader at Dryden Elementary School in Lee County, “but this year it’s been really good.” When the animals returned to her school during Virginia’s Agriculture Literacy Week, March 23-29, Alexis went eagerly to greet each of them. “I thought it was really cool for them to come back,” she said. “I really love animals.” Volunteers from Virginia Farm Bureau, county Farm Bureaus across the state and other members of Virginia’s agriculture community visited more than 1,500 classrooms in their communities during Agriculture Literacy Week. Many of them read and donated agriculture-related books and talked about what happens on local farms. In Lee County, the visiting lamb, goats, chickens, donkey and horse came to Dryden Elementary with volunteers from the Lee County Farm Bureau. “I love it. Kids love it. It’s such a great way to bring the farm life to the kids,” said Principal Mona Baker, whose school has 350 children enrolled in Head Start through fifth grade. “It’s amazing when you talk to the kids how many have not seen these animals and petted them [before]. They’ve seen pictures of them, but … any time you can have a hands-on experience, the students gain so much more from it.” Even the children who have worked with animals before said they loved the chance to see them at school. “I like goats, and I like animals a lot,” said first-grader Carrie Moore. “I’m already a kid farmer, and when I grow up I’ll still have a farm at my house.” 4

Virginia Farm Bureau News

photos debra mccown

By Debra McCown

Dryden Elementary School students listened attentively as Lee County Farm Bureau board member Greg Norris read an agriculture-themed book to them during Agriculture Literacy Week, March 23-29. Fourth-grader Gabe Pauley tried to capture the attention of Norris’ chicken, while other Dryden Elementary students were enthralled with Norris’ horse, Willy.

In a small auditorium where the program began, local farmer and Lee Farm Bureau board member Greg Norris read to rows of children. “Farming and ranching is a really neat occupation,” Norris said. “It’s extremely hard at times, and it’s very rewarding at times.” Lee Farm Bureau President Ann Slemp said that, even in a rural county where agriculture is a leading industry, many children have no exposure to farming or

experience with how food reaches their plates. “They know you can go to the store and get food,” she said. “but what fascinates them the most is that you can preserve it in glass jars.” Outside the school, some students rushed to touch the animals and then just as quickly rushed away. Others offered handfuls of grass, and some preferred to simply watch from a comfortable distance. One little girl sat down and began singing to the goats; a little boy decided to mimic the chickens, studying them at chicken-eye level. After all the children at Dryden had a chance to visit with the animals, the Farm Bureau volunteers moved on to St. Charles Elementary, an even smaller school where classes came out into the sun to see the animals in a grassy, fenced area. “I think it’s great,” said St. Charles librarian Roberta Gibbons, as children filed outside after story time. “We just thought it was a grand idea.” VaFarmBureau.org

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

may 2014

‘Farm use’ plates getting more scrutiny “Farm use” license plates are not always used legitimately. The Farm Use designation was created for farmers who use vehicles to transport livestock, farm produce or equipment. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles allows an exemption from registration for limited agricultural uses. Most farmers show this designation by using a special farm use tag for those vehicles. “This law was designed to help farmers who use vehicles infrequently—such as during harvest season—and shouldn’t have to pay the same fees as someone driving a vehicle every day as their primary transportation,” said Andrew Smith, senior assistant director of governmental relations for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “Farmers still pay regular registration fees for their personal vehicles. But some people tend to abuse this special exemption, and farmers get extra scrutiny because of it.” In 2010, the Virginia General Assembly tightened restrictions on farm use plates, limiting the designation to “pickup trucks, panel trucks, trailers, semitrailers, sport utility vehicles, and vehicles having a gross weight rating of more than 7,500 pounds.” Passenger cars are not allowed to use farm use plates anymore. “And the law is very specific about the purposes that qualify under the law,” Smith said. Those purposes include crossing a highway; operating along a highway for a distance of no more than 50 miles from one part of the owner’s land to another; taking the vehicle or attached

fixtures to and from a repair shop for repairs; operating along a highway to and from a landfill to dispose of garbage generated on a farm; or operating along a highway for no more than 50 miles for the purpose of obtaining supplies for agricultural or horticultural purposes, seeds, fertilizers, chemicals or animal feed. “If it’s for a legitimate use, you can take a farm use vehicle as far as 50 miles from the farm,” Smith said. “But it has to be for legitimate farm use.” For example, if a farmer used a farm use vehicle to go buy feed or seed but decided to stop at a fast food restaurant on the way home, he could be cited for violating the terms of the exemption from registration. Farm Bureau offers its members various resources to clarify what qualifies as “farm use.” On VaFarmBureau.org, under “Policy and Action,” click on the “Resource Library” link to access DMV farm vehicle information.

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In 2010, the Virginia General Assembly tightened the list of vehicles on which “farm use” plates can be used.

Virginia Farm Bureau News

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Virginia wine competition returning to 2014 State Fair Virginia wineries have been invited to submit wines for judging at the 2014 State Fair of Virginia commercial wine competition. “The State Fair’s annual wine competition has, in past years, generated considerable attention for winning wines and wineries, and rightfully so,” said Wayne F. Pryor, president of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, which owns the fair. “Virginia’s wine industry is a vibrant and important element of Virginia agriculture, and Virginia wines are enjoyed in many parts of the world. Bringing the competition back for the 2014 fair is a wonderful opportunity to showcase some remarkable products.”

The competition was last held in 2011. It previously drew more than 250 entries from wineries throughout the commonwealth. Judging will take place in June, and winning wines will be on display during the fair. All proceeds from the 2014 competition will benefit the fair’s scholarship program. “Revitalizing this competition is important, not only from an agricultural standpoint but also because it will help the State Fair continue to award more than $70,000 in scholarship funds each year,” said Jeff Dillon, the fair’s president. “Those scholarships reward young people for their dedication and achievement in State Fair livestock, science, technology and art competitions.”

Wines will be judged in June for the 2014 State Fair of Virginia commercial wine competition.

The equine and livestock area of The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County soon will have a permanent structure to house cattle during the State Fair of Virginia. During the remainder of the year, the 40,000-square-foot First Bank & Trust Livestock Pavilion will serve as a covered arena for horse shows, rodeos, canine agility competitions and other events. The livestock pavilion has been designed to complement existing buildings at The Meadow. State Fair President Jeff Dillon said it will be similar in style to the historic horse stall barns on the property. The building is expected to be completed in time for the 2014 State Fair, which will run Sept. 26 through Oct. 5. The building was approved by the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation board of directors at its Jan. 23 meeting, and a contract was signed with RGM Erectors Inc. of Wythe County. RGM was involved in construction of the Virginia Horse VirginiaFarmBureau.com

kathy dixon

New livestock building will benefit State Fair, other events

Cattle shown at this year’s State Fair of Virginia will be housed in a 40,000-square-foot building currently under construction.

Center in Lexington. First Bank & Trust Co. has secured naming rights for the building over the next decade. “Construction of the new First Bank & Trust Livestock Pavilion represents continued commitment to the State

Fair of Virginia by the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation,” which owns both the fair and The Meadow, Dillon said. "The pavilion will improve the fair experience for both exhibitors and fair patrons alike." may 2014

Viewing Virginia

Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline helping thousands of residents with wildlife issues so far

Concerns about deer, bears, raccoons, coyotes and skunks top the list of calls received by the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline, which opened last fall.

By Sara Owens The toll-free Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline officially opened on Sept. 23, 2013. The service was developed to address human-wildlife interactions by sharing science-based wildlife information with callers. It is a collaborative effort between the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services. “So far the helpline is doing really well, and a lot of people are using it to report issues,” said Jennifer Cromwell, assistant director of USDA Virginia Wildlife Services. “It’s had quite the success.” By publication deadline, about 2,300 calls had come in from 126 localities, concerning 90 different species. The top five reported species are deer, bears, raccoons, coyotes and skunks. “Calls have been pretty evenly spread across the state. It’s been great that we’re able to provide a consistent message to callers,” Cromwell said. “Consumers are able to call one number to report an issue, and then we can provide assistance with instructions to resolve the problem or direct them to a private pest control company or trapper if appropriate. We also try to give callers a lot of follow-up educational information.” This is the first time in Virginia that officials have been able to track information on where problems with wildlife are occurring and which species are causing an issue, said Glen Askins, regional terrestrial wildlife biologist manager for the state game department. Askins anticipates about 11,000 to 12,000 calls annually. “The helpline allows callers to receive current, technical information from trained professionals,” he said. “It takes some of the burden off of our staff who need to focus on wildlife and conservation work. It’s really a win-win for everyone.” Information gathered from helpline calls will allow the game department and USDA to better disseminate pertinent information. “In the past, callers have reported problems to USDA, Virginia Cooperative Extension, (VDGIF) and other organizations, and it has been hard to track,” Askins said. The Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline is available at 855-571-9003 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Callers can leave a message after hours, and calls will be returned in the order in which they are received. 8

Virginia Farm Bureau News

Grain-related survey highlights areas for improvement The findings of last summer’s Virginia Grain Production and Storage Survey highlight grain storage problems on farms in the commonwealth. “We were made aware by members that there was a lack of storage on farms for grains, particularly in the Shenandoah Valley,” said Jonah Bowles, senior agriculture market analyst for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “We wanted to find out how critical the situation is and whether it affects other parts of the state.” Virginia Tech created a survey related to grain production, storage and transportation. Questionnaires were made available to producers and merchandisers last summer. Survey findings were examined by Virginia Cooperative Extension, the Virginia Grain Producers Association and researchers at Virginia Tech. Participants returned 330 surveys and highlighted that producers in the Valley are storing and consuming more grain than they transport. “The findings showed which localities have the most problems,” Bowles said. “Virginia is a grain deficit state. It looks like we produce what we need, but due to transportation costs it is cheaper to import grains for the Northwest area of the state where it is needed, and export the grains from the Southeast where it is grown.” Bowles said it is important to understand the actual problem; Virginia does not have the transportation options needed to effectively get grains from one part of the state to the other. This year, survey creators will hold meetings to talk about grain storage solutions. “We’re looking at conducting meetings that will facilitate a solution,” Bowles said. “The Farm Service Agency is interested in giving out low-interest loans for those who need to invest in more grain storage for their operations, and they will help lead these meetings.” For more information, contact Bowles at 804-290-1117 or jonah.bowles@vafb.com.

VaFarmBureau.org

Young Farmers Summer Expo set for Aug. 1-3 The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers annual Summer Expo will take place Aug. 1-3 in Mecklenburg County. It is open to anyone age 18 to 35 and is geared toward people who support agriculture through production, education, promotion and leadership. Any young adult with an interest in agriculture is encouraged to attend. In addition to workshops, contests and networking activities, the event will include tours of the area with an emphasis on tobacco. Registration includes all program events and most meals. Participants are required to make and pay for their hotel arrangements and any optional tours. The final agenda and registration information should be available this month. For updated information, visit VaFarmBureau.org or VAFBYoungFarmers. com, email youngfarmers@vafb.com or call 804-290-1032.

Tobacco will be a focus of tours planned for the Young Farmers Summer Expo in Mecklenburg County.

Discussion Meet gives participants a diďŹ&#x20AC;erent view of Farm Bureau, agriculture The annual Young Farmers Discussion Meet competition will begin during the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Summer Expo. The competition is designed to build young adult membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ability to analyze agricultural issues and decide on solutions that best meet their collective needs. Participants are judged on their ability to listen, share insights, offer constructive criticism and lead the group toward consensus on agricultural issues. Discussion topics are determined each year by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The competition is open to Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18 and 35. Semifinals will be held Aug. 2 at the Young

Farmers Summer Expo. All cash prizes and incentives for competing at the Summer Expo are sponsored by the Virginia Farm Bureau GM Discount Program. The final round will be held in December at the VFBF Annual Convention in Hot Springs. The state-level winner will receive a John Deere Gator utility vehicle, sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co., and a travel package to the 2015 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention. The first runner-up also will receive a travel package to the AFBF convention. To enter the Discussion Meet, contact Ron Saacke at 804-290-1032 or ron.saacke@vafb.com.

National competition The American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet winner will receive a choice of a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado or 2015 GMC Sierra, courtesy of GM, as well as a travel package to the 2015 AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference. Three runners-up will receive a Case IH Farmall 55A tractor, courtesy of Case IH; a Stihl Farm Boss chain saw, courtesy of Stihl; and $2,500. *Note: All state and national prizes are subject to change and will be officially announced during or just prior to the annual competition. VirginiaFarmBureau.com

may 2014

afbf young farmers & ranchers leadership conference

Young farmers, ranchers hold national conference in Virginia Beach

american farm bureau federation

“All Hands on Deck” was the theme of the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference, held Feb. 7-10 in Virginia Beach. The event drew nearly 1,100 participants, with some traveling from Canada and Russia. More than 250 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers were in attendance, and the event was planned jointly by AFBF and the VFBF Young Farmers Committee. During the conference’s Saturday luncheon, Dr. David Kohl, president of AgriVisions LLC, told participants that young producers, women and minority farmers are the U.S. agriculture industry’s “new energy.” They’re also critical to the industry’s and their communities’ futures. “The best crop you will ever raise are your children or your grandchildren,” Kohl said, “or the kids next door.”

Applying age-old skills in a new world Kohl, who is a professor emeritus in Virginia Tech’s Agricultural and Applied Economics Department, counseled young producers and young farm families to avoid making economic decisions based on emotions, and to strive for modest family living, lifelong learning, teamwork and mental discipline. There are plenty of opportunities in farming to practice those skills, he said, citing the “old-timey work habits” of conference-goers’ parents and grandparents. “I am so tired of people being evaluated on (their) SATs,” Kohl added, drawing enthusiastic applause.

Weekend featured educational, social opportunities On the conference agenda were the annual AFBF Collegiate Discussion 10

Virginia Farm Bureau News

Producers 35 and younger from across the nation gathered in Virginia Beach for the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference. The event included a benefit raffle in which Brian Turner (below) of Rockingham County won a Polaris Ranger utility vehicle.

Meet; presentations on growing cash, navigating turbulent markets and solving problems creatively; a panel discussion on agricultural trade; and ample opportunities to network and socialize. A competitive cornhole tournament benefited the YF&R Harvest for All campaign that benefits hunger-relief organizations. Participants also had an opportunity to volunteer for a morning at the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. Six optional tours showcased different aspects of agriculture and agribusiness in Southeast Virginia. VaFarmBureau.org

afbf young farmers & ranchers leadership conference

Virginia panelist found ‘whole lot’ of leadership opportunities after Young Farmers Program Two former Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Program leaders spoke during a Leadership Conference panel discussion on “Finding Success After YF&R.” The discussion focused on identifying volunteer leadership opportunities after “aging out” of state Farm Bureaus’ young farmer programs, which typically serve members who are between 18 and 35. Among the panelists were VFBF Vice President Scott Sink of Blacksburg, a former Young Farmers Committee chairman, and Jonathan Cavin of Lee County, who also served on the Young Farmers Committee. Sink, 36, is a former Franklin County Farm Bureau president who has pursued agriculture enterprises in the Roanoke Valley. Many contacts and opportunities, he said, “came either directly or indirectly from Farm Bureau.” Sink said the VFBF Young Farmers Program affords critical skills: “just how to interact with people, how to run a meeting, how to cooperate.” Cavin, who is 35, said careful observation can reveal numerous opportunities to use skills honed in the Young Farmers Program. After a chairmanship or other prominent leadership term, “there’s always a time out there where those spots are not as easy to obtain;” however, “there are a whole lot of things (to do) in the background. You’re just not going to be the face like you’ve been.” But opportunities will arise, Cavin said. “There’ll be a phone call if somebody remembers you did this with honor and respect.” Upon reflection, he said, “I realized it wasn’t what I gave Farm Bureau; it was what Farm Bureau gave me—just an unreal networking program.” Consequently, he feels an obligation to support his county Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers Committee and the state-level program. “I need to make sure that I catch these kids in my community. … We’re still going to have to be the torchbearers for this program.”

Jonathan Cavin (left), a former Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Committee member, and VFBF Vice President Scott Sink (center) participated in a panel discussion on “Finding Success After YF&R.” VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Young farmers remain concerned about land availability Securing adequate land to grow crops and raise livestock remains the top challenge identified by participants in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual survey of participants in its Young Farmers & Ranchers program. That challenge was identified by 22 percent of respondents, followed by economic concerns, particularly profitability, which was identified by 15 percent of the respondents. Other issues ranked as top concerns included burdensome government regulations and red tape, 12 percent; availability of farm labor and related regulations, 9 percent; water availability and urbanization of farm land, 7 percent each; and health care availability and cost, 6 percent. Nevertheless, the 22nd annual YF&R survey revealed that 91 percent of participants are more optimistic about farming and ranching than they were five years ago. Ninety-three percent said they are better off than they were five years ago. Last year 83 percent reported being better off. More than 91 percent said they consider themselves lifetime farmers, while 88 percent would like their children to follow in their footsteps. Eighty-seven percent think that will be possible. The majority of those surveyed— 69 percent—consider communicating with consumers a formal part of their jobs. Seventy-four percent use Facebook, 22 percent use Twitter, 16 percent have a farm blog or website and 13 percent use YouTube to post videos of their farms and ranches. When asked about their rural entrepreneurship efforts, 40 percent of participants said they had started a new business in the past three years or plan to start one in the near future.

may 2014

2014 Women’s Conference

Awareness, communicating— ‘That’s our job,’ women told at conference

dd ore than 280 Virginia farm women focused on the importance of agriculture and ways they can share that information during the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Conference March 21-23 in Norfolk. “If you eat, wear clothes or live in a house, agribusiness is your business,” said Dr. Dixie Dalton, director of Southside Virginia Community College’s agribusiness program. “We’re talking about an industry that has more jobs every year than qualified graduates who can fill them.” Dalton, who led a workshop titled “Agribusiness is Everybody’s Business,” told conference participants that 20 percent of Virginia’s economic output and 20 percent of its jobs come from agriculture and associated businesses. “I call it the 2-20-100,” Dalton said. “Two percent of our population farm, 20 percent of Virginians are involved in agriculture and 100 percent of them eat.” And that, she said, is why everyone needs to be aware of agriculture’s importance. “That’s our job,” said Janice Burton, chairman of the VFBF Women’s Committee. “The purpose of the Women’s Program is to promote agriculture and educate our communities on the importance of the agriculture industry.” In another workshop, participants learned how they can plan for the future of their farms. “You have to think about where your operations are going to be in five to 10 years and who will take them over,” said Stephanie Kitchen, coordinator of the Certified Farm Seekers Program to help link beginning farmers with

Virginia Farm Bureau News

photos by kathy dixon

Susan Threewitts (left) and Lauren Arbogast (right) of the Rockingham County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee accepted the Outstanding Women’s Activity Award from Janice Burton, chairman of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Committee.

landowners and to help families who want to transition their farms to family members. The program was started by VFBF Young Farmers in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Farmland Preservation. For farm families who plan to pass their operations to children or grandchildren, it’s important to have a plan in place, Kitchen said. And because people have different ways of communicating, it’s

important to figure out the best way to broach the subject of transitioning the farm. Kitchen gave workshop attendees a quiz to determine their communications styles and encouraged them to take extra worksheets home to share with other family members. She also encouraged them to visit vafarmlink.org for more information on farm planning and the farm seekers program.

VaFarmBureau.org

2014 Women’s Conference

Farm Bureau women raise nearly $39,000 for Agriculture in the Classroom Virginia’s Agriculture in the Classroom received a tremendous amount of support from participants at the 2014 Women’s Conference—$38,919, to be exact. County Farm Bureau women’s committees donated $32,367, and a silent auction and “blingo” game raised $6,248. Blingo is a variation of bingo in which players win “bling,” or flashy jewelry, clothing and other prizes. “The women’s committees never cease to amaze me,” said Karen Davis, executive director of the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. “Each year they raise an incredible amount of money at their state conference. The AITC staff and board are very grateful for all they do to enable us to provide free training and educational resources to Virginia teachers and students.”

Farm. They milk about 130 registered Holsteins, and grow 150 acres of corn and 150 acres of hay. She taught at Roanoke High School for 34 years, and when she retired in 1995 she was able to participate more fully on the farm. “I have always kept the books and particularly the taxes, but now I keep the books monthly, run errands, help whenever I’m needed and work closely with an accountant at the end of each year,” Henderson said. The Hendersons host adult and school tours of their farm as well as picnics for their local FFA chapter each year. Henderson serves as the treasurer of the Botetourt County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee and has been a member of the Botetourt County Extension Leadership Council for the past two years. Additionally, she is a member of the Botetourt Town and Country Women’s Club, the Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition and the Botetourt Prevention Planning Team. She serves on the Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare board of directors and the Botetourt County Social Services board as well. She is a trustee at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Daleville.

Conference participants browsed silent auction items before placing bids that helped raise more than $6,000.

Botetourt County producer named VFBF 2014 Farm Woman of the Year Donna Henderson of Botetourt County was named Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s 2014 Farm Woman of the Year during the VFBF Women’s Conference in Norfolk. Judging for the designation is based on participants’ contributions to family, home, farm business, community and Farm Bureau. Henderson and her husband, Jerry, operate a 400-cow dairy called Cave Hill VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Farm Woman of the Year Donna Henderson

Henderson received $500 from the Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.

Tazewell County woman named Farm Bureau Ambassador Taylor Matney of Tazewell County was named the 2014 Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador on March 22. Matney will receive a $3,000 scholarship from Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and the organization’s Women’s Committee. Runner-up Nicole Stump of Giles County received $500 from the Women’s Committee.

Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador Taylor Matney

As Farm Bureau Ambassador, Matney will make public appearances and serve as an advocate for agriculture and Farm Bureau. “My grandfather once said, ‘Once in your life you need a doctor, a lawyer, a policeman or a preacher, but every day, three times a day, you need a farmer.’” It’s that message that she wants to spread as Farm Bureau ambassador. “Agriculture is what I know and love and I want to share that passion with others.” Matney is the fifth generation to work on her family’s beef cattle and sheep operation. She helps shear sheep, is involved with lambing and calving and also grooms, feeds and exercises the family’s horses. The Richlands High School senior serves as the school’s FFA chapter president and is vice president of the Tazewell County 4-H youth council. She works part time for a local veterinarian and plans to pursue a career as a vet. may 2014

2014 Women’s Conference

County committees recognized for community ag education Community outreach and educational programs helped county Farm Bureau women’s committees win awards during this year’s Women’s Conference. Winners of the district and state Outstanding Women’s Activity Award were announced, as was the winner of the Chairman’s Award for the most innovative committee. The awards recognize excellence among activities that promote agriculture, educate people on the importance of the industry and partner with communities.

Capital District The Powhatan County Women’s Committee partnered with local businesses and artisans for Powhatan’s Festival of Fiber that celebrated local and regional fiber animals, artisans and farms.

Central District The Louisa County Women’s Committee held a farm safety accident prevention event in conjunction with Virginia Cooperative Extension. More than 80 youth and 60 adults learned about animal, crop protection and machinery safety.

Eastern District The King William County Women’s Committee partnered with their school district and local businesses for an agriculture literacy event during which teachers received agriculture-related educational materials.

Midwest District The Floyd County Women’s Committee partnered with local businesses and organizations to showcase past and present agriculture during the county fair.

Northern District The Shenandoah County Women’s Committee hosted agriculture-related children’s activities at the Woodstock Farmers’ Market every Saturday during the summer and fall.

Southeast District The Greensville County Women’s Committee participated in a farmers’ 14

Virginia Farm Bureau News

County Farm Bureau-nominated finalists for Farm Woman of the Year were (from left) Susan Threewitts of Rockingham County, Torri Wray of Greensville County, honoree Donna Henderson of Botetourt County and Susie Shiflett of Augusta County.

market public outreach event to help educate people about the wide variety of local foods grown in the county.

organizations to identify agricultural resources within the county.

Southside District

The Rockingham County Women’s Committee held a Farming in the City program introducing pre-kindergarten through fourth grade and special education students to farm animals, chores and machinery. The program emphasized how food gets from farms to the children’s plates.

The Pittsylvania County Women’s Committee operated livestock and gardening stations for more than 1,400 fourth-graders during two days of agricultural education. The livestock station educated children about the many products made from animals, and the gardening station demonstrated the growth cycle of pumpkins.

Southwest District The Wythe County Women’s Committee held a program in conjunction with local businesses and other

Valley District — State winner

Chairman’s Award The Prince William-Fairfax County Women’s Committee asked county residents to judge agriculture and home products at the local fair. This gave citizens a better understanding of agriculture and farm products. VaFarmBureau.org

Va. farm exports break records, provide opportunities By Kathy Dixon Gov. Terry McAuliffe said a top priority this year is to make Virginia the East Coast capital for agriculture and forestry exports. McAuliffe made that statement shortly before announcing that in 2013 Virginia once again set a record for agricultural and forestry exports. He spoke March 6 at the sixth annual Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade in Richmond. “Virginia set a record in 2013 with $2.85 billion in agriculture and forestry exports,” McAuliffe said. That’s an 8 percent increase over the record $2.61 billion in 2012. “My goal for next year is $3 billion.” American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman said he had heard Virginia’s 2012 export numbers at the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference in Virginia Beach in February and “was blown away by the numbers.” Stallman, who also spoke at the conference, said U.S. agricultural exports set a record of $141.1 billion in 2013. U.S. Department of Agriculture Chief Economist Joe Glauber announced in February that the department’s estimates for U.S. ag exports this year are a new record of $142.6 billion. “So we have reason for optimism about the future, both nationwide and here in Virginia,” Stallman said.

Trade with Japan set to grow

an important way to further deepen U.S.Japan agricultural trade relations,” he said.

Governor vows to make Va. No. 1 McAuliffe said Virginia is the 4th largest agricultural exporter on the East Coast, “but I believe we can be No. 1.” The governor said he would call on anyone— “ambassadors, kings, queens, whoever I need to call to make it happen.” The top 2013 agricultural and forestry product exports from Virginia included soybeans, soy meal and soybean oil; lumber and logs; unmanufactured leaf tobacco; wheat, corn, barley and other grains; animal feed; pork; poultry; seafood and other marine products; processed foods and beverages, including wine; wood pellets; animal fats and oils; raw peanuts; and cotton. The commonwealth’s top three export markets in 2013 were China and Canada, both filling the same two spots as in 2012, and Switzerland, which was ranked fourth in 2012. China imported more than $580 million in export agricultural

purchases, while Canada exported just over $259 million. Switzerland imported more than $190 million in goods from Virginia in 2013. Virginia’s other top export markets include: Russia, $117 million; Indonesia, $110 million; Vietnam, $83 million; Saudi Arabia $80 million; Egypt, $79 million; Venezuela, $76 million; Taiwan $75 million; United Kingdom, $69 million; Poland, $56 million; Turkey, $48 million; Mexico, $45 million; Morocco, $45 million; Ireland, $44 million; Italy, $41 million; Netherlands, $40 million; Malaysia, $39 million; and Cuba, $38 million. “We are the envy of so many other ag-producing states,” McAuliffe said. Conference sponsors were BB&T, First Bank & Trust Co., Monsanto, Smithfield, Universal Leaf Tobacco Co. Inc., the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, the Virginia Port Authority, Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and Wells Fargo.

Virginia’s top three export markets for farm and forestry products in 2013 were China, Canada and Switzerland.

McAuliffe expressed his optimism about Virginia’s trade with foreign countries, most notably Japan, which recently joined the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Other countries involved in those trade talks with the United States include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. Japanese Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae told trade conference attendees he’s “looking forward to trade relations between Virginia and Japan becoming stronger once two things happen.” One is the expansion of the Panama Canal, and the second is completion of the TPP. “On top of building a fair and meaningful trading system for the 21st century, the Trans-Pacific Partnership provides VirginiaFarmBureau.com

may 2014

Va. farm exports

Negotiators note challenges, potential benefits of ag trade talks Officials from the United States, the European Union and Vietnam readily acknowledged that free trade agreements are not without challenges. But they also noted the many reasons to keep pursuing those agreements. Talks related to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership being negotiated between the United States and the EU are “surging ahead but still in their early stages,” said Darci Vetter, deputy undersecretary of agriculture for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm & Foreign Agricultural Services. Vetter said the TTIP is needed because “clearly U.S. exports to the EU are not keeping pace with (this country’s) EU imports or EU economic growth around the world.” Among barriers to agriculture facets of the TTIP, she said, are nations’ differing stands on genetically modified food crops and tariffs in EU countries on meats, dairy products, rice and processed foods. “There’s no denying that these talks will be difficult,” Vetter said, but she also cited common ground that can provide a starting point for negotiation. One example, she said, is a commitment to food safety. “It’s clear that (the United

States and the EU) are both achieving a high standard, and we need to find a way to recognize those standards and move forward. … There are real opportunities for a win-win agreement between us.” EU Agriculture Counselor Giulio Menato noted that the EU and the United States already have reached agreements such as equivalencies between their standards for organic foods. “It’s difficult stuff, … but we did it,” Menato said. “If it is organic in the U.S., it is organic in Europe.” Wendy Cutler, acting deputy U.S. trade representative, and Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong of Vietnam spoke on ongoing talks for the Trans-Pacific Partnership among Australia, Brunei, Chile, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam. Nguyen noted that there were only three free trade agreements among Asian economies in 2000. In 2012 there were 47, with 84 others under negotiation. The United States has free trade agreements with Korea, Singapore and Australia only, and the U.S. share of exports to the AsiaPacific region has declined by more than 40 percent in the past decade.

“We think that the United States should be a part, a strong part, and a partner in the region,” he said. Vietnam has a population of 90 million and has had normalized trade relations with the United States for 10 years, Nguyen noted, adding that the country’s imports of U.S. agricultural products and agricultural machinery has grown by 230 percent in the past five years. Imported farm commodities include soybeans, wheat, pork and beef, “and many of those are from the state of Virginia.” He added that Gov. Terry McAuliffe has been invited to lead a trade mission to Vietnam. Cutler said the TPP “is what we call a 21st century deal” that addresses not only nations’ needed and available products, but also issues related to labor, intellectual property, the environment, tariffs, and trade barriers that have more to do with politics than with the goods being traded. They are not all resolved easily, she noted, “and it’s not unusual for the hardest issues to be left until the end.”

Globalization encompasses future agriculture exports Smithfield Foods Inc. CEO Larry Pope told participants in the Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade that in the past 16 days he had used both “Ni hao” and “Konnichiwa,” the Chinese and Japanese words for “Hello.” “You should know what these words mean, because that’s the way the world is going,” said Pope, who spoke on “Globalization: The Importance of Trade to U.S. Agriculture” on March 6. Smithfield is now the largest hog processor in the world thanks to a May 2013 merger with WH Group Ltd., the majority shareholder

Virginia Farm Bureau News

of China’s largest publicly traded meat products company, Henan Shuanghui Investment & Development Co. “Twelve months ago I had no idea that I would be a board member of a Hong Kongbased company,” Pope said, adding that the merger has taught him how important U.S. agriculture is in the world market. The merger has been a positive for American farmers and U.S. agriculture, he said. “We will become part of an enterprise that shares our belief in global opportunities and our commitment to the highest standards of product safety and quality.”

Exports have become an important part of American agriculture, and “everyone in the world respects” American agricultural products, Pope said. American agricultural production is the inverse of everything else going on in the world. “Jobs are going to other countries, and you can’t find anything in your house that’s made in America. But look in your refrigerators,” Pope said. “America is leaps and bounds above other countries’ agriculture production. The future profitability of our agriculture is tied to how well we do in the export business.”

VaFarmBureau.org

Va. farm exports

Virginia’s top ag export markets ($ million)

China . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $580

Canada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $259 Switzerland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $190 Russia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $117 Indonesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $110 Vietnam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $83 Saudi Arabia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $80 Egypt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79 Venezuela . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $76 Taiwan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75 United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . $69 Poland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $56 Turkey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $48 Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45 Morocco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45 Ireland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $44 Italy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $41 Netherlands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40 Malaysia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39 Cuba. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $38

Virginia’s top agricultural exports Soybeans, soy meal Wood products (logs, lumber, veneer, etc.) Poultry Leaf tobacco Soybean oil Grains (wheat, corn, barley, etc.) Pork Animal feed Processed foods and beverages Animal fats and oils Wood pellets Cotton Seafood Raw peanuts VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who spoke March 6 at the Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade, said Virginia is “the envy of so many other ag-producing states.” may 2014

Members always save on Grainger purchases Whether you need specialty products or just the right tool for a specific job, you can put your Virginia Farm Bureau membership to work and save 10 percent on all purchases from Grainger. The discount applies at Grainger retail locations, online at grainger. com and when ordering from the Grainger catalog. Farm Bureau members’ online purchases also qualify for free shipping. Grainger serves 2 million customers from North American manufacturing, commercial, government, transportation and

contractor markets and offers a wide variety of inventory management and online purchasing solutions. To use your Farm Bureau discount, you’ll need your Farm Bureau membership number, which is on your membership card, and the Virginia Farm Bureau Grainger discount code, available from your county Farm Bureau. Grainger can apply your Farm Bureau discount to an existing Grainger account, so you automatically save every time you buy.

Medical alert benefit now available for cell phone use Help is always within reach for Virginia Farm Bureau members who use the Member’s Medical Alert program. The service makes it easy for members or their loved ones to summon assistance to their homes in an emergency. LifeStation maintains a state-of-the-art, 24-hour call center with care specialists users can reach via a tabletop console or a help button that can be mounted on a wall, worn around the neck or wrist or clipped to a belt.

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

First Bank & Trust Company Agricultural Lending Division For more information visit our website. www.firstbank.com VIRGINIA: Abingdon l Bridgewater l Bristol l Christiansburg l Harrisonburg l Lebanon Lynchburg l Norton l Staunton l Verona l Waynesboro l Winchester l Wise l Wytheville TENNESSEE: Bristol l Gray l Johnson City l Kingsport

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Member FDIC

VaFarmBureau.org

Snapshot of Virginia agriculture emerges from preliminary census data Preliminary findings from the 2012 U.S. Census of Agriculture were released Feb. 20, and Virginia came out looking pretty good in some respects. The survey found that, in contrast to surrounding states, the amount of land in farms in Virginia increased by more than 229,000 acres, to a total of 8.33 million acres. The average farm size also grew by 10 acres, to 181 acres. “Based on the preliminary report, we noticed that any Virginia farm that has 100 acres or more increased in size in 2012,” said Herman Ellison, Virginia statistician for the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. “The other category we can look at is farms by economic class. (In 2012), farms that generated $50,000 in income or more also increased in number, while our (smaller) farms generating less than

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

$50,000 a year decreased” from 41,645 in 2007 to 39,113 in 2012.” It’s hard to draw strong conclusions from the preliminary report, Ellison said; the full census report was scheduled to be released early this month. But he noted that 2012 was a year with record prices for grain farmers. “That’s when we had high grain prices for corn, soybeans and wheat. This is also the year there was a major drought in the Midwest grain areas. Our corn yields didn’t do so well, but we had a record year for soybean production.” Timing might have been everything when it came to the larger numbers for Virginia farmland, said Dr. Gordon Groover, an associate professor in Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. He speculated that higher grain prices

going into 2012 might have led some farmers to convert pastures and hay land to crop production, especially in Southside Virginia. As for farms getting larger, that’s a long-term trend he wasn’t surprised to see continue. “If capital inputs like tractors, buildings and land prices have increased in costs, the one way for farmers to stay current is to expand production and reduce the fixed cost per unit of production,” Groover said. Among general trends in the preliminary census report, the average age of a Virginia farmer crept up again, from 58 to 59. The number of Virginia farmers dropped from 47,383 in 2007 to 46,036 in 2012, and the number of female farmers declined from 7,846 in 2007 to 7,653 in 2012.

may 2014

When behind the wheel, make driving your No. 1 priority April has been designated Distracted Driving Awareness Month in Virginia. Virginia Farm Bureau has partnered with Drive Smart Virginia to raise awareness of distracted driving’s possible consequences. Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger and bystander safety. Eight out of 10 traffic crashes in Virginia are related to a distracted driving incident. In 2012, 3,328 people nationwide were killed in crashes caused by a distracted driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. An estimated 421,000 people were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.

Eliminating those distracting behaviors can help drivers focus on their speed, rules of the road and the traffic around them, said Janet Brooking, executive director of Drive Smart Virginia. “An average text message takes nearly five seconds, which means your eyes can be off the road for the entire length of a football field. If you are updating your Facebook status or posting a picture on Instagram, it could take even longer,” Brooking said. “Even just talking on your cell phone is distracting and reduces your brain activity associated with driving by 37 percent.”

Put devices, diversions out of reach

As of July 1, 2013, Virginia has a primary texting and driving law. Any driver who uses his or her phone to manually enter multiple letters or text in an effort to communicate with another person is guilty of texting and driving. It’s also illegal to read any email or text message. A fine for a first offense is $125. A second or subsequent offense carries a $250 fine. Drivers under the age of 18 and school bus drivers are prohibited from using hand-held or hands-free cell phones. The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration has banned hand-held cell phone use while driving a vehicle that requires a commercial driver’s license; the use of hands-free devices is still permitted. “These days we rely on our phones for so much more than just talking,” Brooking said. “Cell phones are an important part of our daily communication. But when you’re driving, they should be out of sight, out of mind. Anyone who says they can multi-task behind the wheel is fooling themselves.” For more information, visit DriveSmartVa.org.

Avoid eating and drinking while driving. Set your GPS, radio or iPod before you start your vehicle; and turn off your phone or put it out of reach if necessary.

No-texting law in effect since last July

Stay focused—no matter what you’re driving Eliminating distractions is at least as important when operating farm equipment— on or off the road—as it is when out for a drive. • Don’t reach for things like food or a drink while operating equipment. • Better yet, avoid eating, drinking or smoking while operating equipment. • Pull over before checking GPS and mobile devices for directions. • Turn off cell phones, or put them in the glove box before operating equipment if you find the temptation to check them too challenging.

Need a refresher course? Virginia offers Driver Improvement Program In Virginia, a vehicle crash occurs every three minutes. The odds are one in four that you will be involved in a crash during your lifetime. To reduce those odds, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles has created the Driver Improvement Program, which rewards safe drivers and warns potentially unsafe ones. Driver improvement clinics offer defensive driving techniques that can help you avoid and prevent crashes. The eight-hour classroom sessions cost no more than $100 and are offered at sites around the state as well as online. Participants may be awarded five safe driving points once every 24 months after successfully completing a driver improvement clinic. To find out more, visit dmv.virginia. gov/drivers.

A text can take only five seconds to read, but how far are you likely to drive in those five seconds? 20

Virginia Farm Bureau News

VaFarmBureau.org

Use animal attractions to share fun and information—not injuries or illness Producers who welcome field trip groups and the public to petting zoos and other animal attractions on their farm have specific health and safety issues that should be addressed before the school buses arrive. “Animal exhibit activities are a valuable educational tool, but it is very important that proper safety procedures be in place to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved,” said Scott DeNoon, agricultural underwriting specialist for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. The following are some safety guidelines for animal exhibit attractions:

›

The animals available for viewing or petting should be docile (e.g. sheep, calves, chicks, rabbits) and of appropriate size for young children.

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The animals should be clean, healthy and current on all vaccinations.

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The viewing or petting area should be clean and free of trash and debris.

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The animals should be separated from visitors with a fence or pen, and visitors must not be permitted to interact with the animals inside the fence or pen.

›

Items such as food, drinks, bottles and pacifiers must not be permitted in the viewing or petting area.

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Signs must be posted in the viewing or petting area informing guests of the rules for interacting with and feeding animals.

›

Adequate hand washing facilities with soap, running water, hand sanitizer and paper towels must be present in the viewing or petting area, along with signs advising all visitors to wash or sanitize their hands before leaving the area.

›

All visitors must be supervised while in the viewing or petting area.

›

There must be a first aid kit in the viewing or petting area.

Farm Bureau members in Virginia who offer animal interaction activities on their farms should consult with their insurance agents to ensure that proper coverage is in place for the activity. Farm Bureau can provide assistance to members from insurance and safety standpoints. “We welcome the opportunity to help design a safe and educational activity for your operation,” DeNoon said.

morgan barker

Hand-cleaning facilities are key, DeNoon said. “Visitors must have access to proper hand washing stations and be advised of the importance of washing their hands before leaving the area where the animals are located. This practice will prevent the spread of germs and harmful bacteria from animals to people.”

Animals at petting zoos and other attractions should be separated from visitors with a fence or other enclosure.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

may 2014

Va. Farm Bureau News archived online Through a partnership with the Library of Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation has been able to make back issues of its producer member publication, Virginia Farm Bureau News, available online as part of the Virginia Newspaper Project. Issues of Farm Bureau News from February 1941 through January 2000 are available at no cost with all images and search capability at digitalvirginianewspapers.com and a link on the front of the VFBF website at VaFarmBureau.org. Recent issues of Farm Bureau News and Cultivate magazine can be viewed online at issuu.com. Current-month issues also can be viewed via a link in the “News & Video” section of VaFarmBureau.org.

TO BROWSE ARCHIVED ISSUES 1. Go to digitalvirgnianewspapers.com, either directly or via a link on the front page of VaFarmBureau.org. 2. On the right side of the screen, under “Browse the Collection,” click on the link to “Browse by title.” 3. In the list of newspaper titles, click on “Virginia Farm Bureau News.” 4. Select a specific issue from the table in which they are organized by year. 5. Right-clicking on a specific newspaper page will give you the option of creating and saving a .pdf of that page, or of viewing only the text from that page.

The Virginia Farm Bureau Story also available online The Virginia Farm Bureau Story: Growth of a Grassroots Organization by J. Hiram Zigler is among books in the online collection of the Virginia Beach Public Library. The 221-page volume, which was published in 1982, can be viewed at archive.org/details/virginiafarmbure00zigl. Virginia Farm Bureau Federation has begun work on a second history that will pick up where Zigler’s book concluded.

Virginia Farm Bureau News

VaFarmBureau.org

Looking for simple explanations about health care reform? Wait, wait, stop right now. You’re throwing way too much information at me. Tell me where I can find an expert that tells me exactly what I need to know—and only that.

Not since the federal government was about to hit its debt ceiling in late February has a subject been as thoroughly explained yet misunderstood as the Affordable Care Act. Maybe the problem is that, with so many experts explaining, people don’t know which one to listen to. So here is Virginia Farm Bureau Health Care Consultants’ attempt to explain the explainers.

Farm Bureau can do that. Any member service specialist or office lead and health sales specialist in a county Farm Bureau office can help you address specific aspects of the health care law.

What is the one thing I should read about the Affordable Care Act to understand what the heck is going on?

Do you like quizzes?

That's a tough one. The reason everyone has such a hard time explaining the ACA is that it is a very complex law, with many different pieces that affect people in different ways. However, there are a few sources that tried to illuminate all:

• The Washington Post made a 2-minute video. • The White House tried to boil everything down to 214 words. • The Kaiser Family Foundation made a 7-minute video (Super long), but with cartoons (That’s better).

• Slate website brought together a former White House policy

Want to know how the Medicaid expansion will affect state budgets? The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has data and charts at cbpp.org about how state finances will stand after offering Medicaid to thousands of uninsured residents.

The Kaiser Family Foundation has a health care reform quiz on its website that will tell you how much you know (or don't know) about the Affordable Care Act. Visit kff.org/quiz/health-reform-quiz.

Do you want to know what everyone else is asking about the Affordable Care Act? Insurance provider Anthem has answers to the top 10 questions they get asked at anthem.com. Of course, you can always call or visit your county Farm Bureau office. Our staff can help ensure you have the answers you need before open enrollment starts again in November.

adviser and a Brookings Institute source to explain the law. Teamwork!

Leah Gustafson is a marketing specialist for Experient Health.

“...with so many experts explaining, people don’t know which one to listen to.”

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

may 2014

AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM www.agintheclass.org

Rockingham County woman earns national Excellence in Teaching honor Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year Lauren Arbogast of Rockingham County is one of five recipients of the National Agriculture in the Classroom organization’s 2014 Excellence in Teaching Award. The award program recognizes educators for Lauren Arbogast their successful efforts in teaching agricultural concepts. Recipients receive a $500 honorarium and funds to travel to the annual National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the National Agriculture in the Classroom Consortium. Arbogast teaches preschool at W. H. Keister Elementary School in Harrisonburg. She introduces agricultural facts in her classroom throughout the school year and established a Farming in the City Day at the school to increase student awareness of agriculture. Arbogast and her husband, Brian, and their two sons live on a multi-generational farm where they raise beef cattle, poultry and crops. She blogs at paintthetownag.com.

She is a member of the Rockingham County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee and a participant in the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Program. “We are proud of Lauren for her outstanding accomplishment. This award is the highest honor for teachers through the National Agriculture in the Classroom Consortium,” said Tammy Maxey, Virginia AITC senior education program coordinator. “This is the first year that Virginia (AITC) has recognized a Teacher of the Year, and we felt strongly that Lauren had the qualifications and passion for agriculture that made her stand out among her peers.”

Hogs bring home the bacon in March Madness fundraiser Fans of Virginia’s pork industry made the largest collective contribution during Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom’s second annual Agriculture March Madness fundraiser. In contributing $5,715, they will help to put more than 800 agriculture books in classrooms across the commonwealth. Visitors to AgInTheClass.org this past winter had the opportunity to donate $10 or more and cast a vote in support of one of eight Virginia farm commodities. Poultry and beef were tough competitors. To recognize their efforts, AITC will make all three commodities a focus of its 2014-2015 curriculum. For more information on how to support AITC, contact Parke Sterling, development coordinator, at 804-290-1144 or parke. sterling@vafb.com.

AITC supporters In addition to many individuals who contributed, these organizations made contributions of $500 or more to the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom between Feb. 12 and April 7. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Albemarle County Farm Bureau Appomattox County Farm Bureau Women's Committee Birdsong Peanuts Botetourt County Farm Bureau Women's Committee Brunswick County Farm Bureau Women's Committee Carroll County Farm Bureau Women's Committee Charles City-James City-New Kent-York County Farm Bureau Charlotte County Farm Bureau Women's Committee Chesterfield County Farm Bureau Chesterfield County Farm Bureau Women's Committee Colonial Agricultural Educational Foundation Inc. Elis Olson Memorial Foundation Fauquier County Farm Bureau Floyd County Farm Bureau Women's Committee Grayson County Farm Bureau Women's Committee Greene County Farm Bureau Women's Committee Halifax County Farm Bureau Women's Committee Hanover County Farm Bureau James River Equipment Inc. Lee County Farm Bureau Middlesex County Farm Bureau Murphy-Brown Nottoway County Farm Bureau Women's Committee Patrick County Farm Bureau, Inc. Powhatan County Farm Bureau Women's Committee Smyth County Farm Bureau Women Committee Southampton County Farm Bureau Women's Committee Southern States Cooperative Inc. Tazewell County Farm Bureau Women's Committee Virginia Crop Production Association Inc. Virginia Pork Industry Board Washington County Farm Bureau Women's Committee

Honey bee fund and SNAP at farmers’ markets featured on Real Virginia in May.

Watch this! To view RealVirginia, visit VaFarmBureau.org.

Virginia Farm Bureau News

Virginians are being encouraged to raise more honey bees, and the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is being welcomed at more and more farmers’ markets. Real Virginia also will introduce its new host for “Heart of the Home” recipes. Real Virginia is Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program that airs nationwide at 3:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month on RFD-TV on Dish Network and DirecTV in the Voices of Agriculture time slot. It also airs weekly on WVPT Harrisonburg, WBRA Roanoke, WCVE Richmond, WHRO Norfolk, WVVA Bluefield and WTKR Norfolk, as well as on 40 cable systems across the state. It’s available online at VaFarmBureau.org. Check local television listings, or visit VaFarmBureau.org for a list of participating stations.

VaFarmBureau.org

Lilacs not blooming? See if they get enough light Lilacs in bloom are a lush, purple spot on a home landscape, but if your lilac bush didn’t bloom this year, horticulturalist Mark Viette of Viette Nurseries in Augusta County has a solution. “Over time other trees and plants may have grown up around your lilac shrub and are not allowing enough light to reach it,” Viette said. “It’s important to make sure your shrub is getting all-day sun or at least sun from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.” Pruning is a good way to get light to your lilac. “March is the ideal time to prune, but really any time in the late winter, before the lilac flowers and while the shrub has no leaves will work,” Viette said. “You also can wait until a little flowering and prune it sometime in April or May.” You don’t have to dramatically cut the bush, he said. Just thin out the old growth.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

“You want to semi-rejuvenate your lilac. Thin it out every year by removing two out of every 10 branches or about 20 percent of the branches.” You also can cut the entire shrub to the ground, he said, and it should grow back nicely in about two-and-a-half years. When pruning, focus on the older branches, so your shrub is always producing new ones. It keeps the lilac looking young and fresh. Use a small pruning saw or even shears to prune. Pruning out older growth has an additional benefit if you like to bring cut lilac blossoms indoors. New growth will give you longer, more slender stems for cutting.

Lilacs need sun for most of the day to ensure optimal blooms.

may 2014

Have a Soup-er Year

Spring fruits and veggies make good soups May is the month for asparagus, fresh herbs and strawberries in Virginia. One way to celebrate warm spring days and seasonal foods is with a creamy or cool soup. The window of opportunity for local asparagus is limited, so eat it while you can. According to the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board, the spears are “one of the most nutritionally well-balanced vegetables in existence.” Asparagus is full of vitamins and minerals, and one serving provides 60 percent of the recommended daily allowance for folacin, which is necessary for blood cell formation and prevention of liver disease. The thin green stalks are extremely low in calories and are a good source of potassium and fiber.

By Memorial Day weekend, strawberries typically have reddened up everywhere in Virginia. High in vitamin C, manganese, potassium and vitamin K, these tasty fruits can be made into cool, soothing soups (or salsas, or smoothies). Ounce for ounce, strawberries have more vitamin C punch than their citrus fruit counterparts. In fact, just eight berries deliver 130 percent of the recommended daily allowance. According to the American Cancer Society, foods rich in Vitamin C may lower the risk of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Strawberries also can help lower blood pressure, keep digestion regular and curb overeating since they contain 13 percent of the recommended daily allowance of dietary fiber. And a cup of strawberries has just 50 calories.

Cream of Asparagus Soup INGREDIENTS

2 pounds fresh asparagus, washed and tough ends removed 1 large onion, chopped 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 5 to 6 cups chicken broth ½ cup crème fraîche or heavy cream ¼ teaspoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste DIRECTIONS Cut tips from 12 asparagus stalks about 1½˝ from the top, and halve the tips lengthwise if they are thick. Reserve for garnish. Cut all remaining asparagus into ½˝ pieces. In heavy 4-quart pan over moderately low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and cook the onion, stirring until softened. Add the asparagus pieces and salt and pepper to taste, then cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Add 5 cups broth, and simmer, covered, until the asparagus is very tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. While the soup simmers, cook reserved asparagus tips in boiling salted water until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes, then drain. Carefully purée the soup in batches in a blender, or use an immersion blender, until smooth. Stir in the crème fraîche, then add more broth to thin the soup to the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Bring soup to a boil, and whisk in the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add lemon juice and garnish with asparagus tips.

Source: Cullipher Farm Market, Virginia Beach

Fresh dill or asparagus tips make attractive garnishes for asparagus soups.

Virginia Farm Bureau News

VaFarmBureau.org

Have a Soup-er Year

Chilled Strawberry Soup INGREDIENTS

1½ cups sliced strawberries ¾ cup sour cream ¾ cup heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons orange juice 2 tablespoons honey 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh mint 1 cup sliced strawberries for garnish DIRECTIONS In a food processor or blender, combine the strawberries, sour cream, heavy cream, orange juice and honey. Whirl until smooth. Stir in the mint. Taste for sweetness, adding more honey if needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Place in cold soup bowls, and top with strawberry slices and chopped mint.

Source: Chef John Maxwell, formerly of Virginia Farm Bureau’s television program Real Virginia

Cool strawberry soups offer a sweet finish to many spring menus.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

march 2014

Heart of the Home

Fish tacos work swimmingly for entertaining These tilapia tacos are a healthy version of traditional fried fish tacos. “They’re made with farm-raised tilapia from Virginia, which is a lean, healthy fish,” said cookbook author Kendra Bailey Morris. She cautioned not to marinate the fish more than 15 minutes in the lime juice, or it will start to cook and turn it into ceviche. The crema can be made in advance. Morris suggested setting up a buffet-style taco bar so people can assemble their own meals.

Tilapia Tacos with Lime Crema and Avocado INGREDIENTS

1 pound tilapia filets 1 lime, divided ¼ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon chili powder 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for sautéing salt and pepper to taste ½ small head of green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more for garnish if desired 16 small corn tortillas, warmed Lime Crema (recipe follows) avocado, sliced Mexican-style hot sauce, optional

DIRECTIONS Place the fish in a baking dish, and squeeze juice from half a lime over it. Add the garlic powder, cumin, chili powder and vegetable oil. Season with salt and pepper, and turn the fish in the marinade until evenly coated. Refrigerate and let marinate at for 15 minutes. While fish marinates, make the slaw. In a medium bowl, combine the cabbage and cilantro and drizzle with a little lime juice. Season with salt and pepper, and set aside. Preheat a large sauté pan to mediumhigh. Remove the fish from the marinade. Add a little vegetable oil to the pan, and when it shimmers, add the fish. Cook the fish on one side until almost done and opaque. Flip the fish over, and continue cooking on the other side. Remove fish and shred into pieces.

Make each taco by stacking two warm corn tortillas. Add the cabbage, top with fish pieces and avocado slices, and drizzle with the crema. Garnish with additional cilantro.

Lime Crema INGREDIENTS

½ cup sour cream Juice of half a lime 1 teaspoon lime zest salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS

In a small bowl, mix all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

kathy dixon

Set out taco fixings buffet-style so people can prepare their meals just the way they like them.

Virginia Farm Bureau News

VaFarmBureau.org

Heart of the Home

Welcome spring—at last—with asparagus pasta dish This easy pasta dish “just breathes spring to me,” said cookbook author Kendra Bailey Morris. It features Virginia-grown asparagus, thyme and goat cheese. When purchasing asparagus, Morris recommended, look for tips that are tight and closed, which indicates freshness. When putting together this dish, be sure to cook both the pasta and asparagus al dente, since they will continue cooking for a few minutes while all the other ingredients are mixed together. “You can serve this warm or chilled as a pasta salad,” Morris said. “The key is not overcooking everything.”

Farfalle with Roasted Asparagus and Goat Cheese INGREDIENTS

1 pound dried farfalle (bowtie) or penne pasta 1 pound slender asparagus spears, trimmed and then cut into 1-1½˝ pieces 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus ¼ cup Kosher or sea salt and ground pepper to taste 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest 8-ounce log fresh goat cheese, brought to room temperature

DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 400°. Cook farfalle in a large pot of salted water. Remove the pasta when it is just al dente, about 2-3 minutes. Drain the pasta well, reserving one cup of the pasta water, and set aside. Drizzle it with a little extra virgin olive oil if it starts to stick together. In a large sheet pan, toss the asparagus pieces with the two tablespoons of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place asparagus on the center rack of the oven and roast 6-8 minutes or until slightly charred and caramelized. Set aside. Preheat a large sauté pan to medium, and add the remaining ¼ cup olive oil, thyme and lemon zest and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the goat cheese, asparagus and pasta. Add enough pasta water to make a thick sauce (about ¼ cup or less) and season with salt and pepper.

Al dente? In recipes, the term al dente describes pasta, rice or vegetables cooked to the point of remaining firm when bitten. Its literal translation from Italian is “to the tooth.”

kathy dixon

Serve this spring-y pasta salad warm or chilled.

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

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Kendra Bailey Morris appears each month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program, courtesy of Virginia Grown, a program of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Morris is an author and culinary instructor whose work appears in Better Homes and Gardens, Food Republic, Virginia Living, Chile Pepper and other publications and is a former food columnist for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Her blog is at fatbackandfoiegras.blogspot.com. may 2014

Marketplace CROPS SUNSHINE PLANT FARM – New varieties in vegetables perennials annuals, bigger brighter blooms, lowest prices. 540-872-3407. DEER AND RABBIT REPELLENT – $12.95 makes 10 gallons. Safe effective long lasting, guaranteed. 540-464-1969. We are a U-pickem blueberry farm in the Hillsville, Va. area, 1,000 plants, 5 varieties, call 276-739-4047 for hours of operations and current pricing or go to www.deerhavenblueberrypatch.com for information.

FARM EQUIPMENT

933C CATERPILLAR – Loader dozer, 6,300 hours in good condition, near Lynchburg, Va. area, $18,000. 443-928-4728. MANURE SPREADER – H&S Model 80, PTO, includes rear trip pan, $2,000. Excellent used. Chesterfield. 804-335-5344. FRONT END LOADER – 600 down Ford tractor, sandblasted, painted, new hydraulic hoses, $600. 540-651-8414. BRI-MAR – Dump trailer 7000 GVWR electric brakes, tandem axles, bed 6x10, $3,100. 804-633-5973. BED SHAPER – Also installs plastic irrigation line and landscape fabric $2,800. 540-878-6054.

LS MONTANA TRACTORS – Sales, parts, service, affordable tractors, Dublin, Va. 540-674-8108. Farmer owned.

TRACTOR – 1958 Int. 300 utility, 2-point disk plow, disk, mower 3-pt. converter bush hog rake, $8,000. 540-357-3640.

BUSH HOG – Bush Hog brand, 15-ft., $5,000. 804-633-5973.

JOHN DEERE – 6400 2WD, cab tractor with mower 1987, 4,643 hours, good condition, Lynchburg area. 443-928-4728.

WOOD CHIPPER – OLATHE 3-pt. commercial model, $1,600. Call 540-943-6234 and leave message.

1971 – GMC 5500 12-ft. dump body, bad transmission $600. Tandem axle drying trailers. 757-630-8550.

FOR SALE – John Deere 450B bulldozer $8,500, many new parts. 434-392-3401. SPECIALIZING – In drip irrigation for over 27 years. Drip tape, garden irrigation kits, biodegradable plastic mulch, equipment, bee supplies, fertilizers, deer repellent, greenhouse irrigation, etc. Free catalog. 434-374-5555. USED – Poultry house equipment for four pullet houses, call with your needs. 804-380-3478.

HAY AND STRAW ORCHARD GRASS – Hay for sale, near Lynchburg, Va. $4 per square bale. Call 443-928-4728.

LIVESTOCK REGISTERED – Black TWH 16-h, age 10, excellent field trial or trail horse, great disposition $2,250. 540-763-2376. ANGUS BULLS – Calving ease, semen tested, excellent bloodlines. Reasonably priced, good selection, delivery available. C-Stock Farm, Scottsville. Day 434-2862743, after 7 p.m. 434-981-1397 or 434-286-2423.

TEXAS LONGHORNS – Registered breeding stock and steers available. www. lakecountrylonghorns.com. 757-377-5660. BOER GOATS – Purebred year old does, registered. 540-955-0374. ANGUS HEIFERS – Ready, breed May. Registered Angus bull, 3-yrs. (ObjectiveExpectation) delivery available. 757-871-0626, 757-565-0248. HORSE BOARDING – Individual care to self care, small farm in Fairfield, retired horses welcome. 540-348-6209. REGISTERED – Black Angus seed stock; fall born; bulls and heifers; AI sire. Sammy Smith 434-664-8767. CHAROLAIS BULLS – High quality and easy calving, veterinarian owned. $1,200 to $2,200. Abingdon, Va. 276-628-9543. TWO TRAIL HORSES – For sale, excellent, registered. Both 19-yrs. old, 15.5-HH. You transport, $1,500 each. 540-977-6840.

2014 magazine classified ad schedule and policies Members of Virginia Farm Bureau will receive one free 15-word classified ad per membership per year in Virginia Farm Bureau News, which is mailed to producer members, or in Cultivate, which is mailed to associate members. Ads of 16 to 30 words must be accompanied by payment of $20. Any additional ads placed by members in the same calendar year must be accompanied by payment of $10 for 15 words or fewer, or $20 for 16 to 30 words. Ads submitted without payment will be returned. We do not invoice for classified ads or provide proofs or tearsheets. Ads with more than 30 words and ads from nonmembers will not be accepted. Use the form in the January 2014 issue of Virginia Farm Bureau News or the online form at VaFarmBureau.org/marketplace to place your ad. No ads or cancellations will be taken by phone. Ads will be accepted only from members whose membership is current.

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).

Farm Bureau needs your updated contact information, including e-mail Are your membership records current? If you’ve moved, acquired a new telephone number, or changed your name or email address, it’s important that your new information is reflected in your membership and insurance records. Email addresses and cell phone numbers help your Farm Bureau agent reach you in instances where prompt communication is important.

Virginia Farm Bureau News

If you need to update your records, email your current contact information to membership@vafb.com, and our staff will handle the update. You’re also welcome to call or visit your county Farm Bureau office to update your records.

VaFarmBureau.org

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.

• 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

Step 3

Or place it via the Virginia Farm Bureau website at VaFarmBureau.org/Marketplace.

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

Deadlines

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.

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.

Ads and cancellations must be received (not mailed) by the following deadlines: Issue Deadline Mailed to producer members August July 3 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; dues must be paid before placing ad.

NAME: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MEMBER NO.: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ COUNTY: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Category in which ad should run (select only one): ❑ Crops ❑ Farm Equipment ❑ Hay/Straw

CITY: ______________________________________________________ STATE: ________________________________ ZIP: ___________________

❑ Livestock

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

❑ Livestock Equipment

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

No other categories available

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

ISSUE IN WHICH AD SHOULD RUN: ❑ July (mailed to associate members) ❑ August (mailed to producer members)

* Ad placement available for these issues only VirginiaFarmBureau.com

❑ This is my one free 15-word ad for 2014 ❑ Payment enclosed: $ _______________ ❑ Please place my ad in The Delmarva Farmer for 4 weeks at no additional cost to me. Your ad will automatically be included in the online VFB Marketplace for free (Ads expire with membership).

may 2014

Financing Country Living Since 1916 The Experts in Rural Finance Homes • Land • Construction • Livestock Barns • Outbuildings • Equipment

800-919-FARM (3276) www.FarmCredit.com