FBN May 2015

Farm Bureau News

MAY 2015 | VAFARMBUREAU.ORG

Export boom: Ag trade ‘a dynamite industry’

The Voice of Virginia’s Agriculture Producers

Farm Bureau News

Volume 74, Number 3 May 2015

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Features 16

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KATHY DIXON

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).

“ I have five trade missions scheduled

Trade conference featured news of record-high exports

for the rest of this

The Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade included news about Virginia’s ag exports and insights from U.S. trade insiders and diplomats.

year. No reason it shouldn’t be six.”

Legislators who farm help educate their colleagues

— GOV. TERRY MCAULIFFE, on promoting Virginia products internationally

More than half a dozen members of the Virginia House of Delegates are farmers. They’re frequently asked for their perspective on ag-related bills

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

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

Disaster planning can offer peace of mind

In a severe winter storm, hurricane, extended power outage or other disaster, having a plan ready can help save animals.

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

Departments 6 Viewing Virginia 21

For Your Benefit

26

A Pie for Every Season

28

Heart of the Home

30

Marketplace

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE

ON THE COVER

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

Exports of Virginia farm and forest products increased 14 percent in 2014.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Officers Wayne F. Pryor, President Scott E. Sink, Vice President

Board of Directors DIRECTOR

DISTRICT COUNTY

Emily Edmondson 1 Tazewell Richard L. Sutherland 2 Grayson Evelyn H. Janney 3 Floyd Gordon R. Metz 4 Henry Stephen L. Saufley 5 Rockingham Peter A. Truban 6 Shenandoah Thomas E. Graves 7 Orange Leigh H. Pemberton 8 Hanover William F. Osl Jr. 9 Cumberland Robert J. Mills Jr. 10 Pittsylvania J. M. Jenkins Jr. 11 Lunenburg W. Ellis Walton 12 Middlesex M. L. Everett Jr. 13 Southampton David L. Hickman 14 Accomack Janice R. Burton * Halifax Grant A. Coffee ** Lunenburg *Women’s Committee Chairman **Young Farmers Committee Chairman

Save the Date!

8,039 Tons of commercial wine grapes harvested in Virginia vineyards in 2014. That yield was 17 percent larger than the 2013 harvest and second only to the 2009 harvest of more than 8,600 tons. Virginia is ranked fifth nationwide for number of wineries and for wine grape production.

The Young Farmers Summer Expo, which changes locations each year, will be on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

Young Farmers Summer Expo scheduled for July 24-26 The annual Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Summer Expo will take place July 24-26 on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

The event hotel will be in Exmore, in Northampton County, with tours and activities taking place up and down the Eastern Shore.

For more information, visit VAFBYoungFarmers.com.

VaFarmBureau.org / MAY 2015

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2015 VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY: Grassroots participation crucial to Farm Bureau’s legislative success Producer members’ responses to action alerts, participation in Legislative Day and willingness to call and email their state senators and delegates all contributed to Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s successes in the General Assembly this year.

Those actions “have all contributed to our ability to help educate our legislators about issues of importance to Virginia farmers,” said Martha Moore, VFBF vice president of governmental relations. “Farm Bureau policies prevailed on 37 of 38 policy issues.”

State budget Regarding budget issues, Farm Bureau was pleased with an additional $10.7 million in fiscal-year 2016 for agricultural best management practices, which help farmers pay for environmental improvements to their farms. “This is level funding so that we continue the progress that is being made with farmers and local soil and water conservation districts,” Moore said.

The full $190,000 was restored for the Virginia Department of Agriculture

Cooperative Coyote Control Program, which is important because coyotes cause significant damage for Virginia livestock operations. U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services provided coyote control services to 195 livestock farms in 53 counties in 2014. During that time, 285 sheep, 81 calves and 32 goats were verified killed by coyotes on those farms.

The General Assembly restored funding for the commodity checkoff programs: $75,637 for fiscal-year

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Biosolids, uninspected meat and milk Other successes of note include defeating legislation that would ban the application of biosolids in several counties, and the defeat of bills that would have allowed for the sale of uninspected meat and raw milk.

“We appreciate everyone’s specific efforts in contacting legislators and members of the critical legislative committees to help them understand the impacts of these actions on dairy and livestock farmers,” Moore said.

Eminent domain clarification Another important piece of legislation that Farm Bureau supported was a bill that clarified lost profits for landowners who have experienced an eminent domain taking by a public utility. The bill stated that lost profits are recoverable in both partial and total takings cases. The Virginia Department of Transportation had interpreted the lost profit Members’ efforts at the state capitol helped support Farm Bureau statute to mean that lost priorities during this year’s General Assembly. profits are recoverable in partial takings cases only.

“This legislation clearly defines 2015 and $65,234 for fiscal-year 2016, lost profits so there is no more as well as restoration of funds taken confusion,” Moore said. last year. “This is important because “All in all, it was another checkoff funds help farmers and other successful year, thanks to the stakeholders pool together to develop support of our members and promotional programs that improve many of our legislators as well.” their bottom lines,” Moore said.

Delegates who farm help educate their nonfarming colleagues Legislative support of agricultural issues is an important function of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, and it helps that more than half a dozen Virginia delegates are farmers themselves.

These delegates say their experience in the industry helps them understand the issues that are so critical to farmers.

“Until it is your blood, sweat, tears and money, you do not fully understand the situation of a farmer,” said Del. Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach, who has been a hog and grain producer and forest owner since 1975. “This is why we have citizen legislators, so they can have day-today experience as citizens and not politicians.”

Knight, who has been a member of the General Assembly since 2009 and also serves as Virginia Beach Farm Bureau’s vice president, said Farm Bureau provides a strong voice to help bridge the gap between farmers and legislators without farming backgrounds.

Del. Robert Bloxom, R-Mappsville, an aquaculturist on the Eastern Shore, said assembly members with agricultural experience are sought out by other legislators for information regarding bills that would affect farmers.

“Other legislators look to us for answers, which is good, because if they seek information elsewhere, that source may not have the farmers’ interest at heart,” said Bloxom, who has raised oysters and clams for about 20 years.

Del. James Edmunds, R-Halifax, agreed, saying colleagues without an agricultural background “lean upon those of us that do to explain how certain issues will affect our rural lifestyles.” Edmunds operates a Halifax County beef cattle, grain and tree farm and has served in the legislature for six years.

VaFarmBureau.org / MAY 2015

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Viewing Virginia

Virginia’s 2014 peanut yield set national record Virginia broke national records with a peanut yield of 4,350 pounds per acre, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Growers credit the extremely high yields to improved seed varieties, longer rotations and good growing conditions. The 2014 national average was a yield of 3,932 pounds per acre.

Peanuts are grown commercially in 15 states. The Virginia-type peanut is prized for its exceptional taste, texture and larger size.

Southeastern Virginia boasts the ideal climate and soil conditions

for peanut production, and peanutproducing localities include Dinwiddie, Greensville, Isle of Wight, Prince George, Southampton, Surry and Sussex counties and the city of Suffolk. Specialty food companies across the state produce many peanut-based edibles.

Virginia is home to nearly 175 peanut growers. According to NASS data, those growers harvested 19,000 acres with more than 82 million pounds of production in 2014. Peanuts are ranked 16th among the state’s top 20 agricultural commodities in terms of cash receipts.

Poultry farms taking steps to prevent avian influenza Virginia officials have urged commercial poultry growers and backyard flock owners to observe strict biosecurity measures in light of avian influenza outbreaks in the Pacific Northwest, California and Midwestern states.

The H5N2 strain of the virus has been diagnosed in those parts of the country since December 2014, raising concerns that it will reach poultry on the East Coast. It appears to be spread by wild waterfowl.

Virginia experienced a major avian flu outbreak in 2002 and an isolated incident on one farm in 2007.

Earlier this month, State Veterinarian Dr. Richard Wilkes advised poultry farm operators to keep unnecessary visitors off their farms. Family members, veterinarians and individuals providing services or delivering supplies should wash and disinfect footwear, vehicle tires and any equipment that enters and exits poultry houses. Wilkes also urged poultry farmers to avoid mingling with 6

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

residents of other poultry farms and to prevent exposure of their birds to wild waterfowl.

The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, the state’s largest farmers’ advocacy group, has instructed its employees to avoid unnecessary visits to poultry farms if at all possible and to conduct business with poultry growers at alternate locations.

In a March 23 phone conference with farmers on the VFBF Poultry Advisory Committee, Dr. Charles Broaddus of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Veterinary Services said the virus diagnosed elsewhere in the United States “has not caused any human health concerns.”

Broaddus noted that the virus thrives in cool, wet conditions, though “we’ve had AI in the summertime too” in Virginia. It is “probable,” he said, “that we will see the disease on the East Coast at some time.”

So far it has affected commercial turkey flocks and backyard poultry.

New law opens door for hemp research in Virginia A crop that was grown in the early years of the Virginia colony could be returning to farm fields in a few years.

On March 16 Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed a bill that authorizes Virginia Tech and Virginia State University to grow industrial hemp for research purposes. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will issue the growing licenses. The law goes into effect July 1.

Hemp was once so valuable a crop that it was one of 100 plants members of the Virginia Company were ordered to grow in 1619. It was used to make rope, fabric and paper. Industrial hemp was grown in the United States until 1945. In 1970 all forms of the cannabis plant were banned under the Controlled Substances Act. “We support the research of any new crops for our farmers, including industrial hemp,” said Lindsay Reames, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation assistant director of governmental relations. “The growth of industrial hemp for research was permitted by the 2014 Farm Bill. Legislation needed to be passed in Virginia to allow for its growth within the state.”

The universities’ research will be conducted in conjunction with the network of Virginia Cooperative Extension agricultural research centers.

Hemp seed oil has the potential to be an alternative energy source and an ingredient in pharmaceuticals, as well as a cooking oil. Hemp fiber is used in clothing, rope, construction materials and carpet and in the automobile industry.

Viewing Virginia

Farmers: Closing elk hunting would put farms, drivers at risk A proposal by the Virginia Board of Game and Inland Fisheries to close the elk hunting season in 31 counties west of the Blue Ridge is cause for concern among farmers.

The public can submit comments about the proposal through May 22 at dgif.virginia.gov. A final decision will be made June 2.

In 2012, the game department re-established about 75 elk in Buchanan County, and elk hunting was prohibited in Buchanan, Dickenson and Wise counties. Closing the elk season west of the Blue Ridge would add those counties to the state’s Elk Management Area.

“I’m distressed to see this proposal,” said Emily Edmondson, a Tazewell County cattle producer and member of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation board of directors. She represents Farm Bureau producer members in Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Tazewell and Wise counties on the board.

“The damage elk can do to crops and fences and infrastructure on farms is concerning to me,” Edmondson said.

“The diseases that they carry can affect our livestock and cattle populations too.”

Chronic wasting disease, tuberculosis and brucellosis are among diseases that can accompany a re-established elk population.

Edmondson said she understands that Buchanan County wanted elk and respects their decision, but she noted that the animals could have an impact on surrounding counties that did not want them reintroduced.

“This proposal is in effect saying, ‘We

One concern about a growing elk population is the potential for injuries and vehicle damage in collisions.

don’t care what you say. We aren’t going to allow you to hunt elk.’ The elk are going to breed and grow, and essentially we won’t be able to do anything about it. I object to this.”

Edmondson said she also is concerned about the potential for driver injuries and vehicle damage due to collisions with elk on roadways.

Currently hunters with a valid deer tag may hunt elk anywhere in the state except in the Elk Management Area. That hunting policy was established primarily to limit the risk of reintroduced

elk—or deer—transmitting diseases to agricultural livestock and the whitetailed deer population.

Change would affect 31 counties Counties that would become part of the Elk Management Area are Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Bland, Botetourt, Carroll, Clarke, Craig, Floyd, Frederick, Giles, Grayson, Highland, Lee, Montgomery, Page, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Russell, Scott, Shenandoah, Smyth, Tazewell, Warren, Washington, and Wythe.

VaFarmBureau.org / MAY 2015

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Livestock disaster plans can offer peace of mind Resources are available to help you get started

BY KATHY DIXON

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

KATHY DIXON

T

his past February, Wise County cattleman Danny Cantrell lost 13 calves, and his partner lost 10. The culprit: 20-plus inches of snow combined with 20-below temperatures at night.

“I typically bring cows to the barn to calve when the weather is extremely cold, but my plans didn’t work this time,” Cantrell recalled. “I took my Ranger out to get calves and got stuck in the snow, so I couldn’t bring them to the barn to warm up.

“I usually check my heifers every four hours, and I tried to keep up with all of them. I didn’t go to bed for those couple of days, but I couldn’t save them all.”

Cantrell breeds his beef cattle so that they calve in February, when temperatures normally average 50 degrees during the day and drop into the 20s at night. But this year, about 10 inches of snow fell on Feb. 12. Then on Feb. 14 another big snowstorm hit.

His cows started calving Feb. 16, and by Feb. 18 temperatures had plummeted, turning much of the snow into ice. In his 30 years of farming, “this has never happened before,” Cantrell said.

His plan for the future is that when it’s calving time, he will move all of his herd into or near the barn if the forecast is comparable to this year’s.

Having a plan for severe weather can help ensure that even the newest animals in a herd survive.

Better to have a plan and not need it No livestock farmer expects to face a natural disaster, but they all should be prepared—just in case.

“Lots of farmers probably have this information in their heads, but it’s best to have a written plan in place,” said Tony Banks, co-chairman of the Virginia State Animal Response Team and assistant director of commodity marketing for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “It’s a lot easier to do it ahead of time than to try and deal with it when your animals—or you—are in distress.”

Animal emergency plans are simply checklists that are prepared ahead of time. “Get all your ducks in a row for

the plan, but hope that you never have to use it,” Banks said.

There are quite a few scenarios that might require an emergency plan. Winter storms can leave cattle stranded without access to food or safe water. Heavy snowfall can cause the roof of a barn to collapse, injuring or killing the animals inside.

In the summer, storms can cause flooding that leaves livestock stranded.

Lightning could strike a back-up generator in a poultry or hog house, leaving the animals without a cooling system.

“The reason to have a plan for handling livestock or poultry during an emergency is to minimize potential losses and to get the operation fully

functioning as soon as possible,” Banks said.

He said a plan can be as basic or as detailed as farmers want it to be, but every plan should include the following elements: • emergency contact numbers for: - your veterinarian - the state veterinary office hotline - Virginia Department of Environmental Quality - an excavator or contractor who has been consulted ahead of time - a trucking company to haul carcasses, if necessary - an electrical contractor in case you lose power to animal shelters - a landfill or renderer that will accept dead animals • a two-week supply of animal feed • a transportable water tank • an adequate carbon source for composting • portable fence panels or other temporary fencing • a designated burial site on your farm that’s been approved by the DEQ That type of emergency plan is effective for both weather-related and disease-related emergencies, Banks said.

If you need help making an animal emergency plan, talk with your veterinarian or Virginia Cooperative Extension agent. There also are online resources available, including the following: • U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Library— awic.nal.usda.gov/farm-animals/ disaster-planning; and • Iowa State University’s Center for Food Security & Public Health —prep4agthreats.org/Assets/ Factsheets/livestock-emergencypreparedness-plan.pdf.

Predetermined evacuation plans and an evacuation kit can help if a disaster necessitates moving your animals.

✓ Livestock checklist ■ Horses’ and livestock animals’ size necessitate special shelter and transport arrangements, so planning for emergency situations is “imperative,” according to the Center for Food Security & Public Health at Iowa State University. The center offers the following checklist for livestock producers:

• Determine the hazards and risks for your area and animals.

• Maintain an inventory of all animals on your farm.

• Have identification such as ear tags or tattoos for all animals.

• Identify alternate water or power sources.

• Make evacuation arrangements.

• Establish escape routes to safe

locations, and keep animals away from barns in flood situations or under trees in severe thunderstorms.

• Establish a safe environment for

animals by removing dead trees or debris, and assess the stability and safety of barns and other structures.

• Prepare an evacuation kit that

includes handling equipment, water, feed, medications, sanitation tools and safety and emergency items for vehicles and trailers.

VaFarmBureau.org / MAY 2015

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2015 Young Farmers Expo

Young Farmers Winter Expo Young farmers race to agriculture’s roots in Southwest Virginia

BY SARA OWENS

Following a late-February snowstorm, nearly 150 people made their way to the annual Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Winter Expo, which was held Feb. 27 through March 1 in Bristol.

During the event, speakers addressed farm transitioning and financial planning, fencing laws, Virginia Beef Quality Assurance, diversified production marketing and the Certified Farm Seekers program.

Participants had the opportunity to tour Food City’s Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee distribution facility, Southern States’ fertilizer plant and area cattle farms.

The conference theme was “Racing to the Roots of Agriculture,” fitting as participants toured and attended a reception at the Bristol Motor Speedway, but also because tobacco is at the root of Virginia agriculture and burley tobacco is grown primarily in the southwestern part of the state.

Several expo participants continue their families’ tradition of growing tobacco and see it as an important crop for Virginia still.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Three Virginia farmers recognized as outstanding farm employees Glenn Chappell III of Dinwiddie County, Aaron Crowgey of Wythe County and Roger Scott of Culpeper County have been named this year’s Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Outstanding Young Farm Employees.

The three were honored Feb. 28 at the Young Farmers Winter Expo.

The award program recognizes young farm employees’ dedication to the farms where they work and is based on nominations from employers, friends, family or business acquaintances.

Chappell manages his family’s Dinwiddie County row crop operation, growing small grains and overseeing all aspects of the farm, including a small herd of cattle. After the unexpected death of his grandfather, he made a career change to help his family through a difficult time.

He has become a fantastic farm operator, family members say, and he is dedicated to building on the foundation laid by his grandfather.

“We are extremely proud of the way Glenn stepped up in a time of need and continues to make a mark on the farm,” said Chappell’s mother, Kay Chappell, who nominated him for the recognition.

Crowgey runs all aspects of a dairy and the sheep portion of a Wythe County farm that pasture-feeds milk cows and runs on a 10-month milking cycle. He operates and maintains all equipment for feed crops and farm management, pasture management and herd rotations, among other duties.

“Working closely with his father and grandfather on the farm, he strives to combine their wisdom with his new ideas and energy,” said Nate Aker, immediate past chairman of the VFBF Young Farmers Committee, who

nominated Crowgey.

Scott is farm manager for the Smith Family Farm Partnership in Madison County and also rents land on which he grows hay and raises cattle. He was nominated for his efforts to increase production and reduce expenses of the commercial Angus calves sold by the operation and to find new ways to market the calves.

“He lives on the farm and never considers a time clock,” said Bob Williamson, a Farm Bureau member who nominated Scott. “He is always the ultimate steward of the land, and his No. 1 priority is the welfare of the cattle.”

Each winner received a certificate, a $150 prize courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. and a travel package to the Winter Expo.

Tobacco remains a significant crop in Southwest and Southside Virginia.

2015 Young Farmers Expo

“Virginia was built on tobacco, and I see it as a viable crop for the foreseeable future,” said Jonathan Cavin of Lee County. Cavin has a 50-acre burley tobacco operation and also grows vegetables and raises beef cattle.

His great-great-great-grandfather started growing tobacco after the Great Depression. “It is what we have all been taught to do,” Cavin said. “It has always been a viable option and the most economical crop for our farm.”

Tobacco helped Cavin purchase a vehicle at the age of 16.

“My dad gave me the opportunity to start raising tobacco on my own to earn extra money,” he said. “I bought myself a brand-new truck.”

Cavin said the coming years will be tough for tobacco producers, but the return per acre still makes it a great crop.

“There was a 40-million-pound surplus of tobacco last year, so tobacco companies don’t need to purchase much,” he explained. “A lot of contracts were reduced, and the market is going to be tight the next few years.”

Chris Haskins of Pittsylvania County raises flue-cured and burley tobacco and is the fourth tobacco-farming generation in his family. He also owns a beef cattle operation. He believes tobacco still has a place in agriculture, and while there is more competition worldwide, tobacco isn’t diminishing anytime soon.

“Tobacco laid the foundation for the nation. It’s still one of the top commodities in Virginia,” Haskins said. “The tobacco industry is so deeply rooted and economically viable for my area and this county. The soil in the area is so conditioned to it.”

Like Cavin, Haskins started helping his father and then raised his own

SARA OWENS

Tobacco farming ‘just something that is in my blood’

Tobacco growers Chris Haskins (left) and Jonathan Cavin were among participants in the Young Farmers Winter Expo in Bristol.

tobacco at an early age.

“I have had my own crop since I was 18,” he said. “It’s just something that is in my blood. We have the facility and infrastructure to continue to grow tobacco, and it’s something I enjoy growing.”

Certified Farm Seekers program helps beginning farmers get organized, make connections Young adults looking to get started in farming or expanding an existing operation have the option to become a Certified Farm Seeker.

The Certified Farm Seekers Program is designed to help interested farmers produce a business plan and resume and demonstrate on-farm experience.

Once certified, program participants are given priority listing in the Virginia Farm Link database, which was created to match landowners with individuals seeking land.

Certified Farm Seekers also receive landowner matching facilitation by the program coordinator and are invited to networking and social opportunities for farmers and landowners.

Additionally, they are eligible for partial reimbursement for fees paid to service providers related to the farming operation.

The Certified Farm Seeker program was created three years ago by the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation VaFarmBureau.org / MAY 2015

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2015 Young Farmers Expo

Young Farmers Committee and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

“The Virginia Farm Link database is a great place for farmers to start if they want land to work or want someone to work their land,” said Ron Saacke, director of VFBF Women and Young Farmers and Agriculture in the Classroom. “But we realized the database wasn’t working because the beginning farmers and landowners were not really ready to talk to each other. So that’s where the Certified Farm Seekers came in, because beginning farmers needed a way to articulate to the landowner what they wanted and what they planned to do with their land.”

For more information on the Certified Farm Seekers program and Virginia Farm Link, visit vafarmlink.org.

Discussion Meet semifinals set for July Potential participants still have time to enter this year’s annual Young Farmers Discussion Meet competition. The Discussion Meet is designed to build members’ ability to analyze agricultural issues and decide on solutions that best meet their collective needs. It is not a debate but instead emphasizes active participation from each person involved.

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. To participate, contact Ron Saacke at 804-290-1032 or ron.saacke@vafb.com.

State competition

Semifinals will be held July 25 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 12

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

The Young Farmers Summer Expo will be held July 24-26 on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

Discount Program.

The final round will be held in December at the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Norfolk. The state-level winner will receive a John Deere Gator utility vehicle, sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance, and an expense-paid trip to the 2015 AFBF Annual Convention. The first runnerup also will receive a travel package to the AFBF convention.

National competition

The AFBF Discussion Meet award winner will receive a choice of a

2016 Chevrolet Silverado or 2016 GMC Sierra, courtesy of GM, as well as a travel package to the 2016 AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference.

Three runners-up will receive a Case IH Farmall 55A, courtesy of Case IH; a Stihl Farm Boss chain saw, courtesy of Stihl; and $2,500. * All state and national prizes are subject to change and will be officially announced during or just prior to the annual competition.

2015 Women's Conference

Conference focused on farm women’s strengths, ability to lead and speak up

A “blingo” game—bingo for sparkly prizes—helped raise money for Agriculture in the Classroom.

A

bout 300 participants turned their attention to growing strong women leaders for agriculture’s benefit at the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Conference.

The event was held March 20-22 in Roanoke. Speakers addressed the need for women in agriculture to step up and stay visible.

Dr. Dixie Dalton, director of Southside Virginia Community College’s agriculture program, asked

participants to name agriculture issues and misconceptions that have the nonfarming public’s attention. The list was familiar—and long: genetically modified crops and whether they are safe; water use; biosolids; the price of food and whether farmers have influence over prices; practices related to livestock production; and the merits of organic foods vs. conventionally raised foods.

Dalton encouraged conference participants to educate themselves

about issues with relevance in their communities and look for opportunities to advocate for their industry. “What is the story you can tell and feel comfortable telling in your community?” she asked.

Dr. Jewel Hairston, dean of Virginia State University’s College of Agriculture, opened her remarks by showing vintage photos of American farms. Notably absent in each were any women. “Where were the ladies back in the day when they took pictures of farmers?” Hairston asked. “We were always present, but we haven’t always been recorded.”

Next she showed her audience the dour-looking father and daughter in Grant Wood’s 1930 painting American Gothic. It’s an image, she said, that has shaped many nonfarming Americans’ perception of a farm family.

“What do you think that lady’s thinking?” Hairston asked.

“She wanted to hold the pitchfork,” someone said.

Hairston noted that women farmers are the fasting-growing sector of U.S. agriculture. They also produce more than half the world’s food and are the fastest-growing segment of the local food movement.

When she asked participants to name their strengths and their inspirations within their family farm operations, answers were varied: • “If I didn’t keep the books and do the finances, they’d be lost completely.”

• “I think you have to be approachable.”

• “I really like having things organized down to the last detail.”

• “My family will say, ‘We don’t want to go talk to this person, but (Mom) will.’”

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2015 Women's Conference

• “I think about how my parents and my grandparents worked so hard on this same land. I just want to keep going.”

DUDDING

• “I think I enjoy the care that I take with the animals, with the soil; we nurture all of it.”

DALTON

Farm Bureau women raise $48,000 for Agriculture in the Classroom Virginia’s Agriculture in the Classroom program received about $48,000 in contributions and other support during the 2015 Women’s Conference.

County Farm Bureau women’s committees donated $42,000, and a silent auction and bingo game raised $6,400.

“County Farm Bureau women’s committees put an amazing amount of energy into supporting AITC,” said Tammy Maxey, senior education program coordinator of the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. “Each year the Women’s Conference provides this program tremendous support. Contributions enable AITC to work towards the mission of connecting children to agriculture through providing resources to educators, volunteers and children.”

Craig County producer named Farm Woman of the Year Jeannie Dudding of New Castle was named Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s 2015 Farm Woman of the Year March 21 during the VFBF Women’s Conference.

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

Dudding and her husband, Jason, have a cow-calf operation and grow hay.

She is a Virginia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Bland and Giles counties 14

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

The Lunenburg County native grew up on her family’s hog and tobacco farm. She is a professor of agriculture and program chair at Southside Virginia Community College and

and previously taught agriculture and was an FFA advisor at Giles High School. On the farm she is responsible for herd health, recordkeeping and bookkeeping, as well as other tasks.

Dudding has served on the Craig County Farm Bureau board since 2006, and she is a member of that organization’s Women’s Committee and Young Farmers Committee.

In 2013 she won the VFBF Young Farmers Discussion Meet.

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

Lunenburg County farmer and educator receives first Lady Leader recognition Dr. Dixie Watts Dalton of Kenbridge is the first honoree in the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Lady Leader recognition program.

The program was introduced last year to provide opportunities to spokeswomen who are passionate about promoting agriculture.

Dalton received a $500 cash award, courtesy of Farm Credit, and will receive support for travel to speaking appearances on Farm Bureau’s behalf.

previously taught in Virginia Tech’s Agricultural Economics Department and provided Virginia Cooperative Extension programming for farmers.

Dalton has held numerous volunteer leadership roles within Farm Bureau on the local and state levels. She also chairs the State Fair of Virginia’s scholarship committee and has taken on other leadership roles in agricultural, educational and civic organizations. She and her husband, Johnny, have a cow-calf operation; she also remains involved in her parents’ tobacco operation.

Shenandoah County woman named Farm Bureau Ambassador Whitney Bowman of Shenandoah County was named the 2015 Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador on March 21 at the organization’s Women’s Conference.

Bowman is the daughter of Joseph and Sharon Bowman of Mount

2015 Women's Conference

BOWMAN

Capital District The Henrico County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee sponsored an essay contest for students with special needs at Varina High School and will plant a garden at the school.

Central District The Spotsylvania County Women’s Committee organized a “Farm to Table – Your Dinner’s Story” booth for children at their local Saturday farmers’ market, partnering with Virginia Cooperative Extension, FFA alumni and current ag students.

Jackson. She will receive a $3,000 scholarship from Farm Bureau and the organization’s Women’s Committee and will make public appearances and serve as an advocate for agriculture and Farm Bureau.

She currently is pursuing degrees in animal and poultry sciences and dairy science at Virginia Tech and hopes to be an agriculture teacher. She also is active in the university’s Collegiate Young Farmers chapter.

Bowman’s family owns a beef cattle operation and grows hay and corn.

She held local FFA offices before college and served as Virginia FFA state secretary. She also attended the Virginia Summer Residential Governor’s School for Agriculture.

County committees recognized for community programming Community outreach and educational programs organized by county Farm Bureau women’s committees were recognized during this year’s Women’s Conference.

Winners of the district and state Outstanding Women’s Program and Activity Awards were announced at the event, along with the winner of the Chairman’s Award for the most innovative committee.

Eastern District The King William County Women’s Committee introduced third- and fourth-graders to the life cycle of plants—and to Virginia crops—with a hands-on activity titled “Digging in the Dirt.”

Midwest District The Floyd County Women’s Committee was instrumental in planning and promoting the Floyd Livestock and County Fair. The committee participated in organization and set-up for various activities and were responsible for advertising, entertainment, activities and exhibits.

Northern District The Shenandoah County Women’s Committee participated in their local Family Youth Initiative Day with the county’s social services department, schools, Extension staff and local businesses.

Southeast District The Greensville County Women’s Committee partnered with their chamber of commerce, local Extension staff, Buy Fresh/Buy Local, the city of Emporia and others to hold a farmers’ market outreach event, providing nutritional information, recipes and seeds.

Southside District The Brunswick County Women’s Committee worked with their county’s emergency planning commission, emergency services advisory committee and Dominion Virginia Power to present an educational program on “Electricity and Your Safety” to the public.

Southwest District – State winner The Smyth County Women’s Committee held a series of evening classes about meat selection and preparation, meat industry myths and facts, and food safety for working mothers with Extension staff, the Virginia Beef Industry Council, the Smyth County Career & Technology Center and Virginia Tech’s Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences.

Valley District The Rockingham County Women’s Committee held a livestock predator workshop to inform the public about predators in the area and relevant legal issues. Speakers included a local game warden and a trapper.

Chairman’s Award The Franklin County Women’s Committee used grant money to expand their ag education capabilities with Standards of Learning-relevant lesson plans, a commodities map and a permanent kit to be used at events. Those pieces complimented a previously developed coloring book about local farm commodities. The committee held a series of events with local businesses and organizations, reaching more than 2,000 students.

VaFarmBureau.org / MAY 2015

15

Virginia sets new record for farm exports Governor declares state will be East Coast’s No. 1 ag exporter Virginia agricultural and forestry exports in 2014 totaled $3.35 billion, setting a record and topping $3 billion for the first time ever.

That’s a 14 percent increase over 2013’s record-setting $2.9 billion, Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced March 9 at the seventh annual Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade.

“This is a dynamite industry for the commonwealth of Virginia,” McAuliffe said. “This impressive growth catapults us to the second-largest exporter on the East Coast. But we need to be the No. 1 East Coast capitol for agriculture Virginia increased agricultural exports 14 percent last year. and forestry exports.”

The Governor vowed to do anything he could to make that happen. a lot of hard work, dedication, tough This is the fourth consecutive year negotiating and feet on the ground that Virginia has seen record-level in foreign countries to promote one’s agricultural exports; those exports goods. Virginia’s ongoing commitment have increased in value by 49 percent to those principles is why we continue since 2010, when the state launched a to grow our forestry and ag exports. strategic plan for their growth.

“But just as important are the high“The marketplace for all goods will quality products our Virginia farmers continue to be more global in nature produce that have earned them a and will only grow as the worldwide longstanding reputation worldwide.” population increases dramatically,” said As in 2013, the gain in exports came Spencer Neale, commodity marketing despite a continued drop in the value director for the Virginia Farm of U.S. commodity crops. Favorable Bureau Federation. “But it is a highly growing conditions and record yields competitive marketplace, and it takes contributed to lower crop prices in 2014.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Soybean prices dropped 28 percent compared to 2013, and corn prices slipped below $4 a bushel, down from a high of more than $8 per bushel in 2012.

The Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade was co-hosted

by Farm Bureau, the Virginia Port Authority, Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Speaker: With increased exports comes increased risk During a farm and economic outlook panel discussion, Michael Swanson, senior vice president and chief ag economist for Wells Fargo, cited driving factors in the current U.S. farm export economy, among them the directing of 5.2 billion bushels of corn to the energy sector, and a decision by China to increase its imports.

Domestically, Swanson noted, “you have to spend more in agriculture today than you used to. … Things have changed in the last few years,” and net U.S. farm income is 21 percent of gross income.

“What that speaks to is stress,” he said, adding that in the cycle of ag economics, “you have to get through the bottom to get to the top.”

When framing U.S. participation in global trade, he said, “there needs to be more to the story than just demand.”

He noted that, in terms of real gross domestic product growth in the rest of the world, “they’ve slowed, and we’ve kind of stabilized.”

Swanson emphasized that increased exports call for awareness of trade partners’ policy decisions and overall economic activity. “Increased exports mean increased risk for a trade setback. … So we need to be more aware of what could happen if we have issues” that could disrupt trade.

VIRGINIA’S TOP 10 EXPORT MARKETS The 10 countries importing the most Virginia agriculture and forestry products are: 1. China ($691 million) 2. Canada ($279 million) 3. Switzerland ($174 million) 4. Mexico ($150 million) 5. Russia ($124 million) 6. Japan ($114 million) 7. United Kingdom ($110 million)

Tourism boom, change in relations could drive exports to Cuba

8. Venezuela ($103 million)

Dr. Jose Ramon Cabanas, chief of mission for the Cuban Interests Section, said conditions in that country are ripe for increased trade with Virginia and other states. That will depend in large part, he said, on normalizing relations between the United States and Cuba and fortifying support systems to facilitate trade.

Canbanas spoke March 10 at the Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade.

Cuba currently imports more than $2 billion in food, Cabanas said, “and the good news is tourism is increasing in Cuba fast”—16 percent in the past year. That will drive a need for more ag imports.

10. Indonesia ($94 million)

Even though Cuba has more of a servicebased economy than an agricultural one, there also is the potential for the United States to import Cuban commodities, he said. Cabanas noted that Cubans “discovered we were doing most of agriculture in Cuba organically … because we did not have the chemicals” for conventional modern production.

As he concluded his remarks, Gov. Terry McAuliffe made an unscheduled visit to the conference to reaffirm his commitment to building trade between Virginia and Cuba. The governor also committed to a trade mission to Cuba later this year.

“I have five trade missions scheduled for the rest of this year,” he said. “No reason it shouldn’t be six.”

9. Morocco ($98 million)

VaFarmBureau.org / MAY 2015

17

China was Virginia’s top agricultural export market in 2014 with $691 million in goods purchased.

TOP VIRGINIA FARM AND FOREST EXPORTS

Overseas demand is robust for Virginia-grown soybeans and soybean meal and oil.

• Soybeans ($794 million) • Soybean meal and oil ($455 million) • Lumber and logs ($326 million) • Pork ($258 million) • Unmanufactured leaf tobacco ($204 million) • Poultry ($195 million) • Processed foods and beverages, including wine ($169 million) • Corn ($146 million) • Wheat ($123 million) • Animal feed ($118 million) • Wood pellets ($113 million) • Seafood and other marine products ($34 million) • Raw peanuts ($30 million) • Cotton ($24 million) • Animal fats and oils ($22 million)

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Insurance issues to consider when your children move out Your agent can help!

When your child leaves the nest, he or she also may be leaving behind coverage under your insurance policies.

“Most personal insurance policies define an insured as you, the named policyholder, and resident relatives, which include your spouse and children,” said Nancy Wilson, underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “So once a child moves out of your residence they are no longer automatically covered by your policy.”

This does not include dependent students away at school.

Auto insurance Children who no longer live in your home are still covered driving your insured vehicle—with your permission—but they could lose other coverage they previously held outside of your vehicle.

“If your child, for example, is a passenger in a friend’s vehicle and is in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist who is at fault for the loss, your policy would no longer extend coverage for your child’s injuries, whereas it did in the past,” Wilson said. “Some people may not be aware that an auto policy covers more than just your vehicle and driver; it also extends protection to you and your family when in other people’s vehicles.”

Another example would be the extension of liability coverage for damage, bodily injury or property, that children may do to others while driving a borrowed or rented vehicle.

“If your child were to rent a car while on vacation and back into someone else’s car, they would not have liability coverage,” Wilson said.

Homeowner insurance Similarly, your homeowner policy will no longer automatically provide coverage for your child’s personal property or liability.

“While a young person moving out on their own may not have a large dollar volume of assets, they may have less financial resources to weather a loss should they experience a theft or fire,” Wilson said.

When a child moves out, it is recommended that you contact your insurance agent to review your specific policies and identify any gaps in coverage.

“Your insurance agent can review with you what solutions they can provide to your child who is no longer living in your home,” Wilson said.

When your child is living somewhere other than in your home, he or she might not have some coverages previously available under your auto and homeowner insurance.

Life insurance If you purchased a term or whole life insurance policy for your child, there may be actions for your child to take once he or she is 18 or older.

“If it is a policy that builds cash value, your child may need to decide if they want to use some of the money for college or other life expenses, or if they want to update their plan to help them accomplish long-term objectives,” said Gerald Gardner, VFBMIC director of sales.

It may also be a good idea for adult children to look into purchasing their own life insurance policies.

“Typically rates are always going to go up as they age,” Gardner said. “It’s a good idea to purchase a policy when you are just starting out on your own, to lock in the best rate.

Encourage your child to talk to an insurance agent about life insurance sooner, rather than later.”

VaFarmBureau.org / MAY 2015

19

Health insurance information for parents with children on their policies The Affordable Care Act brought changes to the nation’s health care system for many families.

Most notably, the ACA eliminated pre-existing coverage exclusions for children by prohibiting health insurers from excluding coverage due to pre-existing conditions. It requires coverage of basic pediatric services under all new health plans, as well as oral and vision care.

All plans that offer dependent care are required to cover prevention and wellness benefits. Those benefits are exempt from deductibles and other cost-sharing requirements, ensuring that all children have access to free preventive services.

The ACA also expanded coverage by providing health insurance choices through state-based health insurance exchanges to families without job-based coverage, and it provides tax credits to those who cannot afford coverage.

All lifetime limits on the amount insurance companies cover if beneficiaries get sick was eliminated, and insurance companies are banned from dropping people from coverage when they get sick. All new plans are required to have a cap on

what insurance companies can require beneficiaries to pay in out-of-pocket expenses, such as copays and deductibles.

The ACA requires health care plans and issuers that offer dependent coverage to make the coverage available until a child reaches the age of 26.

Children can join or remain on a parent's plan even if they are: • married; • no longer living with their parents; • attending school; • not financially dependent on their parents; or • eligible to enroll in their employers’ plans.

Those rules apply to both job-based plans and individual plans bought inside or outside the marketplace.

Want to know more?

For information on this topic and other specifics of the Affordable Care Act, visit healthcare.gov

Call your county Farm Bureau for help understanding the new health care laws.

HealthMarketPlaceVA.com 20

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. trades as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, and its service area is all of Virginia except for the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

For Your Benefit

Case IH introduces three new tractors eligible for Farm Bureau discount Case IH unveiled three new tractor lines during this season’s farm show circuit, and all of them are eligible for the Case IH Farm Bureau member incentive program.

A partnership between Case IH and the American Farm Bureau Federation gives Farm Bureau members in Virginia access to manufacturer’s incentive discounts on qualifying Case IH products and equipment when they buy from participating dealerships.

The new tractor lines included in the program are: • five new Maxxum series models – the four-cylinder 115, 125, 135 and 145 in the Maxxum, Maxxum MultiController and CVT configurations and the 6-cylinder Maxxum 150 available in the Maxxum and Maxxum MultiController versions;

• the new orchard cab option available for Tier 4A Farmall 85C, 95C, 105C and 115C and soon for Tier 4 B 90C, 100C, 110C and 120C; and • four new Farmall 100A series models – the 110A, 120A, 130A and 140A with engine horsepower ranging from 110 to 140.

Details about the incentive program, including other qualifying products, are available at FBAdvantage.com/Deals/ Case and from participating Case IH dealers. Members will need to present a current Farm Bureau membership verification certificate to their dealer in advance of product delivery to receive the discounts. Certificates can be obtained online at FBAdvantage. com/Deals/Case, and members without

Internet access can receive assistance at their county Farm Bureau offices.

There is no limit to the number of incentive discounts that a Farm Bureau member may use as long as it is no more than one per unit. The discount is also stackable, so it can be used with other discounts, promotions, rebates or offers that may be provided by Case IH or a Case IH dealership.

Save on car rentals from Avis An agreement between Farm Bureau and Avis means Farm Bureau members can enjoy significant savings when renting vehicles.

Avis savings Members can save up to 25 percent on Avis’ daily and weekly rates when they reference Farm Bureau’s Avis

Worldwide Discount number.

Avis also offers special services like Avis Roving Rapid Return and the Preferred Service program, which can make renting and returning an Avis car quick and easy. And the Avis where2 GPS Navigation system offers turn-byturn directions, real-time traffic routing and hands-free calling when used with

Bluetooth-capable phones.

For information on using this member benefit, contact your county Farm Bureau. Once you have your Farm Bureau discount number, visit avis.com/vafb or call 800-331-1212 to rent a car.

Notice to members Virginia Farm Bureau will discontinue two member benefit programs as of the following dates: • ClearValue Hearing products and services, effective May 29; and • QualSight LASIK vision correction, effective June 30.

Member programs and services are reviewed and revised regularly to ensure that the overall member benefit package addresses the interests and meets the needs of Farm Bureau members.

VaFarmBureau.org / MAY 2015

21

Local foods online and indoor farm featured on Real Virginia Featured this month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program: • an opportunity for consumers to order local foods online; • the work of a national pioneer in boxwood cultivation in Nelson County; and • an indoor urban farm mentored by Virginia State University.

Real Virginia To view Real Virginia, visit VaFarmBureau.org.

Real Virginia airs nationwide at 3:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month on RFD-TV on Dish Network and DirecTV. It airs weekly on WVPT Harrisonburg, WBRA Roanoke, WCVE Richmond, WHRO Norfolk, WVVA Bluefield and WTKR Norfolk, as well as on cable systems across the state.

It’s available online at VaFarmBureau.org.

Buying new equipment?

Virginia has 'lemon law’ pertaining to farm equipment You may have heard of a car being a “lemon,” but what about a tractor?

Not only are there so-called “lemon laws” to protect purchasers of new automobiles, but there also is protection for those purchasing new self-propelled farm equipment.

In the Code of Virginia, Title 59.1, Chapter 17.2 covers “Agricultural Equipment Warranties” and offers “protection against defective agricultural equipment.”

Wilmer Stoneman, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation associate director of governmental relations, examined the state code after a member experienced problems with a tractor last year.

“I dug around a bit and found out that there is indeed a section of code that protects against defective agricultural equipment,” Stoneman said. “When doing my research, I discovered that virtually no one knew that this law existed.

It is really important that farmers take action if they have any issues with newly purchased equipment. Too often they just find out a way to deal with defective equipment or simply don’t know there is a remedy for their situation.”

According to the code, when agricultural equipment does not conform to all applicable express written warranties, and it is reported to the manufacturer, the manufacturer’s agent or an authorized dealer during the period of one year following the date of original delivery of the equipment to the consumer, repairs must be made to conform the equipment to express written warranties.

To read the code in its entirety, visit law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Agriculture Literacy Week 2015 was one for the books Agriculture and Consumer Services, several 4-H and FFA chapters and other organizations, along with Farm Bureau and Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom board members and staff, read books about agriculture in their local schools.

Many also donated books to classroom and school libraries and organized ag-related activities for students.

Many volunteers read the book My Virginia Plate, which was written by Tammy Maxey, Virginia AITC senior education program coordinator.

“Early estimates project that 1,000 volunteers read to more than 54,000 children, and that number is likely to go up,” Maxey said in late March. “We are really pleased with the turnout this year and hope volunteers will continue teaching children about agriculture year-round.”

Virginia AITC is part of a nationwide effort to help teachers and students understand and appreciate agriculture, which is Virginia’s and the nation’s largest industry.

COURTESY OF AITC

Volunteers and employees from Virginia Farm Bureau and other agriculture organizations read to nearly 55,000 children in their respective communities to mark Virginia’s fifth annual Agriculture Literacy Week, celebrated concurrently with National Ag Week in March.

Volunteers from 79 county Farm Bureaus, Colonial Farm Credit, Farm Credit of the Virginias, James River Equipment, Southern States, Tyson Foods, the Virginia Department of

Smyth County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee members Dot Hubble (left) and Dot Mathenia were among volunteers who read to children during Agriculture Literacy Week in March.

VaFarmBureau.org / MAY 2015

23

Secretariat’s birthplace named to Virginia Landmarks Register The Virginia Department of Historic Resources has named the birthplace of 1973 Triple Crown champion Secretariat at The Meadow to the Virginia Landmarks Register.

The Caroline County site is part of The Meadow Event Park, which is owned by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

Known as the Meadow Historic District, the designation includes the foaling shed where Secretariat was born on March 30, 1970; his training barn; the yearling barn where he stayed as a colt; and a yearling barn annex, stallion barn, horse cemetery, well house and pump house. Most of the structures were built in the 1930s by Christopher T. Chenery, the founder of Meadow Stable.

“I am deeply honored that the birthplace of Secretariat is now listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register as the Meadow Historic District,” said Chenery’s daughter, Penny. “This designation is a fitting tribute to the land, our horses and my father’s legacy.”

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VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor said Farm Bureau “is extremely pleased about this important historic designation for the birthplace of Secretariat at The Meadow. We are proud to be the stewards of the Virginia farm that produced an American legend, and we invite all fans of Secretariat to come visit.”

The Department of Historic Resources will forward the Meadow materials to the National Park Service for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.

The Meadow was founded in 1805 by Dr. Charles S. Morris, an ancestor of Christopher Chenery. Chenery purchased the farm in 1936 and transformed it into one of the most famous racing stables of its time. The farm was sold in 1979, changing hands several times before Farm Bureau became sole owner in 2013. The Meadow Event Park is the site of the annual State Fair of Virginia, the Virginia Horse Festival, K95 CountryFest at The Meadow, Illuminate Light Show, regional horse shows, trade shows, weddings and many other events.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

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Tour participants (left) at The Meadow Event Park can peer into Secretariat’s stall and see the foaling shed where he was born in 1970.

VaFarmBureau.org / MAY 2015

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A Pie for Every Season

Code red! It’s time for strawberry pies!

If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?

Lots of white blooms that give way to ripe, red strawberries—just in time for Mother’s Day and Memorial Day celebrations.

Strawberry pies are perfect for both occasions.

And with fresh fruit, you don’t need many other ingredients to make a delicious pie. Some recipes are more simple than others, but they all start with fresh, ripe berries.

Strawberry Pie INGREDIENTS

9" pie shell, baked according to directions 1½ cups water 1¾ cups sugar 4 tablespoons cornstarch 3-ounce box strawberry gelatin 1 pound fresh strawberries, rinsed and hulled DIRECTIONS

Bake the pie shell according to directions. Remove from oven and let cool.

Boil the water, sugar and cornstarch until thick and clear. Remove from heat, and add strawberry gelatin. Cool mixture at room temperature.

Line the pie crust with fresh, whole strawberries. Pour the liquid mixture over the berries. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Top with whipped cream.

Source: Brookdale Farm, Virginia Beach, brookdale-farm.com

Sweet-smelling strawberries belong to the genus Fragraria in the rose family.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

A Pie for Every Season

Strawberry Cream Pie INGREDIENTS FOR GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST

1¼ cups graham cracker crumbs (This is one sleeve of graham crackers) ¼ cup sugar 6 tablespoons butter, melted INGREDIENTS FOR GLAZE

1 cup sugar 3 tablespoons cornstarch ½ cup water 1 cup strawberries, mashed INGREDIENTS FOR CREAM FILLING

8 ounces cream cheese, softened ½ cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup heavy cream, whipped 4 cups whole strawberries DIRECTIONS FOR CRUST

Preheat oven to 375°. Combine the crust ingredients and press firmly into a 9-inch pie plate. Bake 5-8 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool.

DIRECTIONS FOR GLAZE

Combine sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Add water and mashed strawberries. Cook over medium heat until boiling, stirring constantly until the mixture is clear and slightly thickened.

DIRECTIONS FOR FILLING

Blend cream cheese and sugar. Stir in vanilla. Fold in whipped cream. Spread mixture evenly in cooled pie crust, and refrigerate.

Place whole strawberries stem-sidedown on top of cream filling, pressing slightly.

Spoon glaze over the berries. Chill for 3 hours.

Source: Westmoreland Berry Farm, Oak Grove, westmorelandberryfarm.com

The strawberry is the official fruit of Delaware, Louisiana and Oklahoma and the official red berry of North Carolina.

VaFarmBureau.org / MAY 2015

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Heart of the Home

It’s grilling season—bust out the burgers!

Once Memorial Day hits, grilling season begins in earnest. One of the staples of the grill is the burger—beef, lamb, turkey or veggie. The types and tastes of burgers are endless; like we wish the summer would be!

Here are a couple of twists on traditional burger recipes from the Beef Checkoff website. Each recipe makes four burgers.

Western Burgers INGREDIENTS

1 pound lean ground beef 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped 2 teaspoons chopped onion 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh cilantro

⅛ teaspoon salt ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper 4 romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves 1 tomato, sliced 1 avocado, sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, combine beef, jalapeño pepper, onion, cilantro, salt and pepper, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape mixture into four patties that are ½" thick.

Preheat a charcoal grill to medium-hot, with ash-covered coals, or a gas grill to medium-hot. Grill patties, covered, 8-10 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted horizontally into a patty’s center registers 160°.

Place each burger on a lettuce leaf.

Evenly top with tomato, avocado and onion slices. Wrap lettuce leaves around the burgers.

Sometimes you need your burger on a big, soft bun. But not always!

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Heart of the Home

Calypso Beef Burgers INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1 pound lean ground beef

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chutney and jerk seasoning, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape mixture into four patties that are ½" thick.

Preheat a charcoal grill to mediumhot, with ash-covered coals, or a gas grill to medium-hot. Place patties in the center of grill, arranging the pineapple slices around them. Grill, covered, for 8 to 10 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted horizontally into a patty’s center registers 160°. Grill the pineapple, covered, 8 minutes or until heated through.

¼ cup mango chutney 2 teaspoons Caribbean jerk seasoning 4 fresh or canned pineapple slices, cut ½" thick 4 kaiser rolls or hamburger buns, split

PHOTOS AND RECIPES COURTESY OF THE BEEF CHECKOFF – BEEFITSWHATSFORDINNER.COM

4 slices sharp Cheddar cheese

About 2 minutes before the burgers are done, place the rolls cut-sides-down on the grill, and warm them until lightly toasted. During the last minute of grilling, top each burger with cheese.

Place one burger and pineapple slice on the bottom of each bun. Close sandwiches.

Tropical fruits and island-inspired seasoning put a summery twist on the traditional cheeseburger.

VaFarmBureau.org / MAY 2015

29

Marketplace

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FARMERS MARKET – Woods Methodist Church, 7200 Hickory Road, Chesterfield.

Saturdays 8-12 June 6-September 26. 804590-1695.

FOR SALE – Burning Bush, Weeping Willow, Gold Thread Cypress, Leyland Cypress. Various sizes $10-$25 each. 434736-2727.

BOXWOODS – Old English, slow growing, sizes from 1 to 5 feet tall. 804-633-6170.

PROCESSING – Your fiber from Alpacas, goat, sheep, etc. into yarn, roving batting and felt. 434-985-3669.

FARM EQUIPMENT FRONT LOADER – Ford 600, 2N, 9N, 8N, cleaned, sandblasted, painted. 540-6518414.

BUSH HOG – Land Pride, 7-ft. RCR2684, excellent condition. 804-824-2058.

ROTO TILLER – Land Pride, RTA 3576, excellent condition, $2,950. 804-8242058.

1964 DEERE – 2010 commercial loader parts. 1994 engine with 100 hours, backhoe attachment, more. 540-818-1807.

JOHN DEERE – 7000 4-row corn planter with dry fertilizer boxes and insecticide boxes. 540-382-0192.

FOR SALE – Two scattergrain grain bin spreaders, 1-hp., 3-pt. hitch, $500 each, OBO. 757-641-8510.

BALE WAGON – NH-1033, good condition $1,950. Generator 5-KW Onan diesel, 72 hours $950. Before 9 p.m. 804-779-3219.

WANTED – One row mounted corn picker and one row IH potato digger. 757-6780062 evenings.

FORD 8N – Late forties, runs good, tires, 12V $1,750. 804-469-4258.

BED SHAPER – Also installs irrigation line and landscape fabric or plastic.

Excellent condition $2,500. 540-8786054.

POWER RAKE – Land Pride PR1672 cast gear box carbide teeth, excellent condition, $4,450. 804-824-2058.

FOR SALE – Allis-Chalmers G tractor 1948 model, great restoration project $1,750. 804-966-5448.

FOR SALE – 2004 Hudson dual tandem 10 ton trailer, EC, $6,000. triple bottom plow, GC $350. New Holland 256 hay rake, 273 square baler, 479 mower/conditioner $4,000. Lynchburg 443-928-4728.

NH 850 – Baler; two NH #8 on 53 and 60 Ford trucks; two B-61 Macks; 70 Chevy 14-ft. dump 25-kw Onan generator. 540250-6075.

KUBOTA M59 – Loader backhoe, 4-in-one bucket with Bobcat hookup. Backhoe has quick disconnect for 3-pt. hitch, 438 hrs, 59-HP, hydro drive, excellent condition, $36,000. 804-824-2058.

LIVESTOCK WANTED – Year old black angus bull for breeding. Contact Billy at 804-966-5369 or billyhott@verizon.net.

ANGUS BULLS – Calving ease, semen tested, excellent bloodlines. Reasonably priced, good selection, delivery available.

C-Stock Farm, Scottsville, day 434-2862743, after 7 pm 434-981-1397 or 434286-2423.

HORSE BOARDING – Retire your horse to a safe new serene farm, Fairfield, low cost. 540-348-6209.

REGISTERED – Angus, c/c pairs, heifers, cutting-edge EPDs, reasonably priced, Mossy Spring Angus, Blacksburg. 540641-0295.

TEXAS LONGHORNS – Steers and registered breeding stock available. www.lakecountrylonghorns.com. 757-377-5660.

GOLDEN PALOMINO – Rocky Mountain Gelding, very gentle, safe for any rider, traffic/trail safe, smooth, $2,850. 540763-2376.

LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT LOOM – Yarn holder, parts, will send photos, $500 OBO. Antique barn or basement.

434-525-3088.

TWO EXCELLENT – Antique and two new three seater horse carriages. Call for pictures, price. 276-340-3991.

PROCESSING – your fiber from Alpacas, goat sheep, etc. into yarn, roving batting and felt. 434-985-3669.

2015 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, mailed to producer members, or in Cultivate, 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. Ads with more than 30 words and ads from nonmembers will not be accepted.

Use the form in this 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 and July Cultivate (mailed to associate members only); and • May and August Farm Bureau News (mailed to producer members only)

Farm Bureau needs your updated contact information, including email 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.

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.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

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.

Important: We are not responsible

provide proofs or tearsheets.

•A ds submitted without payment will be returned.

STEP 5

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

Mail your ad (and payment) to: Virginia Farm Bureau News/Cultivate Classifieds P.O. Box 27552 Richmond, VA 23261-7552 Or place it via the Virginia Farm Bureau website at VaFarmBureau.org.

STEP 3

Deadlines

STEP 2

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

Ads and cancellations must be received (not mailed) by the following deadlines: ISSUE DEADLINE Mailed to producer members August July 1 Mailed to associate members July June 1

for typographical errors or errors due to illegible handwriting (No refunds available). Classified ads carried in Cultivate and Virginia Farm Bureau News 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.

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:________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY: __________________________________________ STATE:________________________

ZIP:_______________

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

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

Category in which ad should run (select only one): q Crops q Farm Equipment q Hay/Straw q Livestock q Livestock Equipment 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: q July (mailed to associate members) q This is my one free 15-word ad for 2015 q Payment enclosed: $ _____________ q August (mailed to producer members) q Please place my ad in The Delmarva Farmer for 4 weeks at no additional cost to me.

* Ad placement available for these issues only

Your ad will automatically be included in the online VFB Marketplace for free (Ads expire with membership).

VaFarmBureau.org / MAY 2015

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