FBN June 2012 by Virginia Farm Bureau

Virgnia VaFarmBureau.org

June 2012

Farm Bureau News

Farmer-veteran partnership proves â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;really great opportunityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Contents 14

Virgnia Farm Bureau News

Farmer-veteran partnership proves ‘really great opportunity’

Virginia Beach farmer John Wilson was pondering his potential as an educator. Veterans Bridget and Coleman Ruiz wanted to learn more about raising food. 12

Consumers have questions; farmers need to join the conversation

Virginia farmers have opportunities to engage in conversations with people who take an interest in food production. 18

Agent has ‘heart of a farmer, will of a salesman’

David Spence of Smyth County has been serving Farm Bureau insurance policyholders for more than two decades, but his agricultural roots run even deeper.

Departments 7

In the Garden

Washington Watch

Viewing Virginia

Good for You!

Heart of the Home

Marketplace

Volume 71, Number 4 June 2012 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. 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

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

virginia farm bureau federation

18 On the Cover 14

“Our experience with New Earth Farm has been just great,” said Navy veteran Bridget Ruiz of Virginia Beach produce grower John Wilson’s willingness to teach her and her husband more about farming (Photo by Sara Owens).

Officers Wayne F. Pryor, President Edward A. Scharer, Vice President Board of Directors director district Emily Edmondson 1 Archie B. Atwell 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 Henry E. Wood 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 * Robert Harris **

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

Th e Ag Ag e n d a

Update U.S. ports, or miss the boat Someone once said it’s not leaving port, but coming in, that determines the success of a voyage. While this has some truth to it, the port from which one departs is just as important to a successful endeavor. It may surprise many that if the planned expansion of the Panama Canal were completed tomorrow the United States, one of the world’s largest trading powers, would have only six ports deep enough to handle the new larger ships that will pass through the canal. Yet we are competing with all other parts of the world that are updating their ports. Since agricultural goods play a significant role in U.S. trade, modernizing our ports is extremely important for farmers and ranchers to be able to continue to thrive in the world market.

If you build it, they will come Even more surprising than the United States having only six large ports is the fact that all those ports are isolated on the East and West Coasts. That’s right: Gulf Coast ports, including New Orleans, do not have the capacity to handle larger ships. If upgrades to U.S. ports are not completed in time, smaller boats will need to be utilized to trans-ship our goods to ports like those in the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic for major trade leaving the U.S. Gulf. Once there, they would offload to larger vessels traveling to Latin America, Asia and other parts of the world. Similarly, goods coming from other countries would potentially have to go through the same routine in the Caribbean, offloading to smaller vessels to enter ports in the U.S. Gulf. If you are scratching your head, you aren’t the only one. This process of loading and off-loading ships costs a lot of money. Inadequate port size also leads to higher transportation costs, because vessels might be loaded to less than capacity and more vessels might be required to ship the same amount of commodities. In the meantime, our competitors around the world fare much better. Because their ports are deep enough, it is easier and less expensive to move products in and out. Further, Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean are all undergoing major new port projects or expansion of existing facilities. Latin America, for example, is rapidly continuing with some of the world’s most sizable port development projects. The region is catching up through port investments that stand at almost $12 billion. That means China will have access to sell its farm products to Latin America, where Asia never had access before.

For right of way, gross tonnage rules The expansion of the Panama Canal will allow significantly larger ships to move through that waterway. The project, expected to be completed in 2014, should increase cargo volume by an average of 3 percent per year, doubling the 2005 tonnage by 2025. VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Expansion of the Panama Canal will allow it to handle larger ships. Not many U.S. ports currently can accommodate those vessels.

The largest ship currently able to pass through the canal can hold as many as 3,500 20-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, a measure used for capacity in container transportation. To maximize the canal’s new dimensions, shipbuilders are making larger vessels that can hold as many as 12,000 TEUs and require 50 to 51 feet of draft. These larger ships require deeper and wider shipping channels, greater overhead clearance and larger cranes and shore infrastructure— all of which make the U.S. Gulf a non-trading player. Some U.S. ports can accommodate the larger vessels; however, most cannot, and that includes many ports that are extremely important to U.S. agricultural exports. The United States exports about one-quarter of the grain it produces. In 2011, more than 58 percent of our grain exports departed from the U.S. Gulf. This could change significantly as larger ships carrying grain from our competitors are able to access our trading partners. The Panama Canal potentially could shift world trade, as U.S. exporters will be unable to pass on higher transportation costs when customers can purchase similar products from other countries. As the saying goes, “For right of way, gross tonnage rules.” This law, known as the rule of common sense on the water, is also common sense for international trade. In other words, those with june 2012

“ Our competitors around the world fare much better. Because their ports are deep enough, it is easier and less expensive to move products in and out. Further, Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean are all undergoing major new port projects or expansion of existing facilities.” the biggest ships and the ports to accommodate them will win every time. To maintain our competiveness in the world market, it is essential that the United States update and modernize its ports to accommodate larger ships. Without this investment in infrastructure, we literally will miss the boat.

Bob Stallman, a rice and cattle producer from Columbus, Texas, is president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. This column previously was published in the April 2 issue of the AFBF FB News.

To maximize the Panama Canal’s new dimensions, shipbuilders are making larger vessels that require 50 to 51 feet of draft, as well as greater overhead clearance and larger cranes and shore infrastructure.

Confused by Health Reform? We can help! • Individual plans • Employer group plans • HSAs and HRAs • Medicare supplement • Dental and vision

FARM BUREAU offers NEW health care reform-compliant plans with increased beneﬁts for Virginia Farm Bureau members. Our trained staff will help you customize a health care plan to ﬁt your needs and budget. We work with individuals, families and all types of businesses throughout the state of Virginia.

Get the Membership Advantage.

AU T H O R I Z E D I N D E P E N D E N T AG E N T

VFBHealthInsurance.com

For information on how the changes in health insurance can save you money, call us at 800-229-7779. Virginia Farm Bureau Service Corporation is an independent authorized agent in Virginia for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. 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. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its afﬁliated HMO HealthKeepers, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For exclusions, limitations, terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued, costs and complete details of the coverage, call or write your insurance agent or the company, whichever is applicable.

Virginia Farm Bureau News

VaFarmBureau.org

State budget helps fund some Farm Bureau priorities

Coyote control The Virginia General program gets money Assembly passed a state budget April 18 and with it An additional $40,000 for helped fund some of Virginia each year of the biennium Farm Bureau Federation’s for coyote damage control legislative priorities. was restored to the budget, “We’re very pleased that the bringing the total funded General Assembly continues amount to $120,000. While to support agriculture and Farm Bureau is pleased with forestry programs that are this restoration of funds, critical to Virginia,” said Martha controlling the increasing Moore, VFBF vice president statewide coyote population of governmental relations. is still a concern. The “It may not be everything organization’s members plan we wanted, but funding for to ask for additional funding agricultural programs shows for the program in the future. Generally speaking, the new state budget was good news for Virginia agriculture, the legislature’s support.” Virginia saw a 32 percent Farm Bureau officials said. The General Assembly increase in coyote attacks restored a little more than on sheep and a 69 percent $2 million for each year of the biennium to help local soil and increase in attacks on calves in 2011 compared to 2010, according water conservation districts provide technical assistance to farmers to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. implementing best management practices. Farmers cannot secure For reforestation of timberland, the General Assembly added cost-share money for BMPs without technical assistance from the $130,000 for each year of the biennium. Added to state matching local SWCDs. funds, that brings the total to $557,570. In addition, the legislature “This is a huge amount to help local soil and water districts earmarked $120,000 per year to replace an outdated computer ensure farmers are receiving cost-share money for their program used to distribute funds to landowners. environmental practices,” Moore said. “The RT program is a great public-private partnership between Farm Bureau has supported funding of BMPs for years. “This will the state and landowners to encourage replanting trees for a secure have the most direct impact on our members,” Moore said. natural resource base in the future,” Moore said. There is approximately $20 million in cost-share money left Funding helps ag marketing and development from last year’s budget surplus that can be used for farmers to implement ag BMPs. No additional funding for the cost-share Also included in this year’s General Assembly budget was program was approved in this year’s budget. $250,000 for the first year of the biennium for the weights and While Farm Bureau representatives are pleased with funding for measures program, which includes regulating livestock scales in local SWCDs, they are still concerned that the General Assembly Southwest Virginia. didn’t approve any additional funding for the Agricultural Best Because farmers in that part of the state have marketing Management Practices Cost-Share Program, Moore said. “We’re not agreements to sell their livestock to buyers who require certified sure where the cost-share money will come from after next year.” scales, the funding is critical. On a positive note, under the direction of the legislature, the “This is a huge step in the right direction for the stability of secretary of natural resources will convene a stakeholder group to this program, because we’ve been fighting for four years to get develop recommendations for a long-term reliable funding formula more funding,” Moore said. While more is still needed, this year’s for local SWCDs. allocation demonstrates the value that the General Assembly sees in basic consumer protection for farmers, consumers and Extension receives funding businesses, she said. The General Assembly allocated $1 million over the next two Lawmakers maintained $1 million for each year of the biennium years for Virginia Cooperative Extension. Moore said it’s likely much for the agriculture and forestry industries development fund. of that money will help fund new positions, but not as many as This fund will provide incentive grants to attract value-added or Farm Bureau has lobbied for. processing facilities using Virginia-grown agricultural commodities. “We’ll continue to fight for enough money to provide one The legislature also maintained $260,000 each year to support agriculture Extension agent, one 4-H agent and one administrative international marketing opportunities for Virginia agriculture and assistant for each locality,” she said. forestry products. VirginiaFarmBureau.com

june 2012

‘It may not be everything we wanted, but funding for agricultural programs shows the legislature’s support.’ »

Martha Moore, VFBF vice president of governmental relations

Virginia Farm Bureau News

Legislation to create a Beehive Incentive Grant Program was awarded $250,000 by the General Assembly to help build up Virginia’s honeybee population.

Legislation to create a Beehive Incentive Grant Program was awarded $250,000 by the General Assembly this year. “This is really good, because it will provide money for beekeepers to start more hives so we can increase the number of bees,” Moore said. Overall, this year’s budget was positive news for Farm Bureau, Moore said. “We’ve achieved progress, but there is still work to be done.”

VaFarmBureau.org

In the Garden

No blooms again? Pruning can put wisteria back to work!

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

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Bromeliad

photos by sara owens

If the wisteria in your yard is growing just fine but went through another spring without blooming, it might be time to re-direct its energy. “The wisteria may have a lot of bright green growths but no blooms,” horticulturist Mark Viette said. The plant could be getting too much shade and not enough afternoon sun, he noted, or it might be getting too much nitrogen and not enough phosphorus. Or it could be time to get out the clippers. For blooms next spring, “you need to shock it back into growth,” Viette said. “Pruning your wisteria will help direct the plant’s energy into producing flowers.” Thin out older growth at the center of the vine. When looking at an established wisteria, you’ll see mature dark-green growth that is probably two to five years old and spindly, light-green growth that’s more recent. The newer growth should be pruned back in one of two ways. For the best flowering, cut the growth by half in mid-August or September, again in two weeks and again in another two weeks, so that only one or two buds are present on the vines. “This helps force the buds to flower, because you are forcing the energy to the buds and are helping them break into flowering. It’s the most fool-proof way to get your wisteria to flower,” Viette said. A second way is to cut the growth back to one or two buds only once—in late winter or early spring, while the wisteria is still dormant. At the same time, thin out growth from the main trunk so more light can get in. “Take out one of every five main stems, but don’t take out more than 20 percent of the total bush,” Viette said. It may take more than one year to get the wisteria to bloom again, he noted, but once it does, it should bloom annually.

This wisteria was all vines and no blooms this spring. Pruning new growth back to one or two buds on each vine can help stimulate flower production next spring.

Mark Viette appears on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s monthly television program. Viette and his father operate the Andre Viette Farm and Nursery in Augusta County and have a live radio show broadcast by more than 60 mid-Atlantic stations each Saturday morning. They also are members of the Augusta County Farm Bureau. Andre Viette currently serves on the organization’s board of directors and on the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Ornamental Horticulture Advisory Committee, and Mark Viette is a former Augusta Farm Bureau board member. june 2012

Farmland values called ‘barometer’ for industry’s well-being By Pam Wiley Farm real estate accounted for 84 percent of the total value of U.S. farm assets in 2009, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report released earlier this year. And strong farm earnings might have helped farmland real estate markets withstand the downturn in the residential housing market. That’s according to the USDA Economic Research Service’s Trends in U.S. Farmland Values and Ownership, released in February. The report calls changes in farmland values “a critical barometer of farm sector performance and the financial well-being of agriculture.” Land frequently is the largest single investment among a farm’s assets and a principal source of collateral when farmers seek business loans. Many farm

operators also rely on landholdings as a retirement fund. About 40 percent of the United States’ land base was occupied by farms in 2007, the most recent year for which that data is available. Most farmland is in the Midwest, but it exists in all 50 states. U.S. farmland values rose throughout much of the post-World War II period, ERS reported, and increased 92 percent between 1969 and 1981. After that they began to drop in response to rising interest rates and high energy prices. In 2005 and 2006, they increased 16 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Growth in values has slowed since then but continues to increase by 3 percent to 5 percent annually. ERS found that the average per-acre value of farmland in Virginia was $4,600 in 2010. In the agency’s Appalachian Region,

which includes Virginia, 28 percent of farmland was found to be owned by persons other than the farm operators. Nationwide, less than 2 percent of privately owned farm and forest land was found to be foreign-owned; most of that is forestland in Maine, and the majority of foreign owners are individuals or businesses in Canada (34 percent) and the Netherlands (17 percent). Farm earnings in a given year and soil quality are two factors that can drive farmland values. Other factors are less farm-related; farmland near urban centers can generate returns with its residential and commercial development potential. Additional drivers include scenic views, desirable climates and other factors that attract people to rural areas. The full ERS report is available online at ers.usda.gov/Publications/EIB92/EIB92.pdf.

Pizza chain denies HSUS request, trusts veterinarians instead By Kathy Dixon Domino’s Pizza has bucked the trend of restaurants buying meat from suppliers who shun industry-accepted animal welfare practices. The company’s shareholders rejected a request from the Humane Society of the United States to stop using pork from suppliers who confine breeding pigs in gestation crates. "We rely on animal experts to determine what is the best way to raise an animal that's being used for food," said Domino’s spokesman Tim McIntyre. Gestation crates confine pregnant sows and protect them and their newborn piglets from other aggressive sows. Under pressure from HSUS, McDonald’s and Wendy’s have committed to ending pork purchases from suppliers who use the crates. 8

Virginia Farm Bureau News

“It’s a relief knowing that there are still companies out there who base their purchasing decisions on common sense and trust the experts to know what is in the best interest of animals bred for food,” said Lindsay Reames, assistant director of governmental relations for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “Animals raised for food in confined housing operations are clean, dry and protected from predators, and they have plenty of food and water. Why shouldn’t Domino’s or any other restaurant buy its food from farmers who take care of their animals using accepted scientific practices?” HSUS is a Domino’s shareholder; animal rights groups often buy stock in food companies to influence their suppliers’ production practices. McIntyre said the vote was 80 percent

against HSUS’ resolution calling for Domino’s to prepare a report on the feasibility of ensuring that its pepperoni and ham come from producers who don’t use gestation crates. Four percent of the shareholders voted in favor of the resolution, and 16 percent abstained. Those against the resolution voted in accordance with a recommendation from the Domino's board of directors. The company’s proxy statement noted that its pork suppliers use animals from farms that employ a variety of animal management systems. It also cited published statements from the American Veterinary Association and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians indicating there are advantages and disadvantages to both caged and cage-free pork production methods.

VaFarmBureau.org

Washington Watch

‘Agriculture is something that is learned’ Farmers pleased about withdrawn youth labor regs

By Norm Hyde arm families and their relatives nationwide welcomed a decision by the U.S. Department of Labor to withdraw proposed restrictions on underage farm employees. “Agriculture is something that is learned” at the side of an older farmer, said Jonathan Cavin, a Lee County beef, produce and tobacco grower who recalled helping his father plow fields when he was a pre-teen. Today, he said, “most or all of the information that I go on from day to day has been passed on to me by an older farmer.” That one-on-one transfer of knowledge would have been lost to anyone other than children of farmers under the proposed rules. “Under the proposed Department of Labor guidelines, our children would have been allowed to work beside me. But their six cousins, who are the same age, would have been prohibited from doing so,” Cavin said. Last winter the DOL proposed new restrictions on youth labor on the farm, igniting a firestorm of protest from the U.S. agricultural community. Thousands of farm families wrote and spoke out in opposition, and a bill was introduced in Congress to reverse the regulations if they went into effect. The DOL announced April 27 it was withdrawing the new regulations and would instead intensify education and safety programs for minors working in a farm environment. In rural areas like Lee County, Cavin noted, any labor is hard to come by. He’s already dealing with a ban on hiring minors for his tobacco operation, and the proposed rules would have made it difficult to hire youth for his beef and produce operations.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

“Other farmers in my community rely on youth labor even more than I do. Even the local stockyards would have lost laborers on Friday nights and Saturdays. There are a lot of high school juniors and seniors who go work the pens to make some extra money for dates, or to buy their first vehicle,” he said. The DOL announcement noted the department would work with rural stakeholders such as Farm Bureau, the National Farmers Union, FFA and 4-H to prevent accidents among young farm workers and promote safe Farm families nationwide spoke out in opposition to proposed youth labor working practices. regulations that would severely limit how many young people could work on Bob Stallman, farms—even the farms of relatives—and the tasks they could perform. president of the American Farm Bureau to ensure that the parental exemptions Federation, called the DOL decision “a that remain important to agriculture victory for farm families” and “the right will be protected, and we will continue decision for our nation’s family-based our work to help educate families about agriculture system.” the importance of farm safety,” he said. He praised producers who sent “We also look forward to working with comments to the department and voiced the Departments of Agriculture and concerns to their representatives in Labor and rural stakeholders to develop Congress. a program to promote safer agricultural “Farm Bureau will continue working working practices.” june 2012

Viewing Virginia

Dairy industry prepares for potential outbreak By Kathy Dixon Two heads are better than one, the saying goes. Likewise, when preparing for infectious diseases in dairy cows, five states are better than one. The state veterinarian offices in Maryland, North and South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia have formed The Mid-Atlantic Secure Milk Supply Project to prepare for a possible outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease. “An outbreak of FMD would be devastating,” said Dr. Charles Broaddus, an animal health specialist with the Office of Veterinary Services, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Although the United States hasn’t had an outbreak of FMD since 1929, animal health officials say it’s just a matter of time before it makes its way here. The disease exists in many countries although normally most are free of it. However, almost every year new outbreaks of FMD occur in countries that previously had been free of it. With the increase in international trade, it’s likely not a matter of “if ” the disease is spread here, but “when.” “I have traveled in enough foreign countries where it’s endemic to know that this country is lucky not to have had it yet,” said Dr. Geoff Benson, project consultant for the five-state initiative. FMD affects cloven-hooved animals but not humans. The virus causes a high fever followed by painful blisters on an animal’s mouth and feet and can lead to weight loss, reduced milk production and lameness. 10

Virginia Farm Bureau News

The Mid-Atlantic Secure Milk Supply Project is an effort to help ensure the movement of milk in the event of a Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in the United States.

Export markets for livestock products typically close immediately after FMD is diagnosed. “It is highly contagious, and the disease causes serious economic losses,” Broaddus said. The purpose of the dairy initiative, Benson explained, “is to ensure that the disease control measures are not more devastating to the dairy industry than the disease itself.”

The regional effort is part of the national Secure Milk Supply initiative to develop biosecurity procedures that would allow milk to move without undermining efforts to control and eradicate FMD. “Allowing milk to move from dairy farms to processing plants would greatly reduce the collateral damage to uninfected dairy farms in control areas,” Broaddus said. “The milk check is what keeps dairies in business,” Benson added. VaFarmBureau.org

Viewing Virginia In the event of a U.S. FMD outbreak, movement of animals, animal products, vehicles and people will be restricted until the extent of the outbreak is known. Once infected farms have been identified, there will be additional restrictions in areas around those farms until the disease has been eradicated. That means no milk would be picked up, and milk shipments across Virginia and into other states would halt. Virginia ships much of its milk out of state. “It makes sense to have a contingency plan in place,” said Tony Banks, commodity marketing specialist for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, which is a member of the milk supply initiative planning group. “If an outbreak occurred and there was no plan, it would definitely cut into dairymen’s income. Milk wouldn’t be shipped for a while, and it would have to be dumped. “With a voluntary plan in place, ideally we can minimize any embargo of milk movement,” Banks continued. “The plan is all about securing our milk supply for the market.” Currently, if an outbreak occurs and movement restrictions are in place, dairy farmers’ options are limited. If the SMS project is successful, dairy farms in a control area that meet certain requirements could ship their milk, not only in their own states but to processing plants in any cooperating state. The program seeks to control the spread of the disease while still allowing unaffected milk to be moved. For farms that do not have animals showing symptoms of the disease, the plan includes the following: • recorded access of vehicles and visitors to the farm; • milk tanker washing and disinfection; • protective gear for milk tanker drivers; • assistance with implementing milk pick-up biosecurity measures; and • biosecurity measures at processing plants. The plan has not been finalized. Comments, questions and suggestions can be emailed to Benson at gabenson@ncsu.edu.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Use biosecurity measures to protect livestock and poultry >>

Biosecurity means taking steps to reduce the chances of an infectious disease being carried onto, or off of, one’s farm by people, animals, equipment or vehicles. Basic steps animal owners can take to prevent the introduction or spread of disease include:

Bill passed to clear up ‘farm use’ vehicle confusion

restrict access—Limit visitor access to your farm. Don’t allow visitors near animal production areas without clean or disposable footwear and clothing. Discourage visitors from handling animals. separate animals—Isolate animals returning to your farm from shows, fairs and other properties, as well as new animals being introduced to the farm, for 30 days. Monitor the isolated animals for signs of disease. keep it clean—You, your family and employees should wear clean clothes and disposable or disinfected footwear and wash hands thoroughly. Keep vehicles and equipment clean. Insist that all vehicles, equipment and tools be cleaned and disinfected before visiting or returning to your farm. Maintain programs to control birds, wild animals and pets that can carry and spread disease. know the signs—Know what infectious diseases are of concern to your herd or flock, and be aware of their symptoms. Monitor animals daily for unusual signs or behavior, severe illness or sudden death. report sick animals—Report serious or unusual animal health problems to your veterinarian, local Virginia Cooperative Extension office or state or federal animal health officials. In Virginia, serious health problems can be reported to the Office of the State Veterinarian by calling 804-692-0601 weekdays or 804-674-2400 any other time.

The Virginia General Assembly passed a bill this year that industry officials hope will clear up confusion that began in 2010 about the use of unregistered farm vehicles— commonly called “farm use” vehicles. A 2010 bill listed the types of vehicles that are allowed to use the exemption with the intent to rule out the use of passenger vehicles. In doing so, the bill’s language caused some confusion, even though when read properly it was correct. To clarify the issue, the General Assembly passed House Bill 746, which lists numerically the vehicles that are allowed. The wording that will be official beginning July 1 reads “The provisions of this section shall only apply to (i) pickup trucks, (ii) panel trucks, (iii) sport utility vehicles, (iv) vehicles having a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 7,500 pounds, and (v) trailers and semitrailers.” “Even though this doesn’t change the meaning of the law, it is intended to make it easier to read and clear to the average person reading this Code of Virginia section,” said Andrew Smith, senior assistant director of governmental relations for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

june 2012

★

Farmers need to join the conversation “This is more than a campaign; this is about changing the way food and food production are discussed in all social circles,” said Forrest Roberts, chairman of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance Communications Advisory Committee.

Farmers as a group are not known for their verbosity, but they have a compelling story to tell. It’s the story of their lives and livelihoods, and of how they make a living off the land while preserving it for future generations. That’s too good of a story not to share with others. By Kathy Dixon Virginia farmers are being asked to get involved with a new national movement spearheaded by the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance. Virginia Farm Bureau Federation is one of more than 60 members of the alliance, which include other state

Virginia Farm Bureau News

kathy dixon

★★★

Farm Bureaus, national commodity associations and agribusinesses. The USFRA was formed in early 2011 by farmers and agricultural groups to foster a national dialogue between consumers and producers. “There are 3.1 million farm operators and their families; if each one held even one conversation, think about what a difference VaFarmBureau.org

★ that would make,” said Bill Zucker, a USFRA trainer who led a workshop for producer members in January during this year’s VFBF Legislative Day. USFRA research found that most of today’s consumers have little information about where their food comes from. To address that, the group is working to start a national conversation between consumers with questions about agriculture and farmers who can provide answers. “This is more than a campaign; this is about changing the way food and food production are discussed in all social circles,” said Forrest Roberts, chairman of the USFRA Communications Advisory Committee and CEO of the National Cattleman’s Beef Association. “To keep the movement growing, USFRA needs the involvement and the support of its affiliates and industry partners.” There are more than 2 million farms operating in the United States. “But after a long day in the fields, farmers’ and ranchers’ first instinct hasn’t been to get out there and talk about what they do. That has been a mistake,” said Bob Stallman, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “There has been almost no conversation between those of us who purchase and prepare our food and those of us who grow and raise it. That is why farmers and ranchers need to open a dialogue and tell their stories about how technology and innovation are making healthy choices possible.” Zucker suggested that farmers have oneon-one conversations with their neighbors, friends and strangers at the grocery store. But if personal conversations aren’t your forte, there are other ways to get involved.

Join online conversations USFRA has a website, fooddialogues. com, devoted to starting conversations. Consumers can submit questions, and farmers can answer them. There are also video tours of beef, dairy, pork and turkey farms that consumers can watch to learn more about production agriculture. If you click on “Start the Dialogues,” there is the option of selecting “Farmers and Ranchers: Join the Conversation.” You are required to register, but once you’ve done that, you can respond to consumers’ VirginiaFarmBureau.com

BECOME A VFBF SPOKESFARMER, AND SPEAK OUT FOR AG Virginia Farm Bureau Federation offers a Spokesfarmer program for farmers who want to serve as media contacts and general spokespeople for agriculture. questions, giving them reliable, accurate information about modern farming.

Be an ag-vocate In another section called “Grow What You Know,” people can report inaccurate or unfair claims about agriculture in current news articles, YouTube videos or other media outlets. Once the information is submitted, USFRA will circulate the piece to its Farmer and Rancher Mobilization, or FARM, team for comments. Farmers can join the FARM team to serve as resources. If you join, USFRA will contact you for real-life examples and experiences in response to claims or questions about specific farming topics.

Consumers know little about farming USFRA surveys found that Americans think about food production a lot, yet 72 percent of consumers say they know nothing or very little about farming or ranching. Many consumers think the United States is on the wrong track in the way the country produces food. This is evident in the online conversations taking place on the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance Facebook page. Farm Bureau members who “like” the page can respond to questions and comments consumers have about agriculture. The online conversation is intended to enable all farmers, regardless of their production methods or operation sizes, to engage in a dialogue about today’s ag industry. USFRA has more than 18,000 “likes” on Facebook, and that number is continually increasing.

“Producer members who have knowledge of farming and the commodities they produce are valuable resources for Farm Bureau publications and productions as well as to reporters working on ag-related stories,” explained Greg Hicks, VFBF vice president of communications. Any producer member can join the program, but ideally all Spokesfarmers should be trained with USFRA’s “Conversation with EASE” program. Through this training, farmers will learn how to better interact with consumers and will be trained to utilize the most effective techniques in explaining agricultural practices and food production. In participating in the training, farmers will learn how to effectively join the conversation with consumers, as well as media. The first training was held in January. Another session is slated as part of the 2012 VFBF Annual Convention at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly. Spokesfarmers play an integral role in serving as Farm Bureau sources for weekly news stories, magazine articles and television interviews. “When we receive phone calls from reporters with specific commodity or agriculture-related questions, we often turn to our Spokesfarmers for informative answers for our media friends,” Hicks said. To become a Spokesfarmer, contact Sara Owens at sara.owens@vafb.com.

june 2012

Va. Beach grower helping veterans work toward farm goal

Article and photography by Sara Owens

John Wilson of New Earth Farm has been growing produce in Virginia Beach since 1995. Over the years he has learned a lot about farming—something he didn’t think about sharing with others until a few years ago. It was then that a speaker at a farmingrelated conference told participants they should spend half of their time educating others. “I was appalled,” Wilson said. “I thought to myself, ‘I don’t have half my time to spend educating others. What am I supposed to do?’” He kept the speaker’s words in the back of his mind, and as opportunities started presenting themselves, he decided to get involved. “A lot of farmers are dying off and taking their knowledge with them,” Wilson said. “There’s such a loss of knowledge that really needs to be shared, and that’s why we need to pair the young and the old before it’s too late.” Farmers who are 65 or older make up the fastest-growing group of U.S. farm operators, and the average U.S. farmer is 57. In Virginia, that average is 58.2, and nearly 30 percent of the state’s farmers are 65 or older.

Quest for fresh food grew into partnership

“I found I really do enjoy sharing and teaching,” Virginia Beach farmer John Wilson said of working with Navy veterans Bridget and Coleman Ruiz.

Virginia Farm Bureau News

Coleman and Bridget Ruiz of Virginia Beach have a deep interest in raising their own food. Bridget Ruiz grew up gardening with her father and had some knowledge about growing food, but the couple knew they still had a lot to learn. The Ruizes are both veterans who served a combined 16 years in the U.S. Navy; Coleman Ruiz left the Navy last fall. As parents of three young boys, the couple wanted to find the freshest, healthiest food possible to feed their family. They buy most of their produce and some of their meats locally, and they make their own bread.

VaFarmBureau.org

In their search for local produce, they met Wilson. The Ruizes started working with Wilson on his farm in order to learn more about agriculture. They also serve as a drop-off point for his community-supported agriculture operation, help with his online farm market, and helped build high tunnels where they grow greens, carrots and other produce. “I’m interested in being able to grow food year-round, so I’ve enjoyed trying different things to see what works,” Coleman Ruiz said. Farming appeals to him, he said, because he enjoys being outdoors and doing physical work.

The Ruizes have been searching for a home in Virginia Beach with enough property to start their own farm, but they’re having difficulty finding land that is affordable. This summer, they are relocating to Maryland for a job opportunity. They were able to purchase a home with 6 acres there that will allow them to start farming on their own. “We are so grateful to John for this opportunity to learn so much before we take the jump of buying land ourselves,” Bridget Ruiz said. “Our experience with New Earth Farm has been just great, and we will use the knowledge we’ve gained from working with John on our own land in Maryland.”

“I’m interested in being able to grow food year-round, so I’ve enjoyed trying different things to see what works,” said veteran Coleman Ruiz, who helped Wilson build high tunnels for produce.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Continuing a mission of service The Ruizes and Wilson will be featured in an upcoming documentary film called Ground Operations about veterans who are transitioning from the military into farming and ranching. The film’s producer, Dulanie Ellis of Ojai, Calif., hopes to use the Ground Operations as a national outreach to both veteran and agriculture communities. Ellis was inspired to create the film after meeting a couple of Iraq veterans and the executive director of the California-based Farmer-Veteran Coalition. The coalition offers educational retreats, networking and small grants to help veterans become involved in agriculture, in turn creating more farmers to grow food for the nation. “This is a way for veterans to recover from the trauma of war and to continue their mission of service to their country by working in agriculture and raising food for our country,” Ellis said. “Most veterans have great leadership skills and self-discipline. They are service-oriented, used to doing hard work and working long hours, and all of these skills apply to being a successful farmer too.” Coleman Ruiz said he believes there are opportunities for veterans who need training and want to work on farms to help their local food systems. “When farmers and veterans can come together, it’s really a great opportunity for all who are involved,” he said. “The information we have received from John is just invaluable.” Ruiz and Wilson said they want to help educate more veterans by hosting a Farmer-Veteran Coalition workshop in Virginia Beach. They hope to hold the event this fall. “Ideally we’d like to be able to have other veterans assist us with farming and sort of ‘pay it forward’ using the knowledge that we’ve gained from John,” he said.

june 2012

‘It’s really a great opportunity for all who are involved’ — Coleman Ruiz, Navy veteran and aspiring farmer

Virginia Farm Bureau News

VaFarmBureau.org

Wilson hopes to continue working with more veterans and also to help share his knowledge of agriculture with teachers and students. He and the Ruizes have been working with Kevin Jamison, co-founder of Community Development International, to build an educational center on Wilson’s farm.

“I found I really do enjoy sharing and teaching,” Wilson said, “so I’m excited about continuing to educate others through this educational center and garden.” The center will be used to hold workshops on topics such as composting, organic gardening, pruning and growing

and arranging cut flowers. Classes for children on gardening and healthy eating also will be offered. Produce harvested from the educational garden will be sold to support current and future programs at the center and CDI’s environmental and agricultural programs in Haiti.

“We will use the knowledge we’ve gained from working with John on our own land in Maryland,” Bridget Ruiz said of her family’s plans to relocate later this year.

Want to know more? Organizations in this article have information about their work on their websites. New Earth Farm – newearthfarm.org Wilson and the Ruizes have collaborated with Kevin Jamison (left), co-founder of Community Development International, to build an educational center on Wilson’s farm.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Farmer-Veteran Coalition – farmvetco.org Ground Operations – groundoperations.net Community Development International – cd-international.org

june 2012

Award recipient has ‘heart of a farmer Article and photography by Sara Owens David Spence truly has the “heart of a farmer and the will of a salesman.” That’s how he was described by Clay Francis, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation vice president of membership and field services, who presented the Smyth County Farm Bureau insurance agent and farmer with Farm Bureau’s 2012 Ralph Stokes Award.

The award, presented by the sales management team of the Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., is the top recognition given annually to an agent who has a high degree of integrity, offers Farm Bureau members excellent service and has earned the respect of his or her peers. “David Spence is Farm Bureau. He believes in what he does for the

members of our organization, and it shows in his work ethic every day,” said Brian Turman, a Farm Bureau agency manager. “David cares for his clients, fellow agents and our members. David truly exemplifies what the Ralph Stokes award winner stands for, and that is excellence in all areas of customer service and sales.”

David Spence, an insurance agent at Smyth County Farm Bureau, was honored earlier this spring by Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.

“ People trust us to take care of them, and we take pride in our jobs and want to take care of their claim as quickly and as efficiently as possible.” — David Spence, Virginia Farm Bureau insurance agent

and the will of a salesman’

Spence also farms with his brother Jeff. “I don’t play golf; stress relief for me is getting on my tractor after a day at the office and working in the fields,” he said.

Farm Bureau established the Ralph Stokes Award in 1986, the same year Stokes retired after selling Farm Bureau insurance for 32 years. Spence, who has won every award that VFBMIC and Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. present, began working for Farm Bureau in 1990 as an insurance agent for Tazewell County Farm Bureau. In 2006 he became an agent in Smyth County, where he was born and raised. “I truly enjoy my job,” he said. “I get to help people in my own community at times when they need help the most, after a loss or an accident. “I enjoy promoting Farm Bureau and appreciate Farm Bureau’s long-standing respect for agriculture and its members,” he said. “They look at members as people. When a customer has a claim, the first thing we ask them is ‘How are you doing? Are you OK?’ The customer is always the first thing that comes to mind, and that’s important to me.” VirginiaFarmBureau.com

On April 28, 2011, several tornadoes caused damage in Smyth County that resulted in $2 million in claims for Spence’s customers alone. Without benefit of electricity, Spence left home at 5 a.m. the following day to begin taking claims on paper so adjusters could start assessing them the next day. “People trust us to take care of them, and we take pride in our jobs and want to take care of their claim as quickly and as efficiently as possible,” Spence said. Likewise, his 200 head of beef cattle trust him to care of them as well. “They’re my babies,” Spence said. “I love taking care of them. I don’t play golf; stress relief for me is getting in my tractor after a day at the office and working in the fields.” Spence operates Spence Brothers Farm with his brother Jeff. In addition to raising beef cattle, they also grow hay and corn, and David Spence owns several horses.

“Our dad raised beef cattle, so we have beef cattle,” he said. “And unlike dairy cows, beef cattle give you a break. You don’t have to be there 24-7. … We also grew burley tobacco before the tobacco buyout.” Spence and his wife, Debbie, have two adult daughters, Jessie and Becky, who both worked on the farm, cutting hay and tobacco and feeding cattle. They continue to farm on a smaller scale with their husbands, and Becky works as a member service specialist for Bland County Farm Bureau. While Spence hopes to continue selling insurance for a long time, he said he wants to retire to farming. “We’re trying to build up our operation so that when we both retire, Jeff and I can farm full time.”

june 2012

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Your Membership Advantage -SAVING YOU MONEY >> Your Farm Bureau membership helps support the farmers who grow our

nation’s food. It also gives you access to a wide variety of benefits and services, and it can pay for itself quickly in savings and convenience! travel advantages Avis Save up to 25% on daily and weekly rates. Visit Avis.com/vafb, or call 800-331-1212 and use Avis Worldwide Discount #A298846 when scheduling a rental. Budget Truck Rental Save 15% on truck rentals. Visit BudgetTruckRental.com/virginia or call 800-566-8422 to make a reservation. Choice Hotels Use Choice Hotels’ Significant Organization Savings plan and get a 20% discount at participating locations. Visit ChoiceHotels.com, or call 800-258-2847 and use ID 00220000 . Advance reservations required.

healthy advantages Member’s Medical Alert Help ensure that your or a loved one can summon help at home in an emergency. Get free shipping, a 30-day, money-back trial and no long-term contract. Visit MembersMedicalAlert.com or call 877-288-4958, and use code FB102. Prescription Drug Discount Save on more than 12,000 prescription drug products, at more than 53,000 pharmacies nationwide. Obtain a discount card from your county Farm Bureau, and find a participating pharmacy near you at VaFarmBureau.org/benefits/health.htm.

Wyndham Hotel Group Get 20% off “best available rates” at participating locations. Call 877-670-7088, and use ID 000000513. Advance reservations required.

QualSight LASIK Save up to 50 percent off the national average cost of LASIK vision correction. Visit QualSight.com/-vafb, or call 866-979-9575 to schedule an initial appointment with a participating doctor near you.

Children’s Museum of Richmond memberships Save 25% on any annual museum membership purchased at the museum or its satellite location. Visit C-mor.org/ membership.

ClearValue Hearing Save up to 25% on Starkey hearing instruments. To learn more and find a ClearValue provider near you, visit ClearValueHearing.com or call 888-497-7447.

Financial Advantages Farm Bureau Bank Full member banking services. Contact your county Farm Bureau office, visit FarmBureauBank.com or call 800-492-FARM for more information.

Home and Business Advantages CDW Member Purchase Program Purchase selected electronics at cost and any other product at cost plus 3%; also, get free ground shipping on one order per year. Visit CDW.com/epp or call 877-813-4435, and reference EPP Access #F1F4D954. Grainger Get 10% off any item in the Grainger industrial supply catalog. Order online at Grainger.com and qualify for free shipping, or call 877-202-2594. Reference Discount #809039274.

Producer Advantages Producer members also have access to these benefits and services: • Commodity marketing representation • Grain marketing services • Risk management assistance • Farm tires and parts

Travel Counsellors, Inc. Enjoy exclusive escorted tours for Farm Bureau members. Visit TravelTCI.com, or call 800-572-4049.

Member Benefit

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

Virginia Farm Bureau News

VaFarmBureau.org

Government regulation, land availability concern young U.S. farmers Twenty-one percent of U.S. farmers and ranchers 35 and younger who participated in a recent survey ranked government regulations and “red tape” as a top concern. Another 21 percent cited securing adequate land to grow crops and raise livestock as their top challenge. The American Farm Bureau Federation conducts an informal survey of participants in its Young Farmers & Ranchers Program each winter. Other issues ranked as top concerns included economic challenges, particularly profitability, 11 percent; availability of farm labor and related regulations, 8 percent; and willingness of parents to turn over the reins of a farm or ranch, 7 percent. Ninety-four percent of survey participants said they are more optimistic about farming and ranching than they were five years ago. Last year, 87 percent said they were. Among the optimists is Jill Heizer, who chairs the Augusta County Farm Bureau Young Farmers Committee and participated in the AFBF survey. Heizer, 25, raises beef cattle and dairy heifers with her husband. Both of them grew up on farms, and Heizer said the survey findings “pretty well represent what I thought.” In Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, she noted, governmental regulation of farms is of growing concern, particularly with regard to water quality. Additionally, “there’s a really high demand for land in our area, so that’s a really big issue.” The survey also found 94 percent of participants believe they are better off than they were five years ago. Last year, 90 percent reported being better off. More than 96 percent consider themselves lifetime farmers, while 98 percent would like to see their children follow in their footsteps; 92 percent believe that will be possible. “I think it depends on the kind of year they’ve had,” Heizer said. Sixty-one percent of participants said they use conservation tillage to reduce erosion in their fields. Seventy-one percent consider communicating with consumers to be a formal part of their jobs. Ninety-three percent reported using a computer for their farming operations, and 99 percent have Internet access. Seventy-nine percent are using a high-speed Internet connection; 20 percent rely on a satellite connection and slightly more than 1 percent use a dial-up connection. Eighty-two percent said they use the Internet primarily to access news and agricultural information, and 79 percent are Facebook users.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Tours of farms and farming-related businesses are a big part of each Young Farmers Summer Expo.

Young Farmers Summer Expo is good chance to see agriculture first hand The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers annual Summer Expo will take place July 27-29 in Lynchburg. The event is open to anyone ages 18 to 35 and is geared toward people who support agriculture through production, education, promotion and leadership. Anyone with an interest in agriculture is encouraged to attend. More than 180 participants turned out for the 2011 Summer Expo, held in Southampton County. “I think the expo went very well last year despite the heat and humidity,” said Jennie Simms of Southampton County who helped organize last year’s gathering. “The expo is a great opportunity for anyone who is curious about farming and different farms in the area to come out and see for themselves. That’s the best way to learn about anything.” In addition to farm tours and speakers, the expo will include the Outstanding Young Agriculturalist Award finals, Outstanding Young Farm Employee Award finals, Excellence in Agriculture Award finals and annual Young Farmers Discussion Meet semifinals. During the Discussion Meet, young farmers cooperatively discuss pre-determined agricultural topics, work with each other to build a consensus and then form conclusions. Winners are selected based on their speaking ability, problem-solving capability and cooperative attitude. This year the expo will feature a new Certified Farm Seeker Program for beginning farmers. It will include an introduction to whole-farm planning, product marketing, securing mentors, lease options and gauging land availability. The new program works in conjunction with Virginia’s Farm Link Program to help beginning farmers prepare for meeting landowners and starting or expanding a farm operation. Registration includes all program events and most meals. Participants are required to make and pay for their hotel arrangements and any optional tours. For more information, visit VaFarmBureau.org or VAFBYoungFarmers.com, or contact Young Farmers staff at youngfarmers@vafb.com or 804-290-1032. june 2012

Workshops now available for preschool educators Agriculture in the Classroom’s fiscal year ends June 30. If you made a contribution in the past 12 months, you helped support AITC workshops attended by more than 2,000 elementary and preschool teachers statewide. AITC introduced professional development programs for preschool teachers this year, and the events were well-received. “Preschool educators have very different needs from K-5 teachers,” said Tammy Maxey, AITC senior education programmer. “They need lessons and ideas created with 2- to 5-year-olds in mind. Activities we share range from singing agriculture songs to playing games that identify farm animals and teach basics about plants. Preschool teachers have a keen interest in resources that can be used to teach children about nutrition, where food comes from and how plants grow, as well as basic information about animals. They also need activities that foster motor skills, teach concepts like sharing and cooperation and encourage expressive language.” For the past two years, AITC staff have been invited to speak at events organized by the Virginia Association for Early Childhood Education.

What teachers are saying

AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM www.agintheclass.org

AITC SUPPORTERS In addition to many individuals who contributed, these organizations made contributions to the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom between April 17 and May 14.

Leader Level ($1,000 to $9,999) • Loudoun County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Old Dominion Electric Cooperative • Southern States Cooperative

Builder Level ($500 to $999) The following groups made contributions at the Builder Level: • King and Queen County Farm Bureau • Mecklenburg County Farm Bureau Find more information about AITC at AgInTheClass.org. Donations to the AITC program are always welcome and can be mailed to AITC, P.O. Box 27552, Richmond, VA 23261.

Comments from preschool teachers who attended AITC workshops in the 2011-1012 school year include the following: • “I appreciate the recommendations for how to introduce agriculture in a way that is relevant for inner-city children.” • “Loved this training! I feel it is very important … in this area that we talk more about agriculture.”

Fertile Soil Creates Cash Crops We keep you on solid ground.

• “Very interactive, fun and engaging—never a dull moment.”

Summer workshop series starts in July

Operating, Livestock, Equipment and Real Estate Loans

Agriculture in the Classroom will offer regional workshops for teachers of pre-kindergarten through fifth grade between July and mid-September. Space is limited at each, and participants must pre-register by contacting AITC at 804-2901143 or aitc@vafb.com. Dates for the Sprouting Success Summer Workshop Series are as follows. The series is made possible with support from Dominion Resources.

Complete Banking and Wealth Management Services

• July 2 at Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria • July 9 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond

First

• July 26 at Henricus Historical Park, Chesterfield County • July 30 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Farmers Helping Farmers Grow www.firstbank.com

• Aug. 2 at Morven Park, Leesburg • Aug. 7 at the Science Museum of Western Virginia, Roanoke • Aug. 10 at Stratford Hall, Westmoreland County

Member FDIC

Call an AgCredit specialist today. Abingdon, VA

Harrisonburg, VA

Wytheville, VA

Staunton, VA

667 West Main St. z 276-623-0128 1290 North 4th St. 276-228-1125 z

Additionally, a preschool teachers’ workshop will be held Sept. 14 at the Children's Museum of Richmond.

Virginia Farm Bureau News

1030 Richmond Rd. z 540-885-8000

Christiansburg, VA

Richmond, VA

Forest, VA

Johnson City, TN

150 Peppers Ferry Rd. NE z 540-260-9060 17011 Forest Rd. z 434-455-0888

1880 East Market St. z 540-437-0604

540-292-5943

1185 N. State of Franklin Rd. z 423-282-3850

VaFarmBureau.org

Keep your credit, debit card numbers safe

Tips to protect your cards: • Keep your credit or debit card in a secure place until you’re ready to use it. • Do not send your card number through email, as it is typically not secure. Do not give out your card number over the phone unless you initiated the call. • Review your account statements as soon as you receive them to verify transactions, or review your account online regularly. If you notice any transactions that are not yours, contact your financial institution immediately. • Change your personal identification number every six months. When selecting a PIN, do not use any number that appears in your wallet, such as your birth date, address or phone number. Memorize your PIN, and do not share it with others.

When handing your card to someone else to swipe, keep the card number facing down. Don’t leave your card lying face-up on a counter while you are making a purchase.

By Sara Owens More and more people are using credit and debit cards when making purchases, because it’s quick and easy. It’s also just as quick and easy for those card numbers to end up in the wrong hands. “We continue to see an increase in credit and debit card number thefts, because consumers aren’t being careful and because thieves are becoming more and more clever,” said Frank Dunton, vice president of investigations for Virginia Farm Bureau. “It’s really important that consumers protect their cards and treat them as if they were cash.” Dunton said thieves have been using devices called skimmers to read the magnetic strips on credit and debit cards. The devices are placed inside card scanners and ATMs and also can be placed outside of the machines. “It’s important to look around and check your surroundings before using your card,” VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Dunton said. “It doesn’t take long for someone to copy your card number and use it.” When handing your card to someone else to swipe, make sure you hand it to them with the card number facing down, and never leave it on a counter with the numbers facing up.

If you’ve been a victim of theft or fraud, Virginia Farm Bureau Investigations can provide you with useful information and assist you with your fraud claim. Call 800-277-8323, and ask for Investigations.

• Cancel and cut up unused credit and debit cards, and when receiving a replacement card, destroy the old one. • Shop only with merchants you know and trust. • Make sure any Internet purchase activity is secured. Look for “https://” in the Web address to ensure your account information is safe. • Log off any website after making a purchase with your credit or debit card. If you cannot log off, shut down your browser to prevent unauthorized access to your account information. • Securely store or securely dispose of transaction receipts, and report lost or stolen cards immediately.

june 2012

Hands-Only CPR could result in more cardiac arrest survivors By Sara Owens When someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest, his or her survival depends greatly on receiving immediate CPR. Providing CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival; however, less than one-third of people who experience cardiac arrest at home or work or in a public location receive help. According to the American Heart Association, some bystanders are worried about performing CPR incorrectly. Consequently, the organization recently introduced Hands-Only CPR to simplify the process. While traditional CPR is still widely used and recommended, Hands-Only CPR has been proven effective in saving lives, according to the heart association. “Studies of real emergencies that have occurred in homes, at work or in public locations show that Hands-Only CPR can be as effective as conventional CPR for a short period of time,” said Kevin Bartal, safety coordinator for Virginia Farm Bureau. Bartal also is a firefighter with the Henrico County Division of Fire. “So if you see someone who needs help, don’t be afraid to perform CPR if you’ve been trained or if the 911 operator gives you instructions,” Bartal said. “I’d much rather see someone try to help than stand by and do nothing at all.” The Code of Virginia protects those who are trained in CPR and who help someone in medical need. The law states that those who perform emergency care or assistance in good faith, without compensation, in emergency situations and are not negligent

‘Studies of real emergencies that have occurred in homes, at work or in public locations show that Hands-Only CPR can be as effective as conventional CPR for a short period of time.’ — Kevin Bartal, Virginia Farm Bureau

in their acts cannot be held liable for civil damages for acts or omissions from rendering the care. There are two steps to the Hands-Only method: 1. calling 911; and 2. starting compressions by pushing hard and fast in the center of the person’s bare chest. While the hands-only method may be easier and make people more willing to help, it is still important to receive proper CPR training and training for use of an automatic external defibrillator, or AED, Bartal said. An AED is a portable defibrillator automated so that it can be used by someone without medical training who is responding to a cardiac emergency. “The AED is an important part of CPR and, when used with the Hands-Only method, can greatly increase a person’s chance of survival,” Bartal said. When calling 911, remember to stay on the line until the operator says it is OK to hang up. “If you hang up before the 911 operator has all the information they need, in some localities it will be considered a ‘hang-up,’ and only a police car will be sent to the emergency to check your welfare instead of emergency medical personnel,” Bartal said.

Want to know more? The American Heart Association has introduced Hands-Only CPR in the interest of simplifying a life-saving process.

For more information on Hands-Only CPR, visit handsonlycpr.org.

Farm Bureau to begin offering CPR and AED classes Virginia Farm Bureau Safety soon will begin offering CPR and automatic exterior defibrillator classes to county Farm Bureaus and their members who are interested in training and certification. For more information contact Farm Bureau Safety at 804-290-1376 or safety@farmbureauadvantage.com.

Virginia Farm Bureau News

VaFarmBureau.org

Farm Bureau to offer free child safety seat inspections If you’ve ever struggled to install a child safety seat, you know it can be a physical challenge. National surveys have shown that as many as 80 percent of all child safety seats are improperly installed, according to Jimmy Maass, Virginia Farm Bureau safety manager. “It’s important that the seat be installed correctly so that it will protect your child should you be involved in a crash,” Maass said. “According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, crashes are the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 3 and 14.” As of March 1, the Virginia Farm Bureau home office at 12580 West Creek Parkway in Goochland County is an official Child Safety Seat Check Station. The Virginia Department of Health and NHTSA websites list sites where parents and care providers can ensure, at no cost, that their seats are installed properly. Child seat owners can call the Farm Bureau safety staff at 804-290-1376 to schedule an appointment for their seats to be checked by a nationally-certified technician. “Parents should bring the child that will use the seat if at all possible, and expect to spend between 20 and 30 minutes for each seat that’s inspected and installed,” Maass said. “We first check the seat to see if the parent installed it correctly

and explain anything we might find. We then remove the seat, check for recalls or problems, then make sure the child fits properly in the seat. Finally we show the parent how to install the seat correctly and allow them to install it with our advice and assistance.” In addition to checking seats at the Goochland office, “we’re also going to offer this service to county Farm Bureaus across the state if they’d like to have a free car seat check day in their area,” Maass said.

Find a check station near you To locate a National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationapproved child safety seat inspection site near you, visit nhtsa. gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm or vahealth.org/injury/safetyseat/ permanent.htm.

Members have access to hotel-stay discounts

Savings on Grainger purchases is a member benefit

Your Farm Bureau membership gives you access to two programs offering significant savings at thousands of hotels in North America. Advance reservations are required, and blackout dates may apply. The Wyndham Hotel Group discount program covers stays at 6,000 AmeriHost Inn, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Knights Inn, Ramada, Super 8 Motel, Travelodge, Villager and Wingate Inn locations. The discounted rate of 20 percent less than the “Best Available Rate” publicly available on the Internet is subject to availability at participating locations. The Choice Hotels discount program offers savings of 20 percent at more than 5,000 Clarion, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Econo Lodge, MainStay Suites, Quality, Rodeway Inn and Sleep Inn locations. Your county Farm Bureau can provide you with contact information and Virginia Farm Bureau ID numbers needed to make reservations. Be prepared to show your Farm Bureau member card when you check in.

Whether you own a business or simply need to 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. That 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. The company works with more than 3,000 suppliers to provide more than 900,000 products for categories including these: • motors; • electrical; • painting; • fleet and • plumbing; vehicle maintenance; • power tools and • HVAC; metalworking; • hand tools; • pumps; • hardware; • safety; and • janitorial; • security. • lighting; Your county Farm Bureau can provide you with a Virginia Farm Bureau Grainger discount code. Grainger can apply your Farm Bureau discount to an existing Grainger account, so you automatically save every time you buy.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

june 2012

Good for You

STRAWBERRIES pack a VITAMIN C punch By Kathy Dixon

Strawberry measurements

Move over vitamin C-packed citrus fruits, Virginia farms are producing their own fruit powerhouse. Ounce for ounce, strawberries have more vitamin C than their citrus counterparts. In fact, eight of the little heart-shaped berries contain 130 percent of the recommended daily allowance of this vitamin—more than the amount in one orange. “Picking strawberries can be a fun family activity,” said Karen Ridings, a registered dietitian and Virginia Cooperative Extension family and consumer sciences agent in Frederick County. “And the fruit you’re picking is good for everyone’s health.” 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, as they contain 13 percent of the recommended daily allowance of dietary fiber. And a cup of strawberries has just 50 calories. One cup also contains 1 gram of protein and nearly 12 grams of carbohydrates. Strawberries are among the top 20 fruits that deliver antioxidants and are a good source of magnesium and potassium, Ridings said. One cup of strawberries contains 21 percent of the daily recommendation for manganese, an essential nutrient that acts as an antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent. Manganese helps fight the battle against free radicals and lessens cellular inflammation, a cause of cardiovascular diseases. It also helps the body maintain proper bone structure. The potassium and vitamin K in strawberries are also important for bone health. Almost as important: Strawberries taste good. “Strawberries are very versatile because of their delicate flavor,” Ridings said. “Not only do they make scrumptious desserts such as strawberry shortcake and fresh strawberry pie, but they can dress up a salad.”

1½ pounds = 2 pints or 1 quart

Virginia Farm Bureau News

1 small basket = 1 pint 1 pint = 3¼ cups whole berries 1 pint = 2¼ cups sliced berries 1 pint = 2⁄3 cup pureed berries 1 cup = about 4 ounces

Strawberry Mousse INGREDIENTS 3 cups quartered strawberries ¼ cup sugar ¾ cup lowfat sour cream 2 cups frozen reduced-calorie whipped topping

She also suggests using strawberries to top off yogurt, breakfast cereals and pancakes. “Or just eat them plain as a snack. “I also like to make my own strawberry preserves using the water bath canning method,” Ridings said. Local Extension offices are good resources for recipes and canning tips. When shopping for strawberries, Ridings recommends selecting strawberries “that are wearing their fresh green caps. If you are purchasing strawberries that are prepackaged, visually check the package to make sure there is no mold growth.” She added that if you are buying a specific quantity for a recipe, keep in mind that one and a half pounds will yield approximately one quart, or about 4 cups of sliced strawberries. Strawberries should be used soon after harvesting or purchase, Ridings said. It is best to store unwashed berries in the refrigerator, loosely covered with a plastic wrap. They should not be left at room temperature for more than a few hours, she added. When you are ready to use them, wash them thoroughly in a colander, remove the caps and rinse one more time.

DIRECTIONS In a blender or food processor, combine strawberries and sugar. Process until smooth. Pour the contents into a large bowl. Add sour cream, and mix well with a whisk. Fold whipped topping into strawberry mixture. Spoon into 8 custard cups. Cover, and freeze at least 4 hours. Serves 8. Source: American Cancer Society cookbook Celebrate! Healthy Entertaining for Any Occasion

Use strawberries to create flavorful desserts, salads, sauces and snacks.

VaFarmBureau.org

Heart of the Home

Multi-purpose crostini makes mouth-watering appetizers Goat cheese, strawberries and arugula combine to make one of Kendra Bailey Morris’ favorite appetizers, one the Richmond-based cookbook author and food blogger called “a total crowd-pleaser.” The strawberries are marinated in balsamic vinegar and sugar, which softens the fruit and brings out its flavor. Mixing them with pungent goat cheese and peppery arugula is a winning combination, Morris said. Crostini—baguette slices brushed with olive oil and toasted in the oven—can be topped with “just about anything,” Morris said. And crostini can be made the day before and then topped just before serving.

Crostini with Goat Cheese, Strawberries and Arugula INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons quality balsamic vinegar ½ tablespoon sugar 1½ cups of hulled, sliced strawberries generous handful of arugula extra virgin olive oil, for brushing half a sourdough baguette, sliced ½" thick 8 ounces plain soft goat cheese, brought to room temperature freshly ground black pepper DIRECTIONS In a bowl, mix together the vinegar and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Add the strawberries. Cover and let marinate for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, toss the arugula with a little olive oil to taste. Add a couple spins of the pepper mill, and toss again. Set aside. Lightly brush the bread slices with olive oil and toast in a 350° oven for 5-10 minutes on each side (You want them to be golden brown). To assemble, spread each piece of toasted baguette with goat cheese. Then top with a couple of strawberries and a few pieces of arugula. Garnish with a bit of black pepper. Serve immediately. Serves 12 as an appetizer

Marinating the strawberries in sweetened balsamic vinegar creates a soft and juicy fruit for this crostini topping.

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 monthly 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 TimesDispatch. Her blog is at fatbackandfoiegras.blogspot.com. june 2012

OUR GOAL IS TO HELP YOU REACH YOURS Work with the hometown dealer you can trust.

NEW VIRGINIA TRACTOR, LLC CHARLOTTESVILLE 2415 IVY ROAD (434) 977-8100

ORANGE

13437 JAMES MADISON HIGHWAY (540) 661-5100

MANASSAS

10413 DUMFRIES ROAD (703) 366-3880

WARRENTON

8326 MEETZE ROAD (540) 347-2880

$W 1HZ 9LUJLQLD 7UDFWRU ZHร UH DOZD\V รทQGLQJ QHZ ZD\V WR KHOS \RX LQFUHDVH SURGXFWLYLW\ GHFUHDVH \RXU ZRUNORDG DQG UXQ VWURQJ DOO VHDVRQ ORQJ

Visit us at www.vatractor.com

Get the Muck

OUT!

Marble size AquaClearTM Pellets clear your lake or pond bottom.

Beneficial microorganisms. Restore balance in natural and man made surface waters. Increase water clarity. Improve water quality. Eliminate black organic muck. A 10 lb. bag treats 0.5 to 1.0 acres $76.50 A 50 lb. bag treats 2.5 to 5.0 acres - $295.00 Apply weekly for 4 weeks, then monthly to maintain. No water use restrictions! FREE SHIPPING!

800-328-9350 KillLakeWeeds.com/69TX

AQUACIDE CO. PO Box 10748, DEPT. 69TX White Bear Lake, MN 55110-0748

Virginia Farm Bureau News

VaFarmBureau.org

Marketplace NEW MEMBER BENEFIT:

Help people find your farm-fresh products, with Farm Bureau Fresh If you are a Virginia farmer who direct-markets fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, plants or other products, a new Farm Bureau member benefit can make it easier for potential customers to find you. Farm Bureau Fresh, based on the Virginia Farm Bureau website at VaFarmBureau.org/marketplace, lets members place free, searchable listings of up to 45 words. Farm Bureau will begin promoting Farm Bureau Fresh in June to anyone with an interest in local foods and other farm products. Consumers can use Farm Bureau Fresh to search for products in any of 11 categories (New categories are being develop this summer as well), or use their ZIP code to locate all producers in their area who sell to the public. In addition to addresses, phone numbers and farm websites, they’ll be able to access a map and Google travel directions to your farm, stand or other venue. Products currently can be listed in the following categories: ` agritourism;

` fruit;

` aquaculture;

` mushrooms;

` bees and honey;

` pick-your-own;

` Christmas trees;

` pumpkins; and

` CSAs;

` vegetables.

` flowers;

Farm Bureau Fresh listings are available exclusively to Farm Bureau producer members in Virginia, and you can list your products in as many applicable categories as you like. To see how Farm Bureau Fresh works—and then list your farm products for interested buyers—visit VaFarmBureau.org/marketplace.

Fresh vegetables and fruits, pick-your-own venues, pumpkins and cut flowers are among the products consumers can find with Farm Bureau Fresh. VirginiaFarmBureau.com

june 2012

Marketplace

2012 magazine classified ad schedule and policies

Place online Marketplace ads year-round!

Members of Virginia Farm Bureau are entitled to 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 on Page 30 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 2012 dues are paid. Magazine classified ads can be placed in the following five categories only:

If you want to advertise your farm stand, CSA or pick-your-own operation, your farm-related services, or special events on your farm, Virginia Farm Bureau’s online Marketplace is a good place to start. Farm Bureau offers online classified advertising opportunities to help members promote and find farm products and events. Information on using the service to find farm-fresh foods and special events has been shared with associate members via Cultivate magazine. Members can place free classified ads at VaFarmBureau.org/ marketplace in the categories that currently appear in Virginia Farm Bureau News—crops, farm equipment, hay and straw, livestock and livestock equipment—as well as in the following categories:

• Crops;

• agricultural event notices; • agricultural services; • horses; and • nursery and greenhouse. Internet-only ads will have a 45-word maximum and will expire on your membership expiration date. Only members with paid 2012 memberships will be able to place ads.

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

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

Weed control, ‘Garden by the Sea’ featured in June’s Real Virginia

Watch this!

To view Real Virginia, visit VaFarmBureau.org

One of the keys to a successful garden is weed control. Andy Hankins of Virginia Cooperative Extension shows how farmers and gardeners use various tools to control unwanted plants. Plus, Southwest Virginia and Virginia’s Eastern Shore are tourist destinations, but they’re also major agricultural areas. Food writer Kendra Bailey Morris has a summer vegetable recipe, and horticulturist Mark Viette shows how to ensure that your backyard wisteria blooms next spring. Find out more on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s monthly television program. Real Virginia airs nationwide at 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month on RFD-TV, as well as on 41 cable systems and five broadcast stations in Virginia. It’s also available online at VaFarmBureau.org. Check local cable listings, or visit VaFarmBureau.org for a list of participating stations.

Virginia Farm Bureau News

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.

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

Step 4 Your first ad of 15 words or less is free with your membership. Pricing for additional ads: 1–15 words $10/ad 16–30 words $20/ad Additional ads must be accompanied by a check (no cash) for each issue in which the ad is to appear.

Important:

• Make check payable to: Virginia Farm Bureau. • Ads longer than 30 words will not be accepted. • We do not invoice for classified ads or provide proofs or tearsheets. • Ads submitted without payment will be returned.

Step 5 Mail your ad (and payment) to: Virginia Farm Bureau News / Cultivate Classifieds P.O. Box 27552 Richmond, VA 23261-7552 Or place it via the Virginia Farm Bureau website at VaFarmBureau.org/marketplace.

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

Deadlines Ads and cancellations must be received (not mailed) by the following deadlines: Issue Deadline Mailed to producer members August June 29

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; 2012 dues must be paid before placing ad.

NAME: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MEMBER NO.: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

COUNTY: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

❑ Farm Equipment

ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

❑ Hay/Straw

CITY: _________________________________________________ STATE: ____________________________

❑ Livestock

ZIP:_____ _____________

DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER: _____________________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS: _________________________ Ads will not be accepted without the information above.

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

❑ Livestock Equipment

No other categories available in magazines

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

❑ Payment enclosed: $_______________ ISSUE IN WHICH AD SHOULD RUN: ❑ August (mailed to producer members) ❑ Please place my ad online in the VFB Marketplace (Ads expire with membership). ❑ This is my one free 15-word ad for 2012. ❑ Please place my ad in The Delmarva Farmer for 4 weeks at no additional cost to me.

* Ad placement available for these issues only VirginiaFarmBureau.com

june 2012

Land. The best investment on earth.

Financing for: r Building or buying a home r Farms, lots & home sites r Small or large tracts of land 速 r Timber & recreational tracts r Hunting & fishing properties

If you are interested in owning your own land, Farm Credit can help. We have been providing financing for land and farms to people just like you for 95 years.

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

The Experts in Rural Finance