FBN Aug 2014 by Virginia Farm Bureau

Virgnia VaFarmBureau.org

August 2014

Farm Bureau News

New thrills, grand old tradition: State Fair will open Sept. 26

Contents 14

Virgnia Farm Bureau News

State Fair of Virginia will open Sept. 26

New attractions, a new livestock building, a recycled school bus and a grand old tradition will be served up when the State Fair of Virginia opens next month. 16

Resource Management Plans will give farmers credit they deserve

A new state program will document and share producers’ role in keeping Virginia’s waterways healthy. 8

Land use assessment taxation—what it is, and what it isn’t

Seventy-six counties and 18 cities in Virginia employ land use assessment taxation for land being used for farming, forestry, open space or all of the above.

Departments 6

Viewing Virginia

Have a Soup-er Year

Heart of the Home

Marketplace

Virginia Farm Bureau News (USPS 017-763) (ISSN 1525-528X) is published six times a year, January, March, May, June, August, September/October (combined issue). It is published by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Periodicals postage rate is paid in Richmond, VA. The annual subscription rate is $1.42 (included in membership dues). Postmaster: Please send changes of address to, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Farm Bureau News, P.O. Box 27552, Richmond, VA 23261-7552; fax 804-290-1096. Editorial and business offices are located at 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Telephone 804-290-1000, fax 804-290-1096. Email address is virginiafarmbureaunews@vafb. com. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Members — Address change? If your address or phone number has changed, or is about to change, contact your county Farm Bureau. They will update your membership and subscription information. All advertising is accepted subject to the publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume liability for the content of their advertising. The publisher maintains the right to cancel advertising for nonpayment or reader complaints about services or products. The publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised.

Washington Watch

Volume 73, Number 5 August 2014

Member: Virginia Press Association

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

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

virginia farm bureau federation

On the Cover 14

Family fun, favorite foods and lots of agricultural elements will be part of the 2014 State Fair of Virginia (Photo by Morgan Barker).

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

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

Annual Convention will be Dec. 2-4 at The Homestead The 2014 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention will be held Dec. 2-4 at The Homestead in Hot Springs. This year’s convention theme is “Farming for the Next Generation.” The convention will officially kick off at Tuesday’s luncheon with a keynote address by Dr. Timothy D. Sands, Virginia Tech’s 16th president, who took office in June. After the luncheon, members can attend a panel discussion on agriculture education initiatives in Virginia or a presentation on current numbers related to U.S. agriculture by Bob Young, chief economist and deputy executive director for public policy for the American Farm Bureau Federation. During the business sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, voting delegates from each county Farm Bureau will help shape the organization’s state and federal policies for the upcoming year. Delegates also will elect members of the VFBF board of directors to represent Districts 1, 4, 7, 10 and 13 and Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC trustees representing Districts 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14. Elections also will be held for the offices of VFBF president, vice president, Women’s Committee chairman and Young Farmers Committee chairman. Members who arrive on Monday evening will be able to catch a screening of the documentary Farmland, which was released this past spring. The feature-length film from award-winning director James Moll was produced with support from the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, of which the VFBF is an affiliate. Farmland will be shown on Tuesday afternoon as well in The Homestead’s on-site cinema. It offers an intimate look at the lives of six young American farmers and ranchers: a fourth-generation poultry grower in Georgia, a sixth-generation cattle rancher with operations in Colorado and Texas, a fifth-generation Nebraska corn and soybean producer, a fourth generation produce grower in California, a fourthgeneration Minnesota hog farmer and a first-generation vegetable farmer in Pennsylvania.

Farming for the Next Generation Virginia Farm Bureau Federation 2014 Annual Convention December 2-4 at The Homestead

Save the date! Dec. 2-4 at The Homestead The convention is open to voting delegates and other interested Farm Bureau members. Details and registration forms will be available at county Farm Bureau offices and online this fall.

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august 2014

Ambassador program open to young adults who want to speak up for agriculture Any young adult from a Virginia Farm Bureau member family who has a passion for agriculture may apply to be the next Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador. The annual competition is open to anyone 18 to 26 years old who wants to be a spokesperson for agriculture and represent Farm Bureau. Applications are being accepted through Dec. 31. The state-level winner will be announced at the 2015 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Conference in March. He or she will receive a $3,000 scholarship from the VFBF Women’s Committee, and the first runner-up will receive $500. The winner will make public appearances across the state as a representative of agriculture and Farm Bureau. For more information about the Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador contest, visit the “Member Programs” section of VaFarmBureau.org or contact any county Farm Bureau.

Lady Leader program available for Farm Bureau women The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Program has introduced the Virginia Farm Bureau Lady Leader program to identify, honor and provide opportunities for a spokeswoman who is interested in “Proudly Promoting Agriculture.” The purpose of the program is to recognize a woman who can effectively articulate and share the values of today’s agriculture industry, and to increase her opportunities to promote farming, agribusiness and Farm Bureau throughout the commonwealth. Interested individuals must submit an application by Dec. 31. Finalists must attend the VFBF Women’s Conference in March to meet with judges and offer a prepared presentation to conference participants. The 2015

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Lady Leader will be named at the conference. A cash award of $500, sponsored by Farm Credit, will be presented to the 2015 Lady Leader, and reasonable travel expenses will be covered for pre-arranged speaking appearances in the year that follows. Applicants must be female, at least 27 years of age and a member in good standing of a county Farm Bureau in Virginia; be able to give speeches promoting agriculture to any size group; and understand key issues affecting agriculture. Farm Bureau employees are not eligible. Information is available in the “Member Programs” section of VaFarmBureau.org or from any county Farm Bureau.

Homegrown by Heroes label honors, recognizes farmer veterans Consumers may soon see the Homegrown By Heroes logo where they shop for food, enabling them to select products that support farmer veterans. The Farmer Veteran Coalition, which works with veterans interested in agricultural careers, recently launched the product labeling program that will allow farmers, ranchers and fishermen from all 50 states and U.S. territories who have served or are currently serving in any branch of the U.S. military to use the logo on their products. “Farming and military service are more closely linked than one might think,” said Michael O’Gorman, executive director of the FVC. “Thousands of our service men and women leave the rural communities and farms they call home in order to serve our country in the military. Upon completion of their service, they often return home to resume work on the family farm.” The FVC works with hundreds of veterans with no agriculture background who, upon returning from service, see an opportunity in farming and ranching and embark on careers in agriculture. To qualify for the Homegrown By Heroes label, a producer must have served honorably or still be serving in any branch of the U.S. armed forces and be at least 50 percent owner or operator of a farm business. The labeling program has received support from an array of agricultural organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, of which Virginia Farm Bureau Federation is an affiliate. It originated as a marketing initiative of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and is transitioning to a national program with support from the member institutions of Farm Credit.

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2014 Farm Bill meeting series set for this month The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation will host a series of regional 2014 Farm Bill Information Sessions this month to share news with producers about programs introduced or modified under the 2014 Farm Bill. Each meeting will last two to twoand-a-half hours and conclude with an opportunity to obtain additional information from U.S. Department of Agriculture staff. All farmers and farmland owners are welcome. Agenda topics include commodity and farm loan programs; risk management and crop insurance; conservation and natural resources; value-added agriculture; and rural energy. The first meeting was held Aug. 1 in South Boston in conjunction with the VFBF Young Farmers Summer Expo.

Additional meetings will begin at 9 a.m. on the following dates: • Aug. 19 in Wytheville Community College’s Galax Hall; • Aug. 20 at the Weyers Cave Community Center in Augusta County; • Aug. 26 at Paul D. Camp Community College’s Workforce Development Center in Franklin; and • Aug. 28 in the Meadow Pavilion (Gate 2) at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. For additional information and travel directions, contact Tony Banks, 804-290-1114 or tony.banks@vafb.com, or Brenda Fleming, 804-290-1155 or brenda.fleming@vafb.com.

Adams named commissioner of agriculture and consumer services Gov. Terry McAuliffe has appointed Sandra J. “Sandy” Adams commissioner of the state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Adams most recently served as acting commissioner of that agency. She succeeds former commissioner Matt Lohr, who resigned in late 2013, and she previously served for three-and-a-half years as VDACS deputy commissioner. She will be responsible for the agency’s efforts to promote economic growth and development of agriculture, provide Adams consumer protection and encourage environmental stewardship. Virginia Farm Bureau Federation President Wayne F. Pryor welcomed Adams’ appointment. “We look forward to working with Commissioner Adams,” Pryor said. “She’s thoroughly versed in VDACS’ mission and the important services it provides Virginians on farms and from many walks of life.” Prior to serving as deputy VDACS commissioner, Adams served for 10 years as the agency’s director of administrative and financial services and for three years as its financial director. She also has held positions in the Virginia Department of Taxation.

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The Farm Bill: How it Works The American Farm Bureau Federation has produced a series of videos and launched a website at goo.gl/ujjnny to help farmers, landowners and other stakeholders better understand the provisions of the 2014 Farm Bill. Featured content includes videos on key commodity program and crop insurance provisions of the farm bill. “We have distilled down a massive and complex piece of legislation … into several bite-size pieces, with the goal of helping farmers and managers understand how it will affect their farms,” explained John Anderson, AFBF deputy chief economist. “Now that safety net and risk management tools important in crop planning are in place, along with the new program for dairies, the next step is for farmers to be able to move forward with confidence in determining the best options for their individual farms.” Videos on the site present a farm bill overview and go into detail regarding the Price Loss Coverage and Supplemental Coverage Option, the Agricultural Risk Coverage Program, the Stacked Income Protection Program for Cotton and the Dairy Margin Protection Program. Links to useful farm bill information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, land-grant universities and other organizations also is available on the site.

august 2014

Washington Watch

Farm Bureau decodes waters rule proposal, asks EPA to rescind

EPA extends comment period on proposed waters rule

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers have extended until Oct. 20 the public comment period for a proposed rule that defines the waters of the United States that fall under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. The American Farm Bureau Federation has assembled articles and analysis relevant to the proposed rule online. For more information and to file comments, visit these websites: • ditchtherule.fb.org; The American Farm Bureau Federation asserts that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed “Waters of the U.S.” rule will drown farmers, ranchers and other landowners in regulation, even on land that’s usually dry.

• fbactinsider.org/issues/cleanwater-act; or • capwiz.com/afb/issues/ alert/?alertid=63192396.

he American Farm Bureau Federation released to Congress on July 16 a comprehensive document that responds point by point to numerous inaccurate and misleading comments made about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed "Waters of the U.S." rule. Nancy Stoner, EPA acting assistant administrator for water, made the statements in a recent agency blog post. AFBF’s document explains with specific citations how the rule would give the EPA broad Clean Water Act jurisdiction over dry land features and farming practices long declared off-limits by Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court. “AFBF and several state Farm Bureaus have met with the EPA repeatedly, and each time agency officials have declined to grapple with the serious, real-world implications of the rule,” AFBF President Bob Stallman said. “EPA is now engaged 6

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in an intensive public relations campaign, and we believe its statements are directly contrary to the reality of the proposed rule. “We have therefore decided to take our arguments to a wider audience as well. Farm Bureau is dedicated to communicating to farmers, their elected representatives and the public how the proposed rule will impose costly and timeintensive federal permitting regimens on commonplace and essential practices that our nation’s farmers and ranchers depend on. Agency inspectors and courts will apply the rule, not EPA’s talking points. It’s time for the agency to ditch this rule and start over.” AFBF hopes its document, which is available online at bit.ly/1mhsL2Z, will contribute to the ongoing discussion in Congress regarding the rule and its implications for not only farming but, more broadly, the U.S. economy. A shorter sampling of some key points is available at bit.ly/1rr8hdi.

To file comments in writing, mail them to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code: 2822T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460. Be sure to reference docket number EPA-HQ-OW-2011-0880.

VaFarmBureau.org

Washington Watch

Congressional leaders: EPA making ‘unjustified power grab’ in bay watershed Three Virginia members of the U.S. House of Representatives led 39 members of Congress in filing an amicus brief supporting the American Farm Bureau Federation’s lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The brief, which was filed in June, urges the Third U.S. District Court of Appeals to acknowledge the intent of the Clean Water Act to reserve for states the right to implement water quality goals as related to the EPA’s proposed Total Maximum Daily Load, or TMDL.

“EPA’s power grab surrounding the Chesapeake Bay TMDL sets a dangerous precedent by usurping authority delegated to the states in the Clean Water Act simply because the agency disagrees with a state’s decision on implementation,” said Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-6th, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. He was joined in signing the brief by Rep. Robert Hurt, R-5th, and Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-9th.

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“We are so thankful that our Virginia Congressmen recognize the far-reaching effects of the EPA controlling all the waters of the U.S. and are willing to stand up and fight for our right to farm,” said Virginia Farm Bureau Federation President Wayne F. Pryor. At issue is a federal-led effort to restore the 64,000-square-mile Chesapeake Bay watershed by 2025. In 2009, President Obama issued an executive order for a bay restoration, prompting the EPA to seek agreements with six states and the District of Columbia that set standards to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment that drain from rivers into the bay. The AFBF unsuccessfully challenged the multistate agreement in 2011. Now the appeals court is to decide if the EPA exceeded its Clean Water Act authority by mandating how nitrogen, phosphorous and sediment runoff should be allocated among farms, construction and development activities, as well as homeowners and towns throughout the bay watershed. “Agencies should not be allowed to seize virtually limitless power by simply posting an expansive statutory interpretation that is not expressly prohibited,” the amicus brief says. “The Chesapeake Bay TMDL at issue in this case goes far beyond that delegated authority by allocating pollutant limits to specific sources, requiring states to give reasonable assurances as to how they will meet those individually allocated limits, and imposing deadlines for accomplishing the goals of the TMDL. Nothing in the CWA grants EPA such sweeping authority.” The filing puts the lawmakers alongside 21 state attorneys general who already oppose the TMDL. Lawmakers “have a clear interest in ensuring that Congress’s supreme legislative and policymaking role is not usurped by unelected executive branch agencies,” the brief states. “If allowed to stand, the decision ... would allow EPA to usurp the traditional state authority over economic development and land-use management decisions. “Hamstringing the states in this way runs directly counter to the CWA’s venerable policy of cooperative federalism.”

American Farm Bureau: Federal estate taxes ripe for repeal With 218 co-sponsors—more than half of the U.S. House of Representatives—on board, legislation to repeal federal estate taxes is ripe for floor action, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Rep. Kevin Brady’s, R-Texas, Death Tax Repeal Act, H.R. 2429, would repeal estate taxes and maintain the stepped-up basis. “Although permanent law enacted as part of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 provided significant estate tax relief, repeal is the best solution to protect all farms and ranches from the estate tax,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. The estate tax burden falls heavily on farmers because it takes more capital assets, such as land and equipment, to generate the same level of income as other types of businesses. “Look at land alone,” Stallman said. “As it skyrockets in value, the chances of surviving family members having to sell some substantial acreage to pay estate taxes grows right along with it. This not only can cripple a farm or ranch operation but also hurts the rural communities and businesses that agriculture supports.”

august 2014

Land use assessment taxation— What it is, and what it isn’t eventy-six counties and 18 cities in Virginia employ land use assessment taxation for land being used for farming, forestry, open space or all of the above. Eligible land enrolled in a locality’s land use assessment program is taxed on its use value, as opposed to its fair market value. While it’s a common practice, it’s sometimes misunderstood. “Land use taxation is not a tax break; rather, it’s a tax deferral program,” said Trey Davis, assistant director of governmental relations for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “Participating counties defer a landowner’s taxes based on fair market value in exchange for the landowner keeping that land in use for farming or forestry or as open space. “At the same time, if a participating landowner sells his or her land or discontinues the agricultural activity on it, the county can collect those deferred taxes plus interest for up to five years.” In addition, the landowner continues to pay fair market value on his or her home site and other non-eligible land. “My taxes are no different from anyone else’s” said Chesterfield County cattle producer Howard Nester Jr. of real estate taxes on his home in the county. His land that is used for farming, however, is taxed based on its value as farmland. So is a neighbor’s land on which Nester grows hay. That can make a difference for farmers in a county like Chesterfield, which has seen significant development in recent decades. “It helps control growth. It doesn’t force people into selling their property when the real estate values go up on adjacent lands,” Nester said. “You’re talking about people selling land who really don’t want to sell it.” Nester noted that land use assessment also encourages farmers to invest in their business by providing some tax relief. “People actually take better care of that land” to keep it profitable, he explained.

Virginia Farm Bureau News

Taxing farmland, forest land and open land based on its use value provides an incentive for landowners to keep agricultural land in production, rather than sell it for development.

Another benefit of land use assessment is its ability to maintain a positive net impact on local revenues, Davis said. “Keeping open land from being developed helps hold taxes down, while building on it increases the demand for community services and, ultimately, increases taxes.” Nester agreed. “Cows don’t need school buses, and they don’t need police and fire (services),” he said. According to studies by the American Farmland Trust, residentially developed land requires $1.11 to $1.26 in services for every $1 paid in taxes; open space requires 15 cents to 80 cents. Additionally, Nester said, that open land helps preserve air and water quality, offers recreational and scenic benefits and in

some instances serves as a source of local foods and other farm products. Nester serves on the Chesterfield County Agricultural and Forestry Committee, which advises the county’s board of supervisors, and is president of the Chesterfield County Farm Bureau. The county has a considerable amount of niche agriculture, grain and hay production, horse farms and commercial forest land, he noted, and the county Farm Bureau strives to make sure elected officials and the public realize why land use assessment is important. “A lot of new candidates coming in don’t understand it. We try to educate people as to the benefits of it.” VaFarmBureau.org

Virginia localities currently employing land use value assessment COUNTIES Accomack Albemarle Alleghany Amelia Amherst Appomattox Augusta Bath Bedford Bland Botetourt Campbell Caroline Carroll Chesterfield Clarke Culpeper Cumberland Dinwiddie Essex Fairfax Fauquier Floyd Fluvanna Franklin Frederick Giles Gloucester Goochland Greene Greensville Halifax Hanover Henrico Henry Isle Of Wight James City King George King William Lancaster Loudoun Louisa Madison Middlesex Montgomery Nelson VirginiaFarmBureau.com

New Kent* Northampton* Northumberland Nottoway Orange Page Pittsylvania Powhatan Prince Edward Prince George Prince William Pulaski Rappahannock Richmond Roanoke Rockbridge Rockingham Russell Shenandoah

Smyth Southampton Spotsylvania Stafford Tazewell Warren Washington Westmoreland Wise Wythe York *Denotes countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use of agriculture and forestal districts. While these are based on a separate ordinance, enrolled land is taxed at land use rates.

CITIES Buena Vista Chesapeake Danville Franklin Fredericksburg Hampton Harrisonburg Lynchburg Manassas Newport News Petersburg Radford Roanoke Staunton Suffolk Virginia Beach Waynesboro Winchester

In addition to their ability to help preserve air and water quality, farms, forest land and open land require less spending for community services. august 2014

Viewing Virginia

First poultry shipment since seven-year ban departed for China in June

he first shipment of poultry to leave Virginia for China since that country recently lifted a seven-year ban departed June 20. The shipment from Perdue Foods Inc. left the Port of Virginia and was expected to arrive in Shenzhen, Guangdong State, on Aug. 3. Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who was on hand to see the products being loaded at the Perdue cold storage facility, said he was “thrilled” to see poultry exports to China from Virginia resume. “The resumption of business means more trade and revenue generation opportunities for Virginia’s poultry industry and the many related businesses that work to move product from our family farms into the global marketplace. This will also bring significant benefits to the Port of Virginia, an entity that I want to become the East Coast capital for agricultural and forestry product exports.” In 2007, following an isolated case of low pathogenic avian influenza reported on a single farm in Virginia, China placed a ban on poultry produced in Virginia, poultry transiting through Virginia and poultry exported from any port in Virginia. State and federal officials contend the ban was not justified by scientific data, as the isolated LPAI occurrence did not pose a food safety or poultry health risk. China rescinded the ban May 5. Todd Haymore, Virginia’s secretary of agriculture and forestry, said the June 20 shipment “marks a great day for Virginia’s poultry industry and Virginia’s growing relationship with China, our largest export customer of agricultural and forestry products. We estimate conservatively that Virginia will see at least $20 million in poultry exports to China during the first full 10

Virginia Farm Bureau News

China purchased more than $400 million worth of U.S. poultry products in 2013.

year the market is open, but we’re hoping to far exceed that number.” Virginia Farm Bureau Federation President Wayne F. Pryor said that organization’s poultry farmers welcome the new export opportunity. “China is one of the top export markets for U.S. poultry, and Virginia has been missing out,” he said. “China purchased more than $400 million worth of U.S. poultry last year, from states like Georgia, Mississippi and North Carolina. I’m

pleased that Virginia is now able to access this high-growth market.” Perdue anticipates increasing its volume shipped from Virginia by roughly 35 percent this year as a result of the ban being lifted. The poultry industry is the largest individual sector of Virginia’s agriculture industry. The total value of Virginia poultry exports exceeded $186 million in 2013 with China absent as a potential market. VaFarmBureau.org

Viewing Virginia

Survey results confirm continued honey bee loss in commonwealth Between October 2013 and the past April, 32.8 percent of managed honey bee colonies in Virginia died. That’s higher than the national loss rate of 23.2 percent during the same period but lower than the state’s loss of 44.6 percent over the winter of 2012-2013. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced last month the results of the eighth annual national survey of honey Virginia has averaged annual winter honey bee bee colony losses conducted by the colony losses of slightly more than 30 percent Bee Informed Partnership. In the BIP since 2001. survey’s state-by-state listing of honey bee colony loss, Virginia ranked 20th among 47 reporting states. Scientists believe those losses are likely caused by a combination of multiple stressors, including poor bee nutrition, loss of forage lands, parasites, pathogens and exposure to pesticides. Virginia’s most recent winter colony losses also followed below-average temperatures in January, February, March and April. “This BIP survey confirms what we already know—we continue to lose bees at an alarming rate in Virginia,” said Keith Tignor, state apiarist at VDACS. “These pollinators are essential for the development of our crops and crucial to the state’s $52 billion agriculture industry. In fact, insect-pollinated plants are the direct or indirect source of approximately one-third of our human diet.” On average, a single hive containing 40,000 to 60,000 bees is able to pollinate 2 acres of a crop. Without a sufficient numbers of bees, farmers could face crops that are inadequately pollinated, resulting in decreased production and reduced quality. Honey bees are also beneficial as stewards of the environment. A honey bee may fly up to 2 miles from its hive to collect nectar and pollen. They are general pollinators, visiting wildflowers, trees and other plants in bloom in farmlands, pastures, forests and wetlands, and helping to ensure healthy and diverse plant life. VDACS is encouraging all Virginians to select plants that are known to attract pollinators; read the label on all pesticides and follow instructions for their use; and consider becoming beekeepers. For information on which plants are best for attracting pollinators in a specific region, visit http://pollinator.org/guides.htm and enter a ZIP code. Planting a variety that bloom at different times will provide pollen and nectar sources throughout the year. Beekeeping classes and workshops are regularly sponsored by local beekeeping groups, private entities and public agencies. In 2012, the Virginia General Assembly created the Beehive Grant Fund for the purpose of promoting the establishment of new beehives in the commonwealth. So far in 2014, the state has awarded more than 275 grants to Virginia beekeepers. For more information on the grant program, email vabees@ vdacs.virginia.gov. Prior to the release of the BIP national colony loss survey, VDACS conducted a similar survey that started in the winter of 2000 to 2001. Average honey bee colony winter losses in Virginia have been 31.6 percent over the 14-year period between 2001 and 2014.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

august 2014

Viewing Virginia

pam wiley

More growth on tap for Virginia’s craft beer industry jobs and poured $623 million into the state’s economy. Cook said only a few breweries are growing their own ingredients, but that the new legislation could encourage more of them to start growing hops and barley. He added that other farmers seeking to diversify their crops might consider growing hops and barley for the craft beer market. Many craft breweries are located in urban areas but purchase locally grown ingredients. Currently most of the hops grown in Virginia are used by brewers. Barley growers are showing an interest in growing the malt-type barley used in craft beers, with production jumping in recent years. Local breweries also use a small These hops are growing in an exhibit plot that was planted at The Meadow Event Park for this year’s State Fair of Virginia. portion of Virginia’s 14.8 million bushels of wheat in their beers. Cook, who offers Virginia breweries, irginia’s flourishing craft beer to the regulations that allow a farm wineries and cideries business services, industry is delighting beer winery,” said Chris Cook, assistant attributes the rapid emergence of craft enthusiasts from near and far, director of rural development for the beers in part to “the public wanting capturing critical acclaim, boosting Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. something different.” The craft beer tourism and attracting events such as “Under new legislation, you can have movement, he noted, “coincides with the National Beer Expo, which was a farm brewery if you grow your own the emphasis on locally sourced foods held last month in Richmond. It also is agricultural product for the beer, such and greater appreciation of local flavor.” contributing to new opportunities for as hops or barley.” The State Fair of Virginia recently Virginia farmers and creating jobs in Similar legislation sparked the announced that Goochland Countyrural areas. growth of Virginia’s farm wineries in based Midnight Brewery will make the “The regulations controlling the the 1980s by creating an incentive for fair’s official craft beer, Virginia Midway. licensing of breweries in Virginia have wineries that grow most of their own The American-style wheat and pale malt changed recently to allow for a brewery grapes. beer is made with local clover honey and to be located on a farm provided There are 84 active craft breweries U.S.-grown barley, hops and wheat. certain conditions are met. This recent in Virginia, according to the Virginia Virginia Craft Beer Month is observed change has made the regulations Craft Brewers Guild. As a whole, the in August. controlling breweries more similar industry has created more than 8,000

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katie gardner

A historic family reunion took place July 26 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. The Meadow Descendants Gathering ceremony at the new Thoroughbred Heritage Horse Show brought together 51 horses that are related to Secretariat or other Meadow Stable champions. The show, which attracted about 165 horses, took place July 25-27. “We wanted our competitors to get in touch with their horses’ heritage,” said co-organizer Krista Hodgkin. “We gave them the names of Meadow horses, but they had to do their own research into their horses’ pedigrees. This ceremony is a way of honoring the remarkable legacy that Meadow Stable represents to the Thoroughbred community.” Co-organizer Katie Gardner led by example, showing Frankly My Dear, a descendant of Sir Gaylord. Sir Gaylord was a 1962 Kentucky Derby favorite whose mother, Somethingroyal, gave the world Secretariat in 1970. “We are thrilled that the Thoroughbred Heritage Horse Show is showcasing Meadow bloodlines with this unprecedented gathering,” said Leeanne Meadows Ladin, Secretariat tourism manager at the venue. “To our knowledge, this is the largest assembly of Meadow descendants anywhere in recent history.” Ladin added that local grooms and jockeys who worked at The Meadow for founder Christopher Chenery and later for his daughter, Penny Chenery, attended the ceremony. The three-day show highlighted offtrack Thoroughbreds that have been retrained for new careers away from the racetrack. Participants competed in such classes as hunter, jumper, dressage, side saddle, Western and combined training.

Frankly My Dear, an offtrack Thoroughbred, and owner Katie Gardner visited the Meadow Stable horse cemetery after the Thoroughbred Heritage Horse Show last month. “Frank” is a descendant of Meadow racing notable Sir Gaylord and of broodmare Imperatrice.

betsy lyons

Meadow horse descendants descend on Thoroughbred show

A July 26 ceremony recognized show participants that are descendants of Meadow Stable Thoroughbreds. august 2014

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State Fair set to run Sept. 26 through Oct. 5

The State Fair of Virginia’s Midway and Kidway will feature thrills for all ages, and livestock competitions (below) will showcase longhorn cattle and many other animals. Other popular attractions will include chainsaw sculpting by fairgoer favorite Ben Risney, rodeo events and a food temptation for every palate. On June 28, Miss State Fair of Virginia 2013, Courtney Garrett (right), was named Miss Virginia 2014.

ew attractions, a new livestock building, a recycled school bus and a grand old tradition will be served up when the 2014 State Fair of Virginia opens on Sept. 26 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. The fair will run for 10 days, concluding on Oct. 5. The event drew about 229,000 guests in 2013. “We’re very, very excited about this year’s fair,” said Greg Hicks, vice president of communications. “People who came to the 2013 fair were extremely generous about sharing what they liked and ways we could make the event even better in 2014, and we value that a great deal.” Details are being shared on the fair’s website at StateFairVa.org and on Facebook (State Fair of Virginia) as they become available. The State Fair of Virginia bus—a customized school bus featured in last year’s fair television commercial—will be making stops to promote the event along the I-95 corridor this summer and fall. In June, construction was completed on a 14

Virginia Farm Bureau News

permanent new livestock pavilion that will be used to house cattle during this year’s fair. 4-H and FFA livestock competitions, which returned in 2013 after a one-year hiatus, will take place throughout the fair’s 10-day run. Also new for 2014 will be a one-day fiddle and banjo competition, a Christmas tree decorating competition, a youth hay bale decorating competition and expanded garden and crop exhibits. Weigh-ins for the annual Giant Pumpkin Contest and Giant Watermelon Contest will be held on Sept. 27. Main Stage concert performances will include country artists Parmalee and Eric Paslay, The Original Drifters and the Fabulous Thunderbirds. The Triple Crown Amphitheater, which was introduced last year, will feature performers of all kinds of music—and some dance—from throughout Virginia. The fair also will feature numerous horse events and riding disciplines, as well as two nights of rodeo competition. The demolition derby will return and take place on two nights instead of one this year,

and fairgoers in search of thrills will get a generous helping. Grounds entertainment will include: • bicycle and motorcycle stunt riders; • performers who handle alligators and rattlesnakes; • high-flying, disc-catching dogs; • magician and hypnotist Lance Gifford; • the ever-popular racing pigs; and • chainsaw sculptures created throughout each day. “We’re packing a lot of entertainment into 10 days,” Hicks noted, “and we hope we’ll give some families reason to come back more than once.” VaFarmBureau.org

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

june 2014

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANS

By Sara Owens and Sherri McKinney PROTECTING NATURAL RESOURCES is important to most people, but in the past many farmers have not gotten credit for their positive environmental efforts. Buffer strips, no-till farming and carefully managing the use of nutrients on fields are all practices Virginia producers have been using for decades to prevent erosion and protect water quality. But unless those projects were paid for with cost-share funds, farmers had no reliable method of registering their voluntary best management practices. Environmentally responsible BMPs are seen as a major element of the state’s water quality improvement efforts. A new state program will document and share producers’ role in keeping Virginia’s waterways healthy. After two years in development, the Resource Management Plan program was released July 1. “The main thing is to get farmers to use a high level of conservation practices or best management practices, and what this plan does is gives them 16

Virginia Farm Bureau News

a new incentive,” said Gary Waugh, public relations manager for the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. “It basically gives them a certainty that, during the life of their plan, they would be assured that they are in compliance with water quality standards associated with Chesapeake Bay and … local clean-up plans.” Michael Downing, a Northumberland County grain farmer, is the first Virginia farmer to successfully complete the RMP process. His plan was approved early last month. Downing’s farm is on a peninsula. Three ponds separate his corn, wheat and soybean crops. Glebe Creek, which drains into the Potomac River, surrounds the farm. There is a residential area on the other side of the creek, and many people boat on that stretch of water. “Everything we have is on the waterfront, and we need to protect the water as best we can,” Downing said. “We were already doing everything to be

in compliance. We were already keeping records and had a nutrient management plan in place. The only thing we had to do was widen our barrier strips.” Downing said it took about six weeks to get his plan together, and the process was easy. “The staff at DCR was so helpful and really made it as painless as possible. It really is worthwhile to go through the process. If you’re near water, it’s a good idea to go ahead and get a plan together. It’s voluntary, and you don’t have anything to lose. “There are going to be more requirements for farmers in the future, so it’s a good idea to have a plan already in place to protect farmers from litigation or future problems. That way we’re already ahead of the game.” Virginia Resource Management Plans will be effective for nine years, with compliance inspections every three years. Farmers enter into a plan agreement voluntarily. Certified RMP developers are available VaFarmBureau.org

give farmers credit they deserve

to help producers who are interested in the program, which is the first of its kind in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Program proponents have high hopes that it will make a significant difference for Virginia’s farmers and the future of the state’s waterways. Del. Ed Scott, R-Culpeper, was instrumental in getting legislation passed that got the program started. “The idea behind the Resource Management Plans was to advance water quality improvement and at the same time provide farmers an opportunity for some regulatory assurance,” Scott said. “We’ve got farmers who have put literally thousands of best management practices on the grounds. We’ve got farmers doing nutrient management plans now, doing soil and erosion plans now. What we’re simply trying to do is kind of bring it all under one umbrella.” Scott said the hope is to have a database 10 years from now that shows widespread adoption of BMPs by Virginia

Northumberland County grain producer Michael Downing is the first Virginia farmer to successfully complete the Resource Management Plan process. He farms on a peninsula surrounded by Glebe Creek.

farmers, and to see that work reflected in Virginia’s waterways. The program not only will encourage greater use of BMPs but also document those already in use. That could provide verified data on the positive impact of the agriculture community’s conservation efforts. “I think that when we get into this process we’re going to find a number of farmers who are doing 75 to 80 percent of everything that they possibly could do,” Scott said. “We’re going to help them identify that next 15 or 20 percent and help come up with a plan to move forward with that so that we can look at the environmental community and say we’re continuing to make progress. But we can also thank the farmer for his or her efforts and, again, give them some regulatory assurances for the future.”

Want to know more? For information on Virginia’s new Resource Management Plan program, visit dcr.virginia.gov. photos by sara owens

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

august 2014

How prepared are you—and your home— for a storm or hurricane? While hurricanes make the headlines more often during the summer and fall, the South Carolina-based Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety Research Center cautions homeowners not to underestimate the destructive and deadly force of thunderstorms and lightning. Such storms occur far more often and directly affect more people and homes in the United States than hurricanes. And, according to the National Weather Service, every thunderstorm produces lightning. The IBHS says a whole-house or -building surge protector is the best starting point for reducing the risk of lightning damage, along with localized surge protectors for power cords of electronic equipment and any telephone and cable or satellite television lines. A licensed electrician or competent home or building inspector should review the power, telephone, electrical and TV connections to your home to make sure you have adequate grounding of the power line connection and your power distribution panel. Here are additional IBHS tips for protecting your home against storm damage. Many apply to business locations as well.

Farm Bureau Insurance is among IBHS founders Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. is among the founding organizations of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, which operates a state-of-the-art, multi-risk applied research and training facility on 90 acres in Richburg, S.C. The facility was created to significantly advance building science by enabling researchers to more fully and accurately evaluate various residential and commercial construction materials and 18

Virginia Farm Bureau News

Prepare your surroundings to reduce damage • Limit possible sources of wind-borne debris by surveying your property before a storm. • Replace gravel or rock landscaping materials with softer material such as mulch. • Trim trees and shrubbery away from structures, and remove any weakened sections of trees that might easily break off and fall onto structures. • Remove yard objects, including lawn furniture, planters, bird feeders and decorative objects to prevent them from becoming flying missiles.

Protect your home’s openings • Protect all openings from high wind or flying debris damage. Attention should be given to all windows, entry doors, sliding glass doors and garage doors. • If your garage door doesn’t have a pressure rating sticker, have it evaluated and, if necessary, have a garage door bracing system installed to prevent wind from blowing in the door.

systems. Researchers at the center can simulate CAT-3 hurricane winds, hailstorms and wildfires, and their findings are used to improve structural components of buildings to make them less susceptible to storm and fire damage. The center is a tangible, public demonstration of the property insurance industry’s deep commitment to reducing and preventing losses that disrupt the lives of home and business owners, according to the IBHS. “We care about protecting our customers and keeping our insurance costs down,” said Sam Rooks, VFBMIC vice president of underwriting and policy services. “We regularly review the research that comes out

• Seal openings, cracks and holes on the outside of your home. Fill holes where wires, cables and pipes enter and exit the home, and seal around electrical boxes and circuit breaker panels. Seal cracks around wall outlets, dryer vents, bathroom and kitchen vents and wall lights.

Strengthen your roof; make sure your home is tied together • Make sure your roof sheathing is strongly fastened to the roof frame. • Seal the roof deck to minimize water getting into your attic if the roof cover is blown off. • Re-attach loose shingles with roofing cement to prevent them from blowing off and exposing your roof decking to winddriven water. • If you have vinyl or aluminum soffit covers, strengthen their attachment to the walls and fascia. • Create a continuous load path in your home, which means tying the roof to the walls and the walls to the foundation using metal connectors such as hurricane straps, clips or ties.

of the IBHS facility in South Carolina. We actually took a tour of the facility in March, and the work they are doing is remarkable and really will help when constructing or upgrading homes and businesses.” According to the IBHS, its research will influence residential and commercial structural design and construction for decades, resulting in savings on natural disaster-related losses, which totaled more than $26 billion across the United States in 2009. That figure is expected to double every decade. Information about the research center and its findings is available at disastersafety.org/ research-center.

VaFarmBureau.org

Third Annual Stampede run set for Sept. 20, will benefit AITC

The Third Annual Stampede 5K and kids’ run will take place Sept. 20 at the West Creek Business Park in Goochland County. The race will start and end at the office of Virginia Farm Bureau. All proceeds will benefit the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the classroom. The race will be followed by an afterparty with live music, food vendors, local craft beers and a farmers’ market. “We want to use the Stampede to celebrate

agriculture, education and health and wellness,” said Parke Sterling, AITC development coordinator. “It’s our intent to make this annual race a premier event for runners, families and anyone who enjoys local foods, beverages and entertainment.” The 1K kids’ run will begin at 4 p.m. and the manually timed 5K on a paved, certified course, will start immediately afterward. A special prize will be awarded to the runner with the best agriculturerelated costume. “There is a special subgroup of runners who delight in creating costumes for races,” Sterling noted, “and we can’t wait to see what people come up with for the Stampede.” Race and registration details and information about sponsorship opportunities are available at AgInTheClass.org.

AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM www.agintheclass.org

Donors support AITC In addition to many individuals who contributed, these organizations made contributions of $500 or more to the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom between April 7 and June 19. • Dinwiddie County Farm Bureau • First Bank & Trust • Prince William/Fairfax County Farm Bureau • Shenandoah County Farm Bureau • Tyson Foods • Universal Leaf Foundation • Virginia Farm Bureau • Virginia Grown • Virginia State Feed Association

Registrations continue for State Fair field trips Educators making plans for this fall can register online for field trips to the 2014 State Fair of Virginia at StateFairVa.org. Friday, Sept. 26; Monday, Sept. 29; and Tuesday, Sept. 30, have been designated for preschool and elementary school field trips, and Sept. 26 also will be Homeschool Day. Middle school and high school field trips can be scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 1, through Friday, Oct. 3. The annual SkillsUSA competitions in auto body repair, carpentry, cosmetology, masonry and other vocational pursuits will be held Sept. 29. DECA Day for high school marketing students will be Oct. 1. Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, or FCCLA, Day will be Oct. 2. Virginia Health Occupations Students of America, or HOSA, Day will be held Oct. 3. The fair will open at 10 a.m. each day, and field trip admission is still just $5 per student, with teachers and chaperones admitted free on a one-adult-to-eight-children ratio.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

The Educational Exposition at the State Fair of Virginia draws about 14,000 children on school field trips. Ed Expo exhibits are aligned with Virginia’s Standards of Learning.

august 2014

The Farm Bureau protects the future of your farm and your neighbors farms all year long. Today, membership can save you up to $500 on new Case IH tractors and equipment!*

$ ON O N FAR ARMAL MA M A L® COMPACT A & B SERIES TRACTORS, RO ROU R O ND & SMALL SQUARE BALERS, DISC MOWER CO CON ONDITTIONERS, SICKLE MOWER CONDITIONERS & O C E IH SCOUT™ UTILITY VEHICLES CAS

$ ON FARMALL® C, U & J SERIES TRACTORS, MAX A XUM M® & FARMALL® 100ASERIES TRACTORS, LARGE SQ QUA ARE R BALERS & SP WINDROWERS

Print your certificate today!* Visit fbverify.com/CaseIH *A current Farm Bureau membership verification certificate must be presented to the Case IH dealer in advance of product delivery to receive the incentive discount. Farm Bureau Members can download a certificate at www.FBVerify.com/caseih. Not a Farm Bureau member? Reach out to your state Farm Bureau to join today. Farm Bureau and the FB State Logo are registered service marks owned by the American Farm Bureau Federation, and are used by CNH America LLC under license from the American Farm Bureau Federation. ©2014 CNH America LLC. All rights reserved. Case IH is a registered trademark of CNH America LLC. www.caseih.com

Save up to

20% off THE BEST AVAILABLE RATE!*

at 15 brands and over 7,200 participating properties worldwide. Visit www.vafarmbureau.org for more information

* “Best Available Rate” is defined as the best, non-qualified, unrestricted, publicly available rate on the brand sites for the hotel, date and accommodations requested. The discount for some properties may be less than 20% off Best Available Rate. Certain restrictions may apply. To redeem this offer, click our URL link on Organization’s website or call the phone number above and give ID at the time of reservation. Offer not valid if hotel is called directly, caller must use toll free numbers listed above. Advanced reservations are required. Offer is subject to availability at participating locations and some blackout dates may apply. Offer cannot be combined with any other discounts, offers, group rates, or special promotions. Discounted rates vary by location and time of year. Offer is void where prohibited by law and has no cash value. Planet Hollywood is not a current participant in the member benefit program.

Virginia Farm Bureau News

VaFarmBureau.org

New name, same great savings! Deals Advantage benefit gets name change: Member Deals Plus The Deals Advantage member benefit introduced by Virginia Farm Bureau last year will assume a new name—Member Deals Plus—this summer. But Farm Bureau members in Virginia still will be able to use it to save money on family outings, meals, clothing and other goods and services. “We’ve even added new groups of categories for savings, such as automotive parts and services and golf,” said Clay Francis, vice president of membership and field services for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “And we’re in the process of giving vendors at the State Fair of Virginia an opportunity to be participating businesses as well.”

When shopping, dining out or traveling, registered members can search for participating merchants they frequent, or they can search for all participating merchants in a specific ZIP Code. Here’s a sample of Member Deals Plus savings available to Farm Bureau members in Virginia: • Advance Auto Parts – $40 off online orders of $110 or more; • Busch Gardens and Water Country USA – 20 percent off online purchase of single-day tickets; • Dunkin Donuts – 10 percent off purchases at selected stores; and • Jiffy Lube – $5 to $8 off Signature Series Oil Changes.

How does Member Deals Plus work?

Member Deals Plus is offered in partnership with a network of more than 300,000 merchant partners.

Member Deals Plus uses the nation’s largest private discount network and “show your phone” mobile deals that can be accessed anywhere and redeemed from a smartphone at the point of sale, or printed using a home computer. Members can register for Member Deals Plus from a link on the front page of the Farm Bureau website at VaFarmBureau.org (Have your membership number at hand). Once registered, they’ll receive a confirmation email and can begin saving immediately after downloading the free Member Deals Plus smartphone app.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Businesses in your community can participate Members who use Member Deals Plus also have the opportunity to recommend businesses in their community for participation. “We welcome referrals of restaurants and other retail locations that our members frequent,” Francis said. “That information can be shared at any county Farm Bureau office or on the Member Deals Plus website. Program administrators will contact the businesses with the opportunity to participate.”

august 2014

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

*February 2014 American Banker. Based on year-end 2013 FDIC reports.

VaFarmBureau.org

Address hearing loss while saving money with ClearValue

Members can save on health screenings

About 20 percent of adults in the United States—48 million— report some degree of hearing loss, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America. At age 65, one in three Americans has some degree of hearing loss. The condition is the nation’s third most common medical condition after arthritis and heart disease. But because it is invisible, the effects of hearing loss sometimes can be mistaken for aloofness, confusion or personality changes. The ClearValue Hearing Healthcare Benefits Plan affords savings to Farm Bureau members in Virginia on professional audiology services and hearing devices. The plan partners with The Starkey Group, the world’s largest manufacturer of hearing aids, and Westone Earmold Laboratories to offer a comprehensive hearing benefits program. The Starkey family of hearing instruments includes Audibel, AudioSync, Micro Tech and NuEar products, and ClearValue offers a member discount of up to 25 percent. Activated members are guaranteed free pre-approval and have access to a statewide network of participating professional audiologists and specialists. If you or family members are experiencing ear disorders or hearing loss or have questions about the ClearValue program, activate your free ClearValue Hearing membership today by visiting clearvaluehearing.com or calling 888-497-7447.

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation works with Life Line Screening, the nation’s leading provider of preventive health screenings, to provide a screening service to members at a discounted rate. Life Line provides non-invasive stroke and heart attack assessments to members for $145, with no charge for an additional osteoporosis risk screening. Strokes affect nearly 800,000 Americans every year. Abdominal aortic aneurysms, peripheral vascular disease and atrial fibrillation, as well as high blood pressure, are silent conditions that people often do not know they have until it is too late. Additionally, about one in two women and as many as one in four men risk breaking a bone due to osteoporosis. Life Line performs the following vascular procedures:

Save $500 on purchase or lease of selected GM vehicles

E L I G I B L E

Farm Bureau members in Virginia can receive a $500 discount on the purchase or lease of qualifying 2015, 2014 and 2013 Buick, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles at participating dealerships. The Farm Bureau GM $500 Vehicle Discount Program is available for members who are at least 18 and have been Farm Bureau members for at least 30 days. The discount is available with all other offers, excluding discounted pricing for GM and dealership employees and suppliers. It must be processed at the time of delivery; GM will not accept certificates on vehicles that already have been delivered. To use this member benefit, visit fbverify.com/GM, enter your membership number and ZIP code, and print out a Farm Bureau Membership Verification Certificate to take to your GM dealership. Members without Internet access can get assistance in acquiring a certificate from their county Farm Bureau offices. See participating GM dealers for full details.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

• abdominal aortic aneurysm screening; • atrial fibrillation, or “afib,” screening; and • peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, screening. Watch for mailings about Life Line screenings in your area, or contact your county Farm Bureau office for details.

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august 2014

USDA: Americans checking nutritional information, eating better American adults appear to be making better nutritional choices and making better use of available nutritional information, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced earlier this year. The USDA cited findings in a report released by its Economic Research Service, which said consumer use of the Nutritional Facts Panel on most food packaging has increased in recent years. In an ERS survey, 42 percent of working-age adults and 57 percent of older adults reported using the panel most or all of the time when making food choices. The ERS report also indicates changing attitudes about food and nutrition. Compared with 2007, the percentage of workingage adults who believed they have the ability to change their body weight increased by three percentage points in 2010. During the same time period, the report shows there was little change in the importance that price played when making choices at the grocery store, but working-age adults placed increased importance on nutrition when choosing items to purchase. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When individuals believe that their actions directly affect their body weight, they might be more inclined to make healthier food choices,â&#x20AC;? said study author Dr. Jessica Todd of the ERS.

Virginia Farm Bureau News

VaFarmBureau.org

What’s the best way to lower your health care costs? With an ounce of prevention One of the biggest costs of health insurance is the premium— the amount of money you pay every month for insurance coverage. But there are a few simple things you can do to help keep premiums, as well as your out-of-pocket medical expenses, lower.

Limit how much alcohol you drink

Balance work, home and play

Too much alcohol can hurt your liver. It also has been linked to throat and liver cancers. Limit alcohol to two drinks a day or less. Talk to your doctor about any problems with alcohol or other drugs.

Your health is valuable—perhaps the most valuable asset you have. Set aside time to keep your mind and body in shape.

Eat well

Exercise and lose weight

A healthy, well-balanced diet is important. Eat a diet that includes vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products and whole grains. Enjoy sweets and fatty foods in moderation. Drink at least six to eight glasses of water each day.

Staying active and physically fit keeps your heart and lungs healthy. It’s also a great way to manage your weight. Aim for a at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, but don’t be afraid to start with just 5 minutes and build from there. Remember that long-term success often begins with making walking a part of your routine.

Control cholesterol and high blood pressure

Don’t smoke

Along with regular exercise, limiting the amount of fat you eat helps control blood pressure. It also helps control cholesterol, especially when you eat less sodium, lose weight and take medicines as directed by your doctor.

Smokers are twice as likely to have a heart attack and have a higher risk of respiratory diseases, strokes and cancer. For those reasons, health insurance companies typically charge smokers higher premiums. But some companies will reverse the higher charges if you can prove you’ve been smoke-free for a year.

Keep shots up-to-date Adults need immunizations too. Some of the shots you received as a child weaken over time. Be sure to ask your doctor what vaccines might need a booster, and whether you should get a yearly flu shot.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York Times

Ask about health screenings Screening tests can detect diseases early, when they’re most treatable. Talk to your doctor about which tests are right for you. VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Leah Gustafson is a marketing specialist for Experient Health. august 2014

Have a Soup-er Year

Gazpacho gets its flavor from ripe summer veggies When your summer vegetable garden is spilling forth tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, what do you do with them all? Those peak-of-season vegetables are just begging to be turned into crisp, fresh, chilled gazpacho. Widely eaten in Spain and Portugal, gazpacho is a soup made with raw vegetables and served cold. Typically it has a tomato base, but there are â&#x20AC;&#x153;whiteâ&#x20AC;? and melon-based variations on the traditional recipe. Because traditional gazpacho uses so many vegetables, it packs a vitamin punch. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a phyto-chemical that helps prevent cancer. Additionally, tomatoes are high in Vitamin E, thiamin, niacin, Vitamin B6, folate, and magnesium, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are also good sources of dietary fiber, vitamins A, C and K and potassium. Cucumbers are another main ingredient in gazpachos. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re low in fat, cholesterol and sodium and are chock-full of vitamins and minerals. Bell peppers are also nutritional powerhouses. Just a cup of peppers provides more than 100 percent of the daily recommendation for vitamin C.

Virginia Farm Bureau News

VaFarmBureau.org

Have a Soup-er Year

Gazpacho

Watermelon Gazpacho

INGREDIENTS

1 cup peeled tomatoes ½ cup finely chopped green pepper ½ cup finely chopped celery ½ cup finely chopped cucumber ½ cup finely chopped onion 2 teaspoons minced parsley 1 teaspoon chopped chives 1⁄3 tablespoon wine vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil ¼ teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 large can tomato juice 1 large can tomato-vegetable juice cocktail (such as V-8) 3 cloves garlic, minced

5 cups chopped seedless watermelon ½ cup chopped yellow onion ½ cup chopped green pepper ½ to 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon cumin ¼ teaspoon chili powder ½ cup chopped cilantro 2 teaspoons chopped jalapeno 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 cup finely chopped seedless watermelon, for garnish ½ to 1 cup finely diced avocado, for garnish (optional) DIRECTIONS Puree the first 10 ingredients in a blender until smooth. Adjust the seasonings as needed. Chill for at least 1 hour. Stir in the finely chopped watermelon and avocado at serving time. Serves 4.

DIRECTIONS Combine all ingredients in a stainless steel or glass bowl. Cover and chill at least 4 hours prior to serving.

Source: Marguerite Cross, Southampton County, in the Bring it to the Table cookbook from the Southeast Virginia Farm Bureau women

Watermelon gazpacho is one of several variations on the traditional recipe.

Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board

Mix and chill tomato-based gazpacho in a stainless steel, glass or other non-reactive container.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

august 2014

Heart of the Home

Pesto pasta can be served cold or hot Served cold, this pasta dish is a refreshing choice on a hot day. And when it’s served warm, the crumbled feta gets trapped in the shells for added cheesiness, said Real Virginia television program cooking host Caressa Jackson. It uses ingredients from the heart of summer gardens—tomatoes and basil. If it’s not too hot, Jackson recommends oven-roasting the asparagus and tomatoes ahead of time.

Basil pesto pasta INGREDIENTS

2 cups uncooked medium shell pasta 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1-1½ cups asparagus, trimmed and chopped into 1" pieces 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped 1 cup basil pesto, homemade or commercially prepared 1 cup crumbled feta cheese kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

kathy dixon

DIRECTIONS In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions, and drain well. In a large sauté pan, warm the olive oil before adding the garlic, asparagus and tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, garlic and vegetables, pesto and cheese. Season to taste. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

Homemade or commercially prepared pesto works well in this pasta salad.

Virginia Farm Bureau News

VaFarmBureau.org

Heart of the Home

Vegetable ratatouille maximizes summer garden goodness This all-vegetable dish is so light that Real Virginia cooking host Caressa Jackson said there’s no reason to be shy about eating multiple servings.

Ratatouille INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 teaspoons dried parsley 1 eggplant, cut into ½" cubes salt to taste 2 zucchini, sliced 1 large onion, sliced into rings 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms 1 green bell pepper, sliced ½ cup cherry tomatoes, chopped 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

kathy dixon

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350°. Coat the bottom and sides of a 1½-quart casserole dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil. In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the garlic until it’s lightly browned. Mix in the parsley and eggplant. Sauté until the eggplant is soft, about 10 minutes. Add the rest of the vegetables, and sauté 3-5 minutes. Season with salt to taste. Spread a third of the mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with a few tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Repeat with two more layers of vegetables and cheese. Bake for 15 minutes.

This ratatouille recipe begins with sautéing eggplant cubes with minced garlic.

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

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Caressa Jackson appears each month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program, courtesy of Virginia Grown, a program of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Jackson grew up in rural Virginia, in a family that frequently cooks and enjoys Virginia farm products. The former Miss America has had the pleasure of dining all over the world, but says nothing compares to the taste of a meal made with Virginia-grown ingredients. august 2014

Help consumers find your summer farm products, with Farm Bureau Fresh If you are a Virginia farmer who direct-markets meats, eggs, produce or fibers, there’s a Farm Bureau member benefit that 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 began promoting Farm Bureau Fresh last year 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, or use a ZIP code to locate all producers in a specific 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 are being listed in the following categories:

• agritourism; • aquaculture; • bees and honey; • Christmas trees; • CSAs; • eggs; • fiber; • flowers; • fruit; • meat; • mushrooms; • pick-your-own; • pumpkins; and • vegetables.

History of the State Fair and a century of service for Virginia forest lands, on Real Virginia

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

Virginia Farm Bureau News

This year marks 160 years since the founding of the State Fair of Virginia, and Real Virginia will take a look at how the event has grown. Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program also will share the Virginia Department of Forestry’s centennial and the Fauquier Education Farm’s work to help beginning farmers and gardeners. Plus, find out why Virginia farmers are being encouraged to sign up for a new Resource Management Plan program to document all they do to protect the environment. Real Virginia airs nationwide at 3:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month on RFD-TV on Dish Network and DirecTV in the Voices of Agriculture time slot. It also airs weekly on WVPT Harrisonburg, WBRA Roanoke, WCVE Richmond, WHRO Norfolk, WVVA Bluefield and WTKR Norfolk, as well as on 40 cable systems across the state. It’s available online at VaFarmBureau.org. Check local television listings, or visit VaFarmBureau.org for a list of participating stations. VaFarmBureau.org

Marketplace CROPS DEER AND RABBIT REPELLENT - $12.95 makes 10 gallons. Safe effective long lasting, guaranteed. 540-464-1969. WINNER - of Pawpaw contest. Offering trees, smaller pots $19, larger at $29 each. 804-598-3856. ORGANIC - Sweet potatoes, $.75 pound for a bushel, red or white. Mike Carter 804-218-9037.

FARM EQUIPMENT JD 350- Sickle bar mower, NH 268 baler with kicker. Horse equipment and harness. 540-825-5774. 3165 - Massey Ferguson tractor with loader, excellent working condition, needs paint, 3-pt. hitch, $5,500. 434-447-6901. JOHN DEERE - 300 industrial loader, model 7320 diesel PTO, 8 forward, 4 reverse, $4,200. 804-832-2477.

FIELD READY - Case 1370 $7500 NH Large Square Baler $13,500. 540-718-9523. SPECIALIZING - In drip irrigation for over 27 years. Drip tape, garden irrigation kits, biodegradable plastic mulch, equipment, bee supplies, fertilizers, deer repellent, greenhouse irrigation, etc. Free catalog. 434-374-5555. JD 647 TILLER - 4-ft. wide, iMatch compatible, excellent shape, $1,600. 540-348-1122. 933C CATERPILLAR - Loader dozer, 6,300 hours in good condition, near Lynchburg, Va. area, $18,000. 443-928-4728. JOHN DEERE - 6400 2WD, cab tractor with mower 1987, 4,643 hours, good condition, Lynchburg area. 443-928-4728. JD - 4-16's semi mounted plow; IH 9-ft. disk, both good condition, $600 each. 804-436-6629.

ANTIQUE - Working manure spreader, converted, great display item, $175. 540-929-4885.

RED WIGGLER WORMS - Bins, fast yearround clean composting. 757-256-3489 or wormwatcher.com.

955H - Cat track loader 1965 model, like new, undercarriage runs and works great. 434-841-6717.

FOR SALE - Male, female miniature donkeys. Make great guard companion pets. If interested call 540-898-3877.

LIVESTOCK MILKING DEVONS - Resilient, low-input, homestead cows. Milk, meat, draft on grass. SW Virginia. ksawyer.2009@gmail. com, 276-237-2605. CHAROLAIS BULLS - High quality and easy calving, veterinarian owned. $1,200 to $2,200. Abingdon, Va. 276-628-9543. FOR SALE - Nine Angus heifers, bred to calving ease bull. Call for information. 276-686-4558.

ANGUS BULLS - Calving ease, semen tested, excellent bloodlines. Reasonably priced, good selection, delivery available. C-Stock Farm, Scottsville. Day 434-2862743, after 7 p.m. 434-981-1397 or 434286-2423.

LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT CENTRAL VIRGINIA FIBER MILL - Processing animal fiber into yarn, roving felt or batting. centralvafibermill@gmail.com, 434-985-3669.

REGISTERED - Black Angus seed stock; fall born; bulls and heifers; AI sire. Sammy Smith 434-664-8767.

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

agent reach you in instances where prompt communication is important. 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.

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, which is mailed to producer members, or in Cultivate, which is mailed to associate members. Ads of 16 to 30 words must be accompanied by payment of $20. Any additional ads placed by members in the same calendar year must be accompanied by payment of $10 for 15 words or fewer, or $20 for 16 to 30 words. Ads submitted without payment will be returned. We do not invoice for classified ads or provide proofs or tearsheets. Ads with more than 30 words and ads from nonmembers will not be accepted. Use the form in the January 2015 issue of Virginia Farm Bureau News or the online form at VaFarmBureau.org/marketplace to place your ad. No ads or cancellations will be taken by phone. Ads will be accepted only from members whose membership is current.

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

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

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

august 2014

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