FBN Sept 2014

Virgnia VaFarmBureau.org

September/October 2014

Farm Bureau News

Ag education thrives with community support

Contents 16

Virgnia Farm Bureau News

Ag education thrives with community support

Find out how support from the surrounding community—including county Farm Bureaus—helped make two counties’ agriculture education programs viable.

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State Fair will showcase much of Virginia agriculture

Agriculture will be front and center at this year’s State Fair of Virginia.

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Women’s Program serves up brand-new Farm Bureau cookbook

It’s been 20 years since Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Program published a new cookbook. Cooking Virginia Style serves up a wealth of family recipes.

Departments 9

Viewing Virginia

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Have a Soup-er Year

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Heart of the Home

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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

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Volume 73, Number 6 September/October 2014

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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 January 2015. The magazine is published six times a year.

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virginia farm bureau federation

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Officers Wayne F. Pryor, President Scott E. Sink, Vice President Board of Directors

On the Cover 16

Fluvanna County High School agriculture teacher Russell Jennings (left) and Fluvanna County Farm Bureau President George Goin checked out the school’s greenhouse in the weeks before school started (Photo by Kathy Dixon ).

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

Farming’s rising generations will be convention focus “Farming for the Next Generation” is the theme for the 2014 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention, which will be held Dec. 2-4 at The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs.

Tuesday’s luncheon will feature a keynote address by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation 2014 Annual Convention Dr. Timothy D. Sands, Virginia December 2-4 at The Homestead Tech’s 16th president, who took office in June. The luncheon also will include presentations of the 2014 VFBF Journalism Awards, which recognize print and broadcast media outlets for exemplary ongoing coverage of Virginia agricultural news, issues and practices.

After the luncheon, members can attend a panel discussion on promoting agriculture education or an interpretation of findings from the 2012 Census of 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 a VFBF president, vice president, Women’s Committee chairman and Young Farmers Committee chairman, along with directors to represent Districts 1, 4, 7, 10 and 13.

Wednesday morning’s breakfast will include recognition of the state-level Young Farmers Discussion Meet winner. It also will include the Young Farmer Committee’s presentation of its Warren Beach Award, which recognizes noteworthy support of young farmers. At Wednesday evening’s awards banquet, Farm Bureau will present its annual Distinguished Service Awards, which recognize service to the organization and to Virginia agriculture in general. Individual county Farm Bureaus will be honored for outstanding program work with County Activity Best-in-State Awards.

When members register to attend, they can sign up for optional Tuesday morning tours of the Coursey Springs State Fish Hatchery in nearby Millboro and the Gathright Dam in Warm Springs. The hatchery produces rainbow, brown and brook trout for Virginia’s public waters, and the dam and adjacent Lake Moomaw provide flood and water quality control along the Jackson and James Rivers. Both tours offer an opportunity to admire surrounding natural areas.

Farming for the Next Generation

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

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.

Farmland documentary to be screened twice at convention Farm Bureau will screen the documentary Farmland, released this past spring, on Monday evening and Tuesday afternoon at the Annual Convention in The Omni Homestead Resort’s on-site cinema.

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 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation is an affiliate.

Farmland offers an intimate look at the lives of six American farmers and ranchers in their 20s who are responsible for running their operations. They are 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 fourth-generation Minnesota hog farmer and a first-generation vegetable farmer in Pennsylvania.

To view a Farmland trailer, visit farmlandfilm.com.

september/october 2014

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

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2014 FARM BILL CHANGES: What they are and what they mean for you The 2014 Farm Bill is the product of the House-Senate Farm Bill Conference.

It is a five-year farm bill that was created to reform agricultural policy, help reduce the federal deficit and grow the economy.

It was signed into law on Feb. 7.

It will remain in force through 2018— and in the case of some provisions, beyond 2018.

The 2014 Farm Bill makes major changes in commodity programs, adds new crop insurance options, streamlines conservation programs, modifies some provisions of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and expands programs for specialty crops, organic farmers, bioenergy, rural development and beginning farmers and ranchers.

It is estimated that 80 percent of the outlays under the bill will fund nutrition programs, 8 percent will fund crop insurance programs, 6 percent will fund conservation programs, 5 percent will fund commodity programs, and the remaining 1 percent will fund all other programs, including trade, credit, rural development, research, extension, forestry, energy and horticulture.

The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation hosted a series of regional 2014 Farm Bill Information Sessions in August to share news with producers about programs introduced or modified under the 2014 Farm Bill.

Some of those new programs and modifications include:

• elimination of the direct commodity

payments and counter-cyclical program payments;

• a one-time opportunity for producers

to select one of the new safety net programs for covered commodities: Price Loss Coverage, Agriculture Risk Coverage–County and Agriculture Risk Coverage–Individual;

• the new STAX program serving as a safety net for cotton;

• a one-time opportunity for

producers and landowners to adjust program base and yields for covered commodities;

• commodity and conservation

programs payments available to those whose total adjusted gross income does not exceed $900,000;

• commodity and conservation

program payments limited to $125,000 annually ($250,000 for married couples);

• conservation compliance once

again required for crop insurance participation;

• repeal of multiple dairy programs

to establish an effective safety net program for dairy producers;

• an option for dairy producers to

utilize the new Margin Protection Program or crop insurance to manage milk price margin risk; and

• permanent disaster programs available for farmers.

Anyone with questions should contact their local U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Center or crop insurance agent.

USDA online resources for 2014 Farm Bill The U.S. Department of Agriculture has resources related to the 2014 Farm Bill available at usda.gov.

Content in the farm bill section of the USDA website includes an overview of the bill and its economic implications, updates on its implementation and relevant resources from the Farm Service Agency and Rural Development.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

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 are available on the site.

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YOUNG FARMERS SUMMER EXPO

Annual gathering takes Young Farmers to tobacco country Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers got a close-up look at the state’s tobacco industry during this year’s Young Farmers Summer Expo, held Aug. 1 and 2.

Participants visited a tobacco warehouse and several state-of-the-artproduction tobacco farms, as well as a lumber mill, a nursery and wineries. They also visited the Brunswick Work Center, a state correctional facility that has a produce operation.

Workshop speakers addressed legislative issues; protecting a farm and family dreams through proper insurance coverage; and how farmers can use social media to share news and information about their operations.

Johnna Miller, director of media and advocacy training for the American Farm Bureau Federation, shared information on social media—how to use it and how it is being used—in her presentation on “Advocating from the Farm Gate: Using Social Media to Influence Consumers & Lawmakers.”

Miller told participants that people who are 18 to 45 trust social media more than traditional media. Social media also is important among lawmakers.

Sixty-four percent of Congressional staff think Facebook is an important tool to communicate with constituents; 42 percent think the same of Twitter; and 34 percent think YouTube is an important tool.

“Social media gives you an amazing opportunity to reach people all over the country, all over the world,” Miller said.

“Make the most of that opportunity by telling your story and helping consumers and lawmakers better understand what you’re doing on your farm and why. The beauty of it is that you can connect with influential people from the seat of your tractor.”

Twitter users send out 500 million tweets per day, compared to 58 million per day last year. Eighty-nine million people in the United States will watch 1.2 billion online videos today, and YouTube reaches more U.S. adults age 18-34 than any cable network, according to Nielsen.

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

Social media can be used to promote upcoming events and publicize them after they happen, as well as to share news articles, photos and videos from a farm, and information about a farm or ranch business.

“Make it part of your daily chores,” Miller said. “Add ‘Advocate for agriculture’ to your daily to-do list.”

The Young Farmers Summer Expo, now in its ninth year, drew about 170 participants. In addition to tours and workshops, the event included Discussion Meet semifinals and judging for annual Young Farmers awards, which were presented Aug. 2.

The event is held in a different part of Virginia each year.

Young Farmers recognize their peers’ accomplishments Pittsylvania woman wins Excellence in Agriculture Award Jessica Jones of Pittsylvania County is this year’s Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Excellence in Agriculture Award winner.

Jones The award recognizes individuals for involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.

Jones is a 2004 honors graduate of Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and College of Liberal Arts and Human Services. She began her teaching career in 2004 as the agricultural education/environmental sciences teacher and FFA advisor at William Campbell Combined School in Campbell County. In 2007, she joined Pittsylvania County Public Schools as the agricultural

science teacher and FFA advisor at Chatham Middle School.

In addition to being a full-time classroom teacher, she also works as a National AgriScience Ambassador Trainer for DuPont USA, Lab-Aids Inc., the National Association of Agricultural Educators and the National FFA. She was appointed by former Gov. Bob McDonnell to serve as the Virginia milk commissioner for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Jones serves on the board of the Olde Dominion Agricultural Foundation, is president of the Pittsylvania Education Association and immediate past state president of the Virginia Association of Agricultural Educators and is a member of the Virginia FFA Association board of directors.

She was the 2009 recipient of the Danville-Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year Award and recently received the Chamber Professional and Community Engagement Award.

She is completing her doctoral degree in leadership studies.

She will receive a Kubota RTV utility vehicle, courtesy of Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Services and Experient Health, and a Stihl chain saw from Mid-Atlantic Stihl. She also will receive a travel package to the 2015 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in San Diego, where she will compete for the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award.

Sarah Scyphers of Washington County is this year’s runner-up.

Scyphers is an agriculture teacher at Holston High School in Damascus and manages the school’s aquaculture facility. She and her husband, Aaron, have a cow-calf and sheep operation.

Scyphers also will receive a travel package to the AFBF Annual Convention.

VaFarmBureau.org

YOUNG FARMERS SUMMER EXPO Botetourt County student wins Outstanding Young Agriculturalist Award

Finalists named for Dec. 3 Discussion Meet

Lindsey Fenster of Botetourt County was named this year’s VFBF Outstanding Young Agriculturalist.

The award, co-sponsored by the VFBF Young Farmers Fenster Committee and Women’s Committee, recognizes high school juniors and seniors for academic, community and agribusiness achievement.

Fenster is a senior at James River High School and a member of the school's FFA chapter, for which she serves as student advisor. She is vice president of the school’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America organization and a member of the National Honor Society.

She also is president of the Rockbridge County 4-H Stockman’s Club. Through 4-H she has participated in livestock judging, stockman’s contests, livestock shows and meats judging.

She plans to study animal science with a pre-veterinarian concentration or study genetics.

Fenster will receive a $1,500 scholarship, courtesy of Farm Credit, VFBF’s Member Benefits programs and the VFBF Young Farmers and Women’s committees.

The first runner-up was Kate Morton of Powhatan County. She will receive $500 courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. Other finalists were Sam Alley of Craig County, Jasmine Boardwine of Henry County, Alice Cox of Floyd County, Danielle Craighead of Franklin County, Rachel Dubit of Rockbridge County, Sahmod Earls of Suffolk, Bethany Gochenour of Shenandoah County, Michael Granche of Fauquier County, Michaela Lloyd of Washington County, Dottie Long of Charlotte County, Samantha Shenk of Page County, and Rachel Waggie of Hanover County. Each will receive $250 courtesy of Farm Credit, VFBF’s Member Benefits programs and the VFBF Young Farmers and Women’s committees.

Semifinals for this year’s Young Farmers Discussion Meet took place Aug. 2 at the Young Farmers Summer Expo, and four participants will compete for the state title in December.

Finalists are Jacob Gilley of Madison County, Dr. Paige Pratt of Smyth County, Sarah Scyphers of Washington County and Chris Van Vlack of Loudoun County.

The Discussion Meet is a committeestyle discussion of a predetermined agricultural topic. Participants are judged on their ability to build consensus and work toward solutions.

The final Discussion Meet round will be held Dec. 3 at the VFBF Annual Convention in Hot Springs.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Young Farmers Winter Expo to be held in Bristol The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Winter Expo will be held Feb. 27 through March 1, 2015, at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Bristol.

The theme will be “Farmers, Start Your Tractors: Racing to the Roots of Agriculture.” Planned tour destinations include the Bristol Motor Speedway, the Origin of Country Music Museum and area farms.

The keynote speaker will be Greg Peterson of the Peterson Farm Brothers who gained a popular following online after posting farm parody videos on YouTube.

For more information, visit VAFBYoungFarmers.com.

Va. winners to compete for national Young Farmers honors, prizes Winners of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture Award and Discussion Meet will compete on the national level at the 2015 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention.

That event will be held Jan. 11-14 in San Diego.

The Winner of the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award will get his or her choice of a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado or 2015 GMC Sierra, courtesy of GM, and paid registration to the 2015 AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tenn., next February.

Three Achievement Award finalists will receive a Case IH Farmall 65A tractor, courtesy of Case IH, and a $2,500 cash prize and $500 in Stihl merchandise, courtesy of Stihl.

The winner of the YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award will get his or her choice of a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado or 2015 GMC Sierra, courtesy of GM, and paid registration to the YF&R Leadership Conference.

Three Excellence in Agriculture finalists will receive a Case IH Farmall 45A tractor, courtesy of Case IH, and a $2,500 cash prize and $500 in Stihl merchandise, courtesy of Stihl.

The YF&R Discussion Meet winner will get his or her choice of a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado or 2015 GMC Sierra, courtesy of GM, and paid registration to the YF&R Leadership Conference.

Three Discussion Meet finalists will receive a Case IH Farmall 55A tractor, courtesy of Case IH, and a $2,500 cash prize and $500 in Stihl merchandise, courtesy of Stihl.

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U.S. farm production expenditures and farmland values rise American farmers spent $367.3 billion to run their businesses in 2013, according to a farm production expenditure report published recently by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

That figure tops 2012 expenditures by 2 percent.

Overall, crop farm expenditures in 2013 increased to $206.7 billion, up 0.9 percent, while livestock farm expenditures increased to $160.6 billion, up 3.4 percent.

The average per-farm expenditure was $175,270, up from $171,309 in 2012.

The average crop farm expenditure was $211,659, compared to $143,521 for livestock farms.

“Per-farm expenditures can differ in various parts of the country due to the diversity of agriculture and the varied expenses that come with that,” said Jonah Bowles, senior agricultural

market analyst with Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “Cotton is not grown in Michigan, and sugar beets are not grown in Alabama. Sandy soils in the East will have a different set of production costs than those with 10-foot topsoil in the Midwest.”

Land values up 8.1 percent over 2013 Farmland values also have increased, according to the NASS 2014 Land Values report.

The report noted that in 2014 U.S. farm real estate value averaged $2,950 per acre, up 8.1 percent from 2013.

Regional changes in the average value ranged from a 16.3 percent increase in the Northern Plains region to a 1.1 percent increase in the Southeast region. In the report’s Appalachian region, which includes Virginia, the average farm real estate value was

$4,320 per acre, an increase of 0.2 percent.

Pasture value in the United States increased to an average of $1,300 per acre, or 11.1 percent above 2013. At the state level, the average value of 2014 pasture land ranged from $360 per acre in New Mexico to $13,500 in New Jersey. In Virginia, the average was $3,930 per acre.

“Land values are a function of productivity and competition for other uses,” Bowles explained. He noted that $13,500-per-acre land in New Jersey would not be profitable in hay and that the value comes from potential development demand. “Conversely, New Mexico land is valued at $350 because there is little production per acre and demand associated with urban sprawl is slight.”

The two reports are available at nass.usda.gov.

Study debunks 10 popular anti-GMO claims In light of the ongoing debate over genetically modified organisms, Popular Science magazine interviewed nearly a dozen scientists about 10 of the most common claims about GMOs. Based on their findings, consumers have “not much at all” to fear from GMOs. One claim is that GMOs are too new to know if they are dangerous. Popular Science notes that genetically engineered plants first appeared about 30 years ago and became commercially produced in 1994. Since then, more than 1,700 peer-reviewed safety studies have been published, and the consensus is that GMOs are no more risky than conventional crops.

Another claim is that genetic engineering is a radical technology. According to the article, “humans have been manipulating the genes of crops for millennia,” and virtually all food crops have been genetically modified in some way.

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

“The article makes a number of good points regarding the responsibility that we in agriculture have to feed the growing world population in a responsible manner, and how the use of biotechnology is integral to addressing that challenge,” said Lindsay Reames, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation assistant director of governmental relations.

The technique used for genetic modification differs from traditional plant breeding in that scientists extract DNA from an organism, modify it and then incorporate it into the genome of the same species or a different one. “With GMOs, we know the genetic information we are using, we know where it goes in the genome, and we can see if it is near an allergen or a toxin or if it is going to turn another gene off,” said Dr. Peggy Lemaux, a plant biologist at the University of California, Berkeley.

Another concern about GMOs is that they cause allergies, cancer and other health problems. But biotech companies perform extensive allergy and toxicity testing. Researchers from Italy published a review of 1,700 GMO safety tests—770 of which examined the health impact on humans or animals—and they found no evidence that the foods are dangerous.

Popular Science said that the claim that all research on GMOs has been funded by “big ag” “simply isn’t true. Over the past decade, hundreds of independent researchers have published peer-reviewed safety studies.”

VaFarmBureau.org

Washington Watch

Fifteen attorneys general from states with significant farming and ranching sectors sent a letter in early August to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency objecting to the EPA’s proposed “Waters of the U.S.” rule.

Issued earlier this year, the rule would give the EPA broad jurisdiction over dry land features and farming practices that historically has been relegated to individual states under the Clean Water Act. The letter expresses displeasure with the rule because it would narrow exemptions provided in the Clean Water Act for “normal farming activities.” It is signed by officials from Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming.

By “limiting the exemption to only those conservation practices specifically identified, (the EPA has) impermissibly narrowed the scope of ‘normal farming’ activities that have historically been considered exempt,” they wrote.

The EPA announced the proposed rule earlier this year with the intent of clarifying protections under the Clean Water Act for streams and wetlands.

The federal agency also released an “interpretive rule to ensure that 56 specific conservation practices that protect or improve water quality” would not be subject to permitting requirements for the discharge of dredged or fill material.

“These ‘normal farming’ activities are now subject to performance measures issued by the Natural Resources Conservation Services, an agency without any authorization or obligation to implement the provisions” of the law, the letter says. The attorneys say the rule should be withdrawn.

The American Farm Bureau Federation shares that belief and has launched an aggressive campaign urging the EPA to “Ditch the Rule.” Details are available at ditchtherule.fb.org.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

american farm bureau federation

Fifteen states’ attorneys general challenge EPA ‘Waters’ rule

Attorneys general from 15 states have asked that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency withdraw its proposed “Waters of the U.S.” rule, and two bills were introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives this summer to address farmers’ and lawmakers’ concerns about the rule.

House bills address farm concerns with EPA ‘Waters’ proposal Two bills that have bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives address serious concerns voiced by the American Farm Bureau Federation about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed “Waters of the U.S.” rule.

H.R. 5078, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act of 2014, was introduced by Rep. Steve Southerland, R-Fla., and has been approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

It would prohibit the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers from implementing a rule that broadens the scope of the Clean Water Act and would effectively block the proposed “Waters of the U.S.” rule.

A second bill addresses concerns about common farm practices that have been exempt from Clean Water Act regulation but could lose that status under the proposed rule.

In March the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers issued an interpretive rule to clarify how “Waters of the U.S.” would affect normal farming, ranching and forestry exemptions. AFBF analysis determined that the interpretive rule narrows the list

of existing exemptions and would require compliance with otherwise voluntary U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service standards.

The proposal puts the USDA in the unprecedented position of enforcing Clean Water Act compliance.

Reps. Chris Collins, R-N.Y.; Bob Gibbs, R-Ohio; Frank Lucas, R-Okla.; Collin Peterson, D-Minn.; Reid Ribble, R-Wis.; Kurt Schrader, D-Ore.; and Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., have introduced H.R. 5071, The Agricultural Conservation Flexibility Act. The bill clarifies that existing Clean Water Act exemptions for normal farming, ranching and forestry apply to all conservation activities without regard to the interpretive rule.

The bill further states that no soil and water conservation practices will be treated as new uses of areas of navigable waters, impairments of the flow of navigable waters or reductions in the reach of those waters under recapture provisions in Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The bill also clarifies that normal farming, ranching and forestry activities will be treated as such without regard to their date of commencement. september/october 2014

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Viewing Virginia

Virginia’s first lady speaks in support of conservation program A cooperative effort between the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and Virginia’s farm community is getting ready to launch, and Virginia first lady Dorothy McAuliffe has produced a television public service announcement to promote it.

“We all want healthy rivers and streams, but we can’t do that without help from Virginia’s landowners,” McAuliffe said in the announcement. “Resource Management Plans, or RMPs, are part of a voluntary program that helps farmers get credit for cleaning up our waters.”

The Virginia RMP program was developed with input from the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and other farm groups as a path to improved water quality. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Virginia’s joint agreement with other states to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff

into the Chesapeake Bay watershed are bringing increasing regulatory demands on Virginia farmers. At the same time, farmers felt their past conservation efforts were not accurately accounted for in the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay model. The new RMP program will document past water quality improvement efforts and make it possible for all farmers to have a conservation plan.

“Once you have an RMP, you’re exempt from any new water quality requirements for nine years,” McAuliffe explained in the PSA. “The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has funds available to help you implement these plans. Contact the department today to learn more.”

The PSA is part of an effort to reach the farm community; farmers are being asked to contact their respective soil and water conservation districts to create an RMP. It

will debut in September on Real Virginia, the Farm Bureau’s weekly television program, which can be viewed on public television and commercial stations as well as on cable outlet channels across the state and on the satellite television channel RFD-TV. It also will be featured on the VFBF website and other social media outlets and can be previewed online at http:// bcove.me/xo18cesg.

Details about the RMP program are available on the DCR website at dcr.virginia.gov/soil_and_water/rmp.shtml.

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

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Viewing Virginia

Virginia ranked ninth for number of farmers’ markets

Only eight states have more farmers’ markets than Virginia, according to rankings released this summer by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing service.

The AMS found 249 markets in the commonwealth. Virginia also was ranked ninth nationwide in 2013.

The top eight states are California, New York, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Missouri is ranked 10th.

There are more than 8,200 farm markets nationwide; that represents a 76 percent increase since 2008.

Virginia has been ranked ninth nationwide for number of farmers' markets for two consecutive years.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Hickory syrup brings sweet taste of success

By Leeanne Ladin The old saying “barking up the wrong tree” does not apply to Travis and Joyce Miller of Berryville in Clarke County.

The retired couple is enjoying the sweet taste of success with their Falling Bark Farm hickory syrup, which is made from the bark of hickory trees.

The Millers are among a handful of producers in the country making the alternative to maple syrup.

“We were looking for a product to take to farmers’ markets,” Travis Miller said, noting that he and his wife simply wanted to supplement their income.

Miller, who has 30 years of experience in the retail food industry, began experimenting with smoked salts.

Learning more about hickory smoking led to his discovery of hickory syrup.

The Millers began foraging in the woods for hickory bark. They came to prefer the bark of the shagbark hickory, as it sheds naturally, but they use other hickory barks as well. Through trial and error they developed a process for cleaning and roasting the bark, extracting its liquid, aging, filtering and finally blending with turbinado sugar to produce their syrup. It comes in several flavors—original, vanilla, brandy, brandy/vanilla and a reserve-cask syrup aged in rye whiskey barrels.

Their product has moved beyond local farmers’ markets into upscale grocery stores and gift shops at Mount Vernon, Monticello and other historic destinations. It can be found in 160 outlets, and the Millers have limited their own foraging and turned to hickory bark suppliers to keep up with demand.

Much of the syrup’s success came literally by word of mouth, thanks to countless free tasting samples the Millers shared. Joyce Miller said some people have told her the syrup, often described as smoky, earthy or woodsy, reminds them “of a campfire or Grandma’s cabin.

“For me, the hickory syrup tastes like a memory,” she said. september/october 2014

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to showcase much of Virginia agriculture In the Meadow Pavilion, agricultureand commodity-specific exhibits will be installed by the following organizations:

From livestock and crop competitions to commodity and equipment exhibits to Virginia wine tastings and the opportunity to see baby chicks and newborn calves, Virginia agriculture is going to be front and center at the State Fair of Virginia.

“One of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s key motivations in purchasing the State Fair was to preserve its agricultural character,” said VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor. “We found Virginia’s agriculture community ready and willing to work with Farm Bureau to that end, and I believe the fair offers guests a richer experience as a result.”

The 2014 fair will open Sept. 26 and run through Oct. 5 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. Information is available at StateFairVa.org, and the public can get news and updates on Facebook and Twitter.

The perennial family favorite Young MacDonald’s Farm will offer an opportunity to see farm animals up close, and visitors will have opportunities to watch calf births and to try hand-milking cows. Separate exhibits will feature poultry, pigeons, doves and rabbits. The popular Heritage Village exhibit will feature antique farm equipment and implements, while just inside the fair’s entrance visitors will see an array of new-model equipment.

“Obviously the new equipment is a draw for farmers at the fair, but it gets lots of attention from the non-farming public as well,” Pryor said. “Not everybody spends a lot of time around tractors and combines. People take pictures of their children on the equipment, and they’re interested in what it costs and what it’s used for.”

Another big draw is the annual weigh-in for giant pumpkins and watermelons, which will be held at noon on Sept. 27. A paddock near The Meadow’s historic horse barns will be used to showcase a different horse breed each weekday, and Virginia State University’s aquaculture exhibit will return to this year’s fair. Also returning is the sheepdog demonstration, scheduled for Oct. 2.

➤ Richmond Beekeepers Association; ➤ Virginia Beef Industry Council; ➤ Virginia Cattleman’s Association; ➤ Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association; ➤ Virginia Cotton Growers Association ➤ Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; ➤ Virginia Farm Bureau; ➤ Virginia Grain Producers Association; ➤ Virginia Green Industry Council; ➤ Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association; ➤ Virginia Peanut Growers Association; ➤ Virginia Pumpkin Growers Association; ➤ Virginia Society of Landscape Designers;

New farm equipment near the entrance to the State Fair of Virginia catches the attention of farmers and non-farmers alike.

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

kathy dixon

➤ Virginia Soybean Association; ➤ Virginia State Dairymen’s Association; and ➤ Virginia Tobacco Board.

VaFarmBureau.org

pam wiley

STATE FAIR ✶ 2014

Soybeans and gourds, along with vegetables in raised beds, are part of the State Fair’s cash crop and vegetable garden plots that were planted earlier this year.

Crop plots expanded to include raised bed gardens Many fairgoers expect to see blue ribbon-winning crops and plants on display at the State Fair of Virginia, but it’s not at every fair that you see actual farm crops growing on the property.

Last year the State Fair field crop plot featured corn, soybeans, peanuts, cotton and tobacco. There also was a home garden plot with tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. This year the home garden will return and will feature both in-ground planting and urban-style raised beds, which have seen increased use among home gardeners with limited space.

The raised beds were built by Caroline County High School FFA members and installed at The Meadow Event Park this summer.

Plants in this year’s home garden plot include squash, carrots, beets, onions, gourds, pumpkins and herbs, along with new items such as strawberries, pumpkins and hops.

Signage will be placed in the crop plot and home garden to help guests identify each plant, and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions.

New competitions will feature hay bales, Christmas trees Fairgoers will dress up two Virginia farm commodities this year in new competitions.

In the FFA and 4-H Giant Hay Bale Competition, groups will decorate round bales to resemble farm animals and farm equipment. The bales will be supplied by the fair, and the competition is sponsored by Farm Credit of the Virginias.

Glenn Martin, livestock and equine manager, said the contest has attracted 15 entries.

“We were hoping for at least 10 entries, so we are very pleased with the response,” he said.

The bales will be displayed in the fair’s Equine & Livestock VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Complex. The first-place winner will receive $100; second place $50; and third place $25.

“Virginia’s Bounty” is the theme of the inaugural Decorated Christmas Tree Competition, and entrants are being encouraged to use Virginia agricultural products when trimming trees donated by the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association.

The top three winners will be asked to use their winning decorations to decorate a tree for display during the Illuminate Light Show and Santa’s Village to be held Nov. 14 through Jan. 3, 2015, at The Meadow. They also will receive a fresh-cut tree for their own use at home. september/october 2014

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STATE FAIR ✶ 2014

Seed Survivor exhibit for youth returning to fair Back by popular demand will be the interactive, multimedia exhibit Seed Survivor, which helps children learn that plants need the right balance of water, light, healthy soil and nutrients to survive.

Seed survivor includes virtual reality games, an insect video

scope, a sunflower seed planting station, a watershed center, talking walls and much more. Located inside the Meadow Pavilion in 2013, it will move to its own space this fall in the State Fair’s Harvest Landing area. The exhibit is provided by Agrium Inc. for its ag education program.

Equine events to bring plenty of horse power to State Fair A diverse schedule of equine events promises lots of “horsepower” at the State Fair of Virginia this year.

In the Equine & Livestock Complex, the events will include:

➤ Virginia Cowboy Mounted Shooting clinic, demonstration and state shoot, Sept. 26-28;

➤ Virginia Reining Horse Association competition, Sept. 26-28; ➤ Draft horse show, Sept. 28 and 29; ➤ Coon mule jumping and draft horse pull, Sept. 29; ➤ Professional rodeo, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1; ➤ Assorted daytime equestrian demonstrations such as dressage and jumping, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1;

➤ Miniature horse show, Oct. 1-3; ➤ Morgan Futurity Horse Show, Oct. 3; ➤ Team penning competition, Oct. 4; ➤ Ranch sorting competition, Oct. 5; and

pam wiley

➤ 4-H drill team and ranch horse competitions, Oct. 4 and 5.

This year marks the return of team penning to the State Fair and the introduction of ranch sorting. Both events grew out of the skills needed for ranch work. In team penning, teams of three riders separate specific cows from a herd and move them into a penning area in under 60 seconds. In ranch sorting, teams of two riders move a herd of 10 cattle from one pen to another— in numerical order, in less than 60 seconds.

Also new this year will be a coon mule jumping competition.

The sport originated with mule-riding raccoon hunters in the South who often jumped barbed wire fences in deep woods to avoid a long walk to the nearest gate. In the show ring adaptation, a mule stands in front of a horizontal bar and jumps from a standstill. Some mules have jumped as high as 5 feet.

On the north side of the fairgrounds, the Showcase of Breeds sponsored by the Virginia Horse Industry Board will take place on weekdays in the paddock by The Meadow Event Park’s historic barns. A different breed of horse will be featured each day.

On weekends, there will be a “Salute to Secretariat” display at the paddock, featuring Secretariat descendants.

Equine events at this year’s fair will include a 4-H drill team competition (left) and a “Salute to Secretariat” that will feature descendants like retired racing Thoroughbred Multiple Choice.

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

VaFarmBureau.org

STATE FAIR ✶ 2014

2014 STATE FAIR operating hours

Ticket information

Friday, Sept. 26 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Farm Bureau members in Virginia who use the Member Deals Plus benefit can save as much as $4 off the cost of an advance-purchase general admission ticket used on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Contact your county Farm Bureau office for details.

Saturday, Sept. 27 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 28 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 29 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Online advance tickets

Tuesday, Sept. 30 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 3 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Online sales of Season Passes and General Admission tickets will run through 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 23 at StateFairVa. org. Advance-purchase tickets may be used any one day of the fair’s 10-day run. That’s up to a $3 discount on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Saturday, Oct. 4 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Adults – $12

Sunday, Oct. 5 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Youth 5-12 / Seniors 60+ / Military* – $8

These are the Ticket Plaza and building hours only; rides will continue to operate for a minimum of one hour after the Ticket Plaza closes, or longer at the discretion of fair management. No re-entry after 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday or Sunday or after 9 p.m.

Monday through Thursday.

Season Pass – $25

Wednesday, Oct. 1 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 2 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Ticket outlets

Youth shows

Purchase tickets at this year’s ticket outlets—selected BB&T banks and Martin’s Food Markets, Call Federal Credit Union locations and the Caroline County Visitor Center—for the weekday price, and use them any one day during the 2014 fair. For outlet locations, visit StateFairVa.org.

Outlet ticket purchases are subject to availability.

Open and youth dairy cattle ..................................... Sept. 26-28

General Admission

Open and youth dairy goats ..................................... Sept. 26-28

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays

Youth poultry ................................................................. Sept. 27

• Adults (one-day tickets) – $15

Open beef ........................................................... Sept. 29-Oct. 1

• Youth 5-12 (one-day tickets) – $10

Youth beef ...................................................................... Oct. 3-5

• Seniors 60+ (one-day tickets) – $10

Youth sheep ................................................................... Oct. 3-5

• Military* (one-day tickets) – $10

Youth meat goats............................................................ Oct. 3-5

• Children 4 and younger admitted free with paid adult admission

Open and youth livestock show schedule

Youth market hogs.......................................................... Oct. 3-5

Monday through Thursday • Adults (one-day tickets) – $12 • Youth 5-12 (one-day tickets) – $8 • Seniors 60+ (one-day tickets) – $8 • Military* (one-day tickets) – $8 • Children 4 and younger admitted free with paid adult admission Season Pass– $30

Please note!

pam wiley

• Rides are not included with admission.

Open and youth livestock shows will take place over 10 days.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

• Military ticket discount available to active-duty service members and retirees with current military ID; not applicable for others in party.

• Season passes are non-transferable. Be prepared to show ID at the Ticket Plaza. september/october 2014

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Successful agriculture education built on partnerships

By Kathy Dixon

Agricultural education in Virginia “must partner closely with the public and private sectors to ensure long-term success of its programs and, more importantly, its students.”

That was one of the key findings in a 2013 Department of Education report titled A Strategic Review of Ag Education: Preparing Students for Successful Transition to College, The Changing Face of Virginia Agriculture.

And that is exactly what is happening in different areas of the state.

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Six-year community effort re-introduced ag education in Fluvanna “It truly is a partnership,” said Russell Jennings, Fluvanna County High School’s agriculture education teacher, about the school’s relationship with Fluvanna County Farm Bureau. “If there’s anything I need, I can just pick up the phone and call George or another Farm Bureau member. They’re like a big brother to me.”

Jennings started teaching agriculture technology classes at the high school last fall when the agriculture education program began. Fluvanna Farm Bureau board members had advocated for years to get an agriculture education program re-instated. The last time the county school system had a similar curriculum was in 1994.

Jennings lived in Fluvanna and had been teaching agriculture education in Louisa County. Now, “I have as many students as I can possibly teach” because ag classes for the 2014-2015 school year are completely full.

“We actually got complaints from parents of kids who found out about the ag ed program too late to enroll in it,” said George Goin, Fluvanna Farm Bureau president. That’s a testament, he said, to the community support that helped get the program implemented.

“Farm Bureau has always been in favor of agriculture education for youth. About seven years ago, members of the board started seriously talking about getting an ag program back in the Fluvanna County school system. It took six years to get this program going, but we finally did it last year.

“We want the community to realize there are lots of opportunities in our county for students who study agriculture technology,” Goin said. “Ag education is real important to Fluvanna students, especially since 70 percent of the county income is derived from agriculture businesses.”

He noted that the horticulture industry in Fluvanna and across Virginia is growing, and the new curriculum will help equip students for careers in that market.

Last year students helped Jennings build a 2,900-square-foot greenhouse behind the school. Farm Bureau donated the gravel that cover its floor, and Goin, who operates nine greenhouses, shared his expertise.

Once the greenhouse was completed, students grew tomatoes, peppers, lettuce and bedding plants in it and sold them at the end of the school year.

Fluvanna’s agriculture curriculum covers basic agriculture information and includes segments on plant systems, horticulture science, greenhouse production and management and landscaping. Jennings said the skills it imparts can be useful even if a student pursues a career outside agriculture.

“I teach them about where their food comes from and how much work it takes to produce it. I also teach them simple small engine repair skills they can use on their own cars,” he said.

Students enrolled in the ag technology classes “will have the knowledge they need to start their own small businesses when they graduate,” Goin said.

Jennings said one of his former students went to Virginia Tech and studied turf grass management. He now works on the grounds crew for the Cincinnati Bengals. Another student is going to be an agriculture teacher, and a third is a farm manager at a garden center and operates a floral design business.

“This just gets them started in the right direction,” he said.

Erin Small, last year’s Fluvanna High School FFA president, said it’s “great in such a rural county to bring ag back into the school system … and teach kids about plants and agriculture in the area.”

VaFarmBureau.org

kathy dixon

“If there’s anything I need, I can just pick up the phone and call George or another Farm Bureau member,” Russell Jennings (left) said of local support for Fluvanna County High School’s agriculture technology program. He’s shown with Fluvanna County Farm Bureau President George Goin.

According to the Virginia Association of Agricultural Educators, more than 100 schools in the state offer agricultural education programs. Jennings said new programs were started this year in Buckingham, Cumberland and Goochland counties.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Members of the Fluvanna Farm Bureau continue to support their high school’s new curriculum any way they can. The organization will hold its annual meeting and dinner at the high school. Jennings and his students plan to provide lettuce from their greenhouse for salads, and

FFA members will serve beverages. The high school’s culinary class will prepare the meal, and Goin and Jennings will take members on a tour of the greenhouse and the working classroom.

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courtesy of george goin

Students in Jennings’ class last school year used a hand-turned cider press to make apple butter for an FFA fundraiser.

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

VaFarmBureau.org

Clarke students’ swine co-op ‘was a good fit’ with Farm Bureau goals

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

“This was a great opportunity to give kids who don’t live on a farm the chance to take care of farm animals,” Perry said.

“I’d like to see us have a similar program with sheep or other animals one day.”

Each of the dozen FFA members participating in the project purchased a share in the cooperative. They were personally responsible for animal care and took turns providing a week

of care. “Since the animals made it through the year, we considered it a success,” Perry said.

Gore’s Processing made sausage and spareribs for the co-op at the end of the school year. The students served meat from one of their animals at their annual banquet, and the rest was sold at the school to students, parents, faculty and the community.

courtesy of linda alexander

Clarke County High School is another example of a partnership between a school and its community.

CCHS partnered with Clarke County Farm Bureau and Clermont Farm to start a swine cooperative for the school’s FFA chapter.

“Our ag ed program is based almost 100 percent on community involvement,” said Allison Perry, Clarke County High School’s agriculture education teacher.

“The community is aware of our programs and excited about them. If they weren’t, we wouldn’t be as successful.”

She said local organizations and individuals provide donations and volunteer their time.

“Supporting ag education has been one of our Farm Bureau board’s goals,” said Clay Brumback, president of the Clarke Farm Bureau. “Helping start the swine cooperative last year was a good fit.”

When Clermont Farm was willed to Virginia’s Department of Historic Resources, its former owner stipulated that the farm be used for educational purposes, so raising the pigs on the farm was also a good fit.

“We had the chance to partner with the farm and the school and decided the project would be a great learning lab for the FFA students,” Brumback said.

The Farm Bureau board voted to provide funding for the school to purchase a feeding floor on which to raise the pigs. They also helped the FFA chapter purchase other equipment, including a feeder and waterer.

Clermont Farm is a 360-acre research and training site managed by the Clermont Foundation. The farm dates to Colonial times and was engaged in a mixture of general farming, including pigs. The heritage breeds—Berkshire and Hereford—raised by the FFA students fit into the history of the farm.

The students raised 13 hogs during the school year. They learned about animal husbandry and marketing a finished product.

Members of Clarke County High School’s FFA program helped unload 13 heritage breed pigs when the animals arrived at historic Clermont Farm last fall.

september/october 2014

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New Farm Bureau cookbook features shared family recipes

By Kathy Dixon Recipes that have been passed from one generation to the next are among those shared by more than 150 women from across Virginia in a new cookbook that will benefit Agriculture in the Classroom.

Participants in the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Program submitted recipes for Cooking Virginia Style with Farm Bureau Women.

For a while, contributors were “holding on tight to their family recipes and were hesitant to share,” said Faye Hundley, chairman of the cookbook committee and a member of the VFBF Women’s Committee and Essex County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. “We just kept talking it up and soliciting recipes, and eventually they pulled through.”

More than 500 recipes were submitted for the book.

From the fresh apple cake recipe shared by VFBF Women’s Committee Chairman Janice Burton to the Oysters Rockefeller recipe from Pattie Pryor, wife of VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor, the cookbook represents foods from all regions of the state, Hundley said.

“There are lots of good recipes in here, including ones for cooking game and seafood.”

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

More than 1,000 hard-cover cookbooks were printed, and copies are being distributed to county Farm Bureau offices for sale. Copies also will be for sale at upcoming VFBF meetings. Cooking Virginia Style is $15 per copy, and shipping is $5.95 per book.

“We’re excited to have such a high-quality cookbook available for our members, especially since the proceeds benefit Agriculture in the Classroom, of which the women’s program is a huge supporter,” said Angela Haskovec, VFBF Women’s Program coordinator.

Cooking Virginia Style will replace the venerable Country Treasures from Virginia Farm Bureau Kitchens cookbook that was first published in 1994. That cookbook was reprinted three times, but the last copy was sold two years ago, Haskovec said.

Women’s Committee members had discussed for several years the possibility of publishing a statewide cookbook. They considered re-packaging favorites from Country Treasures but ultimately chose to solicit new recipes.

A cookbook committee was formed and began requesting recipes at Women’s Program fall district meetings in 2013.

Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. underwrote the printing costs.

The new cookbook contains old favorites like chicken broccoli casserole and pound cake, but it also includes new recipes like roasted eggplant dip and “Grits and Gruyere.”

“The old cookbook was a little outdated, and we wanted some more up-to-date favorites mixed with old standbys,” Hundley said. “We also wanted recipes that grandparents can make with their grandchildren.”

The new cookbook contains kid-friendly recipes, some of which came straight from AITC activities.

VaFarmBureau.org

Give your favorite local teacher or school a boost this fall Anyone with an interest in education can help a favorite teacher or school introduce agriculture to their students through Virginia’s Agriculture in the Classroom Adopt-a-Teacher and Adopt-aSchool programs. Donors’ contributions to AITC can ensure that an educator or school will receive agriculture education resources and the opportunity to attend an AITC workshop at no cost.

For a $35 donation to AITC, anyone can “adopt” a teacher, administrator or school librarian. That educator will receive a copy of a dairy DVD, a copy of Kelly’s Big Day from the Farmer Ben book series, a collection of agriculture-related lessons titled What’s in the Barn? and access to more than 150 other lesson plans. They’ll also receive the latest AITC educator newsletter and information about upcoming AITC workshops.

For a $100 donation, a school will receive the materials sent to teachers, along with additional resources such as AITC’s Virginia agriculture map puzzles, and Math Ag-tivities and the Garden Chef curriculums.

“We’re already in a number of elementary schools in Virginia, but this program is a great opportunity to reach teachers unaware of AITC to learn more about what we have to offer,” said Karen Davis, executive director of the Virginia Foundation for AITC. For program details, visit the AITC website at 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 between June 20 and Aug. 13.

• BB&T; • Cotton Board; and • Kraft Foods.

Harper now managing grain division ROBERT HARPER of Powhatan County has been named manager of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Grain Division.

In recent years Harper has been a Virginia Cooperative Extension agent working in Powhatan and Goochland counties and an ownerpartner in a farming enterprise that was involved with a cow-calf operation, managing a feeder Harper cattle pre-conditioning program and raising dairy and beef replacement heifers and bulls.

The VFBF grain division is a licensed grain dealer that has helped producer members buy and sell bulk loads of corn, soybeans, wheat, barley and oats for more than 30 years. For details call 800-233-8323.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM www.agintheclass.org

Donations are up!

At the end of Agriculture in the Classroom’s 2013-2014 fiscal year, donations were up 13 percent compared to the previous fiscal year.

• County Farm Bureaus and their women’s committees and Young Farmers committees contributed $73,718—20 percent of total contributions.

• The Virginia Farm Bureau Golf Tournament for AITC, the annual Daylily Festival in Augusta County and last year’s Stampede 5K raised $75,759.

• The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Program participants remain AITC’s largest and most loyal donors, contributing $41,505.

• AITC's donations exceeded expenses.

The excess funds are being used to seed a new student outreach program that will be piloted next spring.

Fisher is new field services director in Northern District DANA FISHER of Shenandoah County has been hired as a part-time district field services director for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Northern District. He will partner with current part-time DFSD Philip Shenk.

Fisher has served as an agricultural education instructor Fisher at Central High School and is a graduate of the inaugural class of Virginia Agricultural Leaders Obtaining Results, or VALOR. He chairs the Virginia FFA Foundation board of directors.

In 2013, he won the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award.

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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 has a new name—Member Deals Plus.

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.

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.”

Medical alert benefit now available for cell phone use Help is always within reach for Virginia Farm Bureau members who use the Member’s Medical Alert program powered by national provider LifeStation. The service makes it easy for members or their loved ones to summon assistance to their homes in an emergency.

LifeStation maintains a state-of-the-art, 24-hour call center with care specialists users can reach via a tabletop console or a help button that can be mounted on a wall, worn around the neck or wrist or clipped to a belt.

Farm Bureau members pay a special monthly rate of $25.95 for use with a land line in the home and are eligible for a 30-day money-back trial. A cellular-based connection is offered for an additional $14.95 per month. The service involves no long-term contract.

To order or get more information call 877-288-4958, or visit MembersMedical Alert.com and use code FB102.

Winter’s not that far away. Get the right coverage for your farm The weight of accumulated snow can be heavy and can cause extensive damage to homes, farm buildings and other structures.

That’s one reason it’s important to make sure you have the coverage you need to protect personal property from storms and everyday occurrences.

“Damage to your home, outbuildings and property can occur at any time, so it’s important to be aware of what’s covered in your policy—and what’s not,” said Sam Rooks, vice president of underwriting and policy services for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Virginia Farm Bureau offers more than 50 endorsements that can be added to farmowner policies that include replacement cost, business income and coverage related to earthquakes, floods and weight of ice, sleet and snow.

“Policyholders need to make sure they have the coverage they need before a loss occurs,” Rooks said. “Review your policy with your insurance agent to find out what types of coverage are available to you.”

For more information, contact your Farm Bureau agent or call or visit your county Farm Bureau office.

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Members can save on prescription drugs with consumer card Virginia Farm Bureau’s free Prescription Drug Discount and Savings Program affords members an average savings of 20 percent on name brand and 40 percent on generic prescription drugs at more than 57, 000 pharmacies.

Members pay no fee to use the program, which is designed for individuals with no insurance coverage for prescription drugs.

It also can be used in instances when a prescription drug is not covered by a health insurance plan.

The Prescription Drug Discount and Savings Program is not

insurance. Rather, it works via what’s known as a “consumer card” or “point of sale card” that can be used by your entire household. There are no medical exams, no waiting periods, no claim forms to file and no exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Simply present your card at a participating pharmacy when you have your prescription filled, or use it when ordering medicines through the mail-order program of Agelity Inc. You can get a card at your county Farm Bureau office or by visiting VaFarmBureau.org/MemberPrograms/MemberBenefits.aspx.

Virginia’s Harvest treats make tasty gifts If you need a holiday gift for someone with a discerning palate, consider treating them to the rich flavors of fine Virginia foods.

Farm Bureau members can share tasty, traditional Virginia foods, in collections to suit every budget, with the Virginia’s Harvest gift collection. Choose from country ham, gourmet peanuts, salted jumbo cashews, butter-toasted peanuts and pecans, chocolate-covered peanuts and peanut brittle, and an

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

energy mix of almonds, cashews and raisins. And for your next tailgate party or oyster roast, there are 2-pound bags of salted peanuts in the shell.

Virginia’s Harvest items can be viewed and ordered at county Farm Bureau offices. For an additional charge, they can be shipped via United Parcel Service with a personalized gift card.

Call or visit your county Farm Bureau office today. Or call 800-476-8473 for more information or to order by phone.

VaFarmBureau.org

Health Insurance Open Enrollment begins Nov. 15 The Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period that begins Nov 15 is expected by many experts in the insurance industry to be one of the biggest open enrollment periods in history.

This is the first time in U.S. history that an open enrollment period affects everyone. Prior to 2014 and the first ACA open enrollment, many Americans knew about an “open enrollment period” through an employer. Once a year we could enroll, edit, modify, add to, change or cancel our insurance. Now that having health insurance is mandatory, the period applies to all.

The first year penalty was not much for people to balk about. It also came with the trials and tribulations of the first-ever governmental insurance exchange. After an abundance of technical problems, some people were unsure as to what was going on and simply stayed on the sidelines.

Fast forward to today, and you will see that there are public insurance exchanges as well as private insurance exchanges. Public exchanges go through the state or federally administered plan, which may or may not have a subsidy available, while a private exchange gives you access to both public and or private insurance with the main difference being that private offers more options. More options equals more carriers and more plans, which translates to more competition and more choices for lower premiums and for doctors who are willing to accept the plans in a larger network.

With the Open Enrollment Period just around the corner, the chances of date changes or extensions this time around are slim. Yes, there were lots of changes, extensions and exceptions in the first go-round. But that was because everyone—including applicants, carriers, brokers and the Department of Health and Human Services—was figuring it out as they went along.

That won’t be the case in the ACA’s second year. Exchanges will be ready to go on Day One, and the Feb. 15 end date will be pretty solid.

• People who enroll between Nov. 15 and Dec. 15 will have coverage effective Jan. 1, 2015.

• People who enroll between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15, 2015, will

You are allowed one gap in coverage of up to three months without having to pay a penalty, so if your uninsured period begins no earlier than Dec. 1, you won’t owe a penalty for 2015. Or, if you are without coverage for more than three months at the end of 2014 and are assessed a penalty for the uninsured period in 2014 (calculated when you file your taxes in early 2015), you also won’t owe a penalty for the two months you’re uninsured in 2015, since your uninsured gap would start over on Jan. 1.

There are going to be people who end up paying a penalty for not having coverage in 2014 but won’t find out that they owe the penalty until they file their taxes. And at that point they might miss the 2015 Open Enrollment Period as well.

Don’t let yourself be one of those people! If you’re uninsured this year, now’s the time to figure out whether you qualify for an exemption or whether you’re going to have to pay a penalty.

Don't miss out on Open Enrollment this year, or you might find yourself left out should you be diagnosed with something that calls for medical care.

If you have questions about the Open Enrollment Period or the enrollment process, contact your county Farm Bureau office.

have coverage effective Feb. 1.

• People who enroll between Jan. 16 and Feb. 15 will have coverage effective March 1.

• If you are uninsured until March 1 because you enroll during the last month of the 2015 Open Enrollment Period, you’ll have two months without insurance at the start of 2015.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

Leah Gustafson is a marketing specialist for Experient Health.

september/october 2014

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Have a Soup-er Year

Stock up for cooler weather with homemade broths The peak of soup season is almost upon us.

Before the rush of fall and holiday activity hits and you run out of time, you can make basic soup stocks and freeze them to use all winter long. Stocks are fairly easy to make and typically use leftover ingredients that you likely would have just thrown away. Most stock recipes make large batches, but you can easily freeze stock in multiple small containers.

There are four basic types of stock: fish, meat, poultry and vegetable. For all stocks, the rule of thumb is one part bones, pieces and scraps to two parts water.

The mixture should always be brought to a boil and then reduced to simmer. The simmering time differs for each type of stock.

Poultry stock

Vegetable stock

For poultry stock, use inexpensive chicken or turkey parts like backs and necks, or use bones from previously cooked poultry. You also can use a leftover cooked chicken or turkey carcass such as the one from Thanksgiving.

You can add vegetables to the poultry stock for more flavor. Carrots, celery and onions are good choices. For a darker, richer stock, roast the meat scraps, bones and vegetables in a 450-degree oven for about 40 minutes and then add them to the stock pot.

Use about 4 to 5 pounds of poultry parts, 2 pounds of vegetable scraps, 6 to 8 garlic cloves and a tablespoon of peppercorns. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 2 hours. Skim off the foam periodically as the stock cooks. When it’s done, strain it, let it cool, then refrigerate it for a few hours. Any fat in the broth will congeal at the top and can be strained off.

Then your stock is ready to freeze.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture warns not to put a large pot of hot soup directly into your refrigerator. According to the USDA, it would take an 8-inch stock pot of steaming chicken soup 24 hours to cool to a safe temperature in your refrigerator. To be safe, transfer the soup to shallow containers to speed cooling, making sure the soup is no more than 2 inches deep. Refrigerate promptly.

When freezing soup, the USDA recommends leaving ½ inch of space at the top of the container. Use the broth within 3 months.

To make vegetable stock, use basically any type of vegetable scraps such as carrot peels, celery stalk ends, onion pieces and potatoes. You can keep a re-sealable bag in the refrigerator and save well-washed peels and trimmings as you cook. Or you can use produce that is getting ready to go bad.

For seasoning, add a tablespoon of fresh-ground pepper and a couple of bay leaves. Cover ingredients with water, bring to a boil and then simmer for about an hour. Cool the mixture before straining it.

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

Vegetable pieces and scraps are an essential part of homemade stocks.

Meat stock

Seafood stock

When making meat stock, roast the meat, bones and vegetables before boiling for a darker, richer broth. Use about 5 to 7 pounds of roasted meat and bones from beef, veal, lamb, pork or venison. Add about half that amount of vegetables, four bay leaves, a tablespoon of black peppercorns, about a half cup of chopped fresh parsley and any other seasonings you want. Add enough water to cover the ingredients.

Bring the pot to a boil, then simmer for about 4 hours. Add more water, if necessary, to keep the ingredients covered. Strain the soup, let it cool, then refrigerate it for a few hours. Skim the fat layer off the top before freezing.

For seafood stock, use white fish scraps, bones and trimmings and add crab, shrimp and lobster shells for even more flavor. For this lighter-style stock, it’s best to use just a few veggies like celery, onions and garlic.

Sauté the vegetables in butter. Add the fish parts, some dry white wine, peppercorns, lemon juice and herbs. Cover everything with water.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about an hour.

Skim off any foam. Cool and then strain out the solid ingredients. Store in freezertight containers.

VaFarmBureau.org

Have a Soup-er Year

Autumn Squash Soup INGREDIENTS

2 tart apples 1 Granny Smith apple 4 tablespoons butter 2 cups finely chopped yellow onion 1 tablespoon curry powder (optional) 3 pounds butternut squash, other autumn squashes, or pumpkin 5-6 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock 1 cup apple cider or apple juice salt and pepper to taste fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped DIRECTIONS Peel, core and chop tart apples. Leave Granny Smith apple unpeeled, shred it and set aside.

Melt butter in a large pot. Add chopped onion and curry powder, cover and cook over low heat until onions are tender, about 15 minutes.

Peel the squash, scrape out the seeds and chop into large cubes. When the onions are tender, add 4 cups of stock, squash and tart apples, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until squash and apples are tender, about 25 minutes.

Puree the soup with a potato masher or an immersion blender, or puree it in small batches in a food processor or food mill. Add apple cider or juice and 1-2 cups additional stock until soup reaches the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper, and simmer briefly to heat. Garnish with shredded apple and chopped parsley or cilantro.

This soup will keep in the refrigerator for several days.

Source: Virginia Cooperative Extension

Autumn Squash Soup can be made with butternut or other autumn squash or with pumpkin.

VirginiaFarmBureau.com

september/october 2014

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Heart of the Home

East meets West in lettuce wraps made with Virginia ingredient These Asian Zing Lettuce Wraps take advantage of Virginia’s No. 1 agricultural commodity, which is poultry. This healthy version of a popular restaurant dish uses ground chicken and a variety of seasonings.

Real Virginia cooking host Caressa Jackson recommends breaking up the ground chicken as you cook it so it doesn’t clump together. You can tell the chicken is done when it turns a beige color, not brown like ground beef.

Asian Zing Lettuce Wraps INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound ground chicken 2 cloves garlic, minced half an onion, diced ½ cup hoisin sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar 1 tablespoon shredded fresh ginger (optional) 1 tablespoon hot sauce, such as Sriracha, or more to taste 8-ounce can whole water chestnuts, drained and diced kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 head butter lettuce chow mein noodles, for garnish

kathy dixon

DIRECTIONS Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, making sure to crumble the chicken as it cooks; drain any excess fat.

Stir in garlic, onion, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ginger and hot sauce, and cook until the onions have become translucent, about 3 minutes.

Stir in chestnuts and cook until tender, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon chicken mixture into lettuce cups, garnish with chow mein noodles and serve.

Shredded fresh ginger is a significant source of “zing” in this recipe.

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

VaFarmBureau.org

Heart of the Home

Curry and turkey pair up in juicy, lean burger Lean turkey and delicious curry pair up for a juicy burger in Real Virginia cooking host Caressa Jackson’s favorite recipe.

If you want to kick up the spice, just add crushed red chili peppers; or to give it a sweet curry taste, add some minced fresh ginger.

The burgers are so juicy, Jackson said, no condiments are necessary.

Curry Burgers INGREDIENTS

1 pound ground turkey 3 tablespoons green curry paste 3 tablespoons minced garlic half an onion, minced one-quarter of a green pepper, finely diced 1 teaspoon olive oil sea salt pepper lettuce tomato hamburger buns sliced Swiss cheese, Provolone or Cheddar DIRECTIONS In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, curry paste, garlic, onion and green peppers. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Form patties as large as you desire; one pound of ground turkey should yield 4-5 patties. Wipe oil on a stovetop griddle to prevent sticking. Place burgers on the griddle, and cook for 5 minutes on each side. Insert a knife to test for doneness.

Place cheese directly onto the patties, and allow it to melt for about a minute before serving.

Serve on your favorite bun with lettuce and tomato.

kathy dixon

Crushed red peppers or minced fresh ginger are optional ingredients that can be used to spice or sweeten the taste of these burgers.

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. september/october 2014

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Help consumers find your 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.

Farmer veterans get marketing boost, on Real Virginia

Watch this!

To view RealVirginia, visit VaFarmBureau.org.

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Virginia Farm Bureau News

A new marketing campaign promotes products raised by U.S. farmers who are military veterans, and the State Fair of Virginia will open this month with a new 40,000-square-foot livestock pavilion.

Find out about both, and get recipes and garden tips, from Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program.

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

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).

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.

Notice of Annual Meeting Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company The annual meeting of policyholders of Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company will be held at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, December 4, 2014, at The Homestead, Hot Springs, Virginia, for the following purposes: 1. To receive and act upon the reports of the officers of the Company.

2. To elect a Board of Directors, each to serve for the term of one year.

3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

Dated this 1st day of October, 2014.

Jonathan S. Shouse, Secretary

Notice of Annual Meeting Virginia Farm Bureau Marketing Association The annual meeting of members of the Virginia Farm Bureau Marketing Association will be held at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, December 4, 2014, at The Homestead, Hot Springs, Virginia, for the following purposes: 1. To receive and act upon the reports of the officers of the Association.

2. To elect a Board of Directors, each to serve for the term of one year.

3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.

Dated this 1st day of October, 2014.

Jonathan S. Shouse, Secretary VirginiaFarmBureau.com

september/october 2014

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