FBN Nov 2017

Farm Bureau News

NOVEMBER 2017

The Voice of Virginia’s Agricultural Producers

vafb.com

LIFE ON FARM BUILT FROM SCRATCH:

‘I wouldn’t trade it for the world’

Farm Bureau News

Volume 76, Number 4 November 2017

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Features 16

‘I wouldn’t trade it for the world’

Each new day in Robert Mills’ life is pretty much like the one before it. But it’s a schedule for which the award-winning farmer has worked hard since his teens.

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Use two new member benefits to save money today!

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Now you can save money on eligible Ford and Lincoln vehicles and equipment from John Deere just for being a Farm Bureau member.

County Farm Bureau leaders take on roles with industry in mind

Find out what motivated some Farm Bureau volunteers to accept leadership roles.

Departments 20

For Your Benefit

29

Heart of the Home

31

Marketplace

“We are so extremely proud of Robert. He is a true farming success story.”

— WAYNE F. PRYOR, president, Virginia Farm Bureau

SARA OWENS

Virginia Farm Bureau News (USPS 017-763) (ISSN 1525-528X) is published four times a year. January, April, September, November.

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 $1.23 (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 virginiafarmbureaunews@vafb.com. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Members — Address change? If your address or phone number has changed, or is about to change, contact your county Farm Bureau. They will update your membership and subscription information.

All advertising is accepted subject to the publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume liability for the content of their advertising. The publisher maintains the right to cancel advertising for nonpayment or reader complaints about services or products. The publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised.

Member: Virginia Press Association

EDITORIAL TEAM

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE Producer members will receive their next issue of Virginia Farm Bureau News in January.

The magazine is published quarterly, and back issues can be viewed at issuu.com/ virginiafarmbureau.

Greg Hicks Vice President, Communications Pam Wiley Managing Editor Kathy Dixon Staff Writer/Assistant Editor Sara Owens Staff Writer/Photographer Patricia Hooten Graphic Designer Maria La Lima Graphic Designer Claire Mills Advertising

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

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

Board of Directors

WE’RE SOCIAL!

ON THE COVER VFBF board member Robert Mills of Pittsylvania County raises tobacco, beef cattle, poultry and wheat (Photo by Michael Tedesco).

DIRECTOR

DISTRICT COUNTY

Emily Edmondson 1 Tazewell Richard L. Sutherland 2 Grayson Bruce N. Stanger 3 Montgomery Gordon R. Metz 4 Henry Russell L. Williams II 5 Rockbridge Peter A. Truban 6 Shenandoah Thomas E. Graves 7 Orange Leigh H. Pemberton 8 Hanover William F. Osl Jr. 9 Cumberland Robert J. Mills Jr. 10 Pittsylvania J. M. Jenkins Jr. 11 Lunenburg W. Ellis Walton 12 Middlesex M. L. Everett Jr. 13 Southampton David L. Hickman 14 Accomack Faye Hundley * Essex Mindy McCroskey ** Washington *Women’s Committee Chairman **Young Farmers Committee Chairman

President’s Message

You did it!

I’d be remiss if the first sentence of this column did not include a heartfelt, emphatic Congratulations!

After months of WAYNE F. PRYOR determined work, Virginia Farm Bureau’s members, volunteer leadership and staff met— and exceeded—our membership goal for 2017, putting us on track for solid growth in 2018.

The goal for this year was 126,441 members, which is last year’s total plus 88—one more member for each county Farm Bureau in the state.

In the past couple of years, building up our membership has been challenging, for more than one reason.

But on Oct. 17, with 14 days to spare, we reached our goal and gained our 126,441st member.

We took the briefest of breaks to celebrate, and then everyone went right back to seeking out potential members. One after another, county Farm Bureaus met and passed their respective goals.

As October winds down, they have signed on more than 1,000 additional members.

Numbers have been an important part of this endeavor. But people are what is most important. More members means a greater ability to advocate for Virginia’s farmers and communities and to provide a satisfying membership experience.

Looking good for 2018

Our cover story for this issue is about Robert Mills, who farms in Pittsylvania County and recently received some significant national recognition.

Robert did not grow up within a farm family, but he decided in middle school that farming was his life’s calling. He could not wait to order and wear his blue FFA jacket.

This fall I know how he feels.

Each year the American Farm Bureau Federation awards a “quota jacket,” a gray blazer, to state Farm Bureau presidents whose organizations have met their annual membership goals. I recently had the pleasure of giving the AFBF my jacket size.

But, while that coat will be on my shoulders, the credit for growing and preserving our state Farm Bureau should rest squarely on yours.

And success looks good on all of us!

PS: If you did not get a chance to renew your membership yet for 2018, staff and leaders at your county Farm Bureau will still be delighted to hear from you. Call or visit today!

Wayne F. Pryor, a Goochland County beef and grain producer, is president of Virginia Farm Bureau.

Top membership counties as of Oct. 25

County Farm Bureau

Members

Washington 3,382 Charles City – James City – New Kent – York

3,019

Hanover 2,848 Franklin 2,724 Tazewell 2,570 Smyth 2,512 Augusta 2,441 Rockingham 2,355 Bedford 2,344 Russell 2,265

County Farm Bureau

Percentage of goal

Alleghany 111.90% Tazewell 109.74% Chesapeake 108.44% Wise-Dickenson 107.79% Grayson 106.75% Rockingham 106.32% Henry 103.83% Bedford 103.35% Caroline 103.34% Henrico 103.28%

vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2017

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County Farm Bureaus offered more than $165,000 in scholarships last year

COTTON PRODUCTION

% 90 Increase in Virginia cotton production over 2016 anticipated at press time. The National Agricultural Statistics Service forecast the following 2017 production increases for other Virginia crops in mid-October:

County Farm Bureaus in Virginia invested in their communities’ future by offering $165,600 in scholarship funds in 2016.

Sixty-three county Farm Bureaus offered scholarships of their own, and many county Farm Bureaus also contributed to other organizations’ scholarship funds.

“Helping deserving students reach their educational goals—and, ultimately, their career goals—is an important way our county Farm Bureaus support their respective communities,” said Wayne F. Pryor, president of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

Peanuts Corn Soybeans Flue-cured tobacco Dark-fired tobacco

51% 3% 15% 2% 2%

Federation scholarships Additionally, the VFBF Women’s Committee awarded a $3,000 scholarship to the state winner in the Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador program. The first runner-up received a $500 scholarship.

The Women’s Committee and Young Farmers Committee, along with Farm Credit, awarded a $1,500 scholarship to the state winner in last year’s Outstanding Young Agriculturalist youth recognition program.

State Fair scholarships The State Fair of Virginia offers up to $70,000 in scholarships annually to winners in 4-H, FFA and vocational competitions and specific equine, fine arts and horticulture competitions.

The Miss State Fair of Virginia Scholarship Program, an affiliate of the Miss Virginia program, awarded more than $1,400 in scholarship funds last year.

VFBF became full owner of the fair in 2013.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Farm Bureau website helps you maximize your membership

Virginia Farm Bureau 1982–2016

When you register as a member on vafb.com, Virginia Farm Bureau’s recently re-designed and mobile-friendly website, you’ll have quick and easy access to your membership information and details of your Farm Bureau insurance policies.

Once registered, all members can: • Get access codes and other information related to member benefits and savings programs; • renew memberships online; and • update contact information to ensure you receive newsletters.

Virginia Farm Bureau insurance policyholders can: • View policy information 24/7, and contact your agent; • request policy changes and pay premiums online; and

Greg Hicks

• download auto insurance ID cards.

The Farm Bureau website also features articles about farm and food trends and a farmers’ market directory.

REAL VIRGINIA, WATCH US! >> VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU WEEKLY TV PROGRAM

This month on Real Virginia: Holiday meal savings, blue-ribbon brewing celebration Featured this month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program: • A Virginia Cooperative Extension specialist shares how to get the best value for your holiday meals.

• Cooler weather suits broccoli and cabbage crops just fine.

• Virginia’s craft brewing industry had a blue-ribbon day at the State Fair of Virginia.

• We’ll take a look at the diverse agricultural activities in Albemarle County.

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

Watch Real Virginia anytime online at vafb.com.

From the Ground Up: Growth of a Modern Farm Bureau

Virginia Farm Bureau history book makes a thoughtful gift!

From the Ground Up: Growth of a Modern Farm Bureau, a history of Virginia Farm Bureau published last fall, is available for purchase at dementimilestonepublishing.com/ from-the-ground-up.

The book was written by Greg Hicks, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation vice president of communications.

It covers events over the past three decades and is a companion volume to an earlier work by J. Hiram Zigler that was published in 1982.

Hicks called From the Ground Up “a hybrid history-celebration work” that follows the state organization’s meteoric growth and successes. It includes chapters on the five most recent state Farm Bureau presidents, numerous photos of staff and members at various Farm Bureau events, listings of award winners, and many other highlights.

For more information, contact Hicks at greg.hicks@vafb.com.

vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2017

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For Your Benefit

NEW BENEFIT!

NEW BENEFIT!

Ford, Lincoln offering Bonus Cash toward vehicle purchase or lease

Harvest more savings with John Deere program

In the market for a new car or truck?

Farm Bureau members in Virginia are eligible for the following offers through Jan. 2, 2018: • $500 in Bonus Cash toward purchase or lease of an eligible new 2017 or 2018 Ford vehicle; or • $750 in Bonus Cash toward the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2017 or 2018 Lincoln vehicle.

Both offers are available to current members who have maintained a Farm Bureau membership for at least 30 consecutive days. The offers may not be used in conjunction with most other Ford Motor Co. or Lincoln Motor Co. private incentives or AXZD-Plans. Some customer eligibility restrictions apply.

There is a limit of one Bonus Cash offer per vehicle purchase or lease and a limit of five new eligible vehicle purchases or leases per Farm Bureau membership during the program period. The Ford Bonus Cash offer is not available for purchase or lease of a Mustang Shelby GT350 or GT350OR, Ford GT, Focus RS or F-150 Raptor.

Your local Ford or Lincoln dealer can share complete program details and qualifications.

MEMBER SAVINGS Bonus Cash Savings How to access your Bonus Cash savings: Visit FordSpecialOffer.com/ FarmBureau/Va or LincolnSpecialOffer.com/FarmBureau/Va to generate a certificate you can take to your Ford or Lincoln dealer.

When you provide your Farm Bureau membership number and ZIP code and answer a few simple questions, you’ll be able to create a certificate that can be printed from a home computer or displayed on your mobile device.

Starting this fall, you can receive valuable John Deere discounts just for being a Virginia Farm Bureau member.

All Farm Bureau members in Virginia are eligible for John Deere’s GreenFleet™ Loyalty Rewards program. That means savings on tractors, commercial mowers, utility vehicles, excavators and more at John Deere dealerships.

You’re also eligible for special parts discounts and 10 percent off Home & Workshop Products.

Simply sign up for the John Deere GreenFleet Loyalty Rewards program using a valid Farm Bureau membership number and your ZIP code at JohnDeere.com/Farm Bureau.

Farm Bureau members are eligible for the following discounts in these categories of equipment: • $350-$3,200 off Commercial Mowing; • $100-$250 off Residential Mowing; • $200-$350 off Utility Vehicles; • $200-$350 off Tractors; • $500-$3,700 off Golf and Sports Turf; and • 17 percent off MSRP for Commercial Worksite.

Other details:

Ford announces F-150 sweepstakes Until Sept. 30, 2018, Farm Bureau members are eligible to enter the Built Ford Tough F-150 Sweepstakes for a chance to win a two-year lease on a new 2018 F-150.

There are three ways to enter the sweepstakes: • Complete the entry form online at FordSpecialOffer.com/FarmBureau/ Sweeps; • complete the official entry form at selected events across Virginia; or • text the word SWEEPS as an SMS text message to 46786 to receive a link to the entry form.

Participants must be legal residents of the United States, 21 years old or older with a valid driver’s license, and a current Farm Bureau member. Complete rules can be found at the sweeps website.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

• GreenFleet Loyalty Rewards benefits are only available at John Deere dealerships.

• There is no minimum length of Farm Bureau membership required.

• Members need to renew or reactivate GreenFleet Loyalty Rewards membership approximately every two years and can manage their accounts at MyJohnDeere.

Deere.com.

For full program details, visit vafb. com/benefits.

Save the Date!

A new location, in Williamsburg

ROBERTSON

Humorist Jeanne Robertson will speak at VFBF convention banquet After a day of serious agriculture business at the 2017 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention, participants will be able to enjoy the lighter side of the event. Nationally acclaimed humorist Jeanne Robertson will speak at the convention’s Nov. 29 banquet.

Robertson grew up in the tiny town of Graham, N.C., and considers herself a “grandma gone viral,” having scored more than 37 million views on YouTube, published three books and become a mainstay on Sirius XM’s comedy channels. A speaker for more than 50 years, the 6-foot, 2-inch-tall comedian learned she could make people laugh during her reign as Miss North Carolina in 1963 and as Miss Congeniality in the 1964 Miss America pageant.

The Auburn University graduate taught high school and college physical education for nine years, but throughout those years requests continued to pour in for her to speak. In 1976 she entered professional speaking full time.

This year’s convention, which will be held Nov. 28-30, will be held at the Williamsburg Lodge, a Colonial Williamsburg property that will make it easy for convention participants to enjoy seasonal performances and holiday attractions. Those include holiday music at various locations, daily guided Christmas decoration walking tours and interpretive programs at sites like the Raleigh Tavern. Details are available at colonialwilliamsburg.com and on the Colonial Williamsburg Explorer mobile app, which has digital ticket purchase capability.

The convention is open to voting delegates and other interested Farm Bureau members.

Other speakers will include American Farm Bureau Federation Vice President Scott VanderWal; Tyne Morgan, host of

VANDERWAL

CROWE

the farm news television program U.S. Farm Report; and Vance Crowe, director of millennial engagement for Monsanto.

Tuesday afternoon conferences The agenda for Nov. 28 will feature two educational conferences: • “Lessons Learned on Leases – Solar, Cellular and Others,” featuring attorney Mark Botkin of the law firm BotkinRose LLC, will focus on details producers should note when asked to lease land for fixtures such as solar panels, cell towers and wind turbines.

• “Cannabis Production: Are There Value-added Crop Opportunities?” will feature remarks from Kristi Kelly, executive director of the Coloradobased Marijuana Industry Group, and Lindsay Reames, Virginia assistant secretary of agriculture & forestry.

Also on the agenda

MORGAN

The Nov. 29 and 30 business sessions will include important updates, remarks from invited guests and policy discussion. It is at the annual convention that delegates from each county Farm Bureau in Virginia help shape VFBF state and federal policies for the coming year. They also will elect state directors for Districts 1, 4, 7, 10 and 13.

Judging will take place for the Young Farmers Achievement Award, and four finalists will compete in the annual Young Farmers Discussion Meet. vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2017

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Across America

Incredible spate of disasters places U.S. farmers under daunting recoveries Three hurricanes and a rash of wildfires this fall have left U.S. farmers and ranchers assessing damages and figuring out how to resume business operations. As with other industries, the recovery might take a while.

Hector Cordero, president of the Puerto Rico Farm Bureau, told the American Farm Bureau Federation last month that crops throughout the island are a complete loss after damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Dairy represents Puerto Rico’s largest agriculture sector. Cordero, a dairy farmer himself, said the industry was operating at a production level of about 50 percent.

“The biggest problem our dairy farmers have is the access to the farm, and it’s impossible for the trucks from the dairy processors to get to the farmers,” he explained. “The other problem we have is we need access for the feed. We have three feed mills.

They have the grain inventory, but they don’t have the access to energy” for processing feed.

In late September farmers and ranchers in Florida were assessing damages from Hurricane Irma. G.B. Crawford, director of public relations for the Florida Farm Bureau, said damages were extensive to all sectors of agriculture.

“Citrus growers tell us that 60 to 70 percent of the fruit was blown off the trees. Only 10 percent of Florida’s fall vegetable crop was in the ground, but those plants that were in production, including tomatoes, were a total loss.

Many cattle ranchers tell us that they cannot gather and care for their animals because flooding has simply isolated portions of their properties.”

As groups like the Texas Farm Bureau began coordinating relief efforts after

Dairy farming, the largest agriculture sector in Puerto Rico, saw a 50 percent drop in production after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Hurricane Harvey in late August, farmers and ranchers there still faced prolonged rainfall and flooding. Gene Hall, Texas Farm Bureau director of communications, noted that the storm came on the heels of wildfire damage in Texas and other states this past spring.

“This is going to dwarf that in every respect, and it’s going to be a long time before we really realize the scope of it,” Hall said. “We know that a lot of farmers were counting on this cotton crop to be the one that keeps them in business. We don’t know if every farmer can survive this.”

Hall said most of the cotton—forecast as a bumper crop—was harvested in the path of the hurricane but was still being stored in fields when the storm hit.

“We know that tarps have been blown away, the modules have been torn apart by wind and damaged by rain, so that’s going to impact the overall loss in cotton,” Hall said.

He noted that ranchers in the path of the storm had a few days to prepare and move cattle before landfall, but some were likely caught by surprise.

Wildfires and drought proved equally devastating to Montana producers in early September and to those in California in late October.

Montana Farm Bureau President Hans McPherson said all of that state’s farms and ranches felt some impact.

“If you’re in a part of the state where you have irrigation and you’re growing crops, nothing is really growing because you’re under a thick cloud cover of smoke and the sun won’t come through,” McPherson explained. In the case of livestock operations, “the animals are breathing the smoke, people are seeing their cattle not eat, they’re seeing them not gain weight, they’re seeing their grass and ranges burned up and no place to put their cattle.”

Wildfires in California were expected to affect wine production, but the affected region is home to many types of farm operations.

“We know that there are wineries and vineyards that have burned, but a lot of them have been spared,” said California Farm Bureau spokesman Dave Kranz late last month. And after widespread evacuations, “it will take some time for everybody to get back and figure out exactly what has happened.”

Kranz said many of the grapes in the area were harvested before the fires.

While wine and grapes are the dominant commodities, other types of agriculture operations were impacted as well.

“It’s a four-county area where the fires have been the most intense, and grapes are the main crop but there are also dairy farms, beef cattle, sheep and poultry operations, timber production, nurseries and a number of other crops.” vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2017

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Across America

Farmers begin receiving agriculture census for 2017 U.S. farmers will begin receiving their questionnaires for the 2017 Census of Agriculture in eight weeks, the National Agricultural Statistics Service announced on Sept. 25.

The deadline to respond is Feb. 5, 2018. Producers can complete the census questionnaire on paper or online. In October, NASS made a census preparation checklist available at agcensus.usda.gov to help producers gather necessary information in advance.

Revisions and additions to the 2017 census aim to capture a more detailed account of the industry. Producers will see a new question about military veteran status, expanded questions about food marketing practices, and questions about on-farm decisionmaking to better capture the roles and contributions of beginning farmers, women farmers and others involved in running the business.

Conducted once every five years, the Census of Agriculture is a complete count of all U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them.

Response to the census is required by law under Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113. The same law requires NASS to keep all information confidential, to use the data only for statistical purposes, and only in aggregate form to prevent disclosing the identity of any producer.

Report finds farmers’ animal care continuously improving A recent report from the Animal Agriculture Alliance found that livestock farmers are making strides in animal care, environmental sustainability and food safety.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Advances in Animal Ag highlights the agriculture industry’s commitment to continuous animal care improvement.

“The animal agriculture industry is broad and diverse, and it can be hard to stay on top of all the progress being made,” explained Kay Johnson Smith, alliance president and CEO. The alliance is a nonprofit organization that helps bridge the communication gap between farmers and consumers by sharing modern animal agriculture practices with food industry stakeholders.

The group’s membership shares a commitment to protecting animal agriculture and preserving consumer choice in the marketplace and is comprised of individuals and companies, including Virginia Farm Bureau.

The report found that dairy farms producing more than 98 percent of the U.S. milk supply belong to the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management program, which oversees uniformity in dairy care. It also notes that in 2016 only .011 percent of milk tanker samples tested positive for animal medication residues. Between 1996 and 2016, milk tanker samples testing positive for residues declined by 89.4 percent.

The alliance also found that more than 63,000 farmers and farm employees are certified through the pork industry’s Pork Quality Assurance Plus program.

The health of U.S. broiler chickens also continues to improve. Using scientific advancements in genetics, management and nutrition, growers have been able to reduce mortality rates from 18 percent in 1925 to 4.8 percent today.

Farm Bureau foundation, Agriculture in the Classroom strengthen collaboration Leaders of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture and the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization announced in August a newly established partnership to strengthen collaboration between the two groups.

The AFBFA and NAITCO signed a memorandum of understanding outlining how the two organizations will work together to create a more agriculturally literate society.

“Farm Bureau has worked closely with National Agriculture in the Classroom for years to help students, teachers and parents learn about where food comes from and who grows it,” said foundation chairman Zippy Duvall, who also serves as president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “We look forward to building on our success through this official partnership.”

The two organizations will work together to encourage young Americans to pursue higher education and career opportunities in the food and agricultural sciences and will provide resources to assist elementary and secondary educators who want to integrate information about food and agriculture across curricula.

Tammy Maxey, senior education manager for Virginia AITC, serves as NAITCO treasurer and AITC representative on the AFBFA board and helped write the memorandum. She said the national organizations’ combined efforts “enhance the impact for everyone.

“Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom benefits from resources of both organizations and is actively involved in creating, sharing and promoting curriculum to increase awareness of the importance of agriculture in our daily lives.”

More than half of state AITC programs are housed within those states’ Farm Bureaus.

KATHY DIXON

Viewing Virginia

Football and farming celebrated Oct. 28 Hokie fans celebrated Virginia Tech’s inaugural Agriculture Day, sponsored

by Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., at the Oct. 28 home game against Duke, where the Hokies prevailed 24-3.

“We are proud to sponsor a day of recognizing agriculture—our state’s most important industry,” said Wayne F. Pryor, president of the Virginia Farm Bureau and a Goochland County beef and grain producer. “This inaugural celebration was an opportunity for us to showcase farmers, Farm Bureau and our ties to Virginia Tech, especially its College of Ag and Life Sciences.”

Seven of Virginia Tech’s agriculture clubs created “LOVE” signs that were installed near Lane Stadium. Fans were asked to show their love for agriculture by taking selfies with the signs, posting them on social media and voting for their favorites. Farm Bureau planned to donate $500 to the club whose sign received the most likes.

vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2017

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Viewing Virginia

Virginia cattle exports to Canada continue to increase Virginia’s efforts to market feeder cattle to Canada have paid off.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture visited Canada last winter to promote Virginia beef cattle and ended up hosting two dozen Canadian feedlot representatives in August, which may boost already-booming cattle sales. Virginia farm exports to Canada totaled $296 million in 2016, an increase of 400 percent from a decade earlier, making that country Virginia’s second largest agricultural export market.

Two cattle buyers from Quebec began purchasing Virginia feeder cattle in 2012, with purchases totaling $31 million to date, according to VDACS. Feeder cattle are animals that are mature enough to be placed in a feedlot where they will be fattened prior to processing.

“As a family farmer myself and as a cattle person from Buckingham County, I certainly understand and appreciate how important Canada is to our farm economy in Virginia,” said Dr. Basil Gooden, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry.

“This year the United States cattle export numbers are almost triple what they were last year. So Canada is a very, very important player in the beef industry” and a great export market for Virginia feeder cattle, he explained.

While the quality of Virginia beef cattle is important, the real marketing advantage for Virginia cattlemen is geography. Canadian feedlots purchase most of their livestock from western Canada, requiring a 2,000-mile transport. Virginia cattle are only 600 to 700 miles away, said Mike Carpenter, VDACS manager of livestock marketing services.

During the summer tour, Canadian buyers visited cattle farms across the state.

“We thought it was an important trip just to build a solid relationship,” agreed Adam Hill, quality assurance manager for the Ontario Cattle Feeders Association in London, Ontario. “We’re always looking for different avenues to get cattle, depending on the markets at the time of the year.”

Cattle and calves are Virginia’s second-largest agricultural commodity. The state’s total cattle inventory is about 1.6 million head.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

State Fair of Virginia records second-highest attendance since 2009 The State Fair of Virginia’s 2017 attendance was nearly 250,000, the second-highest since the fair moved to The Meadow Event Park in 2009.

“Our carnival and food gross sales were both records for the State Fair,” noted Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe, the fair’s vice president of operations. “Our new layouts were a success, and it was a very smooth operational fair.”

The Kidway children’s amusement feature was moved to a spacious asphalt area in response to fairgoers who said the previous gravel area became muddy after rain and made maneuvering strollers a challenge. The larger Midway Madness was relocated to an area that gave customers a much shorter walking distance and better access to rides, food concessions and other entertainment.

Other changes based on customer feedback included VIP parking, a farmto-table event and a new special events tent that housed the giant pumpkin and giant watermelon weigh-ins, the Miss State Fair of Virginia pageant and the first-ever Blue Ribbon Craft Beer Festival.

Also helping with the high attendance numbers was a lack of rain this year.

The 2018 fair will open Sept. 28 and run through Oct. 7. Virginia Farm Bureau Federation became full owner of the event in 2013.

VOLUNTEERS VFB

Arm twisting, sweet talking can point people toward leadership roles; volunteers say it’s worth it SARAH LARGE

Sarah Large, who operates a beef and hog farm with her husband, began serving on the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Committee this year.

KATHY DIXON

BY KATHY DIXON

T

here is no one-size-fits-all for Virginia Farm Bureau volunteers. Some are asked to lead, some ask how they can help and some say it “kind of just happens.”

SARAH LARGE got involved because her boyfriend—now her husband—asked. In 2011 she had recently graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in animal and poultry science, was living in Goochland County and wasn’t familiar with Farm Bureau.

Her boyfriend, Frankie Large, was serving on the board of Buckingham County Farm Bureau, which needed

a women’s committee chairman. He asked Sarah to consider serving.

“I was eager to get involved even though I knew nothing about Farm Bureau,” Sarah said. She jumped right in. Today, the couple “eats, sleeps, lives and breathes farming, and Farm Bureau represents everything my husband and I stand for.”

Her husband still serves on the Buckingham board, and in January, Sarah began serving as Central District chairman for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Committee. Her district includes 10 counties.

“Getting involved,” she said, “really makes you understand how Farm Bureau works.”

Young Farmer succeeded his dad NICK MOODY, who currently is serving his second year on the VFBF Young Farmers Committee, joined Farm Bureau shortly after graduating from Virginia Tech in 2013 with a degree in crop, soil and environmental sciences. His father had been serving on the Dinwiddie County Farm Bureau board, and Moody was elected to succeed him.

He’d been involved in the agronomy club and agriculture fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho at Virginia Tech, he said, “and I thought that it would be good

vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2017

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VOLUNTEERS VFB

NICK MOODY

MIKE BRYANT

KATHY DIXON

PAM WILEY

Grain producer Nick Moody (left) serves on his county Farm Bureau board and Young Farmers committee. Northumberland-Lancaster County Farm Bureau President Mike Bryant, also a grain producer, said serving on his county Farm Bureau board fostered an appreciation for how the organization serves his community.

to get involved after graduating. I believe in the legislative side of Farm Bureau and the ability for grassroots involvement.”

Moody attended some of the Young Farmers expos and wanted to get more involved with the program. He serves on the Dinwiddie County Young Farmers Committee in addition to the county Farm Bureau board. He’s also first vice president of the Virginia Soybean Association.

“Sometimes I feel I’m stretched pretty thin, but they’re all worthy causes,” Moody explained. “I’m of the opinion that if a farmer’s not going to fight for his rights, who else will?”

He and Large both said they understand how busy people are, but Moody pointed out that “the investment of time is well worth it.”

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Large concurred. “Everyone is overcommitted and their plates are full, but stepping up and committing is the key to agriculture’s future.”

Moody added that there are leadership opportunities from the smallest task to the biggest job, and “it takes a lot of people to keep our organization going.”

County president eased into role MIKE BRYANT, president of Northumberland-Lancaster County Farm Bureau, agreed with that sentiment. He said he joined Farm Bureau for access to insurance, but because he’s a grain farmer he was asked to serve on the county Farm Bureau board.

“It was kind of overwhelming at first,” Bryant recalled. But as he got involved, the more he learned about Farm Bureau and all it does to support the agriculture industry. “I’ve grown to appreciate Farm Bureau and realize what it does to protect farming and our rural way of life.”

That inspired him to increase his involvement. He was elected vice president, and then five years ago was elected county president.

“Personal invitations to join make all the difference,” he said, then added, jokingly, “Sometimes you have to reach out and twist arms.”

VOLUNTEERS VFB

Advisory committees give a voice to producer members

BY CLAIRE MILLS

V

irginia Farm Bureau Federation advisory committees serve as eyes, ears and voices for the organization’s producer membership.

The committees identify issues relevant to agriculture and make Farm Bureau policy recommendations to address those issues. The committees are made up of active members whose appointments are approved by the VFBF board of directors.

State board members also serve on the committees. W. ELLIS WALTON, who represents VFBF District 12, has chaired the Aquaculture Advisory Committee for the past six years. He’s a farmer, not a waterman, but a fellow board member asked him to lead the committee because of Walton’s close association with watermen. He lives in Middlesex County and farms in Gloucester County.

Walton recommends that producer members attend county Farm Bureau meetings, find out what’s going on and get involved with an aspect of the organization that interests them.

“I know young people are busy with starting their farms and families, but anyone working in aquaculture or agriculture needs the Farm Bureau working for them in policy development. They need someone who understands issues such as land use.

That’s where Farm Bureau backs them,” he said.

SHELLEY BARLOW, a cotton producer from Suffolk, knew other

farmers who served on the Cotton Advisory Committee, and when she was asked to serve, she agreed.

She recommends the experience for two reasons.

“By serving, you are giving back and supporting the industry you make your living in.

Also, you gain beneficial information, because the committee is in touch with other industries and decision-makers in the region that affect your farm.”

JAMES HENSHAW, a producer in Greene County, took a more unconventional route to his role on the Livestock Advisory Committee. He was instrumental in its formation.

He recalled that when he attended Farm Bureau conventions in the 1970s there were committees for other commodities, but not for livestock.

“After going to one of the conventions, I went back home, and Greene County Farm Bureau drafted a resolution to request a livestock committee.” Henshaw explained.

He has served on the committee ever since.

His experience of identifying a need and addressing it through the process has influenced his advice to anyone interested in leadership opportunities with Farm Bureau.

“Farm Bureau is a grassroots operation. It’s up to the members to get involved, attend meetings

Suffolk cotton producer Shelley Barlow said advisory committee participation benefits various ag sectors while providing important information and contacts.

“By serving, you are giving back and supporting the industry you make your living in.”

— Shelley Barlow

and conventions, and volunteer for leadership roles. I’ve met a lot of nice people that way too,” suggested Henshaw. “Farm Bureau offers producers a good opportunity to work with folks who are looking out for their interests.” vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2017

15

Every day is like Groundhog Day for award-winning farmer ‘But I wouldn’t trade it for the world’

BY SARA OWENS

16

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

SARA OWENS

‘I just really wanted that jacket’

When Mills started junior high school he was excited about being in his first agriculture class, but he really was most excited about getting a navy blue FFA jacket. “I just really wanted that jacket,” he said, laughing. “Soon as I started school that year, I joined the FFA and ordered my jacket.”

It was during his first agriculture class that he caught the farming bug.

“I came home after about two weeks of school and told my mom and dad I figured out what I wanted to do with my life,” he explained. “I told them I was going to be a farmer! And they said, ‘Son, you can’t do that. We don’t have the money, land or capital for you to do that.’”

But Mills said that didn’t deter him.

He planted his first crop at the age of 13 as an FFA project. “We lived in a subdivision outside of Danville, and there was about 40 acres of land not being used in the middle of the subdivision,” he explained.

He planted sweet potatoes and sold them to neighbors. “I’d come home from school and dig up the potatoes and clean them off and bag them.

When my dad would come home from work, we’d go deliver them to my customers.”

By age 14, he’d saved enough money from sweet potato sales to buy his first piece of farming equipment—a Bush Hog rotary cutter. By 15, he’d saved enough to buy a 1964 Ford tractor at auction.

SARA OWENS

T

he 1993 movie Groundhog Day, which stars Bill Murray, is a lot like the life of Robert Mills, a Pittsylvania County chicken, beef cattle and tobacco farmer.

“Every day it’s the same thing,” Mills said with a laugh. “But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Mills, a first-generation farmer and owner of Briar View Farm, wakes up every morning and heads out to check on his chickens at 6. He raises 34,000 pullets annually for Perdue Farms.

Then he turns his attention to tobacco. He grows 67 acres of conventional flue-cured; 20 acres of organic flue-cured; 3 acres of darkfired and an additional 5 acres for potential biofuel. Last year he harvested more than 250,000 pounds of tobacco.

Mills and his employees break for lunch around noon and resume tobacco work—whether it is harvesting, moving tobacco to the barns, or baling—afterward. He has 14 tobacco barns and typically fills and pulls 100 barns’ worth of tobacco each season, which equals about 350 bales.

He later checks on his Angus-cross beef herd and continues working tobacco. He also grows wheat.

“I normally get home at 8:30, and my wife reheats my dinner while I take a shower,” Mills said. “I eat it, and we talk for about 30 minutes and then I go check on the tobacco barns one more time at around 9:30 in the evening.”

He said when his head hits the pillow every night “I know I’ve given a good day’s work for a good day’s pay. I have a clear conscience, and I’m excited for the next day.”

Pittsylvania County farmer Robert Mills planted his first crop at 13. Since then he’s received numerous Farm Bureau and industry recognitions.

In addition to living his dream, he also has been recognized with awards over the years, including a Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Discussion Meet victory, which he won at age 19, and the VFBF Young Farmers Achievement Award and Environmental Stewardship Award.

Mills raises conventional and organic flue-cured tobacco, dark-fired tobacco and tobacco for potential biofuel.

vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2017

17

18

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

MICHAEL TEDESCO

SARA OWENS

Mills diversified his farm, raising beef cattle, pullets and wheat in addition to tobacco.

“No one commodity is all up at one time.”

— ROBERT MILLS

SARA OWENS

Diversity leads to sustainability

“A local bank gave me a line of credit for $3,000,” Mills recounted. “I took that letter to an auction and was able to buy my first tractor for $2,800. I didn’t have a (driver’s) license, so I had to call my buddy to come get me and my tractor.”

Mills now has 13 tractors and various pieces of equipment, and he farms a total of 2,244 acres—1,650 acres rented and 594 acres owned. He leases from 28 different landowners.

“They’ve been great to me, as has this community as a whole,” he said.

“They’ve taken me under their wing. I played a small part, and it’s really the support of so many other people that have helped make me successful.”

Mills said his farm’s diversity is what makes it sustainable.

“No one commodity is all up at one time,” he said. “The organic tobacco gives me a premium price, which helps. Dark tobacco is sold December through January. Winter wheat gives some cash flow, and the poultry houses were the catalyst for helping me farm full time.”

After graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in agriculture technology, Mills managed a RoysterClark farm supply store, then worked as a conservation specialist for the Pittsylvania Soil and Water Conservation District. October 12, 2001, is when he quit his day job to farm full time.

“That was the day my dream became my reality,” he said.

In addition to living his dream, he also has been recognized with awards over the years, including a Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Discussion Meet victory, which he won at age 19, and the VFBF Young Farmers Achievement Award and Environmental Stewardship Award.

Mills has taken on many agriculture leadership positions to be an advocate for the industry. “I learned that you never turn down once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, but I would have liked to do all this over a 15-year period instead of 10 years,” he said with amusement.

He is a past president of the Pittsylvania County Farm Bureau and currently serves on the VFBF board of directors. He also is president of the board of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and serves on the boards of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, the Virginia Tobacco Growers Association, and Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Additionally, he serves on the university’s board of visitors and a

Farm Credit nominating committee.

Mills said that service is important, because agriculture is his life, his career and his passion. “It’s my responsibility to get out and promote agriculture,” he explained. “It’s good to be on agriculture boards as a full-time farmer and talk to young people, because if we don’t tell our story no one else will.”

Mills named Swisher Sweets/ Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year Robert Mills Jr. of Pittsylvania County was honored with the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award for 2017 last month during the 2017 Sunbelt Ag Expo farm show in Georgia.

He was selected from a field of 10 state-level finalists. The award recognizes excellence in agricultural production and farm management, along with leadership in farm and community organizations. It also honors family contributions in producing safe and abundant supplies of food, fiber and shelter products.

“We are so extremely proud of Robert,” said Wayne F. Pryor, president of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “He is a true farming success story. The farm he has built for himself and his family—starting from the ground up—is just truly remarkable.”

Mills received a $15,000 cash award plus $2,500 as a state winner from Swisher International. He also received the use of a Massey Ferguson tractor for a year from Massey Ferguson North America, a $500 gift certificate from Southern States Cooperative, a Columbia jacket from Ivey’s Outdoor and Farm Supply, a smoker-grill from Hays LTI, and a Henry Golden Boy “American Farmer” Tribute Edition rifle from Reinke Irrigation.

vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2017

19

For Your Benefit

Caterpillar offers savings up to $2,500, plus $250 credit on attachments Caterpillar Inc. offers Farm Bureau members in Virginia savings of up to $2,500 on select Cat machines, as well as a $250 credit on work tool attachments purchased with a new Cat machine.

You can generate a certificate to present at your local dealership at vafb.com/benefits; have your membership number at hand.

Get the following savings on qualifying new Cat machines from participating dealers: • Small wheel loaders, 924, 926, 930, 938 models – $2,000 • Compact wheel loaders, 903, 906, 907, 908, 910 914 models – $1,000 • Small dozers, D3, D4, D5 models – $1,000

• Medium dozers, D6K – $1,000 • Medium dozers, D6N – $2,000 • Medium dozers, D6T – $2,500 • Backhoe loaders, 420, 430, 450 models – $1,000 • Backhoe loaders, 415, 416 models – $500 • Compact track loaders, 279, 289, 299 models – $1,000 • Compact track loaders, 239, 249, 259 models – $500 • Multi terrain loaders, 277, 287, 297 models – $1,000 • Multi terrain loaders, 247, 257 models – $500 • Skid steer loaders, 262, 272 models – $1,000

Virginia’s Harvest treats make tasty gifts Farm Bureau members can share tasty, traditional Virginia foods with the Virginia’s Harvest gift collection, available exclusively from the organization’s products division.

Choose from country hams and gourmet peanuts— roasted and salted or unsalted, butter-toasted or chocolate-dipped—and peanut brittle. Additional products include salted jumbo cashews, butter-toasted pecans and an 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.

To view and print the Virginia’s Harvest product brochure and order form, visit vafb. com/benefits, and click on the “Virginia’s Harvest Gifts” link.

Virginia’s Harvest items also 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 the Virginia Farm Bureau Products Division at 800-476-8473 for more information or to order by phone.

20

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

• Skid steer loaders, 216, 226, 232, 236, 242, 246 models – $500 • Telehandlers, TH514, TL1055, TL1255 models – $1,000 • Telehandlers, TH255, TH406, TH407 models – $500 • Mini hydraulic excavators, 304, 305, 305.5, 308 models – $500 • Mini hydraulic excavators, 300.9, 301.4, 301.7, 302.4, 302.7, 303, 303.5 models – $250 • Small excavators, 311, 313, 315, 316, 318 models – $1,000 • Medium excavators, 320, 323, 325, 326, 330, 335 models – $2,000 • Large excavators, 336, 349 models – $2,500

Save on qualifying Case IH equipment from participating dealers

Members can save $300 to $500 on qualifying products from participating Case IH dealers. You can generate a certificate to present at your local dealership at vafb.com/benefits; have your membership number at hand.

Eligible individual, family or business members receive the following manufacturer discount on purchases of the listed products: • Farmall Compact tractors, A, C and C CVT series – $300 • Farmall Utilities, C and U series – $500 • Maxxum Series and Farmall 100A series – $500 • Self-propelled windrowers – $500 • Large square balers – $500 • Round balers – $300 • Small square balers – $300 • Disc mower conditioners – $300 • Sickle mower conditioners – $300 • Scout Utility Vehicles – $300

When it comes to your insurance, honesty’s always the best policy

B

BY SARA OWENS

eing truthful when applying for insurance or filing a claim is extremely important.

Sometimes people commit insurance fraud without realizing they are committing a crime.

“Not being truthful on an insurance application is indeed a form of fraud,” said Sam Rooks, vice president of underwriting and policy services for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “When claiming something is worth more than it is, or filing a claim and fudging the facts, a person is potentially committing a crime by defrauding the insurance company.”

When an insurer asks questions about previous losses or drivers in a household, the answers help determine whether a policy may be written at a certain rate—or at all, Rooks added.

“Failing to provide truthful answers could result in an insurer charging less premium than they are legally due, or issuing a policy they would not have issued had they known the correct answers.”

It’s a rare occurrence, Rooks said, but there are individuals who will not answer application questions truthfully in order to get a policy issued or issued at a lower rate. “When an insurer discovers this has happened, a claim could be denied or the policy voided completely and the premium refunded,” he noted.

Frank Dunton, vice president of Virginia Farm Bureau’s in-house Investigations Department, defines insurance fraud as “obtaining money from an insurance company that would not have been paid if the truth had been told about the loss.”

Dunton said he and his staff see hundreds of cases of insurance fraud per year. The most common types of fraud are: • staged auto accidents and claims of resulting injuries; • storm fraud, in which someone tries to get more than they had before a storm with a higher claim payment, or claims damages from

a named storm that were existing damages from normal wear and tear; • theft fraud, in which someone reports as stolen items never owned, or reports a higher value on items that were reported stolen; and • vehicle fraud, selling a vehicle to a junkyard to be crushed, then reporting the vehicle as stolen.

Dunton said all Virginia insurance companies work with the Virginia State Policy Insurance Fraud Program, on whose advisory board he serves.

“The program gives out rewards of up to $25,000 for reporting insurance fraud. So if you see something, say something.”

For more information on insurance fraud prevention, visit the Virginia State Police website at stampoutfraud.com. To report suspected insurance fraud to Farm Bureau’s Investigations Department, call 800-277-8323, ext. 1162.

Insurance Q&A

Q:

If my pet dog, cat, rabbit or snake bites or harms someone else, am I covered?

A:

Generally, you can be held liable for third-party injuries incurred on your property, including the damage inflicted by pets of any type, according to Scott DeNoon, farm underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. The “liability and medical payments to others” coverages of a farmowner policy provide protection against such an event.

The liability portion of the policy pays for damages sustained by a third party due to your negligence such

as the failure to properly control or secure your animals. It also pays any legal costs associated with the incident up to the policy’s liability limit.

Medical payments coverage reimburses an injured third party for medical expenses incurred as a result of a covered event. Negligence does not have to be proven for this coverage to apply, since payment under this section of the policy may prevent a liability claim from being filed.

DeNoon said it must be noted that if the animal is part of activities such as a farm tour, petting zoo or similar event the policy must be endorsed to provide coverage, since those activities are

Your insurance agent can answer specific questions about liability coverage.

excluded under the base policy.

Your Farm Bureau agent can assist in designing an insurance program to provide liability protection for you and your operation. vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2017

21

Health care reform open enrollment for 2018 marketplace Open enrollment for 2018 began Nov. 1 and will run through Dec. 15.

The window to purchase coverage is much shorter this year—only 45 days.

If you don’t enroll in a 2018 plan by Dec. 15, you can’t enroll in a health insurance plan unless you qualify for a special enrollment period. Special enrollment periods include job changes or retirement; turning 26 and no longer being included on a parent’s policy; and the birth of a child.

Important dates for 2018 enrollment: • Nov. 1, 2017 – Open enrollment began.

• Dec. 15, 2017 – Open enrollment ends (This is a change from previous years).

• Jan. 1, 2018 – First date 2018 coverage can start

This year’s enrollment period is a shorter one.

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Virginia Farm Bureau 1-800-229-7779 An authorized licensed insurance agent for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, license number: 109534

This policy has exclusions, limitations and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For more information on benefits, please contact your agent or the health plan. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. The purpose of this communication is the solicitation of insurance. Contact will be made by an insurance agent or insurance company. Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. trades as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, and its service area is all of Virginia except for the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Americans typically receive a questionnaire in the mail about three months before they become eligible for Medicare coverage.

What you need to know about Medicare

M

edicare is health insurance for people who are age 65 or older, under 65 with certain disabilities, or any age with end-stage renal disease.

“As people get closer to age 65, they often have questions about Medicare and their health coverage,” said Tracy Cornatzer, sales manager for Virginia Farm Bureau’s health insurance division. “There are many pieces to the program and many options to consider.”

There are four types of Medicare: 1. Part A: Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice and home health care. Generally, there is no monthly premium if you qualify and paid Medicare taxes while working.

2. Part B: Medicare Part B helps cover medical services like doctors, outpatient care and other medically necessary services not covered by Part A. To receive Medicare Part B benefits,

you must enroll and pay a monthly premium determined by your income, along with a deductible.

Many people purchase a supplemental insurance policy, such as a Medigap plan, to handle Part A and B coverage gaps.

3. Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are combination plans managed by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They typically are a combination of Part A and B, and sometimes Part D coverage, but cover medically necessary services. These plans assign their own deductibles and coinsurance.

4. Part D: Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage that is available to everyone with Medicare. It is a separate plan provided by private Medicare-approved companies, and you must pay a monthly premium.

About three months before you’re eligible for Medicare coverage, you will

receive a questionnaire in the mail.

Your answers to these questions help Medicare set up your file and make sure your claims are paid correctly.

Once you start Medicare, you should schedule a free preventative visit with your doctor within the first 12 months to assess your current health status.

Staff at your county Farm Bureau can assist you in obtaining supplemental insurance or a Medigap policy. For more information visit or call your county Farm Bureau office or vafb.com/quote.

Annual election period for 2018 The annual election period for 2018, which began Oct. 15 and will run through Dec. 7, is a good time to make changes to Medicare health or prescription drug coverage. All changes will go into effect Jan. 1, 2018.

Contact your county Farm Bureau representative for assistance. vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2017

23

New grassroots development specialist returns to Virginia from Kansas Dr. Paige Pratt joined the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Membership & Field Services Department in August as a grassroots PRATT development specialist. She will work on projects for the next two years with the Governmental Relations and Commodity/Marketing departments and the Young Farmers Program.

She also will take on field service and membership operations for Craig, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, Smyth and Wythe counties.

Pratt and her husband, Jason, have

a purebred Angus operation in Smyth County.

She previously worked for Kansas Farm Bureau as a district administrator of field services. She

New legislative specialist ready to assist members

Stefanie Kitchen joined the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Governmental Relations Department in August as a legislative specialist. She will be helping members with their legislative needs and lobbying on their behalf on agriculture- and forestry-related issues.

Kitchen’s family has a row crop farming operation and have been active members of Southampton County Farm KITCHEN Bureau. She has interned with two VFBF departments, has been a legislative aide at the Virginia General Assembly and most recently served as office director for South Carolina’s commissioner of agriculture.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s degree in public administration.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

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AITC announces 44 grant recipients

AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM

Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom recently announced 44 grant winners for the 2017-18 school year. Grants are projected to reach nearly 12,000 students from preschool through high school.

Grant projects include all manner of school gardens, as well as agriculture-themed activities related to careers and leadership development.

• Albemarle County and Charlottesville – Albemarle/Charlottesville 4-H, Crozet Elementary School • Appomattox County – Appomattox Christian Academy, Appomattox County High School, Appomattox Elementary School • Augusta County –Fort Defiance High School • Campbell County – Campbell County 4-H • Chesapeake – Grassfield Elementary School • Chesterfield County – Robious Middle School, Salem Church Elementary School, Spring Run Elementary School • Dinwiddie County –Southside Elementary School • Fairfax County – Al Fatih Academy, Burke Presbyterian Church Preschool, Centreville Elementary School, Kiddie Country Developmental Learning Center • Fauquier County – Liberty High School • Fluvanna County – Fluvanna Middle School • Halifax County – Meadville Elementary School, South Boston Elementary School • Hampton – Hunter B. Andrews School • Harrisonburg – Stone Spring Elementary School • Henrico County –Pinchbeck Elementary School • Loudoun County – Frederick Douglass Elementary School • Montgomery County – Belview Elementary School • Newport News – Denbigh Early Childhood Center • Norfolk – Camp Allen Elementary School • Northampton County – Northampton County 4-H • Northumberland County – Northumberland County Public Schools • Nottoway County – Kenston Forest School • Powhatan County – Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School, Powhatan Elementary School • Richmond – Fairfield Court Elementary School, James H. Blackwell Elementary School • Russell County – Honaker Elementary School • Shenandoah County –Strasburg High School • Stafford County – Gayle Middle School • Suffolk – Lakeland High School, Mack Benn Jr. Elementary School, Pioneer Elementary School • Virginia Beach – Indian Lakes Elementary School, Rosemont Forest Elementary School • Washington County – Damascus Middle School • West Point – West Point Elementary School

vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2017

25

How to care for fall favorites and winter wonders

S

pring is often thought of as the prettiest time of the year for flowers—but fall and winter are full of beauties too, including the hardy chrysanthemum and the vibrant poinsettia.

Mums Fall-blooming mums can enliven October gardens with an array of pinks, apricots, reds, purples and yellows. These enduring plants are a delight both in the garden and as longlasting cut flowers.

Mark Viette, a horticulturalist in Augusta County, warns shoppers to be aware that most mums purchased in the fall are not winter-hardy in colder regions. “It’s important to ask someone at a good garden center whether or not the mums they sell are winter-hardy,” he explained. “You may be able to tell by looking at the label. If it doesn’t give hardiness information, it probably isn’t a hardy variety.”

Another way to tell is to look for basal shoots, or stolons, at the base of the plant. “If you see these young shoots, then it is probably a hardier variety,” Viette added.

Hardy mums prefer full sun or light shade and well-drained soil.

“Poorly drained, wet soil is fatal to these perennials, especially during the winter,” Viette explained. It is important to maintain 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the plants to protect the crown.

“If you can, it’s always best to plant mums early, before the first frost,” Viette suggested. “Keep them well watered after planting, and do not allow them to dry out!”

To keep the plants nice and compact with lots of blooms, shear or pinch them back by about one-third when they reach about 6 inches tall, and again when new growth reaches 3 to 5 inches; do not pinch back after midJuly.

26

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Chrysanthemums (top) and poinsettias bring traditional bursts of color to the end-of-year landscape and interior décor.

Once frost finally kills the last blossoms, shear the flowers off, but allow the old foliage to remain over the winter to protect the crown. Cut this foliage back in the spring, being careful not to disturb any new growth.

Poinsettias Native to Central America and Mexico, the poinsettia was introduced to the United States in 1830 by Joel Roberts Poinsett.

The brilliant red "petals" of the poinsettia are not flower petals at all but modified leaves called bracts.

The bracts surround the true flowers, which are small and yellow. Recent hybridizing has produced a multitude of variations on the traditional red poinsettia. Plants are now available in white, pink, peach, yellow, marbled and speckled varieties. Choose plants with dense, plentiful foliage all the way down the stem, Viette suggested.

The poinsettia plant thrives on indirect, natural daylight. At least six hours of sun exposure daily are recommended, but be sure to avoid direct sunlight, as this can fade the bract color.

To prolong the bright color of the poinsettia bracts, daytime temperatures should not exceed 70 degrees. “Avoid placing the plants near drafts, excessive heat or the dry air from appliances, fireplaces or ventilating ducts,” Viette added.

Poinsettias require moderately moist soil and should be watered enough to completely saturate the soil—but not so much that the plant is in standing water.

While it is not necessary to fertilize a poinsettia when it is in bloom, a balanced, all-purpose household plant fertilizer may help maintain rich, green foliage and promote new growth after the holidays. Keep plants healthy and growing in a bright location. Cut them back to about 8 inches in late March, and put them outside when night temperatures exceed 55 degrees.

Mark Viette is director of marketing and sales for Andre Viette Farm & Nursery and president of Viette Communications.

He hosts “In the Garden” segments on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program.

Make your own bird treats, feeder Birds enjoy a variety of foods, and there are some you can make in your own home. Horticulturist Mark Viette noted that these options make good family projects.

Peanut butter suet stuffing

Feeders help birds maintain optimum energy levels during the colder part of the year.

Feeding birds livens up a winter landscape

I

n the winter when perennial plants are sleeping, there is still enjoyment to be found in the garden.

“Our wild bird friends can be very colorful and are fun to watch from the comfort and warmth of your home,” said horticulturalist Mark Viette of Augusta County.

Bird feeders can be kept outdoors all year to entice hungry birds.

“Birds have a high metabolic rate and use a massive amount of energy for flying, so they spend a big part of their lives either eating or searching for food,” Viette explained.

“Hanging a bird feeder in your yard can help provide a convenient source of nourishment for local bird populations.”

The trick to attracting a variety of birds to your home is to install a variety of feeders and food choices, he said. And bird feeders and bird foods make thoughtful holiday gifts.

Platform feeders are perfect for

ground-feeding birds such as juncos, mourning doves and sparrows. Tube feeders filled with black oil sunflower seeds bring in titmice, chickadees, cardinals and white- and red-breasted nuthatches. Finches enjoy thistle seed feeders, and suet feeders attract four different species of woodpeckers, as well as nuthatches, chickadees and wrens.

In addition to bird feeders, Viette said, it’s important to provide a source of clean, fresh water for the birds throughout the winter months. “You can buy a simple birdbath heater to keep the big water troughs from freezing,” he explained. “Bluebirds will flock to this open water source all winter long.”

When the weather warms up, consider planting seed-, fruit- and berry-producing trees, shrubs and perennials to provide a natural food source for birds and give them some great hiding places.

Birds love peanut butter, and this suet stuffing is easy to make. Mix the following ingredients together: • 1 cup chunky peanut butter • 3 cups coarsely ground cornmeal • 1 cup solid vegetable shortening (such as Crisco) • good quality birdseed blend that includes black oil sunflower seeds • dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries, and unsalted peanuts (optional) Place the stuffing in a feeder designed for suet blocks (You can use an empty suet container as a mold), or shape into balls and hang in mesh bags.

Pine cone ornaments Find some good-size pine cones that are fairly open with lots of room for the peanut butter suet stuffing. Tie a string or yarn around the base of the pine cone that can be used to hang it.

Using your hands, squeeze and pack the stuffing into the spaces between the scales of the cone. If the stuffed cone is sticky enough, roll it in a paper plate of birdseed to add more seed.

Hang the pine cone in a tree near a window so you can watch the birds enjoy it.

Optional: Affix multiple stuffed pine cones to a wreath.

Citrus bird feeders Cut a grapefruit or orange in half, and scoop out the fruit, turning the two peel halves into little bowls.

Poke three holes near the cut edge of each, and feed string or yarn through the holes.

Stuff the “bowls” with peanut butter suet stuffing, and sprinkle birdseed on top. Set in the freezer to harden. Remove from the freezer, and knot the string ends to create a hanger for each feeder. Hang them near a window.

vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2017

27

500

$

BONUS CASH *

For Virginia Farm Bureau Members

2017 FORD F-150

Visit fordspecialoffer.com/farmbureau/va to take advantage of this offer today!

* Program 35770: $500 Bonus Cash offer exclusively for active Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. Offer is valid through 1/2/2018 for the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2017/2018 model year Ford vehicle.

Not available on Mustang Shelby GT350®, Mustang Shelby® GT350R, Ford GT, Focus RS or F-150 Raptor. This offer may not be used in conjunction with most other Ford Motor Company private incentives or AXZD-Plans. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply. You must be an eligible member for at least 30 consecutive days and must show proof of membership. Limit one $500 Bonus Cash offer per vehicle purchase or lease. Limit of five new eligible vehicle purchases or leases per Farm Bureau member during program period. See your Ford Dealer for complete details and qualifications.

Virginia Farm Bureau

JUS T PUBLI S H ED

“An uplifting account of

From the Ground Up: Growth of a Modern Farm Bureau

Virginia Farm Bureau” Wayne F. Pryor,

FROM THE GROUND UP:

Growth of a Modern Farm Bureau If you are a Farm Bureau member, you’ve seen history in the making!

Commemorate it with a copy of this colorful, hardbound history and celebration of Virginia Farm Bureau’s past 34 years!

ORDER TODAY!

Available for $30 at DementiMilestonePublishing.com/from-the-ground-up.

Or contact author Greg Hicks, greg.hicks@vafb.com.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

8/31/17 9:50 AM

the success story that is

Greg Hicks

28

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© MARKERHISTORY.COM

Heart of the Home

Brunswick stew is commemorated with this historical marker on U.S. Route 58 in Brunswick County.

Brunswick Stew INGREDIENTS

1 large onion, chopped 1 celery rib, chopped 1 large green pepper, chopped 1 cup frozen sliced okra, thawed Modern Brunswick stew recipes offer many variations on the thick, tomato-based meal.

Southern favorite Brunswick stew hails from Virginia

A

roadside historical marker on U.S. Route 58 in Brunswick County claims that Virginia locality is “The Original Home of Brunswick Stew.”

The story relayed on the marker is of a local doctor and friends on a hunting trip in 1828, and their camp cook, who made a stew with squirrels, butter, onions, stale bread and seasonings.

More than one marker of the same nature can be found in Brunswick, Ga. Recipes for Brunswick stew have changed over time as “chicken has replaced squirrel and vegetables have been added, but the stew remains thick and rich,” the Virginia marker notes.

Brunswick stew is a traditional Southern fall stew. It is typically thick and tomato-based and contains potatoes, lima or butter beans, corn and okra. Some stews contain chicken, while others feature traditional game meat. It’s not uncommon to see huge cast-iron pots holding gallons of the stew at family reunions, church suppers and rescue squad fundraisers.

While some traditional stew makers take a team approach to cooking, Cooking Virginia Style with Farm Bureau Women includes a simplified recipe that pairs one cook with one slow-cooker.

4 cups frozen cubed hash-brown potatoes, thawed ¾ pound chopped pork barbecue 1 cup chopped, cooked chicken ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained 15-ounce can tomato sauce 15-ounce can corn with red and green peppers, drained 15-ounce can lima beans, drained 2 cups chicken broth ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper DIRECTIONS

Combine onion, celery, green pepper, okra, hash browns, pork, chicken, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, lima beans, broth, salt and pepper in a 5-quart slow cooker.

Cook, covered, on high for 6½ hours.

vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2017

29

2018 magazine classified ad schedule and policies Members of Virginia Farm Bureau are eligible to place 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.

Place your ad using the form in this issue of Virginia Farm Bureau News or the “Marketplace” link at vafb.com/ benefits (You will need to register on the site as a Farm Bureau member).

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 Virginia Farm Bureau News (mailed to producer members only); • May Cultivate (mailed to associate members only); • August Cultivate (mailed to associate members only); and • September Virginia 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 on your membership card and above your name on the mailing label of your copy of Virginia Farm Bureau News. All member numbers will be verified.

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, November 30, 2017, at the Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg, 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 adjournments thereof.

Dated this 1st day of October, 2017.

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, November 30, 2017, at the Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg, 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, 2017.

Jonathan S. Shouse, Secretary 30

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

USPS Statement of Ownership

How to place your classified ad STEP 1

Use the form below to provide contact information and the text for your ad.

• Ads will be accepted from Farm Bureau members only.

• Classified ads are not transferable.

• Please type or print.

• Classified ads will not be accepted or cancelled over the phone.

STEP 2

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

STEP 3

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

STEP 4

Your first ad of 15 words or less is free with your membership.

Pricing for additional ads: 1–15 words $10/ad 16–30 words $20/ad Additional ads must be accompanied by a check (no cash) for each issue in which the ad is to appear.

• Make check payable to: Virginia Farm Bureau.

• Ads longer than 30 words will not be accepted.

• We do not invoice for classified ads or provide proofs or tearsheets.

• Ads submitted without payment will be returned.

STEP 5

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

Deadlines Ads and cancellations must be received (not mailed) by the following deadlines: ISSUE DEADLINE Mailed to producer members April March 5 September August 3

Mailed to associate members May April 5 August July 5

Important: We are not responsible

for typographical errors or errors due to illegible handwriting (No refunds available). Classified ads carried in Cultivate and Virginia Farm Bureau News do not constitute an endorsement by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and its affiliated companies and organizations.

We reserve the right to edit or reject ads, including ads that represent a business in competition with the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company or any of our affiliated or affinity partners. We reserve the right to edit or reject any advertisement that makes reference to any particular political party or group, religious belief or denomination, race, creed, color or national origin.

Moving? If your address or phone

number has changed—or is about to—don’t forget to contact your county Farm Bureau office to ensure that your membership and subscription information stays current!

One free 15-word ad per membership per year; dues must be paid before placing ad.

NAME:___________________________________________________________________________________________ MEMBER NO.:______________________________________________________________________________________ COUNTY:_________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS:________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY: __________________________________________

STATE:________________________

ZIP:______________

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

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

Category in which ad should run (select only one): q Crops q Farm Equipment q Hay/Straw q Livestock q Livestock Equipment No other categories available

1.________________________ 2.______________________ 3._________________________ 4.________________________ 5. _____________________________ 6._______________________ 7.______________________ 8._________________________ 9.________________________ 10.______________________________ ( ) 11._______________________ 12._____________________ 13.________________________ 14._______________________ 15. _____________________________ phone number

ISSUE IN WHICH AD SHOULD RUN:* q April (mailed to producer members) qM ay (mailed to associate members) q August (mailed to associate members) q S eptember (mailed to producer members)

q This is my one free 15-word ad for 2018 q Payment enclosed: $ _____________ q Please place my ad in The Delmarva Farmer for 4 weeks at no additional cost to me.

Your ad will automatically be included in the online VFB Marketplace for free.

(Ads expire with membership).

* Ad placement available for these issues only vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2017

31

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