FBN Jan 2019

JANUARY 2019

Farm Bureau News

The Voice of Virginia’s Agricultural Producers

The Very Best of Virginia

‘I was fortunate’: Don’t leave highway safety to chance

Farm Bureau News

Volume 78, Number 1 January 2019

16

Features 4

“I had to learn to

A look back: Farm Bureau successes in 2018

2018 was marked by numerous Farm Bureau success stories and member opportunities.

16

“I was fortunate”

An Amelia County farmer recounts his challenging recovery after an accident while he was moving equipment.

do some things differently, but I do what I can.”

18

“Driving Agriculture Forward” convention theme reflected momentum

Members from all 88 county Farm Bureaus helped map a course for 2019 at the VFBF Annual Convention this past November.

— WALLICK HARDING, Amelia County farmer and highway accident survivor

KATHY DIXON

Virginia Farm Bureau News (USPS 017763) (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 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 Staff Writer/Advertising Coordinator

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

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

Board of Directors DIRECTOR

Departments 11 31

For Your Benefit Marketplace

WE’RE SOCIAL!

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE

ON THE COVER

Producer members will receive their next issue of Virginia Farm Bureau News in April. The magazine is published quarterly, and back issues can be viewed at issuu.com/virginiafarmbureau.

Wallick Harding, who farms in Amelia County, was seriously injured in an accident while he was moving a tractor on U.S. Route 360 a year ago (Photo by Kathy Dixon).

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

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 S. Kyle Sturgis ** Northampton *Women’s Committee Chairman **Young Farmers Committee Chairman

President’s Message

Driving forward in 2019, with good traction from 2018

I

used my previous column in Virginia Farm Bureau News to cite some of this organization’s successes in 2018. More information on those successes was shared last November during our Annual Convention, and you will find a summary on the next five pages of this magazine.

The theme for that event was Driving Agriculture Forward, something Farm Bureau works hard to do every day.

WAYNE F. PRYOR Some literal driving took place during the convention. Thanks to everyone who made time to test-drive a 2019 Ford vehicle while raising money for Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom. Your drives generated more than $6,000 that will be used to show children all over Virginia how agriculture touches their lives.

Now that the 2019 calendars are hung up, it’s time to consider how our lives will touch agriculture.

While Farm Bureau achieved membership growth and financial gains last year, many of the challenges ahead are political. I encourage everyone to stay abreast of local, state and national issues that could affect your ability to farm, and to share your concerns with your elected officials.

For the first time in many years it appears that officials in Washington are actually listening to the needs of farmers. We’re making progress on amending the Environmental Protection Agency’s over-reaching Waters of the United States regulation. We have a proposal for year-round E15 ethanol blends in gasoline. And there’s a new dairy revenue protection program (See Page 23). Tax cuts approved at the end of 2017 gave a boost to the nation’s rural economy, and a new trade agreement among the U.S., Mexico and Canada was reached. The agreement in particular is good news for Virginia producers, as Canada and Mexico are two of our top five export markets for agricultural goods.

In the months to come, I’m calling on all Farm Bureau leaders to double your contacts and outreach to our elected leaders. Speaking for farmers is Farm Bureau’s original purpose, and we need to keep pushing in the trenches.

The Virginia General Assembly convenes Jan. 9, and Farm Bureau will resume annual Legislative Day activities after a one-year hiatus (See Page 13). I encourage all producer members to sign up to receive Action Alerts related to the state legislature, and you will find directions for doing that on Page 13 as well.

Additionally, there is information on Page 9 about upcoming conferences, and I encourage anyone who is interested to attend those. Our industry is never static; consequently, we need to be lifelong learners.

Another way to stay current on industry news is to read and subscribe to our Plows & Politics blog. You can access it directly at plowsandpolitics.com or via the Farm Bureau website at vafb.com—click on “Supporting Farmers” in the left menu, and then “Legislative Activities” in the secondary menu. You’ll also find an abundance of news, updated throughout the week, in the site’s “News & Features” section.

It’s shaping up to be a busy year, and I’m grateful to have been elected to a seventh term as president of this organization. I look forward to cranking up our efforts to advocate for Virginia’s farmers.

Top membership counties for 2018 County Farm Bureau

Members

Washington 3,284 CC-JC-NK-Y 3,104 Hanover 2,882 Tazewell 2,706 Franklin 2,680 Augusta 2,510 Bedford 2,492 Smyth 2,485 Rockingham 2,376 Henrico 2,332 County Farm Bureau

Percentage of goal

Alleghany 109.68% Prince George

108.74%

Bland 107.30% Chesapeake 106.66% Bedford 105.86% Louisa 105.56% Appomattox 105.40% Henrico 105.09% Tazewell 104.80% Wise-Dickenson 104.75% County Farm Bureau

Member retention rate

Bland 96.47% Louisa 96.22% Botetourt 95.45% Buckingham 95.09% Greensville 94.87% Sussex 94.86% Giles 94.73% Southampton 94.66% Rockbridge 94.55% Isle of Wight

94.39%

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

vafb.com /

JANUARY 2019

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VFBF | YEAR IN REVIEW

A look back: Farm Bureau successes in 2018 As a Farm Bureau member, you’ve put your support squarely behind your community and the farms that produce the nation’s food and other important products. Here’s a summary of what Virginia Farm Bureau Federation did to support producer members, their farms and their communities in 2018.

Your Membership Advantage Staff at your county Farm Bureau office are happy to provide details about any of these member benefits!

TRAVEL SERVICES • Choice Hotel Discounts – 20% off the “best available rates” at Cambria Suites, Clarion, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Econo Lodge, MainStay Suites, Quality, Rodeway Inn, Sleep Inn and Suburban locations • Wyndham Hotels and Resorts Discounts – up to 20% off at over 8,000 AmericInn, Baymont Inn & Suites, Days Inn, Hawthorne Suites, Howard Johnson, Microtel, Ramada, Super 8 Motel, Travelodge, Wingate

by Wyndham and Wyndham Hotels locations • Resort Condo Rental Savings – at more than 2,400 vacation destination properties, with TripBeatSM • Avis Car Rental Savings – up to 25% off Avis base rates • Budget Car Rental Savings – up to 25% off Budget base rates

HOME/BUSINESS/ FARM SAVINGS • Ford and Lincoln Vehicle Savings – $500 for eligible Ford vehicles and $750 for eligible Lincolns • John Deere Rewards savings – on residential, commercial and utility equipment • Member Deals Plus®* – lets you save wherever you go, with the nation’s largest private discount network on meals, clothing, vehicle care, and other goods and services, with show-yourphone technology.

• Auto, Home, Life – a wide array of auto, home and life insurance products, as well as farm, business liability and personal property insurance • Health – Staff at your county Farm Bureau office can help you review and enroll in individual, group or Medicare supplemental health insurance plans with health insurance carriers on both the public and private health insurance marketplaces.

• Grainger Savings – Special member prices on selected categories and brands from Grainger, PLUS free standard parcel shipping on all standard Grainger products**

PROPERTY PROTECTION

• Tires – competitively priced Cooper auto and truck tires • Caterpillar Machine Discounts – Save up to $2,500 on qualifying new Cat machines from participating dealers, and receive an additional $250 credit on work tool attachments purchased with new Cat equipment.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

INSURANCE PROTECTION New product offerings give members more options than ever before. Fast claims service when you need it most and personal, face-to-face service.

• Prescription Drug Discount – at more than 63,000 pharmacies nationwide, on all FDA-approved brand and generic drugs

• Case IH Equipment Discounts – Save $300$500 on qualifying products from participating dealers.

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HEALTHY LIVING • Life Line Screenings – for stroke, heart attack and bone fracture risks

• Get a free sign indicating participation in Farm Bureau’s Reward Protection Service. Once a sign is posted in public view, the service offers a $2,500 reward for information resulting in a conviction of persons responsible for theft, arson or vandalism on a member’s property.

FINANCIAL • Banking Services – including credit cards, deposit accounts and mortgage, vehicle and education loans • Estate Planning Assistance – free, no-obligation analysis to help you set financial goals

*Member Deals Plus® and Member Deals plus® are registered trademarks of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. **Standard parcel freight is paid by Seller on all orders, unless otherwise stated, to Buyer’s place of business anywhere in the contiguous United States. Other terms and conditions may apply for other than standard parcel delivery ("Other Freight Services"), including expedited same-day delivery, air freight, freight collect, sourced orders, export orders, hazardous materials, Buyer’s carrier, shipments outside the contiguous U.S. or other special handling by the carrier. Charges incurred for Other Freight Services must be paid by Buyer.

VFBF | YEAR IN REVIEW

AGRICULTURE, DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION

GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

Legislative & Grassroots Engagement 2018 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

• Attained desired results in 34 out of 41 key policy issues • In lieu of traditional Legislative Day activities, emphasis was on smaller group meetings with legislators—in response to General Assembly Building renovation.

GRASSROOTS POLICY DEVELOPMENT

• Seventy-eight county Farm Bureaus represented at regional policy meetings, with 479 county Farm Bureau leaders participating.

• Meeting participants surfaced 794 issues.

NATIONAL ISSUES

“Farm Bureau has helped me connect with urban legislators. … Within this relationship I’ve come to better understand the challenges they face within their communities, as well as share an honest look into agriculture and discuss the challenges we face here in the country, so that together we can build a better Virginia.”

• More than 50 participants took — COLEY JONES part in a pilot national issues DRINKWATER, Dinwiddie County conference call briefing. The first issue tackled was labor; three of Virginia’s Congressional delegation became cosponsors of Rep. Bob Goodlatte’s labor bill in response to member requests.

• Thirteen Young Farmers from six different counties visited Washington to meet with representatives of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Animal Ag Alliance, and Biotechnology Innovation Organization; American Farm Bureau Federation staff for training and a legislative briefing; and members of Virginia’s Congressional delegation and their aides.

• VFBF hosted a joint tour that focused on trade for Virginia and Indiana’s Congressional staff. Farm Bureau also participated in four district Congressional members’ or Congressional staff tours in conjunction with other agricultural groups.

URBAN OUTREACH

• With a record number of freshman delegates, most from urban areas, Farm Bureau’s Growing Leaders made creating relationships with urban legislators a focus of their program.

• The Growing Leaders visited their respective urban legislators during the General Assembly and stayed in touch during the 2018 session to inform them of Farm Bureau’s position on various agriculture bills.

Development and Innovation • Commodity advisory committees alerted members to emerging trends and issues and responded with relevant policy recommendations.

More than 150 volunteer leaders on 12 committees were tasked with discussing national issues.

• VFBF staff represented members at meetings and events and collaborated with outside groups.

Examples: - 10th Annual Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade, which drew nearly 300 participants

“VA FAIRS provided us with a grant that allowed us to expand our marketing and advertising, expand our operations and hire more people and create more business opportunities here in the Shenandoah Valley.”

— NANCY WILL HILL, Mount Crawford Creamery, Rockingham County

- U.S. Leaf Study and Trade Mission, which promotes U.S. tobacco leaf exports by familiarizing foreign buyers with U.S. tobacco production and quality - Farming and Food Production for Future Healthcare Professionals, a farm-to-table dinner and farm tour for more than 50 medical, nursing and nutrition students • The VFBF Grain Division gives members access to broker services and works with 15 independent haulers to provide transportation for bushels marketed through the program. It sold 3.5 million bushels in 2018 and provided marketing services to 290 members. The Grain Division also launched a weekly Merchandiser Minute video summary of grain and soy market conditions, available on the VFBF Facebook page and website on Friday afternoons.

• Farm Bureau was represented at industry events across the state, including the Virginia Ag Expo, Virginia Dairy Expo, Virginia Grains and Soybean Conference, Virginia Urban Ag Conference, Virginia leg of the Mid-Atlantic Wheat Tour and Virginia Cooperative Extension field days for beef cattle, small grains and industrial hemp.

• The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability offers technical and business development services for producers transitioning from commodity production to value-added and to those expanding existing value-added businesses. As of October 2018, VA FAIRS had provided technical assistance with 10 feasibility studies, eight business plans, one applied research and 13 grant applications.

vafb.com / JANUARY 2019

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VFBF | YEAR IN REVIEW

MEMBERSHIP & FIELD SERVICES

Growth & Service 2018 MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS

TOTAL MEMBERS

129,069

11,475 NEW / 117,594 RENEWING Member retention: 92.08% overall

PRODUCERS

TOTAL PRODUCER MEMBERS

34,239

951 NEW / 33,288 RENEWING ASSOCIATES

TOTAL ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

94,830

10,524 NEW / 84,306 RENEWING MOST-USED MEMBER BENEFITS 1. Choice Hotels International/ Wyndham Hotel Group savings 2. Member Deals Plus 3. John Deere Rewards savings 4. Ford Bonus Cash / Lincoln Bonus Cash savings 5. Grainger purchase savings 6. Life Line Screenings 7. Prescription Drug Discount and Savings Program 8. Avis/Budget car rental savings 9. Case IH equipment discounts 10. Caterpillar machine discounts Information on these and all member benefits is available from your county Farm Bureau and at vafb.com.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

VIRGINIA AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM

Education • In 2018 Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom was successful in connecting more than 300,000 children with agriculture, and 2,000 teachers and volunteers attended professional development training programs.

• Virginia AITC expanded its mini grant programs, awarding 62 grants worth a total of $30,000, which will reach 25,000 students in 50 localities statewide. The grants helped fund school gardens and greenhouses, as well as projects that provided farmthemed field trips, farm field days and embryology study.

“[Agriculture in the Classroom] has helped me teach many students about where their food comes from.

Educating them about the importance of agriculture in Virginia will help them to be more informed consumers and help them reach their Standards of Learning goals.”

— JESSICA PITTMAN, Hanover County

• Tammy Maxey, Virginia AITC senior education manager, was named president-elect of the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization.

• Farm Life 360 premiered at the State Fair of Virginia. The series of virtual reality videos was created to introduce users of all ages to the sights and sounds of Virginia farms.

• More than 60,000 children learned about agriculture during Agriculture Literacy Week, March 18-24, 2018, when 1,000 volunteers read AITC Book of the Year These Bees Count! in more than 2,500 classrooms.

• A total of 251 teachers received free resources through the AITC Adopt-A-Teacher program.

• For the first time AITC participated in the USA Science and Engineering Festival.

VFBF | YEAR IN REVIEW

COMMUNICATIONS

THE MEADOW EVENT PARK

News & Communication • VFBF published or produced the following: - quarterly issues of Virginia Farm Bureau News magazine and Cultivate magazine - weekly broadcasts of the television program Real Virginia - 12 “County Close-up” segments for Real Virginia that profiled agriculture in specific counties— and were provided to county Farm Bureaus for their use locally - e-newsletters that reminded members about available benefits while providing educational, entertaining articles • VFBF distributed a weekly batch of agriculture news tips to television, radio and newspaper reporters and editors statewide.

• In more than 1,000 instances in 2018, Virginia print and broadcast media outlets shared news about Farm Bureau; commentary from the organization’s members, volunteer leaders and key staff; and news about the State Fair of Virginia.

State Fair of Virginia & The Meadow Event Park “People forget that Chesterfield has agriculture. It’s exciting to share this (“County Close-up” video). We will be posting it on our Facebook page and tagging the Farm Bureau. It will also be going out in our e-newsletter, which is sent to more than 7,000 residents.

Additionally, we would like to post it on our YouTube page and air it on our TV station. …

Again, thank you for showcasing Chesterfield!”

• State Fair of Virginia attendance was 250,000—the highest it’s been since Virginia Farm Bureau Federation assumed full ownership. Fans will see a fresh new logo in 2019 and new fair programming celebrating the best of the commonwealth.

“The State Fair of Virginia and The Meadow Event Park showcase agriculture to thousands of visitors each year.”

— LYNWOOD BROADDUS, president, Caroline County Farm Bureau; member, State Fair Youth Development Board

— SUSAN POLLARD, Chesterfield County director of communications and media

• VFBF captured the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Dave Lane Award for Media Excellence, the top AFBF award for communications. It recognizes ongoing media relations work and efforts to keep agriculture and Farm Bureau in the news.

• Farm Bureau communications staff and insurance marketing staff collaborated to craft the “Made for Virginians” ad campaign that aired on radio stations from Charlottesville to Winchester, and in Galax and Bassett. The ads also were in Cooperative Living magazine, which is published by the Virginia, Maryland and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives and has a circulation of more than 550,000 in Virginia.

• Complimenting the ad campaign was the Made for Virginians testimonial video shown at county Farm Bureau annual meetings.

• As of Oct. 20, 2018, nearly 340,000 guests had visited The Meadow Event Park. With many events left in the fourth quarter, it was anticipated that attendance for the entire park would set a record and surpass 450,000.

• Farm Bureau members had access to special discounts from fair food vendors when they showed a membership card.

They also had the opportunity to receive a gate discount throughout the fair’s 2018 run.

• Thanks to county Farm Bureaus and Farm Bureau women’s committees, fairgoers were able to relax on 41 new benches.

• The Virginia Horse Festival will move from late March to the Kentucky Derby weekend this May. • Meadow staff, in conjunction with a promoter, are developing a new Rock the Country Fest for August that will feature nationally recognized country and Southern rock artists.

• Efforts to renovate The Meadow’s historic barns and expand the Secretariat Heritage Center are being spearheaded by the Museum of the Virginia Horse board.

• Marlene Jolliffe, The Meadow’s vice president of operations, was inducted into the International Association of Fairs and Expositions Hall of Fame, the IAFE’s highest honor.

vafb.com / JANUARY 2019

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VFBF | YEAR IN REVIEW

WOMEN'S PROGRAM

YOUNG FARMERS PROGRAM

Young Farmers’ Opportunities

Women in Leadership • The VFBF Women’s Program focus for 2018 was to set new goals and initiatives for the coming years, including: - engaging the modern consumer in discussions about agriculture; - building women’s committee membership – six county Farm Bureau women’s committees have formed where there may not have been a presence in recent years; and

“The Women’s Committee has equipped me with the tools necessary to become a strong advocate for agriculture.”

— DONNA MUSICK, producer, educator and former VFBF Lady Leader spokesperson, Washington County

- promoting safety by developing training resources for county Farm Bureau leadership, and providing learning opportunities to local first responders.

• The Women’s Program sponsored and hosted the inaugural 2018 Women in Ag Gathering in March at the VFBF office in Goochland County.

• The VFBF Women’s Committee spent a day at the State Fair of Virginia sharing the Farm Life 360 virtual reality experience with fairgoers.

• Three members were honored at the 2018 VFBF Women’s Spring Conference: - Amanda Parris of Carroll County was named Farm Woman of the Year.

- Dr. Amy E. Johnson of Bedford County received the Virginia Farm Bureau Lady Leader recognition.

- Madison Slaven of Augusta County was named the Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador.

• In 2018 the VFBF Young Farmers again dedicated a day to meeting with state legislators and discussing issues of importance to agriculture—and young producers.

In July 2018 a small group of Young Farmers traveled to Washington to meet with Congressional leaders.

• Young Farmers staged their fourth annual slow-moving vehicle safety display at the State Fair of Virginia.

• The 2018 Young Farmers Winter Expo took place in Natural Bridge.

Participants toured Ingleside Dairy Farm, Donald’s Meat Processing, the McCormick Farm museum, the Natural Bridge Caverns, and nearby Virginia Safari Park.

“Through the Young Farmers Program I have been blessed to build lifelong friendships with folks from around the state. My family and I have traveled to winter and summer expos…bringing back techniques to our farm to make us more sustainable and profitable for the future.”

— JACOB GILLEY, Orange County

• The 2018 Young Farmers Summer Expo covered a lot of ground, with participants traveling to Essex County for the 2018 Virginia Ag Expo, touring farms, and networking. The event included Discussion Meet semifinals, as well as judging for two awards: - Amy Gail Fannon of Lee County was named Excellence in Agriculture Award winner.

- Claire E. Seibel of Botetourt County was named Outstanding Young Agriculturalist.

• Other Young Farmers were recognized for their accomplishments and leadership at the 2018 VFBF Annual Convention: - John and Lydia Shepherd of Nottoway County were named winners of the Young Farmers of the Year Achievement Award.

- Jesse Martin of Rockingham County won the final round of the Discussion Meet.

• Early in 2018 the VFBF Young Farmers had another successful trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention.

- Justin and Lori McClellan of Smyth County were first runners-up for the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award.

- Casey and Stacey Phillips of Montgomery County were first runners-up for the AFBF YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award.

- Amy Gail Fannon advanced to the semifinal round in the AFBF YF&R Discussion Meet.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Save the Date!

Women in Ag Gathering returns The second Virginia Women in Agriculture Gathering will take place March 22 and 23 at a Central Virginia location to be announced.

The first day will focus on farm tours, and the second day will be held in an educational setting and include speakers and breakout sessions, as well as lunch and networking opportunities. Last year more than 80 women gathered for the event, which was held at the Virginia Farm Bureau headquarters in Goochland County.

The conference is presented by Virginia Cooperative Extension. For more information visit facebook.com/ events/2043913202500291.

County presidents’ conference coincides with Legislative Day

2018 Young Farmers Winter Expo participants were all smiles during a tour.

Innovation Center and Amadas Industries, a leading manufacturer of advanced harvest systems for peanuts.

For additional details and to register, visit YoungFarmersExpo.org.

Women’s Spring Conference to be held in Bristol

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s annual conference for county Farm Bureau presidents will be held Jan. 27 and 28 in conjunction with the VFBF Legislative Day at the Omni Richmond Hotel.

Agenda items will include discussions on how to hold an effective annual membership meeting and how to work with relevant agencies to address agriculture damage and predation by wildlife. Presidents can obtain additional information from their county Farm Bureaus.

The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Spring Women’s Conference will be held March 29-31 at the Holiday Inn Bristol Conference Center.

Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Jewel Bronaugh and Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Brad Copenhaver will be the featured speakers. The conference will include tours and workshops on the Clean Water Act and soil and water conservation, farm transition planning, safety and women in agriculture.

For more information contact Angela Haskovec, 804-290-1031.

Young Farmers will meet in Smithfield

Conference on agricultural trade will be held in Richmond

The 2019 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Winter Expo will take place Feb. 22-24 in Smithfield.

Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring will speak at the event, as will Robert Mills Jr., VFBF board member, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services board president and Young Farmers alumnus.

The expo will offer tours of farms, processing facilities for peanuts and cotton, a paper mill, the Smithfield

The 2019 Virginia Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade will be held March 5 at the Richmond Marriott.

This year’s conference will feature speakers addressing challenges and opportunities for global agricultural and forestry exports. The conference is co-hosted by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, the Virginia Port Authority and Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics.

Farm Bureau warehouse open house offers members big savings Farm Bureau members can save 10 percent on purchases from the Virginia Farm Bureau Service Corp.

Products Division at its Feb. 22 open house in Henrico County.

The open house will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Farm Bureau warehouse at 1541 Mary St. in Sandston. Refreshments will be available.

At the warehouse sale, members can save on tires, tubes, batteries, lubricants, and disc and plow parts. The discount is available for all products except baler twine and net wrap, which will be specially priced for the open house.

For information on specific products, call the warehouse at 800-476-8473.

Virginia Horse Festival set for Kentucky Derby weekend The annual Virginia Horse Festival will take place May 3-5 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County.

Join some of the equine industry’s top experts for three days of clinics, demonstrations and exhibits of interest to horse enthusiasts of all ages. An indoor trade show will offer a wide range of horse-related supplies and services.

The Meadow is the birthplace of Secretariat, and the festival will honor the Triple Crown winner with a special Kentucky Derby party.

For festival details and ticket information visit VirginiaHorse Festival.com. vafb.com /

JANUARY 2019

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Farm Bureau website helps you maximize your membership

Are your membership records current?

Farm Bureau needs your updated contact information, including email address

As a registered member at vafb.com, you’ll be the first to gain access to new content, convenient account features, membership information and insurance policy details.

Once registered, members can:

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.

• Get access codes and information for all member benefits.

• Update your contact information to ensure you receive Farm Bureau’s monthly e-newsletters.

Virginia Farm Bureau insurance policyholders can: • View policy information 24/7, and easily find your insurance agent or county Farm Bureau office.

• Request policy changes and pay premiums online.

• Download auto insurance ID cards.

Follow us at VaFarmBureau and Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance on Facebook and @VaFarmBureau and @VFBInsurance on Twitter to learn more about Virginia agriculture and get tips to help avoid costly insurance claims.

Email addresses and cell phone numbers are especially important; they help your Farm Bureau agent reach you in instances where prompt communication is essential.

If you need to update your records, email your current contact information to membership@vafb.com, and our staff will handle the update. You’re also welcome to call or visit your county Farm Bureau office to update your records.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

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For Your Benefit

Enjoy member pricing from Grainger

V

irginia Farm Bureau members get special member prices on selected categories and brands from Grainger, plus free standard parcel shipping on all standard Grainger products. Get started with your price savings using three easy methods: 1. Present the Virginia Farm Bureau account number at time of purchase. It’s available from your county Farm Bureau office or vafb.com/benefits (You will need to register and log in as a member).

2. Go to grainger.com/farmbureau to establish a new Grainger.com® account using that account number; or 3. Call Grainger customer service at 800-472-4643 to update your existing Grainger account with the Farm Bureau organization account number.

To be sure you get your Farm Bureau member prices, always reference Virginia Farm Bureau's organization account number when visiting your local branch, making a telephone order or setting up your personal account online. If you have questions or need assistance, contact your county Farm Bureau or visit vafb.com/ benefits.

Exclusive member prices are available on products in these categories: • Safety: Facility Safety

• Hand Tools

• Safety: Footwear

• HVAC: Filters

• Safety: People Safety

• HVAC: Other

• Cleaning: Consumables

• Manufacturing: Welding

• Cleaning: Other

• Motors

• Electrical

• Paint, Equipment & Supplies

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: •F armall Compact tractors, A, C and C CVT series – $300 •F armall Utilities, C and U series – $500 •M axxum 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

Members eligible for health screening package

Program offers members prescription drug discounts Virginia Farm Bureau’s free Prescription Drug Discount and Savings Program affords members an average savings of 25 percent on all FDA-approved name-brand and generic prescription drugs at more than 63,000 pharmacies nationwide.

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

The Prescription Drug Discount and Savings Program works via what’s known as a “consumer care” 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.

Your county Farm Bureau can provide starter card information and information on how to locate participating pharmacies near you and compare potential savings on generic and name-brand drugs.

Farm Bureau members can save on four non-invasive vascular health screenings—carotid artery, abdominal aneurysm, atrial fibrillation and peripheral arterial disease—and have a free osteoporosis screening to assess risk for stroke, heart attack and bone fractures.

Life Line Screenings, the national leading provider of preventive screenings, offers these procedures to members at the discounted rate of $145.

Watch for mailings about Life Line screenings in your area, or contact your county Farm Bureau for details.

vafb.com /

JANUARY 2019

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Legislators will see ‘Farmers in Action’ at Farm Bureau Legislative Day

“They understand how invaluable that face-to-face interaction with their legislators truly is.”

The VFBF Women’s Committee will also be “in action,” sharing a taste of Virginia agriculture by serving chicken sandwiches with locally sourced ingredients to legislators as they make their way to the Capitol for their afternoon sessions.

— TEXT ALERTS —

Now receive Action Alerts and legislative updates via text message

This year’s legislative session will run for 60 days.

S

tate legislators will learn more about issues important to the commonwealth’s farmers Jan. 28 during Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Legislative Day. Member-identified critical issues for the 2019 session of the Virginia General Assembly are: • supporting adequate and stable funding for the agriculture best management practices cost-share program, along with appropriate funding for technical assistance; • opposing pro-animal rights legislation, including legislative or regulatory changes that would restrict the use of animals for agricultural purposes; • supporting setting a specific goal for having broadband in place to reach every Virginian, as well as appropriate additional funding to achieve the goal of expanding Virginia rural broadband; • supporting funding for Virginia Cooperative Extension positions that represent gaps identified by county Farm Bureaus that have been lost due to stagnant resources with increasing costs for benefits, operations, etc.; and

• supporting the amending of Virginia’s timber theft code sections to help reduce the financial loss of timber landowners from theft or fraud, as well as enabling the state forester to assist in the investigation of timber theft.

“Virginia Farm Bureau is proactively working to tackle some of agriculture’s biggest challenges in the 2019 General Assembly session and raise awareness of other possible legislative initiatives that could impact the farming community,” said Stefanie Kitchen, VFBF governmental relations legislative specialist. “These issues are not all of the issues that Farm Bureau is working on, but some of those that are most critical to our members.”

The theme of the event is “Farmers in Action” to emphasize the importance of farmers being politically active.

“Even though much of their time is spent working to provide food and fiber for all Virginians, farmers are closely watching what happens in the General Assembly and Congress and are committed to voicing their concerns about specific agricultural issues to their legislators,” said Kelly Roberts, VFBF governmental relations assistant director for member engagement.

Want to receive Farm Bureau Action Alerts and legislative updates directly to your phone? Text “VAFB” to 52886 to receive text message notifications on important Farm Bureau legislative information.

“When Farm Bureau sends out an Action Alert, it usually means a critical vote on a bill affecting agriculture is about to take place, and we need farmers to contact their legislators to express Farm Bureau’s position,” said Kelly Roberts, VFBF governmental relations assistant director for member engagement. “Text messages are the quickest way we can get our members the information they need to make those contacts.”

If you are a producer member with an interest in helping to maintain your ability to farm in Virginia, you can help by responding to Action Alerts. To sign up to receive them, contact Roberts at kelly.roberts@vafb. com or 804-290-1293 with your name, membership number and contact information.

vafb.com /

JANUARY 2019

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13

Location, location, location

Wythe County expo center within a ARTICLE AND PHOTO BY KATHY DIXON

W

ythe County’s new 90,000-square-foot Appalachian Regional Exposition Center is literally rooted in agriculture.

Situated on a former dairy farm, the 90-acre complex will highlight the area’s largest industry—farming.

It will serve as a multipurpose development that can host a variety of agricultural, entertainment and community events, including rodeos, livestock shows, sporting events, concerts and trade shows.

“We wanted a self-sustaining venue that would promote a wide array of events, generate tourism dollars and provide a venue to house and showcase farm events,” remarked Matthew Miller,

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

a Wythe County Farm Bureau board member who serves on the sevenmember APEX Center board. “We want to showcase agriculture in Southwest Virginia and also house regional and East Coast events that will bring in people from outside the region.”

The APEX Center is in the perfect location, as about 75,000 vehicles pass it each day. Located at the junction of Interstates 81 and 77, “it’s at the crossroads of the mid-Atlantic,” Miller explained. In the summer, he said, vehicles parked in the county have predominantly New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania plates.

According to economic impact studies from Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia’s Weldon

Cooper Center for Public Service, the exposition center will be within a day’s drive of half the American population and serve as the region’s premier entertainment venue.

“The benefits are not just from the physical complex,” Miller shared.

“It will generate money for the local economy. Most events we’re looking at would require overnight stays, and that would contribute to meals and lodging taxes.”

The project stemmed from the 2006 sale of a site owned by the Southwest Horseman’s Association. The group dedicated the sale proceeds toward establishing an indoor arena to hold horse shows and competitions. Shortly thereafter, Wythe County Farm Bureau

Appalachian Regional Exposition Center

day’s drive for half of U.S. population members worked with the equine group to create a 501 c(3) organization called the Appalachian Agricultural Exposition Center. Its goal was to build a multipurpose facility that could host a variety of agricultural events.

The nonprofit group eventually partnered with Wythe County government and began working on a multi-purpose development.

“We are centrally located to an array of livestock enthusiasts.”

Matthew Miller, Wythe County Farm Bureau board member

Construction started in November 2017, and a year later the site includes an exposition center with a covered arena and seating for 5,000. Multiple events are scheduled for this year, including a monster truck show, rodeo and motocross competition, Miller said.

“We hope to have 50 events the first year and increase that to 80 by the third year,” he said. “Once ancillary buildings are built, livestock shows and other agriculture events will be included.” Wythe County Farm Bureau recently donated $50,000 toward the construction of a barn to be used for livestock events.

“We are centrally located to an array of livestock enthusiasts,” Miller remarked. “We’re so central to people in

the mid-Atlantic that they can hitch up a trailer and be here in hours.” kathy.dixon@vafb.com

APEX Center, by the numbers • $3.173 million – projected amount the center will generate by its fifth year • 90 acres – 41 acres for the expo center, and the rest for additional commercial development • 75,000 – number of motorists who pass the property each day via Interstates 77 and 81

vafb.com /

JANUARY 2019

15

Farmer’s near-miss indicative of need for farm vehicle awareness

A

BY KATHY DIXON

FAMILY PHOTO

lmost 10 months after an accident came close to taking his life, Wallick Harding still gets choked up when recounting it.

“I was fortunate,” Harding recalled with a hitch in his voice. “Most don’t end that way.”

The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Committee has documented 10 farm-related fatalities since they began recording them in December 2017.

“This year’s been one of the worst years in the recent history of farm accidents in Virginia,” noted William “Bear” Lloyd, a Washington County farmer and member of the committee, in late 2018. The Young Farmers, along with the VFBF Women’s Committee, have made farm safety one of their main areas of focus. The Young Farmers also have a safety subcommittee that works to keep farm safety issues in front of members.

Harding, a lifelong Amelia County farmer, said he’s had only two other close calls while driving equipment on the road. But he believes it’s become more dangerous for farmers. While slow-moving vehicle awareness is part

A 2018 collision propelled Wallick Harding off U.S. Route 360 and into intensive care.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

of Virginia’s Standards of Learning for driver education, he’s not convinced students are getting the message. “And everybody’s distracted and in a hurry.”

Someone must have wanted him to continue farming, Harding has concluded. If they didn’t, he might not have survived last January’s collision that put him in a three-day coma, landed him in an intensive care unit for 13 days and caused him to spend three weeks re-learning how to walk.

On Jan. 27, 2018, Harding had been moving a tractor from one field to another on U.S. Route 360, like he’d done for decades. But this time— despite a slow-moving vehicle emblem and flashing lights on the tractor—a motorist rear-ended his tractor. The impact shoved the tractor off the road and into a tree, throwing Harding from the driver’s seat and causing cardiac arrest and a brain injury.

“I really don’t remember much,” Harding shared last November. “I had to learn to do some things differently, but I do what I can.”

After the accident and his time in rehab, his goal was to help harvest crops on his family’s Hard Acres Farm in the fall. And he did. “I shelled 200 acres of corn and cut beans too.”

Harding and his brother, Kerry, are partners in the small-grain and beef cattle farm. Harding said the summer was the most challenging, since he couldn’t help with the farm. “I’m used to working six or seven days a week.”

But since then, he has moved equipment back down the highway, where two large, reflective tractor crossing signs have been installed. After recovering from the accident, Harding contacted the Virginia Department of Transportation and requested the signs, to help avoid future crashes.

Harding achieved his goal of helping his brother harvest corn and soybeans this past fall—but not with this tractor.

Stay safe on the roads

KATHY DIXON

The National Safety Council reports that approximately 15,000 farm vehicles are involved in highway crashes annually.

Studies show that 90 percent of collisions between slow moving vehicles and motor vehicles occur on dry roads during daylight hours, and two-thirds are rearend collisions. When a fatality occurs, the victim is usually the tractor operator.

Harding asked the Virginia Tractors generally travel at Department of Transportation less than 20 mph, compared to to install signage near his farm. cars cruising at 55+ mph, the NSC reports. Motor vehicle drivers need to be able to identify slow-moving vehicles in time to react safely. Farmers need to protect themselves by installing the proper lighting and marking to agricultural equipment.

The National Ag Safety Database offers the following safety tips for farmers driving farm equipment on public roadways.

Check everything before heading out Before moving equipment: • Always lock brake pedals together for highway travel.

Sudden braking on one wheel only at high speed could put the tractor into a dangerous skid.

• Rearview mirrors, flares and fire extinguishers should be standard equipment for tractors that are frequently driven on public roads.

• Confirm that all lights are operating properly.

• Make sure that the SMV sign is clean and properly mounted.

• Check towed equipment. Any load should be balanced and properly secured. Heavy wagons should be equipped with independent brakes.

When driving, take the following precautions: • Avoid busy roads whenever possible.

• Travel at a speed that will allow you to maintain full control at all times.

• Slow down when making turns or rounding curves.

• Observe road travel precautions listed in operator manuals. Use lower gear ranges when climbing or descending hills.

• If possible, drive on the shoulder of a paved highway; however, don't drive partly on the shoulder and partly on the paved lane.

• When cars are lined up behind you, and a suitable shoulder is available, pull over to let traffic pass.

• If possible, move equipment in daylight during periods of light traffic.

• Travel after dark only if absolutely necessary. Remember that you need proper lighting for night driving.

• Don't take chances by pulling onto a road in front of moving traffic. Enter and exit roadways very cautiously if your view is obstructed.

vafb.com / JANUARY 2019

17

VFBF 2018 Annual Convent

AUTHOR: Farmers need to initiate, foster food conversati

Nov. 27-29 The Omni Homestead Resort Participants: About 650 farmers and other agriculture professionals, including 273 delegates representing 88 county Farm Bureaus Purpose: To shape VFBF policy for the coming year, present awards, share relevant industry information and elect officers and directors Philanthropy: Live and silent auctions sponsored by the Young Farmers Committee raised $9,681.50 for Agriculture in the Classroom and scholarships for Virginia Tech’s Agricultural Technology Program.

E

arly in her keynote remarks, author Michele Payn asked the roomful of farmers for a show of hands.

“How many people in this room are willing to admit they hate social media?”

Assessing a fair number of raised hands, Payn nodded. “OK, good. Get over it.”

Social media, she explained, is one place that vocal, organized critics of modern agriculture have been building their voices—and audiences—for years.

And American farmers, she added, need to be speaking up as well.

All those cell phone photos of healthy animals, well-tended farmland and members of farm families? “Take them off your phone, and put them

Details: Coverage of speakers’ remarks and award winners’ achievements is available at vafb.com/convention.

More than 270 delegates from county Farm Bureaus discussed and voted on VFBF policies for 2019.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

on Instagram. … It takes less than 10 minutes” and gives an accurate depiction of the nation’s farms and food production.

It also invites conversations. And those, Payn emphasized, are key.

Payn is the author of Food Truths from Farm to Table and No More Food Fights! Growing a Productive Farm & Food Conversation. She spoke Nov. 27 at the VFBF convention’s Farm to Table Luncheon.

She grew up on a Michigan dairy and grain farm and holds degrees in agricultural communications and animal science from Michigan State University. She has been a regional director for the National FFA Foundation and has marketed and sold dairy genetics.

tion

ions She noted that conversations about food, how it is produced and whether it is safe are taking place all the time.

But farmers aren’t always doing much talking. Or their messages aren’t resonating.

“How many times do we keep our heads in the sand until we get really defensive and come out swinging?”

Payn asked. She added that statistics and science don’t always resonate with consumers.

“Sometimes people just want to know why their food is being raised the way it is.”

Payn paraphrased the late author Maya Angelou’s assessment that people will forget what you say and do, they “will never forget how you made them feel.”

PRYOR

SINK

HUNDLEY

2018 ELECTIONS

Pryor, Sink, Hundley re-elected Wayne F. Pryor of Goochland County was re-elected to a seventh term as VFBF president. Scott E. Sink of Franklin County was re-elected to a fourth term as vice president. A. Faye Hundley of Essex County was re-elected to a second term as state Women’s Committee chairman.

Northampton County producer will represent Young Farmers Row crop, vegetable and aquaculture producer S. Kyle Sturgis of Cape Charles was elected to a two-year term as chairman of the VFBF Young Farmers Committee. The Young STURGIS Farmers chairman also serves on the VFBF board.

Sturgis has worked as a precision agriculture specialist with Helena Agri-Enterprises LLC since 2011. He also works on his family’s farm with his brother and father. He is a graduate

of Ferrum College, where he majored in horticulture with a minor in environmental science.

Re-elected directors • District 2: Richard L. Sutherland, Grayson County • District 5: Russell L. Williams II, Rockbridge County • District 8: Leigh H. Pemberton, Hanover County • District 11: J.M. Jenkins, Lunenburg County • District 14: David L. Hickman, Accomack County

Producers and others honored with awards Warren Beach Award for support of Young Farmers

• Campbell County Farm Bureau • Prince William-Fairfax Farm Bureau

Clay Francis, VFBF vice president of membership and field services, and his wife, Maryanne, of Richmond

Ishee-Quann Award for Media Excellence

Distinguished Service Award Autry O.V. “Pete” DeBusk, Lee County, chairman of DeRoyal Industries of Powell, Tenn., and chairman of the Lincoln Memorial University board of trustees

KATHY DIXON

County Farm Bureau Best in State Awards for programming • Albemarle County Farm Bureau • Washington County Farm Bureau

County Farm Bureau New Horizon Awards for new programs

The Rappahannock Record, Kilmarnock

Journalism Awards Rachael Smith and Carrie Dungan of The News & Advance in Lynchburg, daily newspaper; Rappahannock Record in Kilmarnock, weekly newspaper; WFXR News in Roanoke, television; Robert Hodge of WMBG in Williamsburg, radio; The Free Lance-Star in Fredericksburg, Members’ Choice Award; and Jane Graham of The Delmarva Farmer, Friend of the Farm Award.

• Bland County Farm Bureau

vafb.com / JANUARY 2019

19

John and Lydia Shepherd of Nottoway County were named winners of the 2018 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers of the Year Achievement Award.

The award honors young farmers who are successful in production agriculture and provide leadership on and off the farm.

The Shepherds serve on the VFBF Young Farmers Committee and raise wheat, rapeseed, corn and soybeans on their farm near Blackstone.

Additionally, John Shepherd serves on the Nottoway County Farm Bureau board of directors, and Lydia Shepherd teaches at Kenston Forest School in Blackstone.

They will receive one year’s use of SHEPHERDS a Kubota tractor; a John Deere Gator XUV from Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. at cost from James River Equipment; and cash awards of $1,000 from Farm Credit, $500 from VFBF and $500 from Chesterfield County Farm Bureau. They also will receive a travel package to the 2019 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in New Orleans, where they will compete for the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award.

C.T. Thiemann II of Louisa County and Matthew Heldreth of Wythe County were this year’s Achievement Award runners-up. Each will receive $500 from Farm Bureau and a travel package to the AFBF Annual Convention.

Additionally, Will Walker of Smyth County was honored posthumously as an Achievement Award finalist. Walker, who was a farmer, teacher and coach, died Sept. 20 in a farming accident. His wife, Ashley Walker, was presented with a commemorative plaque.

KATHY DIXON

Nottoway County farmers honored for achievements

Rockingham County farmer wins Discussion Meet

KATHY DIXON

Jesse Martin of Rockingham County took top honors in the annual Young Farmers Discussion Meet.

The Discussion Meet competition is designed to simulate a committee meeting in which discussion and active participation is expected from each contestant. Competitors are judged on their discussion skills, understanding of important agricultural issues and how well they build a consensus on a predetermined topic.

Martin won a John Deere Gator utility vehicle, MARTIN courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. He will receive an upgraded model thanks to James River Equipment in Buchanan, as well as a $1,000 cash award from Virginia Farm Bureau Health Care Consultants. He will compete on the national level in January at the 2019 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in New Orleans.

First runner-up was Sarah Rudolph of Wythe County. Other finalists were Jonathan Grimes of Wythe County and Rebekah Slabach of Halifax County. All four Discussion Meet finalists won $500 from VFBF. 20

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Members received update on Virginia cattle checkoff Virginia’s cattle assessment has been reinstated, and collections began Jan. 1.

Jason Carter, executive director of the Virginia Cattleman’s Association, said farmers should expect the proceeds from the 50-cents-per-head fund to help promote Virginia’s feeder cattle industry. “We have a tremendous genetic base in our state, and I think an effective use of assessment money will eventually increase markets for our feeder cattle,” he said.

In 1983 there was a movement nationwide to establish a national beef checkoff, he explained. Virginia created its own program to support the state’s beef producers in 1985. Cattle producers were assessed 25 cents per head to help pay for promoting and marketing Virginia cattle.

When the national checkoff began in 1987, Virginia’s was “mistakenly discontinued,” Carter noted. “I say mistakenly because the national checkoff was not meant to take the place of state programs.”

Virginia’s cattle assessment went uncollected for the next 30 years until the VCA, in conjunction with Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and the Virginia Agribusiness Council, worked with the state legislature to update and reinstate the state assessment.

WORKSHOPS Farmers make dollars—and sense—with direct-marketing During the panel discussion “Making Dollars and Sense,” a panel of producer members shared their directmarketing motivations, successes and suggestions.

Seth and Courtney Umbarger of Smyth County recounted how their fifth-generation dairy farm was turned into a beef cattle operation with a farm store.

“I hated to take it out (of dairying),” Seth Umbarger said, given that the family dairy was the oldest in the county. But the dairy saw its lowest milk prices ever, while the beef cattle raised on the side remained viable.

The Umbargers were selling beef to Whole Foods Market and decided they could add value to their operation by

opening a store on the farm.

“We knew there was a lack of high-quality foods in our community, and we knew we wanted to be that resource for the community,” Courtney Umbarger said. “Direct-marketing has been huge for us.” The store will mark its third anniversary in April.

Jimmy Messick of Fauquier County is a third-generation dairy farmer who wanted to have something to hand down to the next generation. He and his brother, Ronnie, own and operate the dairy farm as well as a compost business. They have seven children between them.

The brothers opened Messick’s Farm Market five years ago, “and we are still tweaking things. It’s a work

in progress,” Jimmy Messick said.

His advice is to “get to know the community and what is needed.” He also noted that Farm Bureau is there to help, and advised producers “Don’t be afraid to visit other operations and ask questions and share your experience.”

Seth Umbarger said it’s important to help customers be informed consumers. “Be the farmer they trust.

There’s so much in the news media that puts a bad light on agriculture, so educate and build trust.”

Courtney Umbarger added that she’s the dreamer of their operation, and emphasized the need to follow one’s dreams. “Find what you’re passionate about, and make it as successful as you can be and it will snowball from there.”

Virginia farmers share outreach efforts The workshop “Taking It On Locally” featured a panel of county Farm Bureau leaders who shared how their organizations have built relationships with their elected officials and addressed local issues that had adverse effects on agriculture.

“If we don’t speak up for ourselves, no one else will,” said Andrew Smith, VFBF associate director of governmental relations. “These local government bodies may not have bad intentions, but they often don’t take into account unintended consequences or the impact that local ordinances can have on the farming population.”

The Frederick County Farm Bureau hosts an annual meal with local supervisors outside the board room, noted Steve Black, county Farm Bureau president. “We just keep open a dialogue with them. We talk about issues that concern them and concern us.”

That dialogue proved fruitful earlier this year when the Virginia Department of Transportation began enforcing slow-moving vehicle restrictions on a four-lane bypass around Winchester.

Working with elected officials, the county sheriff, VDOT and other rural businesses, county Farm Bureau

leaders developed a permit process to allow large farm equipment to continue using the bypass.

In Albemarle County, “we were told a proposed stormwater utility fee was a done deal in 2017, but we decided to fight it anyway,” explained past county Farm Bureau president Dave Norford. The fee was intended to fund improvements to roads and infrastructure to improve water quality.

Farm Bureau leaders soon realized the ordinance would be expensive for rural residents because it was based on the square footage of all hard surfaces on their property, including roofs and gravel roads.

“We wrote a letter to our members and partnered with other groups” to spread the word, Norford said. “We also used social media and ended up generating a firestorm of public opinion. We went on television, did radio interviews and even organized a tractor-cade before a county supervisors meeting.”

The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors tabled the proposed ordinance in April and paid for repairs of rural roads through the county’s general fund. “This really opened my eyes to the power of an organization

like Farm Bureau,” Norford said.

David Emert, Prince Edward County Farm Bureau president and a newly elected member of that county’s board of supervisors, advised farmers to have their facts straight before speaking with any elected official. Credibility is everything, he emphasized, and it is lost the moment someone is found to be exaggerating the impact of a policy or using vague arguments.

Jim Jennings, president of the Mecklenburg County Farm Bureau and a longtime county supervisor, emphasized the need for farmers to create and maintain relationships with local government leaders—and consider running for office if they see a need. “Absolutely Farm Bureau members should consider running for local office. Nobody can tell your story better than you can. That brings the passion to it that makes the difference.”

Jennings also urged Farm Bureau leaders to work with county governments to create an agriculture advisory board if they don’t already have one. “It’s the single best thing you can do to connect agriculture to local politics,” he said.

vafb.com / JANUARY 2019

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A new insurance product is available to help you pay off your personal auto loan or lease in the event of a covered total loss.

Auto Loan/Lease coverage is designed to pay the difference between the unpaid amount due on a vehicle’s loan/lease agreement and the actual cash value of the covered vehicle at the time of a covered total loss.

Coverage can be added on any eligible new or used vehicle that has a loss payee for a loan or lease. The covered total loss must occur subsequent to the purchase of this coverage.

“This coverage can really help in the event of a total loss when you still owe on a loan or lease,” explained Barry Light, product development manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “Cars depreciate quickly, so if you have a total loss and still owe money on a loan or lease, the actual cash value you receive may not cover the loan amount, and you’d owe the difference yourself. This coverage bridges that gap.”

This new coverage is available for policies with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2019, and after.

Restrictions may apply, so contact your insurance agent for details.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

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Dairy revenue protection available A new insurance product created to provide some relief to dairy farmers is now available.

“The Dairy Revenue Protection went on sale in October,” explained Tony Banks, a commodity marketing specialist for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. Virginia Farm Bureau Crop Insurance is selling Dairy-RP, a federal crop insurance product.

“This is the first dairy revenue protection product available to dairy farmers,” Banks added. “Other federal risk management tools are intended to manage milk margin. But unlike other risk management tools, this product can be tailored for milk pricing and production conditions present in Virginia.”

Recognizing the need to enhance the federal risk management tools available to dairy producers, the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Farm Bureau Insurance Services and other groups developed Dairy Revenue Protection.

Dairy Revenue Protection recognizes that milk prices vary widely.

Dairy-RP is an area-based insurance product designed to protect against quarterly declines in revenue from milk sales. The program recognizes that every farmer in the U.S. is paid a different price for milk. Dairy-RP is unique in its ability to closely match farm-level milk price risk by providing milk pricing options based on either classified milk prices or the value of the components in the milk, such as butterfat and protein.

“The number of dairies that have been forced to close or sell to larger operations is shocking,” noted AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We have

always known revenue protection insurance could help farmers weather this storm, but no one offered it.”

Since 2014, the annual average U.S. all-milk price has fallen by more than 30 percent, according to AFBF Economist Dr. John Newton.

Dairy Revenue Protection was developed and approved through the Federal Crop Insurance Act’s 508(h) process, which allows private parties to develop insurance products that are in the best interests of producers.

For more information and to apply visit dairyrp.com.

Workers’ compensation inspection program identifies hazards To assist farmers who have Virginia Farm Bureau workers’ compensation insurance with workplace safety, Farm Bureau has implemented an inspection program to aid in the identification and elimination of hazards.

Inspections will take place on all farms with Farm Bureau farm workers’ compensation insurance during the next three years.

“It’s no secret that agriculture is considered one of the most hazardous industries to work in,” said Scott DeNoon, farm product and underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “Farming is an inherently dangerous occupation due to the number and variety of hazards that exist, including the use of heavy machinery and equipment, and exposure to animals

and chemicals.”

The inspection program, which began in July 2018, involves a Virginia Farm Bureau field underwriter visiting a policyholder’s farm to meet with the policyholder and conduct a safety assessment. The assessment is a review of equipment and machinery, as well as areas such as workshops, chemical and fuel storage sites and animal and grain storage facilities. Once the inspection is complete, the underwriter works closely with the policyholder’s Farm Bureau insurance agent to provide appropriate recommendations for minimizing or eliminating any identified hazards.

“Our field underwriters are very knowledgeable about the various aspects of farming and are skilled in identifying farm safety hazards and offering

corrective solutions,” DeNoon noted.

The program is intended to create a safe work environment by reducing accidents and injuries, which helps policyholders control and, in some cases, reduce their insurance costs.

“Many farm accidents are preventable,” DeNoon said, “and we believe it is our duty to partner with our insureds to assist in creating a safe work environment and keeping workers’ compensation premiums affordable.”

Virginia law requires farm and horticultural employers with more than three full-time employees to purchase and maintain workers’ compensation insurance. Your Farm Bureau insurance agent can provide additional information on workers’ compensation insurance and the inspection program. vafb.com / JANUARY 2019

23

Actual cash value, explained You’ve been in an auto accident, and your car is totaled. Your home was damaged in a recent storm, and your belongings are ruined. You had a television stolen.

When you filed a claim, your insurance company gave you only a percentage of what you paid for your damaged or stolen item—what gives?

“The insurance company is going to give you the actual cash value for your property,” explained Rick Mattox, senior vice president of claims for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “One method of determining actual cash value would be the market value of that item on the day it was destroyed or stolen.”

In the property and casualty insurance industry, actual cash value is the method of valuing insured property. “The actual cash value you

receive is not going to be equal to the replacement cost,” Mattox noted.

There are a couple of ways to determine actual cash value. One commonly used method is subtracting depreciation from replacement cost. An item’s depreciation usually is calculated by establishing a useful life of that item and determining what percentage of that life remains. That percentage multiplied by the replacement costs equals the actual cash value.

Another method of determining the actual cash value involves researching the market value of an item on the day the loss occurred.

ACV and farm equipment Knowing the actual cash value of your property is especially important when scheduling property such as farm equipment for a specific dollar amount.

Say, for example, you purchased a tractor for $50,000 five years ago and insured it for that amount at that time.

Suppose, five years later, that tractor is destroyed by fire. It is determined that the actual cash value is now $30,000.

Since the tractor is insured for actual cash value, that is all that would be owed, despite paying a premium for a $50,000 limit on that tractor.

The limit represents the most that will be paid; what is owed in the actual cash value, Mattox explained.

For this reason, it is important to know and understand the value of your equipment and adjust the limits accordingly.

Your insurance agent can assist in making sure your property is properly insured.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Missed open enrollment?

If you missed the 2019 deadline for open enrollment—Dec. 15—you may be in luck.

There are policies available for purchase.

For individuals who missed the open enrollment deadline, a short-term health insurance plan may be an option.

Short-term health insurance plans help bridge gaps in coverage for individuals and families in times of transition. They give individuals the flexibility to drop the coverage at any time without penalty and the ability to apply for another term of coverage, with certain restrictions. The plans are based on the family’s or individual’s needs, with a range of available deductible amounts.

“These policies are likely a good choice for applicants who need

coverage without a qualifying event, who are between jobs or are waiting for a new employer’s coverage to become effective,” explained Brett Denton, vice president of Experient Health.

Short-term plans are not designed to cover everything, and typically will not cover routine office visits, maternity, mental health or preventative care.

They also will not cover preexisting conditions.

“If you’re healthy and just need temporary coverage until another plan begins, or you missed the last open enrollment, this may be a good option,” Denton said. “And often, plans will

start the next day; however, you will be required to answer a few medical questions to qualify for the plan.”

For more information about shortterm health insurance plans, call 800229-7779, or visit vafb.com/quote.

Qualifying life events trigger special enrollment period If you experience a qualifying life event during the year, you may be able to enroll in a marketplace plan outside of open enrollment. According to healthcare.gov, examples of qualifying events that trigger a special enrollment period include, but are not limited to: • losing existing health coverage, including job-based, individual and student plans; • losing eligibility for Medicare, Medicaid or CHIP; • turning 26 and losing coverage through a parent’s plan; • getting married or divorced; • having a baby or adopting a child; • experiencing a death in the family; • moving to a different ZIP code or county; • moving as a student to or from the place you attend school; and • becoming a U.S. citizen.

If you experience a qualifying life event, there are strict timeframes regarding when you can purchase a marketplace plan, so don’t delay.

Call 800-229-7779, or visit vafb.com/ quote for details.

Medicare supplements available year-round

If you need a supplemental insurance plan to Medicare, Farm Bureau can assist with that 12 months out of the year. Call your county Farm Bureau office today for assistance, or call 800-229-7779 or visit vafb.com/ quote.

A birth or adoption is one of the events that triggers a special enrollment period.

vafb.com / JANUARY 2019

25

Henrico County family gives endowment to State Fair in support of youth programming The family of W.N. and Gatewood H. Stoneman recently donated $25,000 to the State Fair of Virginia to be used for youth scholarships. The donation was made by the Gatewood Holland Stoneman Revocable Declaration of Trust to establish an endowment in memory of W.N. Stoneman Jr. It is the largest legacy gift made to the State Fair under its current ownership by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

Eligible scholarship recipients will be participants in the State Fair’s 4-H, FFA, and youth craft, skill and trade competitions.

“This generous gift is a turning point for our State Fair Youth Development Board’s efforts to grow and enhance youth scholarship and leadership opportunities,” said Marlene Jolliffe, the fair’s executive director and vice president of operations for The Meadow Event Park. “We are extremely grateful that the Stoneman family has made this commitment and excited to see how it enhances our future scholarship programs.”

W.N. Stoneman Jr., who farmed in Henrico County and died in 1980, participated at the State Fair as a young man and provided lifelong support to the event in numerous ways, including service on its board of directors.

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26

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

His wife, Gatewood H. Stoneman, who died in 2018, was a past president of Henrico Farm Bureau and also supported the fair in many ways, in addition to her service as a 4-H leader. For many years she was an exhibitor in the fair’s baked goods competition. She also served as a perennial judge for youth entries in baked goods and arts & crafts competitions.

She was instrumental in the creation of Young MacDonald’s Farm, the fair’s iconic farm animal exhibit.

Since 2013 the State Fair of Virginia scholarship program has awarded more than 1,250 scholarships and has dedicated more than $467,000 to youth education.

Fair’s executive director named to IAFE Hall of Fame Marlene Jolliffe, executive director of the State Fair of Virginia and vice president of operations at The Meadow Event Park, has been inducted into the International Association of Fairs and Expositions Hall of Fame.

Jolliffe was recognized Nov. 26 at the 128th IAFE annual convention in San Antonio. Hall of Fame induction is the organization’s highest honor, bestowed JOLLIFFE in recognition of distinguished achievement in, or contribution to, the fair industry.

“To be recognized by some incredibly talented peers is one of the greatest honors in my life,” Jolliffe said. “I have always encouraged people to focus on doing what is right for the organization and to give back. It’s a simple philosophy, and it works. I am truly humbled to have been awarded this honor.”

Jolliffe joined the State Fair in 2015 and previously had been manager and CEO of the State Fair of West Virginia since 2004.

Wayne F. Pryor, president of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, which acquired the fair in 2013, said Jolliffe “has, from Day One, embraced our goals of reviving the fair, reinforcing its focus on agriculture, celebrating the commonwealth and promoting The Meadow as a historic property and a versatile event space.”

Jolliffe earned her IAFE Certified Fair Executive designation in 1997 and served as IAFE chairman in 2013.

During that year she led a "Dream Big" campaign that encouraged fairs to hold food drives for their respective local food banks during their events. The campaign led to more than 6 million pounds of food donated to local food banks.

The IAFE, based in Springfield, Mo., is a voluntary, nonprofit corporation serving state, provincial, regional and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions and expositions.

Farm Bureau names new VA FAIRS executive director, project manager Julia Clark has been named assistant director of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Agriculture, Development and Innovation Department (formerly the Commodity/Marketing CLARK Department). She also will serve as executive director of the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability.

Right This Very Minute is the 2019 Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom Book of the Year.

Right This Very Minute named AITC Book of the Year

V

irginia Agriculture in the Classroom’s annual Agriculture Literacy Week will take place March 18-22.

Virginia AITC has selected Right This Very Minute by Lisl H. Detlefsen as its 2019 Virginia AITC Book of the Year. The book follows children as they discover what a farmer is doing “right this very minute” to provide healthy meals for their tables.

Agriculture Literacy Week is the largest volunteer event of the year for AITC, with more than 1,000 volunteers reading to children across the commonwealth.

“Providing an agriculture producer with a book to read to children creates an opportunity for children to connect with where their food comes from. Often readers bring examples of items grown on their farms and share stories of their own operations,” explained Tammy Maxey, AITC senior education manager.

Copies of Right This Very Minute are available for purchase at $10 each, and complementary curriculum resources are included. Right This Very Minute is best-suited to children in pre-kindergarten through third grade.

Agriculture Literacy Week volunteers include county Farm Bureau volunteers, Farm Bureau Women’s committees and Young Farmers committees, FFA and 4-H members, partners from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and other state agencies, and members of other agricultural organizations and businesses.

Colonial Farm Credit, Farm Credit of the Virginias and Southern States Cooperative Inc. have been major supporters as well.

For details or to order books, visit AgInTheClass.org.

Clark was hired in 2013 as VA FAIRS project manager. In that role, she wrote numerous successful value-added producer grant applications, bringing considerable funding to Virginia producers.

She has conducted numerous training presentations to assist rural businesses in obtaining financing through grants, loans and other sources, and has personally worked on projects that have enabled clients to obtain grant and loan funds to expand their businesses.

Molly Harris has been named VA FAIRS project manager. She has been a consultant for the ADI Department for the past two years.

She will offer support to VA FAIRS projects and will continue to market and manage HARRIS Lulus Local Food, an innovative software solution used by food hubs, farmers’ markets and small farms to sell products online. VA FAIRS acquired Lulus Local Food a year ago.

Harris serves on the executive committee for the Virginia Food System Council, the Virginia Farm to Table Conference planning committee, the Council of Government’s Local Food Distribution Work Group and Virginia Farm to School Conference planning committee.

vafb.com / JANUARY 2019

27

Heart of the Home

Comfort cuisine cuts through the

Whatever your protein preference, there’s a stew for every taste

French Country Beef Stew INGREDIENTS 2½ pounds of stew beef, cut into 1" pieces 2 cups water 1 package (.9-1.68 ounces) dry vegetable soup mix 1 pound baby red-skinned potatoes, cut into quarters

8 ounces mushrooms, cut in half 1 pound asparagus, cut into 2" pieces 2 tablespoons cornstarch, dissolved in ¼ cup water salt and pepper COURTESY OF AMERICAN LAMB BOARD

S

tews can be simmered on the stove, heated all day in a slow cooker, or even made quickly in a pressure cooker-slow cooker hybrid such as Instant Pot. The following three stew recipes—from the National Beef Checkoff, the American Lamb Board and the National Pork Checkoff—will provide bowlfuls of nourishing goodness.

DIRECTIONS

In a stockpot, combine beef, water and soup mix; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover tightly and simmer 1¾-2¼ hours or until beef is fork-tender.

Add potatoes and mushrooms to stockpot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in asparagus; continue cooking, covered, 8-10 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in cornstarch mixture; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

SOURCE: National Beef Checkoff

You have options when preparing this lamb stew.

Instant Pot Middle Eastern Lamb Stew The American Lamb Board shares the following for a savory stew, noting that it can be prepared in an Instant Pot or on the stove in a Dutch oven.

INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter 1 onion, diced 1½-1¾ pounds lamb stew meat, cut into 1½" cubes

COURTESY OF NATIONAL BEEF CHECKOFF

4-6 coarsely chopped garlic cloves

French Country Beef Stew serves up everything that’s wonderful about meat-and-potato meals.

28

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

1 teaspoon EACH: salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon and cumin seeds ½ teaspoon chili flakes, plus more for garnish ¼ cup apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar 1¼ cups chicken stock or broth 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

Heart of the Home

cold ¼ cup raisins or dried apricots, chopped quinoa, couscous or basmati rice, cooked according to package directions

DIRECTIONS Turn the Instant Pot on, and set it to the sauté function. Heat the butter or oil, and sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes, until fragrant. Add the lamb, garlic, salt and all the spices, and sauté an additional 5 minutes until fragrant. Add the vinegar, tomato paste, honey, stock, chickpeas and raisins or apricots, and stir until combined.

Cover, and set the Instant Pot to the “meat stew” setting, or pressure cook for 1 hour on normal/high.

COURTESY OF NATIONAL PORK BOARD

Italian parsley or cilantro for garnish

This chile-kissed stew delivers a double dose of warmth.

2 tablespoons lime juice 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Let the pressure release, and give stew a stir. The lamb should be tender and break apart easily.

2 stalks celery, thinly sliced

Serve with cooked quinoa, couscous or basmati rice, and garnish with fresh Italian parsley or cilantro and extra chili flakes.

1 large carrot, peeled, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

If using a Dutch oven, preheat the oven to 325°. Brown the onions in butter, and then add the garlic, lamb, salt and spices, cooking for 5-6 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients, except the raisins or apricots, and bring to a simmer. Cover, place in the oven and bake for 2 hours, adding the raisins or apricots about an hour into the baking time.

Mexican Pork Shoulder Stew INGREDIENTS 1 pound boneless pork shoulder roast, cooked 1 tablespoon Mexican chili powder 6 cloves garlic, minced ½ teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 medium onion, roughly chopped

1 poblano chile, seeded and cut into ½" pieces half of a large jalapeno, thinly sliced 1¾ cups chicken stock OR 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth 12-ounce bottle Mexican lager beer

Meanwhile, in a 6-quart soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Add celery, onion, carrot and poblano and jalapeño chiles.* Cook about 5 minutes or until onion is translucent and vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.

Add marinated pork mixture to vegetables in soup pot. Cook for 2 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Stir in chicken stock, beer, oregano and bay leaves. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Gently simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.

3 tablespoons flour

Stir together flour and ⅓ cup cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly stir flour mixture into stew mixture. Increase heat to medium; cook and stir for 1 minute.

Remove from heat.

2 cups hot cooked rice (optional)

Serve stew in bowls or, if desired, over rice.

DIRECTIONS Remove and discard skin and outer fat from cooked pork roast. Cut the meat into ¾"cubes (You should have about 4 cups cubed pork).

* Because the oils from hot chile peppers can burn your skin and eyes, wear gloves so your skin doesn’t come in contact with the oils. Also be sure to wash your hands and nails thoroughly in hot, soapy water after handling chile peppers.

½ teaspoon dried oregano 2 bay leaves

In a glass baking dish, arrange the pork in a single layer. Sprinkle with chili powder, garlic, cumin, salt and black pepper. Toss pork until evenly coated with seasonings.

Drizzle with lime juice and 1 tablespoon oil; toss until evenly coated. Cover baking dish with plastic wrap, and marinate pork in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

SOURCE: National Pork Board; recipe developed by Dave Lieberman

vafb.com / JANUARY 2019

29

2019 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.

• Crops; • Farm equipment; • Hay/Straw; • Livestock; and

Ads of 16 to 30 words must be accompanied by payment of $20.

• Livestock equipment.

Classified ads will be published in the following issues:

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.

• April Virginia Farm Bureau News (mailed to producer members only);

Ads with more than 30 words and ads from nonmembers will not be accepted.

• September Virginia Farm Bureau News (mailed to producer members only).

• May Cultivate (mailed to associate members only); • August Cultivate (mailed to associate members only); and

Use the online form at vafb.com/membership-at-work/ membership/benefits/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:

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.

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REAL VIRGINIA

Together, we’ll overcome the opioid epidemic.

A weekly television program produced

by Virginia Farm Bureau

#FarmTownStrong

Agriculture touches your life every day! Meet the Virginia farmers who raise products for your table and your community. Learn how to prepare delicious Virginia foods and cultivate a lush landscape and edible garden.

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 many cable outlets—check local listings.

Watch anytime at vafb.com, and weekly on • WBRA Roanoke • WCVE Richmond • WHTJ Charlottesville • WHRO Norfolk

If someone you care about is suffering from opioid addiction, please visit farmtownstrong.org.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

CS18_149 Farm Strong Qpg Ad_r.indd 1

Real Virginia Promo Ad 2.indd 1

11/15/18 10:13 AM

• WTKR Norfolk • WVPT Harrisonburg • WVVA Bluefield

10/3/18 10:50 AM

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 2

Mailed to associate members May April 5 August July 3

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 2019 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 / JANUARY 2019

31

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