FBN Nov 2018

NOVEMBER 2018

Farm Bureau News

The Voice of Virginia’s Agricultural Producers

The Very Best of Virginia

Moving farm, forest products to points worldwide

Farm Bureau News

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Features 16

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PORT OF VIRGINIA

Volume 77, Number 4 November 2018 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.

Moving farm, forest products to points worldwide

In 2016, ag and forestry exports made up more than half of containerized exports moving through Virginia’s ports.

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.

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Timber! Forests have huge economic impact

Member: Virginia Press Association

Virginia’s forests provide more than $20 billion to the state’s economy.

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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

Gardens can yield seasonal décor materials – for

all seasons You can use many outdoor materials for fresh fall and winter floral arrangements. The key is to let yourself be creative and have fun.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

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

Departments 21 28 31

Board of Directors DIRECTOR

For Your Benefit Heart of the Home Marketplace WE’RE SOCIAL!

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE

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

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

ON THE COVER Virginia’s ports afford agricultural and forestry producers access to the global marketplace (Photo courtesy of The Port of Virginia).

DISTRICT COUNTY

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

President’s Message

I count Farm Bureau involvement, achievements among blessings One thing Farm Bureau and an actual farm have in common is that neither ever completely runs out of work that needs to be done.

WAYNE F. PRYOR That’s often a sign of a high-functioning organization, though. And experience leaves me confident that Farm Bureau’s volunteer leaders and staff are up to the task.

While we focus much of our time on delivering value to members, it’s helpful to look back periodically and take account of what we’ve achieved.

We can celebrate many years of successes in our policy development and legislative efforts, in services delivered by the VFBF Grain Marketing Division and Products Division, and in schools served by Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom.

I hope you had time to read in the September issue of this magazine about success stories that involve the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability. Each is, in its own way, addressing the interests of our producer members in a forwardthinking way.

Additionally, the Virginia Farm Bureau family of insurance companies has had five of the best years in their collective history, growing surplus, adding coverages and new endorsements to policies, earning an upgraded AM Best rating of A- (for Excellent) and being recognized among the Ward’s Top 50 property and casualty companies in the nation.

Virginia Farm Bureau’s health insurance companies have, in recent years, endured nothing short of a revolution in health care coverage.

Ensuing challenges have included price

increases, carriers leaving the market and political posturing, but through it all we have been able to help our members navigate this complicated industry.

This fall saw another successful State Fair of Virginia, and I feel proud and privileged that Farm Bureau has been able to preserve this event and its agricultural focus while providing effective leadership. The fair is a tremendous asset for sharing agriculture with the public, and its home property, The Meadow Event Park, is another asset steeped in history and Virginia traditions. We’ve accomplished much since Farm Bureau became full owner in 2013, and I’m sure we will see more exciting developments in the coming years.

As I look back over six terms as president of this organization, I am thankful for the opportunity to be involved in these developments, and the opportunity to work with so many talented, committed and communityminded individuals.

In a month when we’re encouraged to count our blessings I count my longtime involvement with Farm Bureau as a significant one.

PS: Thanks to all who helped us meet our membership goal set by American Farm Bureau at the end of last month!

The Farm Bureau membership year ran through Oct. 31, and we will share 2018 membership totals in the January issue of Virginia Farm Bureau News.

In the meantime, I wish each of you a reflective, joyous and safe season with those you love.

Top membership counties for 2018 as of Oct. 23

County Farm Bureau

Members

Washington 3,261 Charles City-James CityNew Kent-York

3,070

Hanover 2,848 Franklin 2,670 Tazewell 2,651 Augusta 2,492 Smyth 2,479 Bedford 2,469 Rockingham 2,341 Henrico 2,294 County Farm Bureau

Percentage of goal

Alleghany 108.68% Prince George

108.17%

Bland 106.20% Chesapeake 105.06% Bedford 104.89% Louisa 104.53% Appomattox 104.45% Wise-Dickenson 103.83% Isle of Wight

103.79%

Botetourt 103.65%

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

vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2018

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

This month on Real Virginia: Milk vs ‘milk,’ large animal veterinarians meeting a demand, and ‘antique’ cattle breeds Featured this month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program:

• Dairy farmers dispute calling plant-based beverages “milk.”

• The creation of a second veterinary school in Virginia is benefitting livestock producers.

• Heirloom breeds of cattle raised by

colonists are firmly established in

the 21st century.

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

Watch Real Virginia anytime online at vafb.com.

• Fall agriculture activity in Lee County

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: • 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.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

If you’ve moved, acquired a new telephone number, or changed your name or email address, it’s important that your new information is reflected in your membership and insurance records.

Email addresses and cell phone numbers 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.

Save the Date!

Convention speakers include bestselling author and American Farm Bureau VP

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OMNI HOMESTEAD RESORT

“Driving Agriculture Forward” is the theme of the 2018 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention.

The event will take place Nov. 26-29 at The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, which is recognized as a holiday destination

by Southern Living magazine. It is open to voting delegates and other interested Farm Bureau members.

To register online, visit vafb. swoogo.com/convention2018.

Author Michele Payn of Cause Matters Corp. will be the keynote speaker for the newly named Farm to Table Luncheon on Tuesday.

Payne’s latest book, Food Truths: From Farm to Table, became a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon and is a response to common misconceptions about agriculture.

The Omni Homestead Resort, a popular location for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual It features interviews with numerous Convention, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1991.

U.S. farmers.

American Farm Bureau Federation winner will be announced Wednesday • A beef checkoff update, featuring Vice President Scott VanderWal morning, along with the winner of the Jason H. Carter, executive director of will address the General Session Young Farmers Achievement Award. the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association. on Wednesday to share the latest Harley Boone Band to take • Making Dollars and Sense of Direct developments in national farm policy. the stage at banquet Marketing, a panel discussion of VanderWal is a third-generation corn, producers who sell to consumers. soybean and cattle producer whose After a day of attending to Farm family farms in Volga, S.D. He is also Bureau business, convention • Taking It On Locally, a discussion president of the South Dakota Farm participants can unwind Wednesday on how to address local issues, Bureau. evening to the music of the Harley featuring panelists from Albemarle, Marketing executive Kevin Brown Boone Band. Back by popular demand, Frederick, Mecklenburg, Montgomery will speak at the Fellowship Luncheon the band blends country, bluegrass and Prince Edward counties. on Wednesday. Brown is an author and and rock and has opened for artists motivational speaker who is passionate Justin Moore, Parmalee and the Steep • Putting the ‘Me’ in Media, a about helping people expand their Canyon Rangers. presentation on building relationships vision and develop their potential. He with local media outlets, led by Test a Ford, and drive grew up in Muskegon, Mich., where members of the VFBF communications support to AITC his rural upbringing taught him the staff and a veteran newspaper reporter value of hard work and determination. and editor.

His message challenges people to Convention participants can help show up every day and make a positive Farm Bureau and Paul Obaugh Ford Discussion Meet difference in their work and lives. support Virginia Agriculture in the The Young Farmers Discussion Meet Classroom on Tuesday by taking a free Tuesday workshops at this year’s convention will take place test drive in a new Ford vehicle.

Four educational sessions have been on Tuesday afternoon instead of that There’s a goal of 300 test drives, and planned for Tuesday: evening as in recent years. The 2018 for each one, AITC will receive $20.

vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2018

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County Farm Bureaus offered more than $153,000 in scholarships last year County Farm Bureaus in Virginia invested in their communities’ future by offering $153,620 in scholarship funds in 2017.

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

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

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

State Fair scholarships The State Fair of Virginia offers up to $70,000 in scholarships annually to winners in 4-H, FFA and vocational competitions and specific equine, fine arts and horticulture competitions. The fair’s Applied Youth Livestock Scholarship Program awarded $18,122 in scholarships to 12 youth who exhibited beef cattle, sheep, meat goats and swine in the 2017 fair.

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

VFBF became full owner of the fair in 2013.

Women’s Program to present three awards in 2019 The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Committee will present three awards in 2019 that recognize leadership and support for agriculture.

The Distinguished Farm Bureau Woman recognition program is open to all women who are Virginia Farm Bureau producer or associate members. It honors involvement in either farm business and community activities; agricultural business and community activities; or agricultural leadership and community involvement. Participants must be nominated by a peer. The winner will receive a $500 cash award and travel packages to the 2019 VFBF Annual Convention and 2020 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention. Nominations are due by Dec. 31, and details are available at vafb.com/membership-at-work/ farmers-in-action/womens-program.

The Outstanding Woman in Agriculture Award will be presented to an honoree selected by the VFBF Women’s Committee in recognition of achievements and contributions to agriculture and the industry. The winner will receive a cash prize and commemorative award, travel packages to the 2019 VFBF Annual Convention and 2020 VFBF Women’s Spring Conference and a one-year paid county Farm Bureau membership.

The Farm Bureau Ambassador program recognizes young adults for their interest and achievements in agriculture and provides an opportunity to serve as an ambassador for agriculture and Farm Bureau. Finalists competing at the 2019 Women’s Spring Conference each will receive $200 for their participation. The state-level winner will receive a $2,000 cash award. Eligible applicants must be a member of Farm Bureau between the ages of 18 and 24. Applications are due by Dec. 31, and program details are available at vafb.com/membership-at-work/ farmers-in-action/womens-program.

Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. named to Ward’s 50 Insurance customers of Virginia Farm Bureau protect their property and other assets ® through a company that's recognized for financial responsibility.

Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. recently was named among the 2018 Property-Casualty Ward’s 50 Companies.

The list is compiled by Ward Group, a consulting firm specializing in the insurance industry and a leading provider of industry benchmarking.

Each year, Ward Group analyzes the financial performance of nearly 3,000 property and casualty insurance companies in the United States and identifies the top performers. Each company named to Ward’s Top 50 has passed all safety and consistency screens and achieved superior performance over the five years it was analyzed.

VFBMIC also was among the Ward’s 50 in 2009 and 2010.

Earlier this year VFBMIC officials announced that the company’s financial strength rating, or FSR, from A.M. Best has been upgraded to an A- (Excellent) and its long-term issuer credit rating, or ICR, also was upgraded to an a-.

The insurance rating and information source upgraded the company and its affiliates’ FSR from a B++ (Good) and its credit rating from a bbb+.

vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2018

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What’s up with WIP III? State finalizing third phase of nutrient load reductions for bay

Virginia’s third-phase Watershed Implementation Plan will affect all farmers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

V

irginia and other states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed— New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia—and the district of Columbia are finalizing their third phase of participation in the bay’s Total Maximum Daily Load program.

Virginia will make its Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan, or WIP III, available for final public comment in April 2019 and present it

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in August.

“Virginia’s WIP III plan will impact all farmers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, regardless of size or scope of operation,” explained Martha Moore, vice president of governmental relations for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. She added that producers in eight soil and water conservation districts will face the greatest expectations for reducing nutrient loads for nitrogen and phosphorus:

• Culpeper SWCD • Eastern Shore SWCD • Hanover Caroline SWCD • Headwaters SWCD • Lord Fairfax SWCD • Northern Neck SWCD • Shenandoah Valley SWCD • Three Rivers SWCD “Farmers in the Southern Rivers portion of the state have separate TMDL goals in individual stream segments,” Moore continued, “but their practices are not counted in nutrient load reductions in the Chesapeake Bay.” This past spring and summer the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation held a series of meetings with soil and water conservation district staff to identify agricultural and forestry best management practices that could be implemented over the next five years to reduce nitrogen and phosphorous loads in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The SWCDs also provided input on improvements and additional load reductions needed to put into Virginia’s WIP III. In addition, DCR has received more than 170 suggestions for changes to the state’s agriculture best management practices cost share program. They include changing planting dates for cover crops and granting more flexibility with stream exclusion buffers and fencing.

Farm Bureau has been involved in the process of developing WIP III, Moore noted. “Farm Bureau and other agriculture and forestry groups have shared responsibility for attending numerous meetings this year and ensuring that agriculture and forestry producers’ and landowners’ opinions are being represented in TMDL discussions.”

She added that Farm Bureau is actively advocating for the following: • adequate, stable and reliable funding for cost-share practices, equitably distributed to meet the bay-related goals; • flexibility in implementing conservation practices based on site-specific variations; and • more efforts to capture voluntary conservation measures.

ake Bay

New York

What are the expectations for nutrient loads in the WIP III? When is it due?

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The Chesapeake Bay watershed includes parts of six states and the District of Columbia.

TMDL FAQ: What is a TMDL? A total maximum daily load, or TMDL, is the calculation of the maximum amount of pollution a body of water can receive and still meet state water quality standards. Standards are designed to ensure waterways meet a national primary goal of being swimmable and fishable.

What is the Chesapeake Bay TMDL?

In December 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load to ensure that all pollution control measures needed to fully restore the bay and its tidal rivers are in place by 2025. EPA expects practices in place by 2017 to meet 60 percent of the necessary reductions.

Virginia met this goal.

What are the pollutants of concern and what are the sources of pollution?

Nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment are the pollutants of concern. High levels of those pollutants enter the water from agricultural operations, urban runoff, wastewater facilities, septic systems, air pollution and other sources.

What are the WIPs?

The Watershed Implementation Plans, or WIPs, are the roadmap for how bay jurisdictions, in partnership with federal and local governments, will achieve the Chesapeake Bay TMDL. Virginia submitted its WIP I in November 2010 and WIP II in March 2012.

In July the Chesapeake Bay Program partnerships approved the final Phase III planning targets necessary to meet applicable water quality standards.

Virginia’s target for nitrogen is 55.2 million pounds of nitrogen and 6.192 million pounds of phosphorus.

This means this is the maximum amount of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient loads that the Chesapeake Bay can receive from all sources. Based on land uses, anticipated growth and other factors, Virginia is tasked with reducing its amount of load going into the bay by 2025.

What are consequences for not meeting the nutrient load reductions?

Federal actions include expanding coverage of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits to sources that are currently unregulated, increasing oversight of NPDES permits and requiring additional pollutant reductions from point sources. Other federal actions include increasing federal enforcement and compliance, prohibiting new or expanded discharges, redirecting EPA grants, and revising water quality standards to better protect local and downstream waters. All are based on existing EPA authority under the Clean Water Act.

Did Virginia meet its midpoint assessment?

Virginia agriculture met its midpoint nutrient reductions for nitrogen and phosphorus. Virginia’s state permitting program regulates most of its poultry and swine operations. The commonwealth also has developed voluntary incentives such as the Virginia Resource Management Plan, which encourages non-regulated farmers to implement agricultural conservation practices, and a dedicated annual agriculture cost share program for implementing priority practices.

vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2018

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Virginia growers putting chestnuts back on the U.S. map

BY SARA OWENS

I

t’s been 100 years in the making. After a century, local, fresh chestnuts are again available in Virginia.

The chestnut blight wiped out the American Chestnut in the early 1900s, but a handful of farms in the commonwealth have found a way to maintain blight-resistant orchards. Marketing collectively as Virginia Chestnuts LLC, they are harvesting thousands of pounds of fresh chestnuts each year.

Choosing chestnuts over apples Chestnuts ripen the most during the last 30 days of their growing season.

David and Kim Bryant of Nelson County grow the Dunstan chestnut, which was bred and introduced by Chestnut Hill Tree Nursery in Florida. It is a hybrid of the American and Chinese chestnut, developed for blight resistance.

When the Bryants bought their land 15 years ago, it was full of pine trees. When the trees were cleared and their house was built, they sought a business venture that would allow them to use the land into retirement.

Kim said they thought about putting in an apple orchard but knew it would be too labor-intensive for just the two of them.

David said he was reading a magazine article about a couple in Delaware who were growing chestnuts. “I thought, ‘Hmm, chestnuts. We could do that,’ and we started researching it,” he said.

Kim said the couple in the article were already retired, so a chestnut orchard seemed viable.

The Bryants purchased their first trees in 2009 and handplanted them. Today they have 1,600 on 23 acres. In the spring they sell chestnut seedlings to buyers from around the country.

Virginia Chestnuts

In 2015 the Bryants established Virginia Chestnuts LLC, which sources chestnuts from six local orchards— including their own, processes the nuts and sells them directly to customers. Sales are handled mostly online at virginiachestnuts.com and by word of mouth.

“We found they can be packaged and shipped within one to two days, and when they arrive customers can put them in the fridge and they’ll last about two weeks,” Kim said.

The Bryants also spend fall weekends roasting and selling 10

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

PHOTO COURTESY OF VIRGINIA CHESTNUTS LLC

Ripe chestnuts inside their spiky, green outer capsule.

The most important tree According to Chestnut Hill Tree Nursery, located in Gainesville, Fla., the American chestnut was once the most important food and timber tree species in the Eastern hardwood forest. It was almost entirely destroyed by a bark fungus accidentally introduced from overseas in 1904.

Within 40 years, more than 30 million acres of chestnut trees were killed from Maine to Georgia and west to the Mississippi in the largest ecological disaster in American history.

Visit chestnuthilltreefarm.com for more information.

vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2018

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fresh chestnuts at Dickie Brothers Orchard in Nelson County.

“We’re trying to introduce chestnuts to a new group and grow the demand for them organically,” David explained.

“Right now we’re selling out what we have, so we’re doing well, but we’re looking to expand.”

All chestnuts sold by Virginia Chestnuts have been washed, sanitized, dried and weighed and kept in cold storage, and Virginia Chestnut growers are all U.S. Department of Agriculture Good Agricultural Practices-certified.

Trials and tribulations

In 2013, summer cicadas did so much damage to the Bryants’ chestnut trees that that year’s crop was lost. Deer also love chestnuts and can present a problem, as can insects and the weather.

“Pests and not enough rain later in the summer can be hard on chestnut trees,” Kim explained. “They are wind-pollinated, so if it is wet and rainy the trees won’t pollinate well.”

Chestnut trees love full sun and will not produce nuts if they do not get enough sunlight. “When the trees are 10 to 12 years old, (chestnut orchards) usually need to be thinned,” David explained. “At that time the tree has paid for itself in nut production.” He spent this past winter pruning all 1,600 trees on the Bryant farm by hand.

Chestnut harvest

Chestnut harvest typically lasts six weeks, beginning around Sept. 20 and ending in October. “The bulk of our chestnuts fall in October,” David said. “We continually harvest some every day, often twice a day.”

The first of the crop is hand-harvested, then later in the season, the Bryants use equipment made for harvesting pecans. “There isn’t any chestnut equipment in the United States,” David said. “Most of it is in Italy.” sara.owens@vafb.com

Chestnuts sold by Virginia Chestnuts LLC are grown on Jefferson Farm in Rockingham County and on the following Nelson County farms: • Breidablik Farm • Bryant Farm and Nursery • Helbert Orchard • Hopkins Orchard • Seamans’ Orchard

“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” conjures up iconic images of roasting beautiful, fresh chestnuts during the holiday season.

“Roasting chestnuts brings their sugar content up,” explained Kim Bryant of Bryant Farm and Nursery.

The most important step in roasting chestnuts happens before you even start to roast—they must be properly scored.

“Scoring the chestnuts before you cook them makes sure they don’t explode in an oven or over the fire,” Bryant explained. “It also helps later, as scoring the nuts makes them easier to peel.”

Scoring chestnuts The traditional way is to place a chestnut on a cutting board with its flat side down.

With a paring knife, cut an “x” into the round top of the nut.

If the nuts have a harder shell and don’t score easily that way,

• The no-cut score: If you cannot or don’t want to score your chestnuts, place them flat-side-down on a cutting board. With a paring knife, stab into the top of each chestnut, then turn it 90 degrees and stab it again, creating a small, deep “x” on the top of each nut.

The Bryants harvest with a hand tool (upper photo) early in the season, and as more chestnuts drop, they use a pecan harvester.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

or fire pit!

• Soak them first, in lukewarm water for 20 minutes, before scoring.

Try either the classic “x” or a straight-line score across the round top of the nut, and it should open beautifully once it has been boiled or roasted.

Who grows Virginia Chestnuts?

12

Chestnuts on an open fire—

Roasting chestnuts After washing and properly scoring the chestnuts, place the nuts in a roasting pan in a single layer. Place the pan over hot coals, and turn the nuts frequently until the shells begin to split open and the insides feel soft.

Baking in oven, or boiling Chestnuts also can be baked. Preheat your oven to 400°, and roast nuts in a single layer on a cookie sheet or in a roasting pan for about 10 minutes or until the slits in the skins curl.

Additionally, chestnuts can be boiled in their shells. Just score them first.

Chestnut puree “With a food processor, the possibilities are endless,” Kim Bryant said.

1. Follow the directions for roasting chestnuts.

2. When the nuts are cool enough to handle, peel them and place peeled nuts in a food processor with a little bit of water.

Puree to the texture of peanut butter.

3. Get creative!

• Add a little honey to make a chestnut spread for crackers.

• Substitute the puree for bananas in your favorite banana bread recipe.

• Use the puree for your favorite chestnut soup recipe.

• Put peeled, whole chestnuts in a jar, and fill it with honey. Within two weeks you’ll have candy!

Timber!

FORESTS HAVE HUGE IMPACT ON VA. AGRICULTURE |

BY SARA OWENS

E

SARA OWENS

The majority of Virginia’s forestland is either hardwood or a mix of hardwood and pine.

ach year, Virginia’s forests provide billions of dollars to the state’s economy— $21 billion as of 2017.

More than 62 percent of the commonwealth is qualified as forestland, according to the Virginia Department of Forestry. Much of Virginia’s forestland is privately owned—about 13 million out of 16 million total acres, with about 405,000 individuals and families holding 10.6 million of those acres.

The rest is owned by federal, state and local governments.

Hardwood and hardwood-andpine forests make up more than 12.7 million acres of Virginia’s forests, which is more than 79 percent.

‘We need to make good decisions’ for forestland’s future Bruce Phillips of Southampton County has been managing the forests that surround his three farms since the 1970s.

He has a stewardship plan in place and has been recognized for his efforts. “This plan qualifies the landowner for assistance with reforestation when timber is harvested,” he explained.

But Phillips sees forestry management as a lifetime commitment. “It’s important to have an understanding of forest management. The more information you have, the better. It’s our land, and we need to make good decisions and plan for the future.”

He cuts blocks of timber that are commercially viable and then replants.

“Managing timber allows you to have an income stream instead of cutting it all at one time,” he explained. “It’s best to cut in blocks.”

Growing pine trees allows a producer to cut more often, but the growing time is based on whether the trees will be used for logs, wood pellets or chips.

Hardwoods need to grow 50 to 80 years before they can be harvested. Phillips said pine trees can be harvested after 20 to 25 years or longer if they will be logs.

They can be cut every 15 to 17 years for chips or pellets.

“An issue timber producers face is they’ve moved a lot of sawmills from Virginia,” Phillips explained. “We have the timber, but limited buyers and low prices.”

Phillips has used a timber consultant to help manage his forests. Consultants assess the value of trees and help landowners get the best price. They also help manage the harvest, making sure a landowner’s and the state’s restrictions are followed and that the property is kept clean.

“I try to leave the forests better than when I got here,” Phillips said.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

“I try to leave the forests better than when I got here.”

Bruce Phillips, Southampton County timber producer

‘There are a lot of resources available’ for interested landowners For the past 21 years, Bill and Stephanie Osl have lived on Oakland Farm in Cumberland County, close to the Cumberland State Forest—the second largest state forest in Virginia.

“The forest is 16,000 acres, and they harvest up to 1,000 acres per year,” explained Bill Osl, who serves on the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation board of directors.

When the couple started their forest management journey, they learned from the foresters at the state forest,

SARA OWENS

“The more information you have, the better,” Bruce Phillips of Southampton County said of forest management.

Timber!

Virginia Cooperative Extension and the state Department of Forestry.

“There are a lot of resources available for landowners interested in forest management,” Osl noted.

The Osls have about 450 acres of various types of trees on their farm, nearly all of it hardwoods, including varieties of oak, hickory, poplar, sycamore, cherry, black walnut, maple, beech and cedar. They also have a variety of pine trees.

“In addition to the nut trees, which are great for the wildlife, we also have persimmon and pawpaw trees. In the fall the deer know when the fruit drops from the trees, and there will be four to five deer at a time munching away,” Osl said.

The Osls have used a forestry stewardship plan for their hardwood forests.

Challenges forestland owners can encounter include environmental problems such as wind and ice damage, pest infestations and fires. Theft also is an issue, Osl said. “People stealing trees and logs is a problem in Virginia.”

The Osls use their land for recreation, including birdwatching and daily walks. “We cut two to three miles of trees in the woods to make walking/riding trails,” Osl explained.

“We mulched the trees up, which made good trails. The mulch eventually supports the natural re-establishment of grasses, and we mow it to maintain the trails. The trails also provide access for hunting, birding, hiking and access if there was a forest fire.”

Additionally, the couple has harvested some trees and allowed them to regenerate on their own.

Osl has a small milling operation and cuts logs into beams and boards.

“We cut and season poplar, cedar, oak, walnut, hickory, pine and cherry,” he said. “Our children love to get items made from the trees on our farm.” In the past he has made benches, tables, shelves, bookcases and centerpieces for events.

FORESTRY DEPARTMENT COMMITTED TO WORKING WITH LANDOWNERS Managing Virginia’s forestland is a lot of work. Heather Dowling, senior area forester for the Virginia Department of Forestry, said private landowners play an important role in helping to manage trees.

“Anyone that needs help can turn to us,” Dowling emphasized. “Our goal is to listen to what landowners want to do with their trees and help them meet their goals. We can help landowners determine how best to manage their forests and how to keep insects and diseases at bay.”

Some landowners want to preserve wildlife habitats or maintain forests for hunting, she noted, while others want to cut and sell timber as a cash crop.

“If a landowner isn’t sure what their next step is going to be, we can tailor a management plan to what the landowner wants out of their property,” Dowling added. “We try to build trust and walk the landowner through the process.”

Forests serve many purposes, including protecting the environment, Dowling noted. “If you have healthy trees, you have a healthy community.”

NEED HELP MANAGING YOUR FOREST? Contact the Virginia Department of Forestry at dof.virginia.gov. A forester can help get you started via phone and then schedule a site visit to help you with your goals.

FARM BUREAU AND FORESTRY Virginia Farm Bureau Federation has advocated on behalf of the state’s forestry producers.

•Farm Bureau works to reduce timber trespass and theft through landowner education programs.

•Farm Bureau advocated for an overweight truck permit for unfinished forest products.

•Farm Bureau supported updating guidelines for Virginia’s Reforestation of Timberland Program and consistently advocates for program funding.

•Farm Bureau supported expanded funding for the Department of Forestry and its firefighting program.

VIRGINIA FOREST TYPES: Oak-hickory

61%

Oak-pine

11%

Pine plantation Natural pine

14%

7%

Bottomland hardwood

5%

Maple-beech-birch

2%

sara.owens@vafb.com

vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2018

15

By volume, farm and forestry products accounted for more than half of containerized exports moving through Virginia’s port system in 2016.

PORT IS MAJOR PLAYER The Port of Virginia helps move agriculture and forestry products within the U.S. and around the globe

16

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

I

n 2016, Virginia agriculture and forestry exports were valued at $2.77 billion and, by volume, accounted for more than half of containerized exports moving through the state’s port system.

The top three ag and forestry export markets in 2016 were China, Canada and Switzerland.

The port “opens up another market for small grain farmers in Virginia,” noted Virginia Beach grain merchandiser Sterling Salmons.

He and his father operate Salmons Incorporated, which delivers truckloads of soybeans to the Norfolk

terminal each day for exporting.

If the port wasn’t in Virginia, farmers would have to pay higher transportation costs to move their products across the region or country to another port, Salmons said.

In addition to exporting Virginiagrown and -made goods, the port system imports goods and transports them within the state.

The Port of Virginia is the brandname for those entities owned or operated under the Virginia Port Authority, a government agency. The VPA owns the Hampton Roads Chassis Pool, which maintains and rents

Virginia’s port system is the nation’s fifth-largest.

2017 Top 10 Trading Partners

(Based on total cargo in $ millions, U.S. dollars)

EXPORTS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE PORT OF VIRGINIA

2017 Top 10 Commodities

(Based on total cargo in $ millions, U.S. dollars)

1. China

$3,064

2. Brazil

$2,211

3. Belgium

$1,947

4. United Kingdom

$1,541

5. Germany

$1,510

6. Netherlands

$1,330

7. Japan

$1,020

8. India

$816

9. Spain

$780

10. Austria

$685

EXPORTS

IMPORTS

IMPORTS

1. Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery $3,573

1. Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery $9,830

1. China $11,193

2. Pharmaceuticals

$2,066

2. Electrical machinery

$3,936

2. Germany $6,189

3. Plastics

$1,844

3. Vehicles, not railway

$2,975

3. India $2,844

4. Vehicles, not railway

$1,819

4. Furniture and bedding

$2,717

4. Italy $2,432

5. Organic chemicals

$1,187

5. Pharmaceuticals

$2,548

5. Japan $2,124

6. Wood

$1,104

6. Plastics

$2,057

6. Malaysia $1,556

7. Grain, seed, fruit

$1,011

7. Toys, games, sport equipment

$1,401

7. France $1,555

8. Electrical machinery

$960

8. Organic chemicals

$1,288

8. Vietnam $1,490

9. Chemical products

$927

9. Beverages, spirts, vinegar

$1,270

9. Brazil $1,434

10. Tobacco

$829

10. Iron or steel

$1,160

10. United Kingdom $1,262

40 percent or 1 million container units. The expansion is focused on Virginia International Gateway and Norfolk International Terminals and is expected to be completed by 2020.

Additionally, the port has gotten approval to begin its “Wider, Deeper, Safer” project, which will make the POV the East Coast’s deepest and safest port. When the dredging is complete in 2024, the channels serving the Norfolk Harbor will be 55 feet deep and wide enough for two-way vessel traffic of the biggest ships afloat.

The port’s expanding rail connections offered by its rail

partners, CSX and Norfolk Southern, allow it to reach customers as far north as Chicago, south into North Carolina and into the Midwest’s traditional manufacturing and population centers.

A recent economic study from the College of William & Mary shows that The Port of Virginia helps create more than 530,000 jobs and generates $88.4 billion in total economic impact on an annual basis.

chassis to motor carriers servicing the port, and Virginia International Terminals, LLC, the VPA’s terminal operating company. The VPA also owns four general cargo facilities: Norfolk International Terminals, Portsmouth Marine Terminal, Newport News Marine Terminal and the Virginia Inland Port in Warren County. The VPA leases Virginia International Gateway and Richmond Marine Terminal.

The port, the nation’s fifth-largest, is currently undergoing the biggest expansion in its history—increasing its annual container capacity by

vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2018

17

It’s important to be informed before you sign your rental car agreement.

The ins and outs of rental car coverage

W

hen you rent a car, the rental company will almost always ask you one question: Would you like to add our insurance?

Some customers may feel like it’s extra money they don’t need to spend because they already have insurance that will cover them in the event of an accident. Others, however, may decide to purchase that extra protection.

Lisa Whitus, personal and commercial lines underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., said it is important to check with your insurance agent about your own personal auto policy before signing on the dotted line.

“Most personal auto policies with comprehensive and collision coverage will provide adequate coverage for your rental car,” Whitus explained.

If you are involved in an accident, the negligent person ultimately will be responsible, Whitus said. The liability coverage under your auto policy is there to help pay for another person’s medical bills or for damage to another person’s property if you cause the accident in your vehicle or a rental car.

If you have a personal auto policy, you have liability insurance, and if elected, you also may have comprehensive insurance to help repair the vehicle if it is damaged by a covered peril such as wind, fire or theft, minus your 18

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

comprehensive deductible. You also may elect to have collision coverage to repair the vehicle if you collide with another object, such as a building or tree, or another vehicle—minus the collision deductible.

“What a rental car company could be offering you is just a warranty that states the rental car company would not come against you for damages,” Whitus said. “That isn’t actually insurance, and it is also typically expensive, so ask questions if you aren’t sure.”

Keep in mind the type of vehicle you are renting— and the purpose

It’s important, Whitus noted, to keep in mind the type of vehicle you are renting and the purpose, whether it be personal, commercial or recreational. “Coverage automatically follows on a personal auto policy, but not on a commercial auto policy unless it is endorsed for Hired Auto Coverage.”

Also, if you do not already have recreational vehicles insured on your policy, there is no coverage for a rental vehicle of that type. And when you rent a moving truck or similar equipment there is no loss of use coverage provided— even on a personal auto policy, Whitus explained.

Endorsement available for equine boarding, riding instruction and training Do you have horses on your property because you board them or because you offer riding instruction or training? You may be eligible to add two new endorsements to your Farm Bureau farmowner policy that offer liability protection for those activities.

Both optional endorsements will become available Jan. 1, 2019.

“We have listened to our equine customers and developed enhancements we believe meet many of their coverage needs,” said Scott DeNoon, farm product and underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. One of the endorsements provides liability coverage for equine operations engaged in certain types of riding instruction and horse training, as well as boarding activities.

“Although we currently insure small-scale boarding operations in

our farmowner program, this coverage allows us to accommodate larger boarding ventures as well as those customers offering specific riding instruction and training services,” DeNoon explained.

A second endorsement for care, custody and control coverage also is available to protect a policyholder in the event a horse in their care sustains injury or death because of the insured’s negligence. Incidental coverage for emergency medical treatment and related transportation expenses also is included, with a $2,000 limit.

“There are some eligibility requirements and exclusions associated with these coverages, so anyone interested in them should contact their Farm Bureau agent for additional information,” DeNoon added.

Your Farm Bureau insurance agent can provide details about new endorsements for specific equine services.

Past avian influenza outbreaks have caused significant losses on Virginia farms.

Coverage endorsement available Jan. 1 for avian flu losses Poultry farmers may be eligible for a new endorsement on their Farm Bureau farmowner insurance policies that covers lost income due to an avian influenza outbreak on their farms or at a dependent location.

“An avian flu outbreak can devastate a poultry farm,” noted Scott DeNoon, farm product and underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “This endorsement can alleviate the financial impact of this type of loss and can help them continue farming.”

Coverage can be added for loss of farm earnings from the following: • depopulation and death of poultry from avian influenza at an insured location; • quarantine of an insured location due to avian influenza; or • avian influenza at a dependent location such as the integrator or supplier.

Depopulation coverage must be purchased to obtain quarantine and/ or earnings from dependent locations coverages.

“Coverage also is included for extra expenses such as clean-up costs, testing and similar activities necessary to resume or continue the farming operation after a loss,” DeNoon added.

Certain conditions apply. To determine if you are eligible to add this endorsement to your policy, contact your county Farm Bureau insurance agent. Coverage is available Jan. 1, 2019. vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2018

19

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Save On John Deere With DID YOU KNOW? Farm Bureau members are eligible* for a free Platinum 2 John Deere Rewards membership!

Platinum 2 Rewards members earn discounts, special low-rate financing, and so much more!

It’s easy to become a Rewards member too! Farm Bureau members** can go to www.JohnDeere.com/FarmBureau to register now! *A valid email address is required for eligibility. *Must be a valid member of Farm Bureau for 30 days.

20

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

BIG SAVINGS Platinum 2 Rewards members are eligible for the following discounts: · $350 - $3,200 off Commercial Mowing · $100 - $250 off Residential Mowing · $200 - $350 off Tractors · $500 - $3,700 off Golf & Sports Turf

Plus, combine Rewards savings with national offers, receive special parts savings, get 10% off home & workshop products and 10% off apparel and accessories online.

WHY FARM BUREAU? For nearly a century, Farm Bureau members have joined together from coast to coast and become the Voice of Agriculture. Join Farm Bureau today to add your voice, while also gaining access to exclusive discounts on national brands, plus valued member benefits!

For Your Benefit

Reap benefits of membership with equipment savings No matter what kind of job you’re facing, your Farm Bureau membership can save you money on heavy equipment.

John Deere Rewards program savings All Farm Bureau members in Virginia are eligible for John Deere’s Rewards program. That means deeper discounts on equipment, including tractors, mowers and utility vehicles and commercial worksite equipment at John Deere dealerships.

• Large square balers – $500 • Round balers – $300 • Small square balers – $300 • Disc mower conditioners – $300 • Sickle mower conditioners – $300 • Scout utility vehicles – $300

You’re also eligible for exclusive offers and special parts savings.

Caterpillar offers savings up to $2,500, plus $250 credit on attachments

Simply sign up for the John Deere Rewards program using a valid Farm Bureau membership number and your ZIP code at JohnDeere.com/FarmBureau. Equipment savings afforded through the Rewards program includes:

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

• 1 and 2 Series tractors – $200 • 3 and 4 Series tractors – $200 • 5 Series tractors – $300 • T-Series utility vehicles – $200 • HPX Series utility vehicles – $350 • XUV crossover utility vehicles – $350 • RSX high-performance utility vehicles – $350 • WG, WH, WHP Series walk-behind mowers – $300 • 600 Series stand-on mowers – $400 • Z900 Series zero-turn mowers (gas) – $400 • Z900 Series zero-turn mowers (diesel) – $1,300 • 1500 Series front mowers – $1,300 • 1600 Series wide-area mowers – $2,700 • Skid steer loaders and compact track loaders – 17 percent off MSRP • Compact excavators – 17 percent off MSRP • Compact wheel loaders – 17 percent off MSRP

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.

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

Get the following savings on qualifying new Cat machines from participating dealers: • Small wheel loaders, 924, 926, 930, 938 models – $2,000 • Compact wheel loaders, 903, 906, 907, 908, 910 914 models – $1,000 • Small dozers, D3, D4, D5 models – $1,000 • Medium dozers, D6K – $1,000 • Medium dozers, D6N – $2,000 • Medium dozers, D6T – $2,500 • Backhoe loaders, 420, 430, 450 models – $1,000 • Backhoe loaders, 415, 416 models – $500 • Compact track loaders, 279, 289, 299 models – $1,000 • Compact track loaders, 239, 249, 259 models – $500 • Multi terrain loaders, 277, 287, 297 models – $1,000 • Multi terrain loaders, 247, 257 models – $500 • Skid steer loaders, 262, 272 models – $1,000 • Skid steer loaders, 216, 226, 232, 236, 242, 246 models – $500 • Telehandlers, TH514, TL1055, TL1255 models – $1,000 • Telehandlers, TH255, TH406, TH407 models – $500 • Mini hydraulic excavators, 304, 305, 305.5, 308 models – $500

Eligible individual, family or business members receive the following manufacturer discount on purchases of the listed products:

• Mini hydraulic excavators, 300.9, 301.4, 301.7, 302.4, 302.7, 303, 303.5 models – $250

• Farmall Compact tractors, A, C and C CVT series – $300 • Farmall Utilities, C and U series – $500

• Medium excavators, 320, 323, 325, 326, 330, 335 models – $2,000

• Maxxum Series and Farmall 100A series – $500

• Large excavators, 336, 349 models – $2,500

• Small excavators, 311, 313, 315, 316, 318 models – $1,000

• Self-propelled windrowers – $500

vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2018

21

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Program 36696: Additional $500 Conquest Bonus Cash offer exclusively for active Farm Bureau members valid for a purchase or lease of an eligible new 2018/2019 model year Ford vehicle. Offer is valid 10/15/18 through 1/2/19. Customer must have a registered 1995 or newer non-Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicle in their name for at least 30 days, to be eligible for this additional $500 incentive. Not available on Shelby GT350®, Shelby® GT350R, Mustang BULLITT, Ford GT, Focus RS, and F-150 Raptor. This offer may not be used in conjunction with most other Ford Motor Company private incentives or AXZD-Plans. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply. Limit one Bonus Cash and Conquest offer per vehicle purchase or lease. Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com or see your authorized Ford Dealer for qualifications and complete details. For Dealers please claim #36238 for Farm Bureau Program and #36696 for additional $500 Conquest Bonus Cash in Smart VINCENT.

l farms

g

rin ers, sha

rm Real fa

rea ries, on o t s l a e r

REAL VIRGINIA A weekly television program produced

by Virginia Farm Bureau

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

22

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Real Virginia Promo Ad 2.indd 1

• WTKR Norfolk • WVPT Harrisonburg • WVVA Bluefield

10/3/18 10:50 AM

Department’s new name reflects commitment to all farmers

B

ecause the former Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Commodity/Marketing Department assists so many types of farmers on a regular basis, it has changed its name to reflect that diversity.

The department is now the Agriculture, Development & Innovation Department.

“This new name reflects how we support and guide producers through the various challenges of the day,” noted the department’s director, Wilmer Stoneman III. “Providing technical assistance, education and guidance through the maze of legislative and regulatory challenges are, and will continue to be, the value provided to our members.”

Commodity cattle and grain farms continue to get larger with fewer farms, and at the same time, the number of direct-marketed farm enterprises are expanding. “To remain the voice and face of Virginia agriculture, we must provide value for all farmer members,” Stoneman said.

The ADI department offers a wide spectrum of programs.

New commodity specialist ready to assist members Whitney Perkins joined Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Agriculture, Development & Innovation Department (formerly the Commodity/Marketing Department) in September as a commodity specialist. She will engage the department in PERKINS Women, Young Farmers and Agriculture in the Classroom activities, work with several agriculture enterprises and contribute to the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability.

Perkins holds bachelor’s degrees from Virginia Tech in agriculture science and psychology and is completing her Master of Public Administration degree at Virginia Tech this fall. She previously worked for the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom and was an agriculture educator in Hanover County.

She grew up on her family’s beef cattle and hay farm in Louisa County, is a past Virginia FFA state officer and was the 2013 Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador.

It provides grain marketing services for traditional grain farmers and offers technical assistance, education and regulatory guidance through advisory committees.

Its Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability helps agricultural enterprises strengthen their business ideas by offering technical and business development services. The group works with producers transitioning from commodity production to value-added and those expanding existing value-added businesses.

“We plan to build on those programs and look for ways to provide every farmer with opportunities to return additional revenue to their farms,” Stoneman said. “Pursuit of profitability is what all farmers have in common.”

He added that “providing value-added opportunities to every farmer demands an innovative, knowledgeable and responsive team, and our department has forward-thinking individuals who can do just that.”

Young Farmers to compete for national honors, prizes in January Winners of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture Award will compete on the national level at the 2019 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention.

The convention will be held Jan. 11-16 in New Orleans.

The three competitions enable members to showcase their leadership experience, communication skills and successful business plans as they compete against their peers from each state Farm Bureau.

Winners of the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture Award will receive a new Ford truck or vehicle of equal value, along with paid registration to the 2019 Farm Bureau FUSION Conference, courtesy of Ford. The FUSION Conference will be held in March in Milwaukee, Wis. A second-place runner-up in each competition will receive a Case IH Farmall 50A tractor, courtesy of Case IH. Third-place finalists in each competition will receive a Case IH 40" Combination Roll Cabinet and Top Chest and $500 Case IH parts card, courtesy of Case IH. They also will receive $2,000 worth of Stanley Black & Decker merchandise (PROTO, DeWalt, Stanley, Lenox and Irwin), courtesy of Stanley Black & Decker.

Fourth-place finalists in each competition will receive a Case IH 40" Combination Roll Cabinet and Top Chest and a $500 Case IH parts card, courtesy of Case IH. vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2018

23

Health care reform open enrollment for 2019 runs through Dec. 15 Health care insurance open enrollment for 2019 will begin Nov. 1 and run through Dec. 15. It’s important to note that the window to purchase coverage is only 45 days long.

If you don’t enroll in a 2019 plan by Dec. 15, 2018, you can’t enroll in a health insurance plan unless you qualify for a special enrollment period. Special enrollment periods include, but are not limited to, job changes or retirement; turning 26 and no longer being included on a parent’s policy; and the birth of a child. For a list of qualifying events, visit healthcare.gov and click on “See If I Can Enroll.”

Important dates for 2019 enrollment: • Nov. 1, 2018 – Open enrollment starts • Dec. 15, 2018 – Open enrollment ends • Jan. 1, 2019 – First date 2019 coverage can start

Staff at your county Farm Bureau office can share information on selecting a health insurance product.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

AITC awards $30,000 in grants for educational projects

V

irginia Agriculture in the Classroom has awarded 62 minigrants for the 2018-2019 school year. The grants will have an impact in 50 Virginia localities and will provide 25,000 youth with an agriculture or gardening experience.

“This year we had a tremendous number of applicants, and funded grants include preschool, elementary, middle and high school projects,” said Tammy Maxey, Virginia AITC senior education manager. “These schools and 4-H chapters will start gardens, provide nutrition and culinary experiences, begin school farms and create agriculture leadership opportunities. We look forward to visiting these grant sites and watching students learn.”

Grants were received by: • Albemarle County: Crozet Elementary School • Alexandria: Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School • Appomattox County: Appomattox Elementary School • Bedford County: Montvale Elementary School • Botetourt County: Lord Botetourt High School • Caroline County: Bowling Green Elementary School • Chesterfield County: Grange Hall Elementary School, Alberta Smith Elementary School, Spring Run Elementary School, J.B. Watkins Elementary School and Providence Middle School • Fairfax County: Belvedere Elementary School, Centreville Elementary School and Justice High School • Fauquier County: W.G. Coleman Elementary School • Franklin County: Windy Gap Elementary School • Fredericksburg: Fredericksburg United Methodist Preschool

SM

• Giles County: Giles County Technology Center • Grayson County: Grayson County High School and Grayson County CATE Center • Hampton: Spratley Gifted Center, Hunter B. Jones Elementary School and George P. Phenix Elementary School • Harrisonburg: Lacey Spring Elementary School and Stone Spring Elementary School • Henrico County: Ruby F. Carver Elementary School, Maybeury Elementary School and Ratcliffe Elementary School • Isle of Wight County: Isle of Wight Academy • King William County: Cool Spring Primary School • King William & King and Queen counties: King William/King and Queen 4-H • Loudoun County: Frederick Douglass Elementary School and Potowmack Elementary School • Lynchburg: R.S. Payne Elementary School • Manassas: Grace E. Metz Middle School • Newport News: Hampton Roads Academy • Norfolk: Maury High School • Northumberland County: Northumberland Elementary School • Orange County: Gordon-Barbour Elementary School and Orange Elementary School • Powhatan County: Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School • Prince William County: The Nokesville School • Richmond: J.B. Fisher Elementary School and Lucille Brown Middle School

AITC mini-grants help create agricultural and gardening experiences.

• Roanoke County: Woodrow Wilson Middle School • Rockingham County: Rockingham County Public Schools, J. Frank Hillyard Middle School and Spotswood High School • Russell County: Honaker Elementary School • Scott County: Dungannon Intermediate School • Shenandoah County: Strasburg High School • Southampton County: Southampton Middle School • Spotsylvania County: Post Oak Middle School and Massaponax High School • Stafford County: Hartwood Elementary School • Suffolk: Mack Benn Elementary School, Elephant’s Fork Elementary School and Pioneer Elementary School • Virginia Beach: Kempsville Meadows Elementary School and Seatack Elementary – An Achievable Dream Academy • Washington County: Meadowview Elementary School and Rhea Valley Elementary School For more information visit AgInTheClass.org. vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2018

25

Create indoor arrangements using outdoor materials

BY SARA OWENS

Camellia

Pine cone

windowsill and enjoy it!”

He emphasized the importance of keeping arrangements in water-tight containers and to mix things up by using interesting containers.

He suggested anything from a bucket or pitcher to a basket or vase.

His other primary advice: Change the water regularly, at least once a week or when it starts to smell. Always keep the foliage above the water, or fresh items will break down faster.

“Also, if your arrangement is not in a waterholding container or foam, it will dry up immediately,” Pippin noted.

For fall For fall décor, Pippin suggested using any last-minute flowers in the garden, as well as ornamental grasses and fall foliage.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID PIPPIN

Arborvitae

E

ven though temperatures are dropping, many outdoor items can be used to create fresh floral arrangements for fall and winter.

David Pippin, a Richmond floral designer, recently shared some fresh ideas for using items from your garden or yard in festive arrangements. Pippin specializes in floral arrangements and garden consultations, and he has been the floral designer for the Executive Mansion of Virginia for almost five years.

Above all, he said, have fun with floral arrangements and think outside the box. “There are a lot of photos of arrangements online. Find something you like, and try to copy it,” Pippin suggested. “Experiment with a few sprigs in small containers to get started, put it on a

Materials such as cotton, magnolia leaves and evergreen branches can be used to create festive holiday arrangements.

26

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Oak leaves and acorns

Magnolia leaves

Cotton

Cabbage

Boxwood

Mini pumpkin

“Using fall foliage such as leaves from an oak or maple tree is great and will last a few days,” he said. “So cut some stems, and enjoy your arrangement until the leaves start to fall from the stem.”

Aucuba makes a wonderful addition to a fall arrangement, especially the variegated varieties.

Evergreen clippings and broadleaf trees such as magnolia or camellia work great and will hold up a long time, Pippin said.

Fall produce also can be added to fresh arrangements. Try cabbages, gourds, mini pumpkins, onions and potatoes. Those items also could be part of an arrangement made in a basket, Pippin explained.

When using fresh produce, use a skewer through each item to secure it in floral foam.

When using apples in an arrangement, running the skewer through the cores can make them last longer, Pippin said.

“It’s really all about experimenting. Some of these fresh items will last longer than others. It’s important to be mindful of the temperature of the room where the arrangement will stay too.

If it’s too warm, the arrangement will not last as long.”

For winter Many items used in fall floral arrangements also will work well for winter displays.

Broad and needleleaf evergreens such as arborvitae and Leyland cypress work well and will last one to two weeks. Pines, cedars and spruces also are beautiful.

“A fun thing to do is go to a Christmas tree lot and buy bundles of cut branches if you have none at home,” Pippin suggested. “The branches can make a wonderful arrangement.”

Consider adding your own decorations such as ribbon, ornaments and other doo-dads to make your winter arrangement feel more festive, Pippin said.

Pine

Boxwood clippings make a beautiful addition to floral arrangements but should be used with care.

“I don’t use them in any arrangements I make because of boxwood blight,” Pippin said. “It is OK to use cut boxwood from your own property for an arrangement that stays on your property, but not if you are transporting the arrangement somewhere else.”

According to the Virginia Boxwood Blight Task Force, the fungal disease has been diagnosed in about 30 counties in Virginia. It typically is introduced into a new location on infected boxwood or other susceptible plants such as pachysandra and sweet box. It also can be spread via contaminated pruning tools, spray hoses, equipment, vehicles, clothing, shoes or infested leaves spread by leaf blowers.

Wildlife, insects, domestic animals and humans that have been in contact with the blight spores also can move them through a neighborhood.

“There’s no cure for it, so the last thing we want to do is spread it,” Pippin said.

Real Virginia, a weekly television program produced by Virginia Farm Bureau, has featured a story about boxwood blight: bit.ly/rv14boxwood.

You also can incorporate dried flowers into an arrangement. Hydrangea or Celosia make great dried blooms.

If you are buying a fresh wreath or making one without using something that will allow it to stay in water, consider waiting until Dec. 15 to buy or display it.

“As soon as you buy or make the wreath, keep it wet by misting it with a water bottle,” Pippin directed. “Try to keep the wreath out of direct sunlight, and continue to mist it regularly when you hang it, if it won’t make a huge mess. It should last about two weeks.”

Fresh wreaths

Need to get sap off your hands?

Adding dried flowers

Maple leaves

Beware of the boxwood blight

If you want to display a fresh wreath on your door this holiday season, be sure not to bake it in the process. “The items may dry up if your door faces the west,” Pippin warned.

Keeping a wreath wet will help it stay fresher longer, and wreath rings of floral foam will hold water.

Massage your hands with vegetable or olive oil, and then wash with soap and warm water.

vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2018

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Heart of the Home

Shucks, it’s oyster time!

W

hether you’re simmering a holiday stew or roasting a bushel or more for friends, oysters from Virginia waters will deliver a unique taste of our “common wealth.” They also can be enjoyed steamed, baked, broiled, sautéed, poached and fried.

Here are two oyster recipes prepared

by Chef John Maxwell this year on Real Virginia, the weekly television program produced by Virginia Farm Bureau.

Oyster recipes, Maxwell noted, “rely very heavily on the quality of the oyster,” and he described oysters from the Chesapeake Bay as “ugly on the outside and just gorgeous on the inside.”

When preparing either recipe, he advised to cook the oysters “just enough to get them to curl around the edges. You don’t want them to overcook.” The Virginia Marine Products Board recommends cooking oysters to an internal temperature of 140° or greater, 4-6 minutes.

When simmering the stew, bear in mind that boiling too long or too hard can cause the dairy ingredients to curdle. When serving, make sure each portion has a comparable number of oysters in it, Maxwell warned.

“Otherwise you have to disarm your guests, take knives away, take forks away, because they’ll fight.”

While the pot pie recipe calls for puff pastry circles on top, Maxwell noted that “actually, you can use biscuits on top too. It works really well.”

When you’re buying oysters, keep in mind that those in the shell should not gape and should close readily when tapped. The meat of shucked oysters is usually a creamy tan and plump in appearance and should smell fresh and mild.

A standout in stews, Virginia oysters also can be enjoyed steamed, baked, broiled, sautéed, poached and fried.

Cook oysters to an internal temperature of 140°, about 4-6 minutes.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Heart of the Home

12 ramekin cups

Virginia-style Oyster Stew

half a 17.3-ounce package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed

INGREDIENTS

Preheat oven to 400°.

Drain oysters, reserving 1½ cups oyster liquor. Over medium heat, cook bacon, stirring occasionally, 8 minutes or until crisp.

In a heavy-bottom stock pan, heat butter, bacon and bacon drippings, and sauté the celery and mushrooms for about 5 minutes. Add garlic, and stir constantly to avoid burning. Stir in flour slowly. Once that is incorporated, add white wine and stir to soften residue on pan bottom. Add heavy cream to make the sauce.

Once the sauce comes to a boil and begins to thicken, add lemon juice, green onions and peas. Stir, then add oyster liquor and stir in. Add oysters, and simmer until their edges begin to curl. Season mixture with nutmeg, cayenne pepper and seafood seasoning (and salt, if needed). Add pimento at the end, and mix thoroughly.

Fill ramekin cups with mixture. Using a biscuit cutter, cut circular tops from puff pastry sheets, and place circles atop ramekins. Bake about 10 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden brown.

DIRECTIONS

¼ cup butter about 30 oysters, freshly shucked and liquor reserved, OR 1-2 pints pre-shucked oysters, depending on size ½ cup minced celery ⅓ cup minced shallot about 1 cup liquor from oysters OR bottled clam juice 3 cups whole milk

Puff pastry rounds or biscuit dough can be used to top these pot pies.

3 cups heavy cream

Oyster Pot Pie

optional: ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

INGREDIENTS

optional: ¼ teaspoon hot sauce, such as Tabasco

1 quart shucked fresh oysters, un-drained

½ cup finely chopped curly parsley for garnish

3 tablespoons butter

oyster crackers DIRECTIONS

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup butter. Cook oysters in the butter until edges just begin to curl, then remove.

Leave the butter in the pan, and add celery and shallot; sauté until soft. Add oyster liquor or clam juice, and bring back to just boiling. Add milk and heavy cream, and let mixture come back to a good simmer, but not a rolling boil.

If desired, stir in Worcestershire sauce and/or hot sauce to taste, but use sparingly. Add oysters back to stew mixture, and simmer about 90 seconds.

Serve stew in bowls (pre-heated if you wish), and top with chopped parsley and oyster crackers. Be sure to evenly divide oysters among stew servings.

½ cup diced bacon 1 cup chopped celery 8 ounces fresh crimini mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon minced garlic ⅔ cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup dry white wine 1 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 6 tablespoons sliced green onions ½ cup shelled peas ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay) ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (if needed) 1 tablespoon minced pimento

vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2018

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.

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

Any additional ads placed by members in the same calendar year must be accompanied by payment of $10 for 15 words or fewer, or $20 for 16 to 30 words.

Ads submitted without payment will be returned. We do not invoice for classified ads or provide proofs or tearsheets.

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

Use the 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: • Crops; • Farm equipment; • Hay/Straw; • Livestock; and • Livestock equipment.

Classified ads will be published in the following issues: • April Virginia Farm Bureau News (mailed to producer members only); • May Cultivate (mailed to associate members only); • August Cultivate (mailed to associate members only); and • September Virginia Farm Bureau News (mailed to producer members only).

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

Legal Notice of Annual Meeting

Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company The annual meeting of policyholders of Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company will be held at 8:45 a.m., Thursday, November 29, 2018, at The Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, Virginia, for the following purposes: 1. To receive and act upon the reports of the officers of the Company.

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

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

Dated this 1st day of October, 2018.

Jonathan S. Shouse, Secretary

30

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

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 / NOVEMBER 2018

31

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