Farm Bureau News The Voice of Virginia’s Agricultural Producers
SEPTEMBER 2020
The Very Best of Virginia
Rural Broadband Communities lack reliable connectivity
Farm Bureau News
Volume 79, Number 3 September 2020
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Features 14
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“It’s hard for our rural kids to
Farm accident is a cautionary tale
Fluvanna man urges farmers to slow down when working with farm equipment.
Coronavirus amplifies need for rural broadband
Rural residents are lacking broadband needed for work, play and education.
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Dairy farmers survive
compete on a level playing field.” — ROBERT J. MILLS JR. Pittsylvania County farmer and VFBF board member
NICOLE ZEMA
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 at Richmond, VA and additional mailing offices. The annual Subscription Rate is $1.31 (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 assumes no liability for products or services advertised. The publisher maintains the right to cancel advertising for nonpayment or reader complaints about services or products. Member: Virginia Press Association
EDITORIAL TEAM Pam Wiley Director, Communications
Virginia dairy families are figuring out the best way to succeed in a trying industry.
Kathy Dixon Managing Editor Nicole Zema Staff Writer/Photographer Adam Culler Staff Writer/Photographer Patricia Hooten Graphic Designer Maria La Lima Graphic Designer Alice Kemp Staff Writer/Advertising Coordinator
Departments 9 28
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
Officers Wayne F. Pryor, President
For Your Benefit Heart of the Home
Scott E. Sink, Vice President
Board of Directors DIRECTOR
WE’RE SOCIAL!
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE
Producer members will receive their next issue of Virginia Farm Bureau News in November. The magazine is published quarterly, and back issues can be viewed at issuu.com/virginiafarmbureau. 2
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
ON THE COVER COVID-19 underscored the need for rural broadband (Photo by Nicole Zema).
DISTRICT COUNTY
Emily Edmondson 1 Richard L. Sutherland 2 Bruce N. Stanger 3 Gordon R. Metz 4 Russell L. Williams II 5 Peter A. Truban 6 Thomas E. Graves 7 Leigh H. Pemberton 8 William F. Osl Jr. 9 Robert J. Mills Jr. 10 J. M. Jenkins Jr. 11 12 J. Barry Bates M. L. Everett Jr. 13 David L. Hickman 14 Faye Hundley * S. Kyle Sturgis **
Tazewell Grayson Montgomery Henry Rockbridge Shenandoah Orange Hanover Cumberland Pittsylvania Lunenburg Essex Southampton Accomack Essex Northampton
*Women’s Committee Chairman **Young Farmers Committee Chairman
President’s Message
Commitment, creativity key to Farm Bureau weathering coronavirus storm
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o much has changed in the four months since you last received a Virginia Farm Bureau News WAYNE F. PRYOR magazine. During the storm of uncertainly that COVID-19 created, many have contributed to keeping our collective ship afloat. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, and there may be swells ahead, but I’m confident we can stay the course. I think it helps to know we’re all in this together. All 34,000 of our farmer members have continued producing food and fiber for families here and abroad. Despite some supply shortages, lack of labor and low prices, Virginia farmers have managed to persevere.
Staff provided resources
When you’ve needed help, our staff have diligently provided resources. I’m proud of how the Governmental Relations and Agriculture, Development & Innovation teams met with representatives of other organizations to gather information, provide input on your behalf and share findings with you. I also commend our employees for creating a farmer resources webpage to provide up-to-the-minute information as the pandemic hit. From mid-March through mid-July, more than 3,000 people visited that page, with its use peaking in early April when many ag-related programs and resources were being introduced. Additionally, our Communications Department published biweekly e-newsletters and monthly printed newsletters throughout the summer for producer members. These provided
up-to-date information between your April and September issues of Virginia Farm Bureau News. The Farm Bureau grain division’s commitment to selling grain did not wane; they continued to complete contracts. Our products division fulfilled orders for baler twine, equipment parts and more, providing seamless service for members. Additionally, our folks helped the Virginia Tech ag economics department create a survey to measure the economic impacts of COVID-19 on Virginia agriculture. Our field services team worked hand in hand with county Farm Bureau office staff to provide uninterrupted service. Whether that meant signing papers on a picnic table at a 6-foot distance, or speaking from car windows in a parking lot, our insurance agents and member service specialists ensured you received the level of attention you have come to expect. While staff at county Farm Bureaus have been assisting members, others have been busy planning or adjusting meetings. The Young Farmers Summer Expo, for example, occurred at the end of July, but most of it was virtual. Our Agriculture in the Classroom staff provided online educational resources after school systems closed their buildings. They offered virtual farm tours, downloadable activities and videotaped lessons on Facebook.
Decision made to cancel State Fair Sadly, we had to cancel the State Fair of Virginia. There were too many pieces that needed to fit safely together, and your board decided that with the continued uncertainty of COVID-19, it just wouldn’t work. We are, however, planning to hold a modified State Fair Youth Livestock Show in early October. We want to
ensure our youth are recognized for their dedication and hard work. Details of the event were still being worked out at press time. County Farm Bureau women’s committees have used this time to help communities in need by hosting food drives across the state. Some committees had a one-time collection, while others gathered food throughout the summer. I am impressed with the commitment, creativity and compassion that has contributed to these many achievements. As Robert Frost said, “The best way out is always through.” We’ve made it through the initial storm, and I’m hopeful we are headed toward calmer seas. Wayne F. Pryor, a Goochland County hay and grain producer, is president of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2020
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WATCH US!
>> VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU WEEKLY TV PROGRAM
This month on Real Virginia: Learn how Virginia farmers are surviving the pandemic Featured this month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program:
• Virginia peanut growers are trying to recover from baseball season cancellations.
• Some farmers are donating products to benefit those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Watermen and aquaculturists are reeling from slow seafood sales.
• Discover how soybeans and hogs drive agriculture in Isle of Wight County on this month’s County Agriculture Close-up.
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 WBRA Roanoke, WHRO Norfolk, WVVA Bluefield and WTKR Norfolk. Watch Real Virginia anytime online at youtube.com/user/VirginiaFarmBureau.
BROADBAND
26.4 That’s the percentage of rural Americans who lack access to broadband internet service, compared to only 1% of urban Americans who do not have broadband access.
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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
Initial impact report finds farmers hit hard by COVID-19 BY NICOLE ZEMA
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he story of how the U.S. grapples with the coronavirus pandemic is in its early chapters, as Virginia’s agricultural producers hold out for a happy ending. A report published in May by the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics provides an overview of the pandemic’s initial disruptions to the national food supply chain and Virginia agriculture. The overall analysis was ominous, with a few bright spots. “We were experiencing the challenge of a lifetime,” said Wilmer Stoneman, vice president of agriculture, development and innovation for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “Our food system was tested from top to bottom with an unknown duration. However, Virginia farmers were still farming. They planted seed and cared for their livestock to do their part for their communities.” U.S. food consumption remained the same with the onset of social distancing requirements, but how Americans purchased food changed. Grocery spending increased by $14.4 billion, while purchases of restaurant food shrank by $3.9 billion. This affected what food varieties were consumed, impacting industries like aquaculture. According to the report, 98% of mollusk farmers indicated they lost sales due to COVID-19. “Another widely discussed example of a similar problem is how school closures have led to substantially reduced demand for milk,” said Dr. John Bovay, assistant professor in the CALS department. “Different distribution channels and different packaging requirements are an important consideration here.” The report noted turbulence in livestock, poultry and dairy markets with retail demand increasing and farm prices decreasing. This was driven by reduced capacity at processing plants and reduced demand by institutional buyers. But it wasn’t all bad news. The green industry saw a boost, with more home gardeners growing food and enhancing their landscapes. Prices for meat, poultry, dairy and produce were bolstered somewhat by a federal commodity-buying program. And the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program purchased and distributed U.S. agricultural products to help compensate for the food chain oversupply. “Pre-pandemic volatility in farm prices was amplified manifold,” Stoneman said. “We are grateful for the help from many sources, including our leaders in Washington.” Farmers markets, wineries, breweries and distilleries took a hit but have since invented new ways to serve Virginians. Local meat producers report they are already sold out of future product. Regional food hubs have seen exponential growth as well. Digital platforms like Lulus Local Foods are getting fresh farm products to consumers with minimal in-person contact. “The pandemic is forcing businesses and policymakers to adopt new marketing strategies and regulations,” Bovay said. “And some of these changes may be good for business in the long run.”
Virginians urged not to open mysterious seed packets Virginia residents are warned not to open suspicious, unsolicited seed packets that have been mailed to U.S. households from international origins this summer. The Virginia Department of Agriculture said the seeds are unknown and may be invasive plant species, which wreak havoc on the environment, destroy native plants and insects and damage crops. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, other federal agencies and state departments of agriculture to investigate the mailings. The APHIS state plant health director reported more than 300 seed packets have been collected from Virginia residents so far. Evidence suggests the seeds are likely common varieties of herbs and flowers. “These may seem harmless, but any seed or plant in the wrong place is a weed and potentially harmful to agriculture and our food supply,” explained Wilmer Stoneman, vice president of agriculture, development and innovation for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. USDA and VDACS advise residents who receive seed packets to keep them intact. Don’t open the packets, plant the seeds or throw them in the trash. Virginia residents who receive unsolicited seeds should file a report with APHIS using its Unsolicited Seed Self-Reporting Form at https:// bit.ly/3g9zkI4. When completing the report, residents will receive instructions on how and where to mail the seeds and all packaging material to APHIS. vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2020
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County Farm Bureau offices reopened with safety measures in place BY ADAM CULLER
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ost county Farm Bureau offices in Virginia have reopened to visitors after pandemic-related closures, and all are considering the safety and health of their members and staff as they conduct business. Customers may now visit most county offices and insurance agents in person, though it is advisable to call ahead for an appointment as occupancy is limited. When visiting, guests are being asked to take the following steps: • Do not come inside if you are experiencing fever, coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing. • Wear a face covering while inside the office. • No more than one customer at a time is allowed in the lobby area. • Use provided hand sanitizer upon entry and before leaving. • Maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals. “The public has been very understanding of the safety protocols we have in place, and the feedback has been very positive as we’ve reopened,” said Gerald Gardner, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. sales director. Gardner added that county staff have warmly welcomed a return to office operations with the implementation of safety measures. While agents are eager to provide in-person services, some aspects of county office operations haven’t missed a beat during the pandemic. “Thanks to our phone network, customers would call an office number, connect with staff who were working remotely in their homes, and they’d think they were talking to someone in an office,” Gardner said. “A lot of times, our staff would leverage technology like FaceTime and Zoom to maintain personal interaction, and field managers utilized Webex to conduct operational meetings that helped them communicate important items and stay in touch with their teams.” County Farm Bureaus will continue to monitor public health guidelines, and if they must close an office they will do so and notify members as soon as possible. In the event of a closure, phone and online resources are available to members and policyholders 24/7. “We’re following executive orders, and we’re going to continue to be cautious while we look at this developing situation,” Gardner said. “Our goal is to return to normalcy, but we’re just going to take everything as it comes.”
Helpful Contacts: • Need to file a claim? 800-452-7714 • Need to call in a payment? 888-236-7716 • Need to make a change to your policy? 888-236-7716 Members may visit vafb.com to do any of the following: • Make a payment (VFB policies or membership only) • Request a policy change • File a claim (auto only) • View/print policy documents • View/print auto ID cards * Note: Members must create an online account using their membership number if they have not done so already. 6
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. once again named to Ward’s 50 Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. was named among the 2020 PropertyCasualty Ward’s 50 Companies— for the third year in a row. The list is compiled by Ward Group, a consulting firm specializing in the insurance industry and a leading provider of industry benchmarking. “During this time of continued uncertainty, it brings us great pleasure to be named one of the 50 top property and casualty companies in the country for the third consecutive year,” said Darlene Wells, VFBMIC executive vice president and general manager. “This recognition stems from our strong financial stability, superior customer service and competitive products. Our local agents do a phenomenal job serving our policyholders.” Each year Ward Group analyzes the financial performance of nearly 2,900 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. “Building a stronger financial base and continually growing our premiums helps our companies better serve our policyholders,” Wells said. The Ward’s 50 property-casualty group of insurance companies produced a 10.9% statutory return on average equity from 2015 to 2019, compared to 7.3% for the propertycasualty industry overall.
Farm Bureau Women spearhead collections and contest
ALICE KEMP
Hay Bale Decorating Contest open for entries
Brunswick County Farm Bureau Women's Committee member Cynthia Gregg, left, and chairman Dale Lewis hold a $200 check from the county Farm Bureau that was donated to the food pantry at Lawrenceville United Methodist Church.
Women’s committees collect PB&J to help the hungry County Farm Bureau women’s committees across Virginia banded together throughout the summer to help the hungry in their communities with a classic lunchtime staple—peanut butter and jelly. Sponsored by the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Committee, participating county Farm Bureau women’s committees collected peanut butter, jelly and other nonperishable food items to help support regional food banks, local food pantries and Virginia families. The PB&J theme was chosen in honor of Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom’s 2020 Book of the Year, PB&J Hooray! by Janet Nolan. Peanut butter also is among food banks’ most requested sources of protein.
The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Committee is accepting entries through Nov. 1 for its annual Hay Bale Decorating Contest. The competition is open to county Farm Bureaus, farmers markets, farm supply businesses, student groups, community associations and others. Guidelines and an entry form are available at bit.ly/2Z6gyMw. Winners will be selected and receive a cash award in five display categories: best promotional display for agriculture business or commodity; best promotional display for community spirit; most creative; best agricultural theme; and best agribusiness, FFA, 4-H or school display. Last year's contest drew a record 47 entries. vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2020
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For Your Benefit
Significant savings offered to Farm Bureau members Save on goods and services with Member Deals Plus®
Get out of town with hotel discounts
Virginia Farm Bureau’s exclusive Member Deals Plus® benefit uses the nation’s largest private discount network to save you money on meals, clothing, vehicle care, and other goods and services. Mobile deals can be accessed from a smartphone or home computer.
Choice Hotels International
How to get started
Whether you’re looking for an upscale hotel, an all-inclusive resort or something in between, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has the right hotel for you! As a Virginia Farm Bureau member, you will save up to 20% off the “best available rate” at over 8,000 participating hotels worldwide. To take advantage of this discount rate, call 877-670-7088 or visit wyndhamhotels.com/farm-bureau. Use the Virginia Farm Bureau identification number, available at vafb.com/benefits and from your county Farm Bureau, when making a reservation. Present your membership card when you check in.
To register as a Member Deals Plus user, visit vafb.com/benefits, and click the Member Deals Plus link near the top of the page. Then, on the Member Deals Plus website, 1. Click “Register” in the top right corner, and use your Farm Bureau membership number. 2. Once you’re registered, you can start saving immediately. Then, to save with a mobile device, 1. Download the “Member Deals Plus” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. 2. Sign in with your email address and password you created on the website. For assistance, contact Member Deals Plus customer service at 888-275-9136. Member Deals Plus and Member Deals plus are registered trademarks of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.
Enter to win a Ford vehicle before Sept. 30 Members have until Sept. 30 to enter the Built Ford Proud Sweepstakes* for a chance to win a two-year lease on a new Ford vehicle. Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com or text the word SWEEPS to 46786 to enter. *NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. MUST BE LEGAL RESIDENT OF U.S. OR D.C., 21 YEARS OR OLDER WITH VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE TO ENTER AND A CURRENT FARM BUREU MEMBER. ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes ends 9/30/2020. For entry and official rules with complete eligibility, prize description and other details, visit fordspecialoffer.com/ farmbureau/ sweeps. Sponsored by Ford Motor Company, One American Road, Dearborn, MI 48126.
Your Farm Bureau membership gives you access to two programs offering significant savings at thousands of hotel properties. Reservations are required, and blackout dates may apply. The Choice Hotels International program offers a 20% discount off “best available rates” for Farm Bureau members at more than 5,000 locations. To access this discount rate, call 800-258-2847 or visit choicehotels.com. Use the Virginia Farm Bureau identification number, available at vafb.com/benefits and from your county Farm Bureau, when making a reservation. Present your membership card when you check in.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Save on qualifying Case IH equipment 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. Tractors: • $300 off Farmall Compact tractors, A, C and C • CVT series • $500 off Farmall Utilities, C and U series • $500 off Maxxum Series and Farmall 100A series Balers: • $300 off Round balers • $300 off Small square balers • $500 off Large square balers Mowers & Utility Vehicles: • $300 off Disc mower conditioners • $300 off Sickle mower conditioners • $500 off Self-propelled windrowers • $300 off Scout utility vehicles vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2020
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vafb.com
For Your Benefit
Equipment dealers offer special pricing for VFB members
Farm Bureau’s fire extinguisher program protects farm equipment
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irginia Farm Bureau’s fire extinguisher program helps farmers protect certain pieces of equipment from loss due to fire. At no cost to members, Farm Bureau will provide one 10-pound fire extinguisher to mount on eligible equipment insured by the company. Equipping farm machinery with an extinguisher could help save equipment and prevent a loss. It also can help keep equipment insurance rates low. “It’s important to have a fire extinguisher on each piece of equipment,” said Scott DeNoon, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.’s farm product and underwriting manager. “It can mean the difference between saving the equipment and containing a fire, or losing it, and the fire becomes a major blaze that damages other property. Fire extinguishers have saved millions of dollars’ worth of equipment for Virginia Farm Bureau policyholders.” Eligible equipment includes grain combines, haybines, forage harvesters, cotton pickers, peanut combines and track-type bulldozers. Also, if the extinguisher is used or develops a leak, Farm Bureau will have it recharged at no cost.
Prevent fires on equipment
• Complete an inspection of your equipment before starting a job, using your
eyes, ears and nose to check for leaks of fuel, engine oil and hydraulic fluids; exhaust system leaks; worn belts; and worn or damaged electrical wiring.
• Use an air compressor or leaf blower to blow dry matter from equipment at the end of each day. Be sure to wear safety glasses.
• Keep a cell phone with you while working, and program 911 and your local emergency services numbers in your phone. • If you use your fire extinguisher, be sure to recharge it before returning to the job.
For more information on the fire extinguisher program, contact your county Farm Bureau office.
Members save on Grainger products and supplies Members are eligible for special Virginia Farm Bureau prices on selected product categories and supplies from Grainger, plus free standard ground shipping on all standard Grainger products*. Farm Bureau members receive special pricing on the following categories: • Cleaning: Consumables, Other • Electrical • Hand Tools • Manufacturing: Welding • Motors • Outdoor Equipment • Plumbing: Pipe, Valves, Fittings, Other • Power Tools • Safety: Facility Safety, People Safety Get started with your price savings using one of three easy methods. 1. Present the Virginia Farm Bureau organization account number at time of purchase. The number is available from your county Farm Bureau or visit vafb. com/benefits; 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 (You will need to be registered and logged in as a member). 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. *FREE standard shipping on all orders shipped ground transportation. Other freight charges will be incurred for services such as expedited delivery, special handling by the carrier, sourcing orders and shipments outside the continental United States.
vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2020
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U.S. dairy safety net program sign-up begins Oct. 12
# co n te s t time win! enter to
Students have a chance to shine in shirt design contest
Dairy farmers who plan to participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dairy Margin Coverage program for 2021 can sign up this year beginning Oct. 12 through Dec. 11. Authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill, this voluntary risk management program is designed to act as a safety net for dairy producers when the difference between the allmilk price and the average feed price falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. It can be an important tool for helping dairymen manage margin risks, said Tony Banks, senior assistant director of agriculture, development and innovation at Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “We’re certainly not out of the woods yet with respect to the COVID-19 economic fallout and uncertainty,” Banks said. “Dairy Margin Coverage can be an affordable method to protect against falling milk prices, rising feed costs, or both, in 2021.” The USDA announced in June that the DMC program had triggered payments for two months in 2020—March and April—for dairy producers who purchased appropriate levels of coverage. More than 13,000 operations enrolled in the program for the 2020 calendar year. The program provides catastrophic coverage in the event the national dairy production margin is less than $4 per hundredweight. Other than an annual $100 administrative fee, there is no cost to the producer for catastrophic coverage. Producers may choose to purchase buy-up coverage that provides payments when margins are between $4 and $8 per hundredweight. To participate in buy-up coverage, the producer must pay a premium that varies based on the level of protection chosen. For more information on the Dairy Margin Coverage program, visit bit.ly/2OEq57K. 12
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
High school students in Virginia can begin submitting their designs for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Winter Expo T-shirt design competition. Winning artwork will appear on shirts distributed to attendees of the 2021 Winter Expo in Warrenton. Design themes for the competition are Urban Agriculture and Still Farming on the City’s Edge, #StillFarming, #StrongRoots and #Farming4All. The winning submission will earn an expense-paid trip to the 2021 Winter Expo for the artist and their parents or guardians. To enter the contest, students ages 14 to 18 must email their design to ron.saacke@vafb.com. Submissions should include a high-resolution scan or photo of the design, and the student’s name, age, county of residence, email address and phone number. The submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2021, and the winner will be notified by Jan. 31. “The T-shirt design competition is an excellent way to get youth involved with the Young Farmers Program,” said Kelsey Grimes, chairman of the Young Farmers Committee’s Youth Outreach subcommittee. “We are looking forward to visualizing the future of farming through the creativity of the next generation of Virginia agriculturalists.”
hybrid success:
2020 Young Farmers Summer Expo presented virtually and in person BY NICOLE ZEMA
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he success of a first-ever hybrid event only emphasized the strengths of Virginia’s young farmers—dedication and innovation. About 60 farmers and young agriculturalists attended the 15th annual Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Summer Expo, participating both remotely and in person at sites in Abingdon and Blackstone. The option to join the event virtually was offered as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Dr. Andy Overbay, Virginia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Smyth County, opened the Abingdon conference on July 31 by sharing his experiences transitioning from dairy farming to a commercial hay operation in 1998. “Reinventing yourself is tough,” Overbay said. “What we did yesterday is always the easiest thing to do. The tough decision was deciding to advance in a different direction.” The event continued the next morning with remarks from VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor. He said it would have been easy to scrap the expo this year, but the planning committee was committed to facilitating the annual networking and educational opportunity for young farmers. “I’m sorry we couldn’t be in Abingdon this weekend, but we’re making the best with what we’ve got,” Pryor said via video call. In lieu of a farm tour, Ryan Ellison, produce manager for Food City/ KVAT Foods Inc., offered a detailed description of operations from his
desk at the companies’ Abingdon headquarters. Also joining remotely was former VFBF Young Farmer Matt Lohr. Lohr’s family raises poultry and beef cattle and grows row crops and sweet corn. “All of us within agriculture have a story, and I think it’s really important that we understand what our own story is,” said the fifth-generation Rockingham County farmer. “Heritage is a transfer of knowledge and wisdom—those enduring qualities and achievements handed down from one generation to the next. It’s that heritage that allows us to continue to be successful.” The event concluded with tours of Wilson Farms in Washington County and Richlands Dairy Farm and Creamery in Nottoway County. Cattle producer Adam Wilson and Coley Drinkwater of Richlands offered advice to young farmers touring their facilities. The tours were streamed via mobile phone for virtual participants.
Pollok named Outstanding Young Agriculturalist Megan Pollok of Pittsylvania County was named the 2020 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Outstanding Young Agriculturalist. She was recognized Aug. 1 during the Young Farmers Summer Expo. The recognition program is organized by the VFBF Young Farmers Committee and honors high school juniors and seniors for academic, community and agribusiness achievement. Pollok is the daughter of Robert Pollok and Inez Rodenburg of Dry Fork. She is a graduate of Tunstall High School, and will pursue a degree in crop and soil environmental science at Virginia Tech this fall.
She is involved with operations at Hill View Farms Inc., where her family produces beef cattle and certified seed. Pollok works closely with her father on crop production. During the virtual competition, Pollok told the judges that her future is rooted in communication, positive policy and technology initiatives. “We need to focus not just on sustaining our industry, but continue improving it for the future,” she said. Pollok has been active in FFA since middle school, holding offices for five years and competing in events on the local and national levels. She participated in the Virginia Governor’s School for Agriculture, and maintained an active Supervised Agricultural Experience in diversification crop production and beef cattle entrepreneurship. Pollok is involved in multiple academic and leadership organizations through the school, and serves her community through the local Rotary club and Middle Border Forward, a local volunteer organization. She will receive a $2,000 scholarship sponsored by Farm Credit, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. and Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. First runner-up Bailey Watson of Wythe County will receive $1,000 courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. Other finalists were Hannah Blankenship of Russell County; Ryan Borer of Botetourt County; Megan Day of Fauquier County; Mindi Freed of Rockingham County; Sarah Graham of Lee County; Sam Hadacek of Augusta County; Samantha Holdren of Bedford County; Kimberly Laue of Frederick County; Sam Leach of Fauquier County; Kamber Lee of Pittsylvania County; Brady McKnight of Frederick County; Faith Novak of Appomattox County; Allison Reiter of Dinwiddie County; Kloe Rife of Dickenson County; Leah Scharf of Loudoun County; and Andrew Seibel of Botetourt County. Each received a $350 to $750 prize based on judges’ rankings. vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2020
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‘IN A HURRY’ Channing Snoddy’s farm accident is a lasting lesson ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY NICOLE ZEMA
After losing part of his arm to a corn picker, Fluvanna farmer Channing Snoddy quickly learned to adapt.
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urious children approach Channing Snoddy with the inevitable question. “Hey, what happened to your arm?” A shark attack, a fight with a bear—Snoddy always has a story for inquisitive kids wondering why part of his right arm is missing. “You should see the bear, he’s hanging on my wall,” Snoddy jokes. “No, I had an accident because I didn’t listen to my mommy and daddy.” Snoddy, Fluvanna County Farm Bureau president and a farmer who raises beef cattle on the family property where he grew up, was 24 and in a hurry to go hunting after work on Oct. 12, 1994. He was running a corn picker through the field, but it kept jamming, and he was getting frustrated. The machine is supposed to separate the ears from the stalks, and its counter-rotating rollers are intended to pull the stalks down to the ground. “If a corn stalk broke off and came up through the shaft, it would whip it through and knock the cob off,” Snoddy explained. “When it happened a sixth time, I grabbed the stalk, and the rollers grabbed me at the same time, and pulled me into it. I could see my arm hanging down on the other side.” Snoddy was working alone on the equipment, and was stuck in the machine for a half-hour. “Luckily I have a big mouth, and I yelled for help a bunch of times,” he recalled. “A neighbor came out, and I told her how to cut the machine off. The fire department—a bunch of friends of mine—showed up, and they had to take the machine apart to get me out.” Snoddy’s arm was intact, but was pinched to a small diameter in the middle. “It splintered the bone,” he said. “I never bled a drop, luckily. And it didn’t hurt until they cut me out of the machine, and I guess the blood started flowing again, and I didn’t have the adrenaline going anymore.” He was airlifted to UVA University
‘The next spring, I was out there playing softball with my league team. I played with one arm for 18 years. I have the type of attitude—just keep going in life. You’ll figure out a way.’
Randolph Farm boasts 18,500 square feet of greenhouses, 57 research ponds and 75 acres of pastureland.
— Channing Snoddy, Fluvanna County
Channing Snoddy never let an amputation slow him down; he’s continued farming since the accident over 25 years ago.
Hospital, where a doctor told Snoddy’s family his arm would need to be amputated. “I said something to my dad about being disabled, and he shut me up,” Snoddy said. “After I got out of the hospital, I borrowed a friend’s crossbow and figured out how to cock it one-handed and went hunting. The day after Thanksgiving, I killed my biggest buck.” According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, most traumatic injuries that occur on farms involve interactions with machinery, especially during maintenance. “With a lot of farm work taking place in the hours before or after other jobs, and the advances of new equipment, many accidents occur while farmers are working alone and stressed to complete tasks in short order,” said Dana Fisher, chairman of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Safety
Advisory Committee. “Taking an extra few minutes to use the proper safety precautions and making sure that others know where you are working and when to expect you home can make a huge difference.” Snoddy said resuming his routine and continuing work on the farm after the accident kept him in good spirits. “The next spring, I was out there playing softball with my league team. I played with one arm for 18 years,” he said. “I have the type of attitude— just keep going in life. You’ll figure out a way.” Twenty-six years later, Snoddy imparts his painful lesson when he has the chance: Stay away from moving parts, and shut down mechanized equipment when it needs maintenance. “I try to teach that to my son,” Snoddy said. “I’m way more careful now. It all comes down to being in a hurry.” vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2020
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NICOLE ZEMA
BROADBAND ACCESS Coronavirus amplified the need for connection in rural areas
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igh-speed internet can help people improve business efficiency, enhance education opportunities and connect with health care providers. But many rural residents lacking broadband connectivity are missing even the most basic advantages. Data from the Federal Communications Commission shows 26.4% of rural Americans lack access to broadband, compared to only 1% of urban residents. The pandemic has emphasized those disparities. From the least populous county in Virginia to the largest acreagewise, the following stories exemplify how farmers and their families are adversely affected by the lack of rural broadband.
Southern Virginia farmers struggle with limited access
NICOLE ZEMA
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own in the far reaches of Southern Virginia, Kristal Harris has always contended with limited broadband access. But she didn’t realize how bad it could get— until the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s another stressor for a farming family,” Harris lamented. “Our farm is our livelihood, and we’re trying to conserve as much of the internet as possible to run the business, but then our children need it for their education. It’s a Catch-22.” Harris and her husband, Bob, raise beef, poultry and tobacco in Pittsylvania County. She’s a teacher, Bob handles the farming operation, and they have three children in middle and high school. Trying to juggle who uses their mobile hotspot with an allotted amount of high-speed internet is a no-win situation. “My husband would sacrifice the time he needed to be working on the computer because I’m trying to finish everything I need for my students,” Harris said. “Then we’re running our kids all over trying to find someone who has internet signals for them to do their schoolwork.” Before the pandemic, the Harrises had plans to ramp up marketing, develop a website and enhance their online presence to promote their Speckle Park cattle. But those plans are now at a standstill.
“It doesn’t take long to hit that 15 gigabytes when you’re trying to upload records or manage a website,” Harris said. “We just don’t have the internet access to keep it up and current. It really opens your eyes to how lacking it is.” Broadband access in Pittsylvania is sporadic depending on one’s geographic location. The Harrises can’t get a strong signal where they live, but “go one road over, and they can get it because they’re above the tree line,” she said. That dichotomy puts rural residents at a disadvantage compared to those who have reliable access—especially school-age children. “A lot of school systems wanted their kids to be able to do work online when they closed schools, but a good portion of the students in Southside and Southwest Virginia didn’t have access to good internet service to be able to do that,” said Robert Mills, a Pittsylvania County farmer and Virginia Farm Bureau Federation board member. “It’s hard for our rural kids to compete on a level playing field.” While some school systems let parents drive to the school parking lot to access Wi-Fi and download lessons, if you live 20 to 25 miles away, Mills said, that’s an added burden on a busy farming family. Dr. Mark Jones, division superintendent for Pittsylvania County
NICOLE ZEMA
BY ALICE KEMP
Accomack County farmer Lynn Gayle sends data from his tractor’s GPS to John Deere, but it doesn’t always transmit due to lack of internet connectivity.
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Crossing the mountain means dropping the signal BY ADAM CULLER
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arming on the fringes of the Blue Ridge Mountains and George Washington National Forest, Kari and Michael Sponaugle have a plethora of scenic views from their Church Hill Produce farm in Highland County. But while natural beauty is bountiful in Virginia’s least populous county, access to broadband is scarce from the moment you enter the county from Shenandoah Mountain. “The lack of broadband in Highland County is a hindrance, especially here
NICOLE ZEMA
Public Schools, said when schools reopen in the fall, many students will be working remotely a few days per week. Those with internet access will be able to virtually conference with students and watch teachers’ lessons at home, but those without will use takehome paper packets. “When students are in school full time, we are able to mitigate the lack of resources for our students to a good degree,” Jones said. “However, when we are operating with the restrictions imposed on school divisions because of COVID-19, these differences exacerbate the situation. Today, a student without internet access has a clear disadvantage when accessing learning opportunities.”
Sands Gayle, who operates Mt. Nebo Farms with his dad, uses John Deere Precision Ag Technology. Reliable connectivity to satellite, broadband and Wi-Fi is crucial to farm operations, as multiple devices on modern farm equipment are used to transmit and receive data. 18
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
on the farm,” said Kari Sponaugle, who also works as a Virginia Cooperative Extension agent in Highland and Bath counties. According to a broadband availability map produced by the Center for Innovative Technology, the Virginia Geographic Information Network and Virginia Tech, most of Highland County is either underserved or unserved by broadband connection. Though telecommunications companies are working to establish broadband in the county through grant programs, operations like Church Hill Produce remain largely disconnected from technology and their customers. “We would love to have some autonomous equipment mapping our fields and our farm, but without it, we’re having to take measurements in the field and then rush to get home to get to internet to sync our records,” Sponaugle shared. In addition to the shortage of broadband coverage in the county, she said a lack of cell service further complicates Church Hill Produce’s ability to record and transmit crop data in the fields. Unable to use that modern technology, the farm’s data is recorded manually in the field, and the information is uploaded in the evening. To mitigate the resulting delay of information, the Sponaugles must leave the farm to drive home or to Monterey to call buyers. “It’s very difficult for us to reach out to customers at the very moment we have something available,” Sponaugle said. “For the most part, people in Highland County are understanding that there’s going to be a lag in information and everything’s not going to be up-to-the-minute.” While connectivity complications continue, Church Hill Produce has been as connected as ever to its customer base during the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep up with growing demand for locally grown food, the Sponaugles expanded and began offering Community Supported Agriculture sales this spring.
Broadband weak in remote sections of Eastern Shore BY NICOLE ZEMA
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ccomack County farmer Lynn Gayle has the technology to work and play efficiently, but not the bandwidth. Gayle grows row crops in rural Onancock on the Eastern Shore, where it’s a challenge to get the reliable internet connectivity needed for farm work and home use. “The tractor I’m driving right now— every day it sends a secure, wireless transmission of data of what I do to a central database at John Deere,” he explained. “But I have to wait until I get to a location where it can function.” Accomack has 58.5% broadband coverage, among the lowest in Virginia. Gayle, who sits on the county planning commission, said there are designated Wi-Fi hot spots—crucial since pandemic-related school closures pushed learning to online platforms. Sen. Lynwood Lewis, D–Accomack, recently was appointed to the Virginia Broadband Advisory Council. He said access to rural broadband is a universal issue. His own son had connectivity trouble when classroom instruction went virtual in March. “I’m looking forward to hashing these issues out,” Lewis said. “The problem is, it’s such a large nut to crack. The investment required to move the
ADAM CULLER
CSA members receive weekly e-newsletters detailing Church Hill Produce’s selection, and Sponaugle regularly posts updates and videos on the farm’s Facebook page to keep customers informed. She knows the information doesn’t always reach her customers because internet connections vary. However, the number of hard-line connections is increasing in Highland County, and she is hopeful widespread internet service is within reach. “In the last 10 years, coverage has been exceptionally better,” Sponaugle said. “We’re still not nearly as connected as some other places, but we’re getting there.”
Internet service in Highland County is unreliable so Kari Sponaugle of Church Hill Produce has to connect with her CSA customers in a variety of ways.
wheel on deployment can be pretty significant. We certainly try to do as much as we can with our budgetary constraints.” He added that the undertaking is reminiscent of rural electrification in the 1930s, “and every bit as important.” Gayle noticed his devices perform better in populated areas with blazingfast connection speeds. “In Florida, the download rate is 100mb per second,” he said. “And I’m spending $1,200 a year for 1mb per second.” Gayle added that cable installation is not an option in a remote region, and other solutions haven’t proved reliable. “I’m throwing money in multiple directions to get internet access to my house,” he continued. “I’ve tried a satellite dish for internet. You get just enough to tease you, but it’s $150 or more a month. And right now, I’m paying $100 a month for an AT&T hot spot device. It works all right in the winter, but when the leaves come out, it’s poor. So, I just ordered a Verizon hot spot device.” Rural farmers’ leisure time also can be disrupted by lack of broadband access. Gayle’s home sound system frequently drops its signal. “Even our cell phone signals are diminished,” he said. “When I go across the bay, I notice my cell phone stays
charged longer because it’s not working so hard to communicate.” Gayle is coordinating with local officials to amend a zoning ordinance that prohibits cell towers on agricultural lands. Lewis said Virginia is on the right track with rural broadband funding and initiatives, “but I think we’re going too slowly.” More resources are needed, especially increased federal funding. “These types of infrastructure developments build your future,” Lewis said. “I think at some point we’re going to have to take a big step at the state level and try to encourage our federal partners to do more. Agriculture depends so much on connectivity if you’re going to have modern and efficient operations.”
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Virginia dairy farmers milking opportunities
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etermination is a trait all farmers possess, but dairy farmers seem to have it in spades. The prices U.S. dairy farmers received for their milk in 2019 were the lowest in 15 years, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Overall, the dairy industry has been struggling since the end of 2014, when large supplies
outweighed demand and prices continued to decline. Milk prices have remained in a downward spiral, and coronavirus complications have made circumstances even more dire. And yet, some Virginia dairy farm families are finding ways to navigate the turbulent times. Learn how two have used imagination and innovation to stay in business.
Richlands Dairy and Creamery bet on a high-end treat BY NICOLE ZEMA
Milk price bust Marketplace changes have led large retailers to open their own milk processing plants and contract directly with fewer, but larger, dairy farms. “Profit margins are slim,” Drinkwater said. “For the last several decades it’s ‘Get big or get out.’ We reached a point where milk prices hit a low and stuck for two years. All milk economists said don’t expect prices to go up any time soon, because the game has changed. 20
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COURTESY OF LAURA SIEGLE
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hile many small family dairy farms have been dealt a bad hand and had to fold, the Richlands Dairy family chose to double down. With a decrease in fluid milk consumption, chronic oversupply and stagnant prices, the Jones-Drinkwater family saw industry problems as an opportunity to sweeten the pot by expanding the farm into a local agritourism enterprise. Hours of entertainment are in the cards at Richlands Dairy Farm and Creamery on U.S. Route 460 in Nottoway County. Visitors can bet on being exposed to real farm life, shopping for regional farm products, and sampling the 24-flavor jackpot of ice cream churned on site. Coley Jones Drinkwater wagered that the house would win with a new business model designed to sustain the family farm and continue its deeply rooted agricultural legacy.
Richlands Dairy expanded its business by starting a creamery that sells hand-churned ice cream, milk and other farm goods.
We were losing money every day.” Richlands Dairy Farm supports four families with a heritage stretching back to the mid-1700s. Selling out was off the table, though the chips were down. “We definitely have deep family roots here, and we’ve always been close as a family,” Drinkwater said. “So we had to sit down and have a tough conversation about what we’re going to do. We can’t just keep losing money and remain a viable business.”
Hedging their bet A lot was riding on the development of a smart business model. Richlands Dairy was not just a source of income, but a family legacy. Cheese was an option. Drinkwater was making it at home, but the aging process would create a months-long delay in return on investment. With ice cream, however, the odds were in their favor. “It’s an affordable luxury for almost everyone, and it will bring people to the farm more so than cheese would,” she
explained. “And we can make the ice cream today, and eat it tomorrow. So we changed the business model.”
Double (scoop) or nothing Fluctuating markets won’t fetch a fair price for Richlands’ milk, but their creamery, which opened in June 2019, will. “With cyclic price fluctuation, an economist will do their best to say what the price is going to do, and a lot of our decision making was based on those projections,” Drinkwater said. “But as the creamery grows, we can pay the farm more for the milk. While ice cream is the main attraction, customers can purchase whole and 2% milk “and really good chocolate milk,” in the creamery’s retail store. They also will find other local farm goods, including jam from a strawberry farmer in Brunswick and goat milk products from a Dinwiddie farm. There also is an on-site restaurant called The Kitchen Table, which is open for lunch and dinner.
Oakmulgee Dairy Farm honors its past while embracing the future BY ADAM CULLER
Business sense runs in the family Moyer credits his ancestors for their astute business sense, and said the farm’s history of low debt allowed the current generation to weather the industry’s recent slump. Through any challenges, Oakmulgee’s coping mechanism has always been to minimize risk. With milk prices declining since 2014, the Moyers haven’t taken chances waiting for favorable pricing to return. Instead, they take advantage of the
NICOLE ZEMA
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n a time when dairies across America are being forced to diversify their operations to survive, Oakmulgee Dairy Farm is 100 years ahead of the curve. Thanks to the ingenuity of patriarch Oliver Moyer, Oakmulgee is one of Virginia’s oldest continually run dairies. Established in Amelia County in 1895, the farm’s beginnings were rooted in orchards and a cannery to distribute fruits and vegetables. However, by the turn of the century, operations pivoted. When Moyer needed to dispose of leftover produce, he bought dairy cows to eat it. By the 1920s, the farm had become primarily a dairy. Now boasting over 600 animals and new-age technology, Oliver Moyer’s fourth- and fifth-generation descendants have embraced his resourcefulness as they steer the farm through uncertain times. “Dairy farming has become more about how you manage your business than what it was in the past,” explained Jeremy Moyer, who owns and operates Oakmulgee with his father, Larkin, and brother, Brandon. “Now you can work as hard as you want, but if you make some bad decisions, it doesn’t matter how hard you worked, you’re not going to stay in business.”
Oakmulgee Dairy Farm is one of Virginia’s oldest continuously operating dairies.
futures market to improve their profit margin. “Forward pricing of milk is available to a lot of people, but out of everyone I talk to, no one really does it,” Moyer said. “If I know that I’ve sold two-thirds of my milk at a profitable level, that relieves a whole lot of stress because I know what my income is going to be, versus leaving it up to the market to decide.”
will be the first in the Richmond region with robotic milking machines and automated feeding and cleaning features. Moyer hopes the robotics eventually will create more opportunities for diversification—not out of necessity, but as another avenue for expansion. His early ideas include raising additional crop varieties, directmarketing beef and adding agritourism.
Ingenuity keeps costs low
Family farming worth the challenges
When it comes to lowering operating costs, the Moyers offset their expenses with built-in solutions. For example, farming 1,400 acres of their own land allows them to supply feed for their cows. Also, with multiple generations interested in full-time careers on the farm, there is less of a need for nonfamily labor, which can be hard to find. Oakmulgee has had seven milking parlor updates over its history, three of which have been built in Jeremy Moyer’s 37 years. The most recent, which was completed this summer,
While Oakmulgee hasn’t completely avoided the trials of modern dairy farming, Moyer said working with family and raising his own family on the farm keeps things enjoyable. The four generations of Moyers who continue to live and work on the farm include his grandfather, Charles Moyer, who lives next door, and Charles’ three great-grandchildren. When times get tough, he said, the family can collectively take a step back and appreciate what they have. vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2020
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COURTESY OF EMILY STURGIS
When life gives you lettuce, make salad
Shore Breeze Farms created a value-added salad box that offers customers everything but the dressing.
Positives of the pandemic Farmers innovate to keep businesses going Local meat producers beefed up direct sales Jay Yankey advertises when he has half and whole steers for sale, but this year, he didn’t have to. “I had to scramble to make sure my regular customers were taken care of,” said Yankey, owner of Yankey Farms in Prince William County, which typically sells 12 to 20 steers each year. “I didn’t even mention I had any [beef for sale] to anyone, but people found me out by word of mouth, and it was all spoken for very quickly.” With the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain interruptions and consumers supporting local businesses, people are relying more on local farmers instead of grocery stores to stock their freezers. Chris Hatch, owner of Mill Road Farms in Loudoun County, said his beef sales in January and February were mediocre, but once the pandemic hit 22
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and people were reporting shortages at the supermarket, his meat sales skyrocketed. “A couple weeks ago, people were going to the grocery store not finding what they’ve been able to find in the past,” Hatch said. “I have directmarketed for over 20 years, and this year has exceeded past years’ sales by far.” Continuing to meet the growing need is another challenge for producers because it takes time to raise animals to maturity, said Whitney Perkins, a commodity specialist with Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “But farmers are the most innovative group of people I know, and they always find a way to rise to consumer demands,” Perkins added. “It’s a real opportunity for us as producers and producer advocates to open a dialogue about where our food comes from and share in that story.”
Shore Breeze Farms had just started a new hydroponic lettuce venture when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and suddenly, the owners had to rethink their business model. “We were just getting our feet wet and getting the ball rolling, and then this whole thing happened,” said Kyle Sturgis, manager of Shore Breeze Farms in Northampton County and chairman of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Committee. “We’re having to reinvent the wheel because a lot of our sales were to restaurants.” The solution? Salad kits and directto-consumer retail sales. “We take our lettuce and put it in a box,” Sturgis said. “It’s got everything you need in there for a salad, except for the salad dressing.” Like many before the pandemic, Shore Breeze was filling orders for restaurants, schools, farmers markets and others who were selling their products to consumers. During the summer, the farm was reaching the general public directly through an online store. And instead of people merely buying a head of lettuce, they could purchase salad kits that included ingredients like croutons, cucumbers, radishes and tomatoes. The online shop also offered products from other local producers. “Necessity is truly the mother of invention,” said Tony Banks, VFBF senior assistant director of agriculture, development and innovation. “Farms across Virginia that are able—like Shore Breeze—pivoted their businesses rapidly and creatively in an effort to protect their livelihoods.” Sturgis said he plans to make salad kits and direct sales a permanent fixture, even when traditional markets reopen. “I’ve had positive feedback on it,” he said. “Hopefully once things get back to normal, it can be an option we have for our customers. I think it’s a good thing for the community.”
Hanover County farmer named Virginia Farmer of the Year
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harles Edwin “CJ” Isbell Jr. has been named the 2020 Virginia Farmer of the Year and is among 10 finalists for the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year Award. Isbell is carrying on a 70-year family tradition at Keenbell Farm in western Hanover County. His grandparents, Joe and Kathleen Isbell, purchased the original farm in 1951. Today, the 340acre farm on owned and leased land specializes in grass-fed beef, pastureraised pork, free-range poultry, turkeys, eggs and specialty non-GMO grains. The farm started with laying hens and expanded into feeder pigs and cattle, then branched out to producing hay, corn, wheat, barley and soybeans. Isbell’s grandfather retired in the ‘90s and sold most of the operation. But his grandson continued to explore agricultural methods that would enable him to create a viable, sustainable family farm. He developed a business plan with his father, Eddie, and equipped with just one heifer and $250 in savings, he and his dad began renovations on a couple of acres in 2006. Today Keenbell Farm acreage is used for livestock and specialty grains. “All our products are sold as close to the end consumer as possible, which allows maximum retention of each enterprise’s value,” Isbell said. “Our livestock species are marketed as finished animal proteins, cut and packaged, and sold at our on-site retail store, at local farmers markets, and at several area grocery stores in Central Virginia. We’ve also invested time and resources in a website and use various social media outlets.” Isbell’s wife, Jessica, manages the farm store. The couple has two children, 13-year-old Faith and 10-year-old Landon. Isbell is a member and former board member of Hanover County Farm
Bureau, and has been a participant in the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Program for 11 years. He has worked with Hanover Caroline Soil & Water Conservation District and volunteers with county 4-H groups. He is an alumnus of the inaugural class of Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results, an educational, leadership and professional and public speaking development program. VALOR allowed him to spend two weeks in Argentina in 2014, studying farming and ranching. He is a founding member of the Common Grain Alliance and a member of the Virginia Association of Biological Farming. He also won the 2019 Hanover County Legacy Farm Award for his farm conservation efforts. “CJ Isbell is the quintessential hard-working, humble, stewardshipfocused farmer whose curiosity drives him to research, learn and discover ways to improve the land, animals and
community around him. He uses field days, farm tours, 4-H youth projects, and industry conferences to encourage conservation practice among other producers,” said the two Virginia Cooperative Extension agents who nominated him for the award—Laura Maxey-Nay in Hanover County and Rachel Henley in Powhatan County. They added that Isbell “generously shares his hard-earned knowledge about pasture management, livestock nutrition requirements, organic feed-grade grain, poultry slaughter, equipment use, local meat supply, and soil health.” Isbell said that realization of his family’s farming vision would not have been possible without the “steadfast support, hard work and determination of my father and wife.” A panel of judges visited Keenbell Farm, along with the farms of nine other states’ Farmers of the Year, in early August.
From left, Powhatan County Extension agent Rachel Henley and Hanover County Extension agent Laura Maxey-Nay presented the Virginia Farmer of the Year Award to the Isbell family – Jessica, Landon, Faith and CJ. vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2020
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Consider your Medicare options during Annual Election Period BY ADAM CULLER
Medicare beneficiaries who are considering a change to their medical insurance and prescription drug coverage will have the chance to do so this fall during the Medicare Annual Election Period. From Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, all Medicare recipients can enroll in, withdraw from or change Medicare Advantage plans—also known as Medicare Part C—and Medicare Part D prescription coverage. For most subscribers, the Annual Election Period is the only time to alter either plan for the upcoming year. Any changes made to Medicare Part C and Part D coverage during this period will go into effect Jan. 1, 2021. Tracy Cornatzer, sales manager for Virginia Farm Bureau’s Health Insurance division, said subscribers
should use this time to weigh their coverage options. “If you’re looking for a lower-cost alternative to a Medicare supplement, or if you’d like to see if a Medicare Advantage plan would be a good fit, contact your local Farm Bureau office,” Cornatzer said. “Your agent will get you in touch with someone who can help compare those plans.” Medicare Advantage plans include Medicare Part A and Part B benefits and often include Part D coverage not offered with original Medicare. Other supplemental benefits vary by plan, but many Medicare Advantage plans also include dental, vision and hearing coverage. Cornatzer said customers in Virginia will have many new Medicare
Advantage plans to choose from for 2021. For those who want to adjust their prescription drug coverage, it is important to be mindful of current needs versus future needs. While it is possible to opt out of prescription coverage, doing so could come at a critical cost in the event of illness as well as premium penalties. Conversely, the Medicare Annual Election Period allows those who previously deferred Medicare Part D coverage to establish coverage beginning Jan. 1. “We know people’s prescriptions can quickly change, so they should make sure they are on the best plan for themselves going forward,” Cornatzer said.
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Manage health and related expenses through preventive care BY ADAM CULLER
Preventive care shifts the focus of medical care from treating the symptoms of illness and disease to avoiding illnesses while promoting good health. Services like annual physicals, immunizations, medication management and any other benefits that help prevent illness, injury and premature death are all considered preventive care. According to research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seven out of 10 Americans die each year from chronic diseases, many of which are preventable. Additional research shows an increased use of preventive health services results in less exposure to long-term illnesses that could have otherwise been prevented. “Early detection is key,” said Tracy
Cornatzer, sales manager for Virginia Farm Bureau’s Health Insurance division. “If you’re taking care of your preventive visits, you may catch an illness early, which is beneficial healthwise and can be helpful in terms of cost. Don’t put off these services, because they could truly help if there’s something your doctor can catch in its early stages and can be treated.” Most health insurance plans cover preventive care services in full, leaving no cost for subscribers. For many services, there is no copay, coinsurance, deductible or out-of-pocket expenses. In addition to no costs associated with visits, preventive care also can help lower the cost of managing illnesses, because most diseases are more treatable in the early stages.
An annual preventive care plan should include bloodwork and a physical with your primary care physician. For women, a yearly visit with a gynecologist is recommended. Please check your health insurance policy for the frequency of covered routine services, as they vary by age. Preventive care shouldn’t end with your physician. Regular visits to dentists and optometrists also can help reveal illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Most dental and vision insurance plans cover an annual eye exam and two dental exams and cleanings per year. “Your optometrist can catch macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma, and a checkup for the health of your teeth can reveal illnesses like throat cancer and oral cancer,” Cornatzer said.
2020 State Fair of Virginia has been canceled The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation board of directors announced on July 23 that it has canceled the 2020 State Fair of Virginia, and instead plans to hold a modified State Fair Youth Livestock Show in early October. The traditional fair that was scheduled for Sept. 25 through Oct. 4 will not take place due to complications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. “This was a difficult decision, but safety is our number one priority,” said Marlene Jolliffe, the fair’s executive director. “We’ve spent months developing plans and scenarios that would allow us to still host the fair this year, but with the everchanging, unpredictable COVID-19 situation, we just couldn’t make it work,” The State Fair of Virginia is an annual event that nurtures, preserves and celebrates the best of Virginia’s past, present and future through scholarship initiatives, creative programming and a focus on the commonwealth’s agriculture and natural resources industries. In 2019, nearly 245,000 people attended the State Fair. The complexity of the event requires thousands of hours of planning by staff, partners and vendors; planning typically begins many months before the fair’s opening day. “In a normal year, preparing for this annual event is a huge undertaking. In the midst of a global pandemic, it just wasn’t feasible,” Jolliffe noted. Agriculture and youth are the foundation of the fair’s
mission, “so our first priority was to find a way to honor our youth and allow them to be recognized for their dedication and hard work,” noted VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor. “While a modified State Fair Youth Livestock Show is not ideal, we believe it will allow our youth to showcase the yearlong effort they’ve put into raising their animals, and enable them to earn scholarship money as well.” Pryor said every precaution will be taken to keep participants safe during the event. At press time State Fair staff were working with Virginia Cooperative Extension employees to finalize plans for the livestock show. The State Fair has been held each fall since 2009 at its permanent home at the 330-acre Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. The event was established in 1854, and was not held in 1918 due to the Spanish influenza pandemic. “While our hearts are heavy, we believe this is the right thing to do,” Jolliffe said. “It is important that we are good stewards of our operation and consider the health and welfare of our communities. “We are thankful for the thousands who make this magical event come to life each September. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s fair, Sept. 24 through Oct. 3. We will be back bigger, better and stronger.” For more information on the State Fair Youth Livestock Show and updated FAQ resources, visit statefairva.org. vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2020
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her tenure, she has created educational programs, conducted agricultural trainings and workshops for teachers, and increased outreach to students and educators. She recently was promoted to programs director of Virginia AITC. She is a past board member of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture and has written two children’s books for Virginia AITC— Kelly’s Big Day and My Virginia Plate. An experienced educator, Maxey was an elementary and middle school teacher and served as a school principal prior to joining Farm Bureau and Virginia AITC. She raises beef cattle with her husband, Greg, on their Amelia County farm.
Maxey elected president of National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization
ALICE KEMP
AITC golf event teed off virtually
New National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization President Tammy Maxey is the author of two children’s books.
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ammy Maxey, programs director for Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom, was elected president of the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization in June. NAITCO is a nonprofit membership group that supports state AITC programs by providing a network of sources for improving agricultural literacy. Maxey has been a member of 26
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
the organization for 14 years and has served on its executive committee. “Winning the election was a humbling experience,” she said. “I’m excited about taking on the leadership of our organization, and I’m honored my colleagues across the nation selected me to represent NAITCO.” Maxey has been involved with Virginia AITC and Virginia Farm Bureau Federation for 14 years. During
The annual Agriculture in the Classroom golf tournament usually takes place in May, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s fundraiser was held virtually. Playing through an online golf platform, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. member service specialists, agents and sales managers participated in four-person teams. Twelve teams submitted results for three days of virtual play. They raised about $3,000 for AITC, and their participation supported more than $20,000 in corporate sponsorships from companies including Finys, VFBMIC, James River Equipment and others. The combination of the online gaming platform and Webex allowed players to see and hear each other while they were playing. This enabled them to take turns as though they were playing on an outside course—only it was all done on the computer. An online happy hour was held on the last evening of the event to thank everyone, recognize sponsors, and announce prizes and winners. The prizes were donated by the VFBMIC Sales Department.
AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM
Businesses, Farm Bureaus support AITC In addition to many individuals who contributed, numerous organizations made contributions to the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom between July 1, 2019, and June 30 of this year. Steward Level ($50,000+) • Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Shepherd Level ($25,000 - $49,999) • VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee Harvester Level ($10,000-$24,999) • Finys • James River Equipment Inc. • National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization • Virginia Corn Board • Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. • Virginia Soybean Board Grower Level ($5,000-$9,999) • Cargill Inc. • Queen of Virginia Skill & Entertainment • Universal Leaf Foundation • VFBF Young Farmers Committee • Virginia Cotton Board • Virginia Horse Industry Board • Virginia Pork Council • Virginia Poultry Federation Cultivator Level ($1,000-$4,999) • Albemarle County Farm Bureau • Amherst County Farm Bureau • Ballyshannon Fund at the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation • Bank of America • Birdsong Peanuts • Brunswick County Farm Bureau • Campbell County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Carroll County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Charles City-James City-New Kent-York Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Chesterfield County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee
• Culpeper County Farm Bureau • Custom Air Inc. • Dinwiddie County Farm Bureau • Ellwood Thompson’s Local Market • Enterprise Holdings Foundation • Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement • Farm Credit of the Virginias (Staunton Branch) • FBAlliance • First Bank & Trust Co. • Floyd County Farm Bureau • Floyd County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Halifax County Farm Bureau • Hanover County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Houff Family Foundation • Houff’s Feed & Fertilizer Co. • Huffman Trailer Sales • Hundley Farms Inc. • Insurance Auto Auctions • Island Sunrise Foundation • James River Equipment, Wakefield • Lee County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Madison Wood Preservers • Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative • Powhatan County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Prince William-Fairfax County Farm Bureau • Prince William-Fairfax County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Ricoh USA • Rockingham Cooperative • Rockingham Petroleum Cooperative • RunSignup • Shenandoah County Farm Bureau • Tazewell County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • The Dairy Alliance • The Jane and Arthur Flippo Foundation • Virginia Apple Board • Virginia Beef Council
• Virginia Egg Council • Virginia’s Farm Credit Associations • Washington County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Winchester Equipment Co.
Isle of Wight teacher wins national award Pamela Hall, a STEM teacher at Carrollton Elementary School in Isle of Wight County, was one of eight teachers nationwide HALL selected as 2020 National Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award recipients. The National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Farm Credit partner each year to honor teachers of pre-kindergarten through 12th grade for the innovative ways they use agricultural concepts to teach reading, writing, math, science, social studies, STEM, STEAM and more. Hall previously was named Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom 2020 Teacher of the Year. Her mission is to integrate agriculture into the classroom all year long. She uses hands-on approaches, including studying plant and animal life cycles, taking farm nature walks, visiting with farmers, making ice cream, investigating and raising pollinators, and experimenting with hydroponics. “Pam is a vivacious teacher who shares her love of learning about agriculture with her students,” said Tammy Maxey, Virginia AITC program director. The national awards were bestowed virtually in June after the 2020 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference was canceled. To watch videos summarizing recipients’ agricultural literacy classroom accomplishments, visit agclassroom. org/teacher_award/20.cfm. vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2020
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Heart of the Home
Crazy for condiments!
N
othing compliments a dish quite like the perfect condiment. From seasonings to sauces and relishes, condiments can elevate a meal by giving it that extra oomph. But what exactly is a condiment? The definition of a condiment is subjective, disputed and really depends on the source. Webster’s Dictionary defines a condiment as something used to enhance the flavor of food. This could include salt and spices, and may encompass guacamole, hummus, jam or peanut butter. Other sources define a condiment as something that enhances a dish, but cannot stand alone
of condiments, we found a few scrumptious recipes featuring seasonal ingredients that go beyond the usual ketchup and mustard. You may even have a couple of these ingredients growing in your garden!
Tomato Relish INGREDIENTS This relative of ketchup gets a zing from balsamic vinegar and fresh ginger.
as a food and must be added after a recipe is prepared. We’ll let you debate that one at the dinner table. In honor of the vast world
1 tablespoon olive oil 1¾ cup chopped onions 1 teaspoon minced garlic 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
ALICE KEMP
Tzatziki-like cucumber sauce is a great addition to a sandwich or burger.
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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
Heart of the Home
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
A smooth raspberry sauce will enhance cheesecake—or any other cake.
2¼ cups chopped, seeded tomatoes (about 4 medium tomatoes) ½ teaspoon salt DIRECTIONS
Remove from heat; stir in salt. Cool. Serve at room temperature. This relish makes a great addition to any steak. - National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Creamy Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce
ALICE KEMP
In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat until hot. Add onions and garlic; cook and stir 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Stir in vinegar, brown sugar, ginger and red pepper; cook and stir 2-4 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Stir in tomatoes; cook 8-10 minutes or until sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally.
Sweet and Hot Apple Chutney
Raspberry Dessert Sauce
INGREDIENTS
2 cups raspberries, fresh or frozen
INGREDIENTS
2 cups rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
INGREDIENTS
¾ cup brown sugar
4-8 tablespoons sugar
½ cup finely chopped, seeded, peeled cucumber
½ red bell pepper, seeded and diced
½ cup plain nonfat yogurt 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh mint leaves 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 poblano chile, seeded and diced
DIRECTIONS
2 jalapeño chiles, seeded and diced
In a blender, puree the berries with the lemon juice. Blend in the sugar by the tablespoonful, tasting after each addition, until the desired degree of sweetness is reached. Strain through a fine colander, pressing with a rubber spatula to release the juices. Makes 1 cup.
2 tablespoons minced red onion 3 green apples, peeled, cored and diced 2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon minced garlic ¼ teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS
⅛ teaspoon pepper
In a large saucepan, bring vinegar to a boil, then stir in brown sugar until it’s dissolved. Add pepper, chiles and onion; boil for 8 minutes. Add apples, and simmer until apples are tender but retain their shape.
DIRECTIONS In a small bowl, combine all ingredients; refrigerate until ready to serve. This tzatziki-like sauce makes a great addition to a sandwich or burger. - National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Remove from heat, and stir in lemon juice. Cover, and refrigerate until serving. Serve at room temperature. This chutney goes great with pork and chicken!
Spoon over angel food cake, nonfat frozen yogurt, or sorbet. Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days and in the freezer for up to two months. You also can try substituting another berry or combination of berries for the raspberries. - North American Raspberry & Blackberry Association
-National Pork Board
vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2020
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When hurricane season approaches, it’s best to prepare your home in advance.
Prepare now for potentially busy hurricane season
I
nto each life some rain may fall, but a thorough hurricane preparedness plan can provide a silver lining in an emergency. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Earlier this year, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, reported a 60% chance of an above-normal hurricane season. A proactive approach can protect your family and property against the threat of severe weather. Farm Bureau members can access resources through vafb.com to help determine your risk, devise a plan, build an emergency kit and secure your property. When shopping for emergency supplies, remember your Farm Bureau membership affords you savings from Grainger. Hurricanes often generate rainfall that can cause severe flooding over wide areas, as well as spawn tornadoes, and severely affect areas well inland. Before a storm is imminent, plan a safe evacuation route out of its path. Review and become familiar with the plan well in advance with family, friends and co-workers. 30
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
Follow this three-step prep
1
Essential items for evacuation, or returning to your property after a severe storm, include the following: • flashlights and extra batteries • portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries • first-aid kit • emergency food and water (for humans and pets) • non-electric can opener • any personal medicines and supplies • duct tape, extra flashlights, batteries, glow-sticks, tarps, cleaning supplies, insulated coolers, gas can, generators, all-purpose extension cords and portable blowers, all available from Grainger.com.
2
During the storm: • Monitor the news. • Stay inside, and keep pets safe with leashes or crates. • Tell someone your location, and review your plan with loved ones.
• Charge your phone. • Use flashlights, not candles.
3
After the storm: • Listen to local news for emergency instructions. • Make contact with others. • Avoid walking or driving in floodwater. • Avoid drinking tap water, and check for food spoilage. • Take photos for insurance claims. • Be aware of natural gas leaks, and watch for sparks and broken or frayed wires. • Be sure electrical systems or appliances are not wet before using. • Check for damaged pipes. • Disinfect items that may have been contaminated.
For more storm preparedness information, visit grainger.com/ content/hurricanes and Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.’s Virginia Hurricane Preparedness Central resource.
September campaign steers toward bicyclist and pedestrian safety BY ADAM CULLER
Move over, motorists: the end of summer is for bicyclists and pedestrians. September is Bicyclist and Pedestrian Awareness Month in Virginia, and Drive Smart Virginia is reminding drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to share the responsibility of road safety. The organization’s “See and Be Seen� campaign advocates for motorists to drive without distractions and to be aware of other road users. The initiative also urges bicyclists and pedestrians to avoid distractions, obey traffic laws and increase their visibility by wearing bright and reflective clothing and using flashing lights. The promotion of this year’s campaign comes in light of pedestrian deaths reaching a record high in
Virginia in 2019. Drive Smart Virginia’s annual report revealed 126 pedestrians and 13 bicyclists were killed on Virginia roads in 2019, and an additional 1,896 pedestrians and 754 cyclists were injured. “The increase in deaths and injuries of pedestrians and bicyclists on Virginia roadways is alarming,� said Darlene Wells, executive vice president and general manager of Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., and a member of the DSV board of directors. “Everyone has the right to use the roadways, and it is important that everyone is looking out for each other.� Drivers are required to maintain a 3-foot distance from pedestrians and cyclists on roadways. When sharing roads with vehicles, cyclists should ride with traffic, and pedestrians should
walk facing traffic, as far away from vehicles as possible. Virginia law requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians at any clearly marked crosswalk. Motorists also must yield in extensions of sidewalk boundaries at the end of a block, and at any intersection without sidewalks where the legal maximum speed doesn’t exceed 35 mph. In rural areas where roadways may not accommodate added space for pedestrians and cyclists, drivers should use extra caution. “As a driver, you need to be absolutely aware of where you are,� said Dana Fisher, chairman of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Safety Advisory Committee. “You need to make sure you’re not distracted as you drive.�
 � � � � � � �� � � � � �  � � �  � Get in touch
Agricultural Lending Division
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