FBN Jan 2022

JANUARY 2022

Farm Bureau News The Voice of Virginia’s Agricultural Producers

Social Savvy

Farmers use online platforms to grow businesses

Farm Bureau News

Volume 81, Number 1 January 2022 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 $1.13 (included in membership dues).

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Features 9

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“I want our farm’s

VFBF celebrates 95 years at its annual convention

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation marked 95 years of advocating for agriculture and supporting its members.

Advisory committees promote grassroots advocacy

Commodity advisory committees serve as the eyes, ears and voice for Farm Bureau’s producer members.

social media pages to be a bright light.”

– MAGGIE MOOMAW, IRVINGTON SPRING FARM, LYNCHBURG

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 Vice Pesident, Communications Kathy Dixon Managing Editor

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Farmers become savvy on social media

Nicole Zema Staff Writer/Photographer

Social media platforms allow Virginia farmers to quickly, easily and effectively influence consumers and attract customers.

Crop insurance helps protect farm businesses

One of farmers’ largest operational expenses can provide peace of mind when Mother Nature wreaks havoc on crops.

Departments 7 20 28

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE

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

WE’RE SOCIAL!

For Your Benefit Save the Date Heart of the Home ON THE COVER Maggie Moomaw’s colorful social media posts boost business at Irvington Spring Farm (Photo by Alice Kemp).

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Adam Culler Staff Writer/Photographer Patricia Hooten Graphic Designer Maria La Lima Graphic Designer Alice Kemp Staff Writer/Advertising Coordinator

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

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

Board of Directors DIRECTOR

DISTRICT COUNTY

Emily F. Edmondson 1 Tazewell Richard L. Sutherland 2 Grayson Bruce N. Stanger 3 Montgomery Jeannie L. Dudding 4 Craig 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 J. Barry Bates 12 Essex M. L. Everett Jr. 13 Southampton David L. Hickman 14 Accomack A. Faye Hundley * Essex Lindy Tucker Fimon ** Lunenburg *Women’s Committee Chairman **Young Farmers Committee Chairman

President’s Message

2021 full of successes for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation

I

f success is defined as “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose,” then 2021 can surely be deemed a success.

WAYNE F. PRYOR We had many achievements this past year, and much of that was accomplished through support from our members.

In 2021 we not only reached our membership goal but far exceeded it! Our end-of-the-year total was 132,296—2,311 more than in 2020.

Along the way to that milestone, 77 of our county Farm Bureaus reached their respective membership goals, and our overall member retention rate is more than 93%. This is truly remarkable!

We pride ourselves on providing value to our members, and feel that

our membership gains truly reflect that commitment.

The following should give you an overview of the top accomplishments in each area of our organization.

Thank you for choosing to be part of the Farm Bureau family.

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

VFBF | 2021

2021 Success Stories

year-end roundup

Member Support Agriculture Business Assistance • The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability helped more than 30 producers apply for more than $3.59 million in state and federal grants.

• The Agriculture, Development and Innovation Department co-hosted the Virginia Spotlight state exhibit at the Sunbelt Ag Expo, the largest agriculture exposition in North America.

• The grain marketing division assisted 380 grain producers with marketing their grain in 2021, with 2,000 individual transactions.

Communications • A weekly news bulletin is disseminated to media contacts statewide each week. Each year, it results in more than 1,000 print articles and broadcast news stories.

• Real Virginia, our weekly television show, shares entertaining and educational agricultural stories with as many as 3 million consumers.

• Virginia Farm Bureau News, our producer member magazine, turned 80 last year and continues to provide information about pertinent issues, industry changes and current agricultural practices to over 30,000 readers.

vafb.com / JANUARY 2022

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Member Support

Grassroots Support

• Staff participated in—or served on—24 different working groups from the fall of 2020 through fall of 2021. Groups considered issues related to the environment, pesticides and farmland preservation.

• Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC, our political action committee, endorsed 81 Virginia House of Delegates candidates who support agriculture and Farm Bureau positions. Of the 81 endorsed, 75 were elected Nov. 2, which represents a 92.6% success rate. The AgPAC board of trustees also met with all six campaigns for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general to brief them on key agriculture and forestry issues. In-kind contributions were offered to five of the six campaigns that presented positions promoting specific agriculture and forestry issues aligned with Farm Bureau policy.

Top membership counties for 2021 County Farm Bureau

Members

Washington 3,210 Charles City-James City- New Kent-York

3,120

NICOLE ZEMA

• In 2021—despite staff and members lobbying in a virtual environment—Farm Bureau was successful at the General Assembly on 31 out of 32 key policy positions.

Governmental relations vice president Martha Moore, left, and assistant director Stefanie Taillon discuss critical issues with members in preparation for visits with legislators.

Growth & Service • Membership quota was reached and exceeded. End-of-year total was 132,296—2,311 more than in 2020.

• Seventy-seven county Farm Bureaus met their membership goal, and overall member retention is more than 93%.

• The products division had a groundbreaking year, increasing sales over the previous year by nearly $1 million.

as of Oct. 31, 2021

County Farm Bureau Prince George

Percentage of goal 110.31

Nansemond 108.57

Bedford 3,080

Bedford 108.07

Hanover 2,903

Warren 106.94

Tazewell 2,802

Alleghany 106.55

Franklin 2,635

Caroline 106.43

Augusta 2,592

Spotsylvania 105.94

Henrico 2,547

Amelia 105.56

Smyth 2,425

Prince William-Fairfax

Rockingham 2,424

Northumberland-Lancaster 104.67

105.20

County Farm Bureau

Member retention rate

Sussex 96.73% Amelia 96.65% Nottoway 95.99% Buckingham 95.92% Charlotte 95.78% Madison 95.78% Halifax 95.50% Lunenburg 95.45% Dinwiddie 95.30% Alleghany 95.27% Greensville 95.27% Louisa 95.27%

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

VFBF | 2021 year-end roundup

Special Programs Agriculture Education • Approximately 1 million children were connected with agriculture through Agriculture in the Classroom's programs, workshops and free educational materials.

• All 88 county Farm Bureaus donated to Virginia AITC for the first time in the foundation’s history.

• AITC had its best fundraising year in its 29 years as a foundation, with over $408,000 raised.

Safety • The Virginia Farm Bureau Safety Advisory Committee received a $35,000 grant to help the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services address farmers stress and mental health.

• The committee created a “Thank-A-Farmer” event at the State Fair that resulted in almost 500 drawings and notes to farmers expressing appreciation for the work they do.

They also captured videos of fairgoers thanking farmers, and shared those via social media.

Women’s Leadership • The Women’s Leadership Conference was held for the first time in two years, and about 160 women attended.

• The state committee held its first Women’s Leadership Academy training program for county women’s committee chairs.

• Isle of Wight County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee member Livvy Preisser successfully completed the American Farm Bureau Women’s Communications Boot Camp in November.

Young Farmers • The VFBF Young Farmers Committee hosted its fourth Gubernatorial Candidates Forum for Agriculture and Forestry during its Summer Expo, which involved 150 young farmers and seven urban candidates.

• Young Farmer winners from Wythe County took 3rd place in the American Farm Bureau Federation Achievement Award competition and 4th place in the national Excellence in Agriculture Award competition during the AFBF Virtual Convention in January. This marks the 12th year in a row that Virginia Young Farmers have received national recognition.

Above, volunteers read to students during Agriculture Literacy Week in March, and youth exhibited livestock and earned scholarships during the State Fair of Virginia.

• A new student-focused Farm Bureau membership was offered to students involved in Collegiate Young Farmers chapters on Virginia campuses.

State Fair of Virginia • After being cancelled in 2020, the State Fair had a strong showing in 2021, with an estimated attendance of 215,000.

• The annual youth livestock Sale of Champions and Black Tie and Boots fundraiser brought in over $100,000 to help fund fair scholarships.

• The Meadow Event Park experienced a record 500,000 visitors to the property. vafb.com / JANUARY 2022

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Thank you for your membership!

As a Farm Bureau member, you’ve put your support squarely behind your community and the farm families who produce the nation’s food and other important products. Here are examples of what Virginia Farm Bureau Federation did to support producer members, their farms and their communities in 2021.

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

meals, clothing, vehicle care, and other goods and services, with online access and show-your-phone technology.

• Tires — competitively priced auto, truck and farm tires, and farm equipment parts • Xerox — up to 50% off home and office products and preferred pricing on Xerox services • Yamaha vehicles — get a $250 rebate on select Yamaha 4WD ATV and SXS vehicles, excluding youth models under 350cc

Travel Services • Avis Car Rental Savings — up to 30% off Avis base rates • Biltmore Estate — 10% off regular gate admission and

reduced rates at The Inn on Biltmore Estate and other accommodations • Budget Car Rental Savings — up to 30% off Budget base rates • Budget Truck Rental Savings — up to 20% off Budget consumer rental rates • Choice Hotel Discounts — 20% off the “best available rates” at Cambria Suites, Clarion, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Econo Lodge, MainStay Suites, Quality, Rodeway Inn, Sleep Inn, Suburban and Woodspring Suites locations • Dollywood & Dollywood Splash Country — save $10 on tickets to world-renowned theme parks in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

• Wyndham Hotels and Resorts Discounts — up to 20% off at over 9,000 AmericInn, Baymont, Days Inn, Hawthorne Suites, Howard Johnson, LaQuinta, Microtel, Ramada, Super 8 Motel, Travelodge, Wingate by Wyndham and Wyndham Hotels locations.

Home/Business/Farm Savings • Bush Hog products — save $200 when purchasing Bush

Hog products valued at $5,000 or more

• Case IH Equipment Discounts — Save $200-$500 on

qualifying products from participating dealers.

• Caterpillar Machine Discounts — Save up to $5,000 on qualifying new Cat machines from participating dealers, and receive an additional $250 credit on work tool attachments purchased with new Cat equipment.

• Ford Truck Savings — $500 toward the purchase or lease of a new Ford Maverick, Ranger, F-150 or Super Duty®* • Grainger Savings — Get deep discounts on equipment and supplies from Grainger, plus get free standard ground shipping on all standard Grainger products**.

• John Deere Rewards savings — on residential, commercial and utility equipment • Member Deals Plus®*** — lets you save wherever you go, with the nation’s largest private discount network on 6

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Healthy Living • Life Line Screenings — for stroke, heart attack and bone

fracture risks

• Prescription Drug Discount — at more than 67,000

pharmacies nationwide, on all FDA-approved brand and generic drugs

Insurance Protection

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

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

Financial • Banking Services — including credit cards, deposit accounts and mortgage, vehicle and education loans • Estate Planning Assistance — free, no-obligation analysis to help you set financial goals * Excludes F-150 Lightning, F-150 Raptor, F-600, F-650 and F-750 Super Duty **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. ***Member Deals Plus® and Member Deals plus® are registered trademarks of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

For Your Benefit

Home/Business/Farm

Prepare your property for spring with savings on tried and true products

Save on Bush Hog mowers, landscape tools and more!

Since 1951, Bush Hog has offered dependable rotary cutters, finishing mowers, landscape tools and a wide variety of tractor-mounted implements. Its rotary cutters are perfect for cutting pastures and mowing fields, and they come with a 10-year gearbox limited warranty.

Bush Hog offers American-made equipment to meet all your agricultural and landscaping needs—like zero-turn mowers that reduce mowing time and allow you to cut more efficiently.

And now, Virginia Farm Bureau members can save $250 when they purchase Bush Hog products valued at $5,000 or more!

Visit vafb.com/benefits and log in as a member or create an account, then print out a Membership Discount Agreement Form and take it to any authorized Bush Hog dealer at the time of sale. The discount must be claimed at the time of purchase.

Save hundreds on qualifying Case IH products 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 members receive the following manufacturer discount on purchases of these 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

Dig into substantial savings on select Caterpillar machines If you’re planning some heavy work this winter, Caterpillar Inc. offers Farm Bureau members savings of up to $2,500 on select Cat machines, as well as a $250 credit on work tool attachments purchased with a new Cat machine.

Savings are good on excavators, small wheel loaders and dozers, backhoe loaders and more.

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

Clean up with discounted 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; electrical; hand tools; manufacturing; motors; outdoor equipment; plumbing; power tools; AND safety items.

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).

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.

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 / JANUARY 2022

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For Your Benefit

state, and enter your Farm Bureau membership number and other required information. Click submit, and Yamaha will send a $250 rebate check within 6-8 weeks of submitting the request.

Entertainment/Travel

Get out and about with savings for Virginia Farm Bureau members

* Limit one Factory Direct Cash serialized coupon per eligible VIN, and multiple qualified purchases per household are allowed.

Receive a $250 rebate on select Yamaha vehicles Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., designs, engineers and tests its all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles in the real world.

Their products are assembled in America at a state-of-the-art facility in Newnan, Georgia.

And now Farm Bureau members in Virginia are eligible to receive $250 Factory Direct Cash on the purchase of select new Yamaha 4WD ATV and SXS vehicles, excluding youth models under 350cc.

To claim your rebate: • Members have up to 30 days after purchase to apply for the $250 rebate*, and there is no waiting period for new members to use the Yamaha discount.

Go to vafb.com/membership-at-work/membership/ benefits, and search for Yamaha. Click on the link, select your

Save on your home-awayfrom-home 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.

Choice Hotels International 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.

Farm Bureau members receive

EXCLUSIVE CASH REWARD

ON ELIGIBLE NEW MAVERICK, RANGER, F-150 OR SUPER DUTY

FORD SUPER DUTY

FORD F-150

FORD RANGER

*

®

FORD MAVERICK

Visit fordfarmbureauadvantage.com today!

Computer-generated image with available features shown.

We value our long-standing partnership with Farm Bureau and are proud to offer their members exclusive savings.

Farm Bureau Exclusive Cash Reward is for active Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. $500 Exclusive Cash Reward on the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2021/2022/2023 Ford Maverick, Ranger, F-150 or Super Duty.This incentive is not available on F-150 Lightning, F-150 Raptor, F-600, F-650 and F-750 Super Duty. 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. Must be a Farm Bureau member for 30 consecutive days prior to purchase or lease and take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by January 3, 2023. Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com or see your authorized Ford Dealer for qualifications and complete details. Note to dealer: Claim in VINCENT using #38326

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS FD21_FB_VA_3.875x4.8125_Ad_rd01_01.indd 1

11/16/21 11:00 AM

Farm Bureau president:

Mental health of farmers, rural Virginians needs to be a priority

V

irginia Farm Bureau Federation President Wayne F. Pryor said the organization is focusing on the mental health of farmers and other rural Virginians because farming can be stressful for families and communities.

“When you add the pandemic to natural disasters, financial pressures, fluctuating commodity prices, labor shortages, trade disruptions and supply chain interruptions and resulting price increases, it’s no surprise that more farmers and their families are experiencing stress and mental health concerns,” he told farmers from across the state on Dec. 1 during the VFBF 2021 Annual Meeting of Voting Delegates.

Pryor cited an American Farm Bureau Federation poll conducted at the end of 2020 that found 66% of farmers said the COVID-19 pandemic had adversely affected their mental health. And 61% of rural adults said the pandemic had impacted mental health in their communities.

“So this is something we should all be concerned about,” Pryor said. “It’s a difficult time, but you are not alone.

We are all in this together, and it’s OK not to be OK.” He shared that the AFBF’s Farm State of Mind campaign emphasizes the need to openly discuss the issue.

“If you—or someone you know— need help, I encourage you to talk to someone,” Pryor added. He suggested attendees to reach out to a family member, friend, doctor or pastor.

“Farm Bureau has cared about the health and safety of its members for 95 years, and we’re not going to stop now.”

PRYOR

Keynote speaker Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, U.S. deputy secretary of agriculture, said the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has received $500,000 in federal funds to address mental health issues affecting farmers and their families.

“We are really trying to address behavioral health awareness literacy and an understanding of the impacts of stress on our farmers and their family members,” Bronaugh shared.

Recognizing signs of mental distress

During a Nov. 30 workshop about farm stress, experts discussed exacerbating factors and warning signs of suicide, along with intervention methods and how to access regional resources.

Nicole Gore, a suicide prevention coordinator with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, said the state’s community service boards are an ideal starting place for those with mental health challenges to seek help, no matter their income level or insurance status. Neighbors and loved ones often can intervene before a crisis arises.

“The three things that you can do—

recognize some of the basic warning signs, be comfortable asking the question, and then be able to connect them to resources,” Gore said.

Kristie Jones, director of adult behavioral health services for the Cumberland Mountain Community Services Board in Southwest Virginia, said farm stress can be unrelenting.

“Your work and life are in the same place, so how do you find the balance there?” she asked.

Jones reported that farmers are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide compared to the overall U.S. population. Warning signs of a mental health crisis include deterioration of physical well-being, emotional turmoil, drastic personality change, social isolation, farm neglect or increased accidents.

“When you talk to them about your concerns, it opens the door for people to feel as though someone is there to listen, support, help or allow them the opportunity to talk about what is going on in their lives,” Jones said. “So, if you notice some of those warning signs, talk about it—‘I notice you seem tired lately,’ or, ‘I noticed you stopped coming to the meetings.’ Be there to listen, and take it to the next step. Ask if they’re thinking about suicide.”

Farm succession like a porcupine

Both farm succession planning and porcupines are prickly and hard to approach. But if you want your family farm to continue into the next generation, you need to “master the porcupine.”

That’s according to Jennifer E. Jones, a trainer with Generation NEXT, a succession program vafb.com / JANUARY 2022

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sponsored by Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Department of Forestry. She’s also the founder of GROUND, an advisory service to help families navigate the process of effective succession planning.

The No. 1 reason farmowners don’t do enough succession planning is they fear losing control of their property and operations, Jones said during a Nov. 30 workshop.

“But you’re not going to have any control if you don’t do any planning.

If you don’t do it, someone else will.” Only 20% of family farms succeed in transferring the farm to the next generation, according to the American Farmland Trust. “It’s a process, it takes time, and it’s the most important job you have,” Jones said.

She shared tips for successful planning: Start immediately developing a vision for how the family business will be passed down; share that vision with family; and involve heirs in regular discussions as a plan is drafted. And while wills are important documents, trusts are often the best way to ensure farmland stays in the family.

Easements can be difficult

In rural areas where individuals own large parcels of land, those properties often are subjected to easements that allow outside entities to utilize portions of private land.

Whether designated for local traffic on private roadways, public utility purposes or any number of other reasons, easements can be complex, and disagreements over rights of use are common.

Harrisonburg-based lawyer Kevin M. Rose discussed easements during a workshop, and noted most easementrelated cases he sees stem from clients and attorneys who pay little regard to the statutes of an easement when preparing property deeds.

“A lot of times, clients just want to write on their deeds that an 10

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

easement is reserved, and the deed doesn’t specify where that easement is or define any rights of use,” Rose explained. “If you’re creating an easement or are subdividing some of your land and are worried about who might be your neighbor one day, it would be in your interest to have the terms written down.”

Rose explained clearly defined terms and up-to-date property surveys are effective tools in settling quarrels over easements. He concluded by advising landowners and easement beneficiaries to make every effort to settle simple disputes over rights of use before considering litigation.

Five board members re-elected to three-year terms • District 2: Richard L. Sutherland, Grayson County • District 5: Russell L Williams II, Rockbridge County • District 8: Leigh H. Pemberton, Hanover County • District 11: J.M. “Jerry” Jenkins Jr., Lunenburg County • District 14: David L. Hickman, Accomack County

County Farm Bureaus win Awards of Excellence Albemarle County Farm Bureau received a first-place Virginia Farm Bureau Federation County Award of Excellence Dec. 1. President Richard Fox led an effort to boost membership by sending information to residents registered in the county’s Land Use Tax Deferral Program who were not Farm Bureau members.

Nelson County Farm Bureau, led

by President William Mays, received second place in the County Awards of Excellence program. In lieu of its annual dinner, the county Farm Bureau held a drive-through member appreciation event featuring ice cream and giveaways.

Madison County young farmers win Achievement Award

Roger and Amanda Scott of Madison County were named the 2021 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Achievement Award winners on Dec. 1.

The Young Farmers Achievement Award honors individuals who are successful in production agriculture and provide leadership on and off the farm. The Scotts operate two commercial turkey houses, a poultry litter hauling and spreading business, a cow-calf operation and a custom hay business. Amanda Scott also is a livestock veterinarian.

After a presentation on their farm to a panel of judges, the Scotts were commended for their collaborative communication style and strong bond in running the business.

The Scotts will receive one year’s use of a Kubota tractor of their choice; a farm utility vehicle from Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co.; and cash awards of $1,000 from Farm Credit, $500 from VFBF and $500 from Chesterfield County Farm Bureau. They will compete for the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award at the 2022 AFBF Annual Convention in Atlanta in January.

Augusta County agribusiness professional wins Discussion Meet Morgan Messer of Augusta County took top honors Dec. 1 in Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers Discussion Meet in Williamsburg.

The Discussion Meet is designed to simulate a committee meeting in which discussion and active participation are expected from each contestant. Relevant topics are presented to competitors who are judged on their discussion skills, understanding of important agricultural issues and ability to build consensus.

Messer serves on the VFBF Young Farmers Committee representing District 5. She grew up on a beef cattle farm in Augusta County and attended Virginia Tech, where she doublemajored in agricultural sciences and communication. Since graduating in 2014, she has worked for American Farm Bureau Federation and Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom.

Messer is currently director of external affairs and communication at Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative.

She won a John Deere Gator utility vehicle, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co., and a $1,000 cash award from Virginia Farm Bureau Health Care Consultants.

VFBF receives forestry award Virginia Farm Bureau Federation was recognized by the Virginia Department of Forestry for decades of effort to make timberland owners aware of reforestation incentives, and advocating for matching funding from the state.

VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor, Forestry Advisory Committee Chair Bill Osl and vice president of governmental relations Martha Moore accepted the award.

Roanoke TV anchor, other news professionals recognized Neesey Payne, an anchor for television station WDBJ7 in Roanoke,

Winning hay bale entries from across the state were recognized at the VFBF Annual Convention.

captured Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s 2021 Ishee-Quann Award for Media Excellence, the top honor in Farm Bureau’s annual Journalism Awards program. Payne also won in the award program’s television category for a third consecutive year.

Other 2021 VFBF Journalism Award winners are: • Daily newspapers: Harrisonburg’s Daily News-Record.

• Weekly and semi-weekly newspapers: Kilmarnock-based Rappahannock Record (15th time) • Members’ Choice Award: Kathleen Borrelli and Terry Beigie of the Greene County Record in Stanardsville.

Honorable mentions went to reporter Casey Fabris of The Roanoke Times, and to Middleburg-based Country Zest & Style magazine.

Creative hay bale displays awarded The 7th annual Women’s Leadership Committee Hay Bale contest garnered

a record 52 entries. The following winners received a $100 cash award.

The convention favorite was voted on by attendees. The winner was Essex County Farm Bureau, and that organization received a trophy.

• Best Agri-Business, FFA or 4-H Display—W. R. Legge FFA, Frederick County, for “Join W.R. Legge FFA—It’s a Hoot!”

• Best Promotional Hay Bale Display—Chesapeake Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee for “Get Onboard the Farm Bureau Train!”

• Best Agricultural Theme Display—Shenandoah County Farm Bureau for its “Pumpkin Man.” • Most Creative Display—North Fork Middle School, Shenandoah County, for its “Fish” display.

• Community Spirit—Greensville Chowan Basin Soil & Water Conservation District for “Farmers are Shucking A-Maz-Ing!” vafb.com / JANUARY 2022

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WATCH US

Deputy secretary of agriculture discusses farm priorities, on Real Virginia

Featured this month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program: • U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Dr. Jewel Bronaugh discussed agricultural priorities, including rural broadband access and farmers’ mental health concerns.

The application deadline for high school juniors or seniors interested in competing for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Outstanding Young Agriculturalist Award is March 31.

The annual award recognizes youth for outstanding academic, community and agribusiness achievements.

County-level winners will be notified in early May, and invited to give a speech at the Young Farmers Summer Expo in July to determine the state winner.

The state winner will receive a cash scholarship of $1,500 from Farm Credit of the Virginias, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. and the VFBF Young Farmers Committee.

For complete rules and a registration form, visit bit.ly/3DnHclN.

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• Farm life in King and Queen County is profiled in 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 digital channel 15.2, WHRO Norfolk, WVVA Bluefield and WTKR Norfolk, and on the first and third weekends of each month on WVIR Charlottesville and WRLH Richmond.

Watch Real Virginia anytime online at youtube.com/user/ VirginiaFarmBureau.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Madison Cogle, a third-year student at Ferrum College, earned first place in Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s 14th Annual Collegiate Young Farmers Discussion Meet, held Nov. 5 in Lynchburg.

The Collegiate Discussion Meet competition is designed to simulate a roundtable committee meeting.

Competitors are judged on their discussion skills, understanding of important agricultural issues and ability to build consensus.

Cogle lives on a farm in Lewis County, West Virginia. In Virginia, Cogle is a member of Franklin County Farm Bureau.

She was awarded a $500 scholarship from Southern Farm Life Insurance Co. and VFBF Young Farmers.

CROP INSURANCE SPECIALIST

• An Appomattox County farmer was honored for conservation efforts on his family’s historic farm.

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Ferrum student wins Collegiate Discussion Meet

Outstanding young agriculturalists encouraged to apply for 2022 competition

The number of crop insurance specialists in Virginia who are federally certified each year— nearly 20 are from Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. See related story on page 22.

‘Eyes, ears and voice’ Farm Bureau’s advisory committees are fertile ground for grassroots advocacy

BY NICOLE ZEMA

L

ong before agricultural policy initiatives are presented to Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s voting delegates, farmers have traveled from every corner of the commonwealth to hash out the issues.

Farm Bureau’s advisory committees are the true grassroots of agricultural advocacy. Volunteer members meet annually to identify commodityspecific issues, including production, marketing and legislative concerns that impact their ability to compete.

Committees recommend new policies or amend existing ones, conveying to staff how to best address concerns of producer members statewide.

In turn, staff keep members informed about the issues they may be confronting. They represent their positions before legislative bodies and government agencies, garnering the support needed to implement the issue position.

The work of every committee is essential to strengthening an organization with a long track record of advancing agriculture and forestry activities in Virginia. These committees are the eyes, ears and voice of producer members in the fast-changing world of production agriculture.

And they get results.

“An 85% or better success rate on the number of policy issues achieved is possible with the Farm Bureau team approach,” said VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor. “Our positions are well thought-out and debated as the issue works its way from the local level to the state level. When Farm Bureau takes a position, it is not a small group making these decisions, but a democratic process that engages our members.”

VFBF Cotton and Peanut Advisory committees meeting in Smithfield in 2018.

New issues, same mission

VFBF advisory committees have evolved with the organization and agricultural climate of the times.

Historically, each county Farm Bureau had one or more commodity advisory committee, said Tony Banks, senior assistant director of agriculture, development and innovation. But the county committees dissolved. Now, statewide commodity and advisory committees look at issues and make policy recommendations, which the VFBF board reviews and forwards to county Farm Bureaus and the Resolutions Committee for further consideration.

“The main reasons committees get established—the membership and board of directors agree there are enough issues occurring specific to a commodity or legislative action, that warrants having a group of members who are focused on those topics,” Banks continued. “They can provide recommendations and be an extra set of eyes and ears for the board and

membership at large.”

Though committees have come and gone, Pittsylvania County farmer Robert Mills said the groups have contributed to VFBF’s long legacy of success.

A seat at the table

Mills, who serves Southside Virginia producers on the VFBF board of directors, is a member of Farm Bureau commodity advisory committees for poultry, flue-cured tobacco and livestock.

“It’s the one time a year the growers actually get together in one spot and have industry experts to answer their questions and provide the latest information on policy, price or demand,” he said. “The individuals on these committees get an insight that a lot of other growers don’t, because they’re at the table.”

Mills said COVID-19 restrictions have taken meetings to online forums, which works OK, but can inhibit interaction between growers. vafb.com / JANUARY 2022

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‘Eyes, ears and voice’ “Being face-to-face really stirs conversation you don’t have online,” he said. As restrictions ease, “I think getting back together is probably more important than ever right now. It’s a grassroots effort that puts good policy on our books. And these committees play a vital role in that.”

Virginia’s forest custodians and timber growers gathered Sept. 1 for a day of dialogue, policy discussion and a walk in the woods as part of the VFBF Forestry Advisory Committee meeting in Grayson County.

Virginia Department of Forestry officials led a tour of white pine growth in Mathews State Forest, shared industry updates and offered input on emerging issues like solar facilities, erosion control, forestland conservation models and Chesapeake Bay preservation.

“This committee likes to get out to look, learn and talk, which hopefully influences our policy discussions,” said Martha Moore, vice president of VFBF governmental relations.

Bill Osl, a Cumberland County timber grower who represents farmers in Central Virginia on the VFBF board of directors, led the meeting with fellow board member Richard Sutherland of Grayson County. VFBF’s forestry policy language was examined and updated with input from governmental relations staff and committee members.

“We had good energy and participation,” Osl said. “That’s what we’re about.”

VFBF’s current advisory and commodity committees • Apple • Aquaculture • Cotton • Dairy • Equine • Farm safety • Flue-cured tobacco • Forestry • Land use 14

PHOTOS BY NICOLE ZEMA

‘Look, learn and talk’

• Legislative • Livestock • Membership services • National affairs • Peanut • Poultry • Soybean & feed grains • Specialty crops

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Forestry advisory committee members met inside, then took a tour in Mathews State Forest.

vafb.com / JANUARY 2022

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PHOTOS BY ALICE KEMP

Maggie Moomaw photographs stages of flower growth and posts on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

In addition to flowers and plants, Moomaw uses social media to share events on the farm like classes on gardening and native plants.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY:

S

Virginia farmers gain large followings online

ocial media is considered vital for small business success in today’s world, and farming is no exception. With Americans more distant from farming than ever, platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok give farmers a way to share their stories far and wide, market their products and spread the word about who they are and what they do—all while keeping an eye on the bottom line.

Lynchburg flower farm flourishes online

BY ALICE KEMP

Maggie Moomaw has a few essentials when she starts the workday: her purple overalls, a shovel, a stirrup hoe and her cellphone.

And in between working the soil, weeding and digging up dahlia tubers on her family’s small flower farm in Lynchburg, she’s snapping pictures and recording videos to bank for later.

“I don’t curate it too much,” she explained. “It’s authentic. I try to incorporate it into my day as much as I can.”

Moomaw “grew up in the world of flowers” and manages Irvington Spring Farm, where she and a handful of employees cultivate over 50 different flower varieties sold as cut product and plants for home gardens. After taking over operations for her parents, Ben and Kaye, she prioritized building an online presence.

“I want our farm’s social media pages to be a bright light,” she remarked.

“Highlighting the beauty of flowers, the beauty of the seasons and the natural world.”

Scrolling through the farm’s Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts reveals a rainbow of colors, lush bouquets and behind-the-scenes snippets of what goes into nurturing the stunning stems. Moomaw spends a few hours each week editing photos and videos, and forming short montages with titles like “A year of flowers in 20 seconds,” and “DoorDash flower delivery now available.”

She also has upbeat music playing in her video reels—such as Let’s Groove by Earth, Wind & Fire—sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.

“I think you can get really fun and creative with it,” she chuckled. “I like the video creation. Even though it is a little more time-consuming, it’s a lot more creative than just photos and Facebook statuses.”

Posting on Instagram three times a week, she’s garnered nearly 7,000 followers on the platform. TikTok, on the other hand, she’s only had for about six months, but already has amassed over 11,500 followers. These fans are learning about the farm’s story, what flowers are in season, how they’re grown and even what native plants to have in the garden to encourage pollinators.

“It’s good for people to see the whole picture, that there are human hands behind all of these things.”

Moomaw believes that when used well, these platforms are another way to build trust and a connection with customers—a connection that also drives a physical footprint.

Moomaw takes time to reply to comments and interact with people on social media, building trust and rapport. She said followers want to see the faces behind the farm products.

vafb.com / JANUARY 2022

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“People come to the farm, and they’re like, ‘I didn’t even know you’re in Lynchburg. I saw you on TikTok,’” she said. “In the last two years since I’ve been posting consistently and developing a brand for the farm, we’ve seen a significant increase in our sales, which has been wonderful.”

And while having a strong online influence is important to her and the business, she also recognizes that cultivating in-person relationships is just as vital.

“It’s about finding a balance,” she explained. “This sounds kind of doomsday, but if for some reason Instagram disappears tomorrow, would we still have customers?

You can’t rely on social media too much, because if you don’t have those real relationships with your customers either, then you might not be able to sustain your business in the long run.”

Facebook offers quick way to update farm customers

BY KATHY DIXON

Jay Yankey of Yankey Farms in Prince William County uses Facebook to educate customers about how his produce — like this ear of sweet corn — is grown, and also shares pictures of what's available for purchase or picking.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

A decade ago, Jay Yankey didn’t even have a Facebook page.

But his wife, Sonja, did. And she thought their Yankey Farms needed a Facebook business page, so she created one. Once Jay saw that the platform was an inexpensive, easy way to connect customers with their farm, he got on board the social bandwagon.

Today, Yankey Farms has over 10,000 followers. Jay said that they had so many visitors to the farm’s U-pick strawberry and pumpkin patches in 2021 that he didn’t have to use the platform to draw in customers.

Jay and Sonja are co-owners of the Prince William County farm, which offers U-pick strawberries and pumpkins, provides fruits and vegetables through its Community Supported Agriculture subscriptions, operates a roadside produce stand during the summer and direct-markets beef.

“Facebook has been an integral part of us growing our operation,” Yankey noted, adding that he hasn’t invested in any print advertising “for a long time.”

His posts include photos, videos and notices about whether the U-pick patch is open or what types of vegetables customers can find at the roadside stand. The advantage of using social media is that announcements are timely and can keep up with the ever-fluctuating weather affecting the crops.

“What we do changes daily, so the message needs to be changed on a regular basis,” Yankey explained. “We can get information out quickly and let people know what’s going on.”

On Oct. 29, 2021, Yankey posted that the U-pick pumpkin patch would be open but all other activities were cancelled. “Due to all the rain this week, we will only be offering pumpkin picking this weekend,” the post said. “All our other fall activities (animals, corn maze, hayride, cow train, kids’ play areas) are closed. It is just too muddy.”

It’s not just logistical information posted on the platform. Yankey uses social media for educational purposes as well. He provides updates on the progress of the commodities they’re growing, and even explains how crops are planted and how they are cared for as they mature.

He still maintains a website for the farm business but said Facebook is much more effective at sharing timely information.

“I can manage it from the seat of my tractor on my cell phone,” Yankey said. “I can open the app, take a picture and make a post—all while doing my farm work.”

He acknowledged that there are plenty of social media platforms available, but he plans to stick with just one. “I think Facebook is the best platform for our farm,” Yankey shared. “The platform is friendly toward farm businesses to get the word out, and people like to connect with where their food comes from.”

Solar energy and workforce stability are among top issues farmers will discuss with legislators

E

ach year, bills affecting agriculture are up for consideration by state legislators in Virginia’s General Assembly. To help educate lawmakers on the impacts that legislation will have on the commonwealth’s farmers and their communities, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation is hosting its annual Legislative Day on Jan. 24.

Member-identified critical issues determined prior to the 2022 Virginia General Assembly include: • Opposing legislation that further inhibits farmers’ ability to have a stable workforce.

• Supporting funding needed to meet water quality goals, including additional funding for technical assistance and Soil and Water Conservation District operational support, and expressing appreciation for the current funding available for the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost Share Program.

• Opposing legislation prohibiting the proper use of EPA-approved pesticides and educating legislators on the benefits of crop protectants.

• Supporting efforts to give landowners and local governments more information and authority to

make better-informed decisions on the siting of utility-scale solar facilities, to be able to maintain an economically viable local agriculture and forestry industry, and opposing further expansion of eminent domain authority for solar facilities.

• Requesting the state develop a specific plan for increasing meat processing facilities’ capacity as well as supporting incentives to implement the plan and increase processing opportunities.

“One of the biggest strengths of Virginia Farm Bureau is the grassroots policy development process,” said Martha Moore, VFBF governmental relations vice president. “These are not all of the issues that Farm Bureau will be advocating for, but they are some that have been identified by members as being critically important to make legislators aware of prior to the legislative session.”

Farm Bureau is looking forward to returning to some normalcy for this year’s Legislative Day, as the COVID19 pandemic prevented farmers from meeting legislators in person last year.

The organization instead advocated and discussed issues through virtual meetings, phone calls and email campaigns.

“It is incredibly exciting for our

Farm Bureau members and lobbyists will visit the state capitol in person this January to share critical issues with legislators.

members to return to the General Assembly to interact with legislators and share their concerns about specific agricultural issues,” said Stefanie Taillon, VFBF governmental relations senior assistant director. “The value of that face-to-face interaction can’t be underestimated, and it truly makes an impact when farmers show up.”

Stay informed on critical issues with Action Alerts Want to receive Farm Bureau Action Alerts and legislative updates directly to your phone? Text “VAFB” to 52886 to receive text message notifications when Farm Bureau sends out important legislative information.

If you prefer to receive action alerts by email, contact Tenille Nuckols at tenille. nuckols@vafb.com or 804-290-1293 with your name, membership number and contact information.

The more members who respond to alerts, the more effective Farm Bureau is in ensuring Virginia farmers’ voices are heard by legislators.

vafb.com / JANUARY 2022

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Save the Date!

Young Farmers Expo set for February The 2022 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Winter Expo will take place Feb. 18-20 in Virginia Beach.

The event hotel is the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront. At least 180 young farmers are expected to gather to network, learn about key agricultural issues, and explore agriculture throughout the city.

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

Ag Day, Ag Week, Agriculture Literacy Week observed in March National Ag Day 2022 will be celebrated on March 22 during National Ag Week, March 20-25. The annual observances are organized by

the Agriculture Council of America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the public’s awareness of agriculture’s role in modern society.

Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom will hold its annual Agriculture Literacy Week March 14-18 (See related article on Page 21).

Conference on agricultural trade will be held in Richmond The annual Virginia Agriculture Trade Conference is being planned for March 29. Details are still being developed.

Golf tournament will benefit AITC The annual Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom Charity Golf Tournament will be held May 2 at The Dominion Club in Glen Allen.

Volunteer teams tee up at the annual charity golf tournament benefiting Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom.

The event benefits AITC, and sponsorship opportunities and teams of four will be able to register for the tournament starting in February. The tournament will offer two shotgun starts with awards following each round of play. Food and refreshments will be available throughout the day.

Details are still being developed.

For more information, contact Angela Buchanan at angela.buchanan@ vafb.com or 804-687-4463, or visit AgInTheClass.org.

First Bank 1/2 page ad

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Tales of the Dairy Godmother named AITC Book of the Year

V

irginia Agriculture in Wish are available for purchase the Classroom’s annual at $12 each from AITC. A book Agriculture Literacy order form is located on the AITC Week will take place website, AgInTheClass.org.

March 14-18.

In addition to the book, orders Virginia AITC has selected Tales will include free supplementary of the Dairy Godmother: Chuck’s Ice resources to expand learning at Cream Wish by Viola Butler as its school and at home. These include 2022 Book of the Year. Vibrantly reading tips, coloring pages and illustrated, the book follows Chuck other free activities. as he is magically transported to a Volunteers are encouraged to dairy farm to get the inside scoop read Tales of the Dairy Godmother: on his favorite creamy treat—from Chuck’s Ice Cream Wish to milking cows to the grocery-store children in prekindergarten Virginia students will learn how dairy products get from shelf. through the third grade. AITC the cow to the store in this book that will be read during Agriculture Literacy Week is also will share highlights on its Agriculture Literacy Week, March 14-18. the largest educational event of social media platforms throughout the year for AITC, with thousands of volunteers reading to Agriculture Literacy Week. children across the commonwealth. Now in its 11th year, Agriculture Literacy Week volunteers include county the program helps teach youth about the importance of Farm Bureau volunteers, Farm Bureau women’s leadership agriculture, farming and the sources of their food. committees and Young Farmers committees, FFA and “Volunteer agriculture advocates are excited to have an 4-H members, partners from the Virginia Department opportunity to share a book and personal examples about of Agriculture and Consumer Services and other state farm life with children from across the state. Creating a agencies, and members of other agricultural organizations connection from farms to food is vital to understanding and businesses. Colonial Farm Credit, Farm Credit of the the importance of agriculture to our daily lives,” explained Virginias and Southern States Cooperative Inc. have been Tammy Maxey, AITC programs director. supporters as well.

Copies of Tales of the Dairy Godmother: Chuck’s Ice Cream For details or to order books, visit AgInTheClass.org.

Members can anticipate a year of great warehouse deals

A

new year means new deals for Virginia Farm Bureau members looking for a bargain on quality equipment, tires, parts and supplies from the products warehouse.

Members can take advantage of a member appreciation week special on early-order baler twine ahead of the spring open house on Feb. 17.

Daryl Butler, director of VFB product services and market development, said he foresees the return of an in-person open house event, depending on state COVID-19 restrictions.

But even if customers can’t visit the warehouse, member appreciation deals will be offered year-round in 2022, Butler announced.

“We’re running a special every month,

and our members will be notified in an email,” he said. “We’re hoping to garner some new business and help members out by giving them a good price on a quality product. I think this is a great opportunity to help our members with significant cost savings on products they use every day.”

Butler said the division is working to finalize a partnership with Tarter USA Farm and Ranch Equipment to become an authorized retailer. Tarter USA offers an assortment of styles, heights and product types, including cattle gates and corrals, head gates, feeders, stock tanks and fencing supplies.

“It’s made in the USA, and top-notch quality,” Butler said.

While the products website is still

undergoing development for members, dealers are now using the platform regularly.

“Right now, about 30% of our dealers are placing orders online using the website,” he said. “We’ll really be excited when everything’s in place for a member to go online, place their order with a card, and have it shipped to them.”

In the meantime, the products division sales force is growing, Butler added. He anticipates adding three new salespeople to serve members in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina.

Visit products.vafb.com to view the inventory of over 1,800 different products. To place an order, visit the warehouse at 1541 Mary Street in Henrico County, or call 800-476-8473. vafb.com / JANUARY 2022

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‘You sleep better at night’

Crop insurance offers farmers a safeguard for when disasters happen

BY NICOLE ZEMA

F

armers have plenty to worry about.

Economic fluctuations, eye-popping input costs and faltering commodity prices, plus the threat of floods, droughts, pests and blight. It’s enough to steal peace of mind.

“But you don’t worry quite as much, because you have a backstop in case the worst happens,” said thirdgeneration grain farmer Jay Hundley of Cloverfield Farms in eastern Virginia.

Cloverfield’s barley, wheat, soybeans and corn are insured through Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.’s crop insurance program, which provides federally regulated insurance coverage administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency.

The crop insurance premium may

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

be the largest operational expense a farmer will incur and is normally required for an operating loan.

“But it’s a safeguard that keeps you in business,” Hundley continued. “When the bad year comes—and believe me, it happens—you’ve got to have it. It helps you sleep better at night. There is still plenty to worry about, but you don’t worry quite as much.”

While about 15 of VFBMIC’s multiline insurance agents also offer crop insurance, Vice President of Sales Ray Leonard said the company’s croponly business unit was created to help farmers navigate the products’ high degree of complexity and protect their immense financial risks. The unit has successfully grown to four agents in 15 years. Only about 100 crop insurance

PHOTO BY ALICE KEMP

Owner Jay Hundley, right, and farmworker Ian Watkins check crop progress in the Cloverfield Farms office in Essex County.

Economic fluctuations, eye-popping input costs and faltering commodity prices, plus the threat of floods, droughts, pests and blight. It’s enough to steal peace of mind. specialists are federally certified in Virginia each year, including nearly 20 from VFBMIC. “Although crop insurance is highly complex, we can help producer members understand this important risk management tool,” Leonard said.

PHOTO BY DIANNE GARRETT

Untangling the complexity

VFBMIC regional crop agent Danielle Simpson Bappert meets with Newmarket Farm owner Robby Caruthers, left, and farm manager Philip Smith in Caroline County to discuss this year’s quotes for grain coverage and other policies.

State crop specialist David Hunnicutt, VFBMIC’s first regional crop-only agent, was a farm manager himself who dreaded crop insurance decisions and paperwork prior to joining Farm Bureau.

“It was just another thing to take up my time,” Hunnicutt recalled. “More hoops to jump through.”

Now as VFBMIC’s statewide crop agent and program manager, he enjoys helping his customers and other agents understand the product options and deadlines involved. He provides them with important knowledge to make yield and price protection coverage decisions.

“It’s a true relationship,” Hunnicutt said. “You review the policy with your insured at least three times a year, or more.”

Hundley said Hunnicutt helps him

assess the options and choose the right coverage for his farm, well ahead of deadlines.

“He takes time to sit down and go through the numbers,” Hundley said.

“He helps you understand it, and answers any questions.”

Today’s farmers are more wellversed in crop insurance than they were in the ‘90s, Hunnicutt said, and the product and coverage options have improved. But there is still a segment of the market that doesn’t have crop insurance, like young farmers just beginning to lease land and build their farms.

Multiple private agencies offer a federally regulated product with a standard policy and contract, but farmers often choose an insurer based on a personal relationship.

“The premium, the rate, is identical from one carrier to another. So why would you choose or switch to Farm Bureau?” Leonard mused. “It’s not to get a better product or better price. It’s because it’s someone you know, like and trust—knowing our agents have the expertise and will provide handson personalized service. Combined, our crop-only agents have more vafb.com / JANUARY 2022

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Although crop insurance has historically been a male-dominated specialty field, Leonard said he’s proud that VFBMIC’s two newest croponly agents represent women in the industry.

PHOTO BY DIANNE GARRETT

Here we grow again

From left, VFBMIC regional crop agent Danielle Simpson Bappert, regional crop specialist Kevin Lynch and regional crop agent Sharon Ambrose are pictured on a Caroline County farm.

than 60 years of experience in crop insurance, and we make house calls.”

Same product, different providers While the product and prices are standard industry-wide, VFBMIC’s crop-only agents service the policy throughout its entire cycle.

That’s a change of pace for newhire Danielle Simpson Bappert, and she’s loving it. With about 20 years in industry support roles, she now manages every detail of the process.

“I like doing everything start to finish, knowing it’s done and my customer is completely taken care of,” Bappert said. “I had previously worked with farmers on the phone and through email, but now I go out and get familiar with their operations, and put a face to the name. It feels different. It feels complete.”

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

VFBMIC regional crop agent Sharon Ambrose, who has a similar background, explained how federal regulations dictate strict deadlines to purchase policies or report acreage planted and harvest yields. The USDA’s Risk Management Agency and insurance industry activities follow a cycle that begins when RMA releases information about insurance products for the next crop year, and ends with changes to the program for the following year.

“And throughout the year it’s servicing—checking on farmers to see how they’re doing, making sure they don’t have any claims questions,” Ambrose said. “The personal connections are great. I love going to the farm, standing up against the tractor, going over the coverage and explaining the guarantees for their farm.”

“Although VFBMIC is the market leader in Virginia farm insurance, our crop insurance program still has plenty of room to grow. This team is working to expand that,” Leonard said.

Ambrose said crop insurance is a great tool for farmers. “Virginia’s farmers have been having pretty decent years,” she continued. “But bad years come, and when they do, they’ll have that safety net.”

While premiums can be steep, “you don’t have to go for the big coverage and break the bank,” she added. “There are many different options at different levels.”

Just as farmers can’t control the weather, they can’t control turbulent markets either.

“If the market goes down, you’re provided some protection,” Hunnicutt said, referring to the Revenue Protection coverage options available in tandem with crop insurance to provide farmers with another financial risk management tool.

Have a bad year?

“The bank still wants their money to cover the operating note,” Leonard said. “If you’re a farmer and you’ve invested thousands or even millions of dollars in land and equipment, and you’re tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt with your operating note, you want to know that the right coverage is in place at the time you need it.”

VFBMIC crop insurance is offered through American Farm Bureau Insurance Services, an organization established by American Farm Bureau Federation, to provide reinsurance services to Farm Bureau® insurance companies throughout the U.S. Call your local Farm Bureau office, and ask to be contacted by a crop insurance agent to discuss the range of products and options.

Make a policy review one of your New Year’s resolutions

C

BY ADAM CULLER

| POLICY REVIEW cont'd on page 31 »

PHOTO BY KATHY DIXON

hange is a constant in modern farming. As your operation evolves, it’s critical to ensure your shifting assets are covered.

As winter provides downtime for some farmers to ponder their plans for the upcoming crop year, now’s the perfect time to review the coverage provided under your farmowner policy.

“It’s important to take the time to think about how the activities on your farming operation may have changed or expanded since the last time a coverage review was done with an agent,” said Scott DeNoon, senior farm product and underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “If the scope of your business has changed at all, you need to make sure the proper coverage is in place on your policies to provide yourself protection.”

When conducting a policy review, it’s imperative to review coverage for all aspects of your farming operation.

This includes any residences and other private buildings, farming structures and farming equipment.

DeNoon said reviewing farming equipment is among the most important aspects of a coverage review, as the condition of high-dollar machinery can greatly influence premium costs.

“First and foremost, you need to make sure those expensive pieces of equipment are listed on the policy and are covered,” he explained. “And, with a regular review, you can adjust the covered value of that equipment based on its condition and age. The same goes for any buildings on your property.”

Agents should immediately be notified of any equipment purchases and newly constructed structures or additions or remodels to existing buildings, to ensure they’re covered VFBMIC agent Jason Seward, center, reviews farmowner coverage with Paul Rogers Jr., left, and Paul Rogers III on their Rogers Farms in southeastern Virginia. vafb.com / JANUARY 2022

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DON’T DELAY:

Paperless option offers instant access to policies

BY ADAM CULLER

I

n the heat of the moment when you may find yourself scrambling to locate important insurance documents, it’s helpful to have your policy information at your fingertips.

Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. customers can enroll their policies in the company’s paperless option for quick, easy access to insurance documents and policy information.

Paperless enrollees have aroundthe-clock access to policy documents and statements. Additionally, they can pay their bills online, review important documents and receive email alerts when new documents become available.

Paperless services are available on most VFBMIC products across all lines

of business.

The option was introduced to policyholders last spring, and customers are being reminded of its benefits.

“We’ve been thrilled with customer response to the new paperless option so far, and we’re hoping more policyholders will take advantage of this service,” said Sam Rooks, vice president of underwriting and policy services for VFBMIC. “What you’ll get with the paperless option is a more streamlined customer experience,” he explained. “Instead of relying on a postal delivery with important documents or statements to arrive on time, customers can get those documents instantly by switching over. It

Paperless enrollees can access their insurance policies with just a few clicks.

really gives policyholders an added layer of convenience that allows them to access what they need, when they need it.”

Policyholders can enroll in the paperless option by logging in to their account on vafb.com. Customers who don’t have an online account may register at vafb.com/register.

Once logged in, eligible policies for paperless will be listed, and customers can choose which policies to enroll.

Customers also can enroll their policies by calling their county Farm Bureau office.

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Missed open enrollment? You have options

BY ADAM CULLER

W

hen it comes to obtaining health insurance for the upcoming year, open enrollment periods typically are the only time individuals can sign up for coverage.

While open enrollment periods vary for most businesses, the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period to purchase individual health insurance for 2022 runs from Nov. 1, 2021, through Jan. 15.

If you missed you employer’s open enrollment period or the ACA enrollment deadline, there still are options to secure some form of health coverage for 2022.

Special enrollment periods If you’ve experienced certain life events, you may qualify for a special enrollment period. These periods allow individuals to sign up for health insurance outside of conventional open enrollment periods.

According to Healthcare.gov, qualifying events for a special enrollment period include getting married or divorced; having a child; changing residences; losing health coverage due to the death of the primary policyholder; or losing a job or group coverage.

These events generally will trigger a 60-day period in which a person can purchase health coverage and, in some cases, dental and vision insurance through the health insurance marketplace.

Employers who offer insurance to their employees are required to provide a special enrollment period of at least 30 days.

However, if you fail to sign up for coverage during a designated special enrollment period, you must wait until the next open enrollment period or explore additional options.

Short-term health insurance Individuals who don’t qualify for a special enrollment period may purchase short-term health insurance plans to provide themselves temporary coverage. Though these plans do not meet ACA requirements for minimum coverage, they will offer basic protection against catastrophic medical expenses.

Under a new Virginia law that went into effect July 2021, enrollment in short-term plans now is limited to three-month increments. If a plan is renewable, individuals are limited to six months of coverage under a shortterm plan. The new law also prohibits the sale of short-term plans during the ACA open enrollment period.

These policies do not cover preexisting conditions, and coverage is not guaranteed for all applicants.

If approved, terms of coverage are subject to medical underwriting, and a beneficiary may be denied coverage if

they’ve experienced illness during the initial coverage period.

“Short-term health insurance policies won’t have the same provisions and coverage as plans purchased through the Affordable Care Act, but they do provide some financial protection if you missed open enrollment,” said Gina Gentilini, senior account executive for Virginia Farm Bureau’s Health Insurance Division.

Other year-round options There is no open enrollment period for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and individuals who quality for coverage may enroll anytime. CHIP offers low-cost health and dental coverage to children in families whose income is too high to qualify for Medicaid.

To learn more about your coverage options, contact your county Farm Bureau office or call 800-229-7779.

Life events like marriages allow people to sign up for health insurance outside of the open enrollment period.

vafb.com / JANUARY 2022

27

Heart of the Home

Slow cooker comfort

These workhorses save time and produce delicious meals

N

othing says comfort like the delicious aroma of dinner that’s been simmering all day in a slow cooker.

A time-saving workhorse, the slow cooker is considered an essential appliance in many households. It’s an easy, no-fuss device that allows cooks to place all the ingredients in at once, with little advance preparation. Simply add everything in the morning, and when you get home from work, dinner is ready.

They’re also economical—slow cookers use less energy than an oven and won’t heat up the entire kitchen like ovens often do.

Ideal for meats, soups, stews, casseroles and more, the low temperature and slow-cooking method allow ingredients time to tenderize and flavors to blend. Slow cooking at low temperatures also helps preserve nutrients.

Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas INGREDIENTS 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders 1 medium onion, sliced 1 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips 1 large green bell pepper, cut into thin strips ¾ cup chunky salsa 2 1.4-ounce packages fajita seasoning mix ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 16 10" flour tortillas shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole (optional toppings) 28

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

DIRECTIONS

1 large yellow onion, diced

Place chicken in a 5- to 6½-quart slow cooker. Place onions and bell peppers on top of chicken. In a medium bowl, mix salsa, seasoning mix and cayenne pepper, and pour over the chicken. Cover, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is done. Carefully remove the lid, and gently stir the chicken and sauce. Spoon ½ cup of the chicken mixture into the center of each tortilla.

Add desired toppings, and fold tortilla over the filling.

4 garlic cloves, smashed

—Bryan Johnson, in What’s Cooking? 2010 Administrative Support Conference cookbook

2 teaspoons ground cardamom ½ teaspoon ground pepper 1 cup water 1 butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut in 1½"cubes 2 cups apple cider 1 cinnamon stick 1 bay leaf 2 cloves Greek yogurt, to garnish chopped fresh cilantro, to garnish DIRECTIONS In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb in a single layer, and season with 1 teaspoon salt. Cook until lamb is deeply browned on all sides, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Transfer the meat to a 5- to 6½-quart slow cooker using a slotted spoon, reserving the fat in the pan.

Hearty meat, seasonal vegetables and aromatic seasonings blend together in this slow cooker lamb dish.

Cider-braised American Lamb Shoulder with Cardamom, Butternut Squash and Greens INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 pounds American lamb stew meat, or lamb shoulder cut into 1½" cubes, patted dry 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 bunch Swiss chard, stems and leaves separated, coarsely chopped

Reduce the heat to medium, and add the chard stems (reserving the leaves to add later), onion and garlic to the pan. Add a little more olive oil if necessary. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just tender and lightly charred, 3-5 minutes. Stir in the cardamom and pepper, and cook until distributed evenly and aromatically, about 1 minute. Transfer the vegetable mixture to the slow cooker.

Add the water to the skillet, and scrape the bottom to release the stuck-on bits, then pour it into the slow cooker.

Add the butternut squash to the slow cooker, and pour in the apple cider.

Submerge the cinnamon stick, bay leaf and cloves in the liquid, and season with the remaining teaspoon of salt.

Cook 6-8 hours on low, until the meat is tender and shreds easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender.

Slow cooker ingredients can be added in the morning, and by dinnertime, the dish is ready for tasting.

Discard the bay leaf. Gently stir in the chard leaves, and continue cooking until wilted and just tender, about 5-10 minutes. Serve the stew in warm shallow bowls topped with a dollop of yogurt and sprinkled with cilantro.

—Recipe adapted from the American Lamb Board

Creamy Vegetable Barley Soup

1 carrot, peeled and sliced 1 stalk celery, sliced 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning, crushed ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 14-ounce can low sodium chicken or vegetable broth ¼ cup cornstarch

INGREDIENTS

3 cups milk

15 ounce can chili beans, undrained

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

½ cup frozen corn kernels

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Pour the broth over everything, and stir to combine. Cover, and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

Near the end of the cooking time, whisk the cornstarch into the milk. Stir the milk mixture into the slow cooker until well blended. (If the cooker is on low, turn it to high.) Continue cooking for 20-30 minutes or until the soup has thickened.

Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle each serving with parsley and Parmesan cheese.

—Recipe adapted from U.S. Dairy

½ cup medium pearl barley 14.5-ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained 1 cup sliced white mushrooms 1 cup chopped onion

DIRECTIONS In a 3½- to 5-quart slow cooker, combine the beans, corn, barley, tomatoes, mushrooms, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, vafb.com / JANUARY 2022

29

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| POLICY REVIEW cont'd from page 25 »

under the policy. In most cases, changes in value will necessitate updated coverage.

Policyholders also should call their agents if they plan to open their properties to the public for farm tours or U-pick activities, as an event venue, or for similar undertakings.

Customers are encouraged to meet with their Farm Bureau agents at least once a year to review their coverage. Regular meetings will ensure policyholders’ property has adequate coverage, and can help identify any coverage gaps before losses occur.

Prepare your farm for the year ahead

Cornell University Cooperative Extension recommends the following tasks to consider addressing this winter:

PHOTO BY KATHY DIXON

When freezing temperatures arrive, many farmers are afforded a slow-down period that often is used to complete overlooked chores or prepare farms for the growing season.

While winter is a prime time to tackle these projects, it’s also an opportune time to inspect your farm to ensure buildings and equipment are in safe, working order. Doing so will help keep your farm running efficiently, and could even spare you an insurance-related headache down the line.

VFBMIC insurance agent Chris Adams, left, reviews a farmowner policy with Joel, center, and William "Bootsie" Stanley on their Hanover County farm.

Buildings • Conduct a thorough inspection of all on-farm equipment, machinery and buildings, and clean, service or repair them as necessary. Additionally, replenish supplies that may be needed for repairs in the event of a winter storm.

• Clean out barns and buildings by removing trash and accumulated debris, and safely store flammable items.

• Check carbon monoxide alarms in buildings that use nonelectric heaters or generators.

• Review inventory of pesticides and other chemicals.

Check storage instructions, and dispose of any expired chemicals.

Farming equipment • Properly store equipment, under a roof if possible.

Equipment stored outdoors should be covered, and computerized equipment should be protected with a cloth. Treating equipment with wax or other waterresistant products can protect it from rust and other wear.

• Remove debris from the interior and exterior of farm equipment. Loosen the engine’s belt if possible, and remove the battery and store it in a dry location.

• Repair damage that occurred over the growing season, and ensure broken parts don’t degrade further in winter.

• Check tire pressure, and change oil and fluids regularly.

Ensure tanks are filled, and top off fuel and hydraulic oil tanks to eliminate risk of condensation.

• Lubricate all machinery, and grease unpainted metal parts to protect them from the elements.

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Real fa

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 digital channel 15.2 • WHRO Norfolk

• WTKR Norfolk • WVVA Bluefield

Watch the first and second weekends of each month on • WRLH Richmond

• WVIR Charlottesville

vafb.com / JANUARY 2022

31

NEW YEAR N E W B EG I N N I N G S

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Contact us today to discuss your financial needs and learn how Farm Credit can help prepare you for what lies ahead.

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