Farm Bureau News The Voice of Virginia’s Agricultural Producers
NOVEMBER 2021
Battlefield to Farm Field Military veterans embrace farmwork
Farm Bureau News
Volume 80, Number 4 November 2021 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 10
Agricultural Advocates
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Gleaning Gives
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VFBF Women’s Leadership Conference attendees gathered in August to discuss ways to advocate for agriculture. Farm gleaning provides food banks with fresh produce for Virginians in need.
Farmer Favorites
Make holiday shopping for the farmer in your life easier with member discounts on favorite products. 16
CONTINUING SERIES: Diversity in agriculture
Veterans-turned-farmers find similarities between the military and farming—both are challenging but rewarding.
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Save the Date For Your Benefit Heart of the Home
“The best-made plans are often disrupted by weather, timing of events and unforeseen complications.” – BRIAN CLEMENTS, Honey River Farm, Lancaster County
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE
Producer members will receive their next issue of Virginia Farm Bureau News in January 2022. The magazine is published quarterly, and back issues can be viewed at issuu.com/ virginiafarmbureau. WE’RE SOCIAL!
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 President, Communications Kathy Dixon Managing Editor Nicole Zema Staff Writer/Photographer Patricia Hooten Graphic Designer
Brian Clements and his fiancé, Cyndi Knudson, manage 25 beehives (Photo courtesy of Honey River Farm).
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
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.
Adam Culler Staff Writer/Photographer
ON THE COVER
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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.
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
Thankfulness for members, employees extends year-round
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eing thankful isn’t just for a one-day holiday in November. I give thanks every single day for the employees and members who work tirelessly to support agriculture on behalf of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. Although it hasn’t been quite business as usual this past year, a lot has been accomplished, and I am deeply grateful for the WAYNE F. PRYOR work that has been done. Despite the Virginia General Assembly operating mostly virtually, our governmental relations staff worked diligently to make sure the voice of agriculture was heard. They represented farmers from across the state as they supported Farm Bureau policies determined through our grassroots processes. They also established contact with candidates for the House of Delegates, as well as with those running for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. Our Young Farmers held a hybrid winter expo, and then hosted an in-person summer expo. The event included a gubernatorial candidates’ forum and roundtable discussions with urban legislators and legislative candidates. It heartens me that these representatives took the time to talk with our young farmers about agriculture and issues of importance to the state’s largest industry. The Women’s Leadership Committee also was able to hold an in-person conference this past year, and participants were grateful for the personal connections made during that time. Keeping our members informed about company events and policy issues is important work as well, and I’m thankful that our communications staff have striven to keep our members engaged, informed and updated throughout the year. We are hoping to gather in Williamsburg later this month for our annual convention to celebrate 95 years of Virginia Farm Bureau’s support of the state’s farmers. As a farmer myself, I’m grateful for the bountiful crop this fall. Harvested commodities are in good shape, and prices are encouraging. I’m also thankful for our grain marketing staff, who are able to help our farmer members sell their grains and connect with trucking companies to get their products out of the gate. In Virginia, we are blessed to have transportation hubs that help move our farm products via highways, railways and the Port of Virginia. Our Agriculture, Development and Innovation staff are among the many employees for which I am so thankful. They all use their expertise and initiative to support farmers at the local, state and national levels. I call them our “bestkept secret.” What is not a secret: The passion, commitment and support of our state’s farmers that our members and employees possess. And for that, I give thanks every day.
Top membership counties for 2021 as of October 19*
County Farm Bureau
Members
Washington 3,195 Bedford 3,064 Charles City-James City
3,039
New Kent-York Hanover 2,891 Tazewell 2,753 Franklin 2,616 Augusta 2,570 Henrico 2,533 Rockingham 2,408 Russell 2,406 County Farm Bureau
Percentage of goal
Bedford 107.51 Warren 106.33 Nansemond 106.08 Alleghany 106.00 Prince George
105.78
Spotsylvania 105.38 Caroline 105.13 Amelia 104.50 Prince William-Fairfax
104.23
Northumberland-Lancaster 104.23 County Farm Bureau
Member retention rate
Amelia 96.12 Sussex 95.95 Madison 95.78 Buckingham 95.63 Charlotte 95.53 Nottoway 95.36 Halifax 95.36 Lunenburg 95.22
Wayne F. Pryor, a Goochland County hay and grain producer, is president of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.
Alleghany 95.18 Highland-Bath 95.17 *Final 2021 membership totals will be published in your January 2022 magazine.
vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2021
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WATCH US
MILITARY
9,217
This month on Real Virginia:
Rural 911 challenges featured on Real Virginia
That’s the number of former servicemen and -women who are farming on 1.3 million acres in Virginia, according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture.
Find It and Win! Virginia Farm Bureau News magazine is offering a new contest for its readers. In each issue, search for a farming icon, and enter to win. This month’s icon is a turkey. Contest rules are as follows: Find the turkey inside this publication. Once you’ve located it, send an email to membershipbenefits@vafb.com with the subject line “Found It.” The body of the email must contain the following: • Your name • Your mailing address • The membership benefit advertisement located nearest the image • The page number where the icon is located The first 15 members who submit correct entries will win a 20-ounce stainless steel Virginia Farm Bureau logo tumbler. Readers are eligible to win only one tumbler during the 20-OZ. stainless steel contest period, January through Virginia Farm Bureau December 2021. Please allow 6 to 8 logo tumbler! weeks for delivery. Winners will be contacted by email. *Virginia Farm Bureau and Countryway employees are not eligible to win.
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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
Featured this month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program:
• Some rural residents are hoping their 911 emergency service can be improved.
• The State Fair of Virginia and its iconic Heritage Village returned this year.
• Home-grown corn is a fall favorite for some gardeners in From the Ground 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.
Save the Date!
worked with several Farm Bureau departments to capture farm pictures for social media posts, marketing materials and the VFBF website. Jennifer Jones will lead a workshop on managing family dynamics. Jones is a trainer with Generation NEXT and the founder of GROUND, an advisory service that helps families navigate succession planning.
Also on the agenda
VFBF Annual Convention to highlight organizations’ longevity and impact “95 Years and Still Growing” is the theme of the 2021 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention, to be held Nov. 29 through Dec. 2 at The Williamsburg Lodge. VFBF has been an important voice advocating for the state’s farmers since 1926, and this year’s convention will celebrate the organization’s 95th anniversary by highlighting its longevity and impact. The convention is open to all Farm Bureau members. All attendees, including credentialed voting delegates, should register for hotel accommodations and meals online at vafb.swoogo.com/convention2021.
Featured speakers
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Dr. Jewel H. Bronaugh will be the keynote speaker during the Farm to Table Luncheon on Nov. 30. Bronaugh was appointed the 16th commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in 2018 by Gov. Ralph Northam and previously served as the Virginia state executive director for the USDA Farm Service Agency. In 2019 she launched the Farmer Stress Task Force to raise awareness and coordinate resources to address farm stress and mental health concerns in Virginia. She also helped establish the Virginia Food Access Investment Fund and Program, the first statewide program of its kind to address food access within historically marginalized communities. Other speakers include Sam Kieffer, American Farm Bureau Federation vice president of public affairs, who will discuss national policies with county Farm Bureau delegates on Dec. 1. Other speakers had been invited but had not been confirmed at press time.
Workshops
The Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 general sessions will include important legislative updates, remarks from invited guests and policy discussion. It is during the annual convention that delegates from each county Farm Bureau help shape VFBF state and federal policies for the coming year. There also will be elections for directors to represent Districts 2, 5, 8, 11 and 14. In addition, the winners of the 2021 Journalism Awards will be recognized for their thorough, fair and balanced agricultural news coverage during the Nov. 30 luncheon. Judging will take place Nov. 30 for the VFBF Young Farmers Achievement Award. The winner, and the winner of the Young Farmers Discussion Meet, will be announced at breakfast on Dec. 1. A Dec. 1 awards banquet will include presentations of VFBF Distinguished Service Awards and County Farm Bureau Awards of Excellence.
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95 Years and Still Growing
Attendees can choose from four educational workshops on Nov. 30. Workshop topics include smartphone photography, managing family dynamics, rights of way, and mental health. Jonathan Mayo, owner of Jonathan Mayo Photography, will share his expertise on taking photos and videos with smartphones to capture emotion. Mayo has
vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2021
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For Your Benefit
Home/Business/Farm Savings
NEW!
VFBF members save on Budget Truck Rental Moving can be stressful, but renting your moving truck doesn’t need to be. Budget Truck Rental is one of the world’s best-known truck rental brands, with over 1,000 locations in the United States. And now Farm Bureau members in Virginia can save 20% off Budget Truck Rental consumer rates. Take truck rental off your list of worries by visiting BudgetTruck.com/FarmBureau and completing the online reservation form, or call 800566-8422.
Save money with exclusive Virginia Farm Bureau benefits! NEW!
Get 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 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. * Limit one Factory Direct Cash serialized coupon per eligible VIN, and multiple qualified purchases per household are allowed.
Dig into substantial savings at participating Case IH dealers Members can save $300 to $500 on qualifying products from participating Case IH dealers. You can generate a certificate to present at your local dealership at vafb.com/benefits; have your membership number at hand. Eligible 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 Mowers & Utility Vehicles: • $300 off Disc mower conditioners • $300 off Sickle mower conditioners • $500 off Self-propelled windrowers • $300 off Scout utility vehicles
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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
For Your Benefit
Save thousands 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.
Travel Services
Save on hotel stays
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. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts 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.
Save on goods, services and places to visit 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 at more than 100,000 locations nationwide. It uses “show your phone” mobile deals that can be accessed anywhere and redeemed from a smartphone at the point of sale, or from a home computer. 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, click “Register” in the top right corner, and use your Farm Bureau membership number. Once you’re registered, you can start saving immediately. To save with a mobile device, download the “Member Deals Plus” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. 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.
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.
vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2021
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It pays to conserve State incentive programs for conservation prioritize funding and flexibility CONTRIBUTED BY JULIE BUCHANAN, VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION
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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
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irginia’s farmers are willing to do what it takes to protect the Chesapeake Bay and enhance soil health. Implementing these practices has accelerated in recent years, as the state has invested record funding in the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program. This year that program is funded at $73.4 million, providing farmers unprecedented opportunities to implement conservation practices that protect water quality—and their farms’ bottom lines. Through June 2022, an individual or business may receive up to $150,000 in state costshare reimbursement. VACS practices often can be funded by a combination of state and federal funds, reducing the farmer’s expense to less than 30% of the total cost. “For years, farmers, conservation groups and soil and water
conservation districts have worked diligently to address legitimate barriers to farmers being able to adopt practices like stream exclusion fencing and nutrient management plans,” said Wayne F. Pryor, president of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “When cost-share funding has been available, Virginia’s farmers have stepped up to voluntarily implement conservation practices. We are pleased this new cap increase will further those efforts.” Cost-share is available for more than 70 different practices, including cover crops, nutrient management plans, forested or herbaceous buffers, conservation tillage, animal waste storage, and livestock streamexclusion systems—with options for wide or narrow buffers. Many eligible practices also can help farmers address additional issues on the farm. For example, nutrient management can increase
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION
To apply for costshare funding or tax credits, contact your local soil and water conservation district. The VACS program year ends June 30, 2022. Information is available at dcr.virginia.gov/ costshare.
Clockwise from left, Jay Hundley’s Essex County farm uses conservation practices like pond buffers. Bobby Drumheller, left, and his father, Charlie, have implemented practices that protect the animals and land on their Augusta County farm. Cattle drink from automated troughs installed as part of a livestock-exclusion system.
soil productivity while saving farmers from unnecessary fertilizer applications. Livestock-exclusion systems can reduce animal disease and injury while providing a clean water source for cattle. New in 2021 are cost-share funds for portable fencing that keeps livestock out of streams. Previously, farmers could be paid only for permanent fencing systems that met this goal. Approved participants receive 30 cents per foot of stream they exclude from livestock with a portable fence. They also receive $250 per fence charger (Fencing must be electrified). “In many cases, the new cost-share funding for portable fencing will cover 100% of actual out-of-pocket costs to the farmer,” said David A. Bryan, agricultural incentives program manager with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
DCR administers the VACS in partnership with Virginia’s 47 soil and water conservation districts.
Tax credit enhancements Also for 2021, the General Assembly and Gov. Ralph Northam increased the cap on income tax credits available through the VACS. While the standard tax credit remains at 25% of the cost to implement a practice, caps have increased by 42.8% from $17,500 to $25,000 per taxpayer. For practices implemented on land with an approved resource management plan, 50% credits are available up to a cap of $50,000 per taxpayer. An enhanced tax credit is recommended in the latest roadmap for restoring the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries—the Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan. “I’m glad to see it come to fruition,”
said Del. Tony Wilt, R-Harrisonburg, sponsor of the House’s tax credit legislation. “Recognizing that some farmers may be more attracted to the idea of a tax credit over other programs for a variety of reasons, the higher credit provides an additional tool to incentivize voluntary implementation of best management practices.” This is the first cap increase for the tax credit program since it began in 1998. Virginia also offers tax credits of up to 25% on the cost of no-till and precision agriculture equipment. “The ag BMP cost-share and tax credit programs currently offered by the commonwealth provide a true team effort between farmers, conservationists and the state to push forward to our goals without putting undue mandates and burdens on landowners,” said Sen. Emmett W. Hanger Jr., R-Mt. Solon, who carried the tax credit legislation in the Senate. vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2021
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Women advocate for agriculture during 2021 conference | ARTICLE BY ALICE KEMP, PHOTOS BY NICOLE ZEMA
Women’s Committee Program awards were presented to county representatives by 2021 Virginia Future Little Miss Agriculture USA RyleeAnn Waitson at the closing session.
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articipants in the 2021 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Conference were excited to reconnect and recharge after the 2020 conference was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Members of county Farm Bureau women’s committees from across the state gathered in Henrico County Aug. 27-29 and discussed ways to advocate for agriculture under the theme “Together Toward Tomorrow.” “It turned out really great,” said Faye Hundley, VFBF Women’s Leadership Committee chairman. “Everyone enjoyed participating in the many educational workshops. I had people tell me they learned so much more about our own members, farmers and the diversity we have in agriculture.” VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor commended the women’s committee for its resilience and adaptability. “At the start of this pandemic, no 10
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
one knew what they were going to be able to do, but you never left— you just kept on,” he said. “Your commitment to staying connected over the past months is inspiring.” Pryor highlighted the committee’s charitable efforts, including the 2020 PB&J Food Drive that raised more than 4,300 pounds of food and $3,300 in cash donations. He also praised the committee for its “tireless and endless creative efforts to support Agriculture in the Classroom and future generations of decision makers who understand and appreciate agriculture’s impact.” He encouraged leaders to continue talking with everyone about agriculture’s importance. “Engage with media, engage our consumers in conversations about food and about agriculture,” he said. “And last, but certainly not least, stay politically active. We need all the activists we can get.” American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership vice chair Lorenda Overman was the keynote speaker.
Overman farms with her husband in North Carolina and manages the family farm’s swine and row crop operations. She emphasized the importance of welcoming diversity in each person’s story and finding the common ground to make a connection. She also encouraged conference participants to face challenges and step out of their comfort zones—embracing the uncomfortable. “Don’t let the imposter syndrome win,” she said. “Use the tools and the talents you have and you own to achieve your goals. Always know your audience … know who you are, and know that you have value.” Conference workshops focused on the future of the Farm Bureau women’s program, explored unique farming operations around Virginia, and educated attendees about mental health concerns affecting farmers and their families. Participants also learned about AITC’s vast resources, uses for dried flowers and herbs from the garden, and how to make cream cheese.
Highlighting mental health During the workshop “If You Were a Sunflower—What Would You Look Like?”, attendees explored rural resiliency and its impacts on mental health. Becky Broaddus, Eastern District leader on the VFBF women’s committee, and her husband, Lynwood, who is president of Caroline County Farm Bureau, used the analogy of a sunflower’s appearance to identify the causes and signs of stress. Participants also learned ways to manage stress and how to help others. “We have to be observant, and we have to look out for one another,” Becky Broaddus said. Farmers and their families face stressors every day, like low commodity prices, financial distress and natural disasters. She cited a statistic that laborers and farm owners have the highest rates of death due to stressrelated conditions like heart and artery disease, hypertension, ulcers and nervous disorders. Becky advised having a strong social network, not focusing on things that can’t be changed, and taking care of yourself through exercise, eating healthy, getting sleep and having a hobby. “Talk to family members, get involved, and stay connected with others,” she emphasized. “Don’t shut out friends or family. Have that network of people, somebody that you can talk to.”
AITC donation celebration, conference events raise over $21,000
Conference attendees donated to AITC, participated in workshops and enjoyed fellowship and learning more about leadership.
Conference participants were recognized for their past year’s support of Virginia AITC during a donation celebration. County Farm Bureau women’s committees collectively donated $14,900 to AITC. Additionally, a silent auction and a live auction during the conference raised a combined $6,200. vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2021
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‘An innate need to give’ Farm-fresh produce gleaned for Virginians in need is a complicated, expensive, but worthwhile effort BY NICOLE ZEMA
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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
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fter the biggest ears of sweet corn were harvested for retail at Parker Farms in Westmoreland County, 30 volunteer gleaners spent a Saturday morning combing the stalks for smaller, but equally nutritious, ears left behind. Father Brian Bashista, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church in Prince William County, said the charitable handson experience goes beyond writing a check. “We’ve had it on our heart to farmglean for a couple years and finally connected with the wonderful folks
here,” he said, tossing fresh corn into his satchel. “There are very generous farmowners who allow this to happen.” With such abundance in this country, he said, it’s amazing how much goes to waste. It’s a simple concept—there is enough fresh produce for foodinsecure families in Virginia. But complex logistical challenges must be navigated to get perishable items from farm fields to their plates. “We believe it is our baptismal call to feed the hungry,” Bastista said. “People have an innate need to give, and we have to create opportunities to do that.”
Adam Marcell was one of many gleaners at Parker Farms in Westmoreland County, where they salavaged ears of corn that had been left behind after harvest.
NICOLE ZEMA
Church parishioner Christa Owen was picking corn that morning with six of her family’s nine children. “Our children are so blessed and fortunate, and they need for nothing, so it’s great to have these opportunities to serve—and we have to choose joy when we do it,” she said. “The kids were cranky getting out of bed, but we’re having fun!” The corn was piled into pallets and loaded onto box trucks for distribution.
Good health connected to fresh produce It makes sense that food banks have historically stocked processed
products that are shelf-stable. Yet more than 1 million Virginians who are most likely to experience food insecurity are at higher risk of dietrelated chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, according to the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. “Increasingly, we’re seeing the connection between health outcomes and diet,” said Katie Mandes, director of marketing and strategic initiatives for the federation, an umbrella organization serving food banks statewide. “We are pushing hard to create a more nutritious diet for those who visit food banks. However, the turnaround time all has to fall into place with fresh food that requires refrigeration, so there are a lot of logistical components.” Creating equitable access to fresh produce is a solution that demands strategic execution. The federation’s seven food banks work with 1,500 partner agencies like community and church pantries that pick up the food for local distribution. Behind the scenes, food-sourcing specialists, growers and gleaners coordinate with a flurry of phone calls, a flow of dollars and countless volunteer hours to make it happen.
No such thing as a free lunch
Mandes said the food bank world has previously relied on grocery store donations of excess fresh product, but pandemic-related supply chain problems cut into that source. The food bank network was forced to buy fresh food in 2020 and spent $31 million. “One of the lessons we learned because of the pandemic—if you can have fresh food that is local there is less opportunity for that supply to be interrupted,” she said. Ramping up efforts to work with the farming community to source fresh, regionally grown food has become a strategic priority for the federation. Its leaders work with
legislators to develop policy tools that help farmers offset the costs of gleaned produce, like the Virginia Ag Food Assistance Program bill signed by Gov. Ralph Northam in June. The legislation works in tandem with Virginia’s food crop donation tax credit by making funds available to farmers to cover the harvesting, processing, packaging and transporting of surplus product. “Farmers are often willing to donate their excess product, but it’s not free,” Mandes explained. “We’d love to see the farming community plant extra crops in advance, where a percentage goes to food banks, and these dollars will offset the cost for Virginia farmers.”
‘You’re constantly on the phone’
In Richmond County, Healthy Harvest Food Bank’s agricultural gleaning program reaches up to 60,000 individuals annually through an extended distribution partnership with Feed More, Virginia Peninsula Food Bank, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. Each year, the organization saves 450,000 to 650,000 pounds of fresh produce from being plowed under. “It’s our signature program, and a very complex one,” shared Mark Kleinschmidt, president and CEO of Healthy Harvest. “But I’ll be honest, it’s the biggest pain-in-the-butt program we have. You’re constantly on the phone. It’s numerous conversations, so much coordination, and it’s a very, very expensive program to run. Most food banks don’t do it because it’s cheaper and easier to buy produce, even if it’s not as fresh. But we work to try to get it out of the fields.” With the help of volunteers, produce is gleaned and delivered directly to partners quickly. “What is picked this Saturday will be taken to the food bank by Monday— from the field to the plate within 48 hours or less,” Kleinschmidt said. To learn more, visit Vafoodbanks.org, or call Katie Mandes at 804-433-2550. vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2021
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— GIFTS FOR GROWERS — Finding the perfect present for the farmer in your life gets a whole lot easier with your Farm Bureau membership
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oliday shopping for your favorite farmer can be a tall order since many are creatures of habit. Lots of farmers sport the same worn-in work clothes for years, use tools they’ve trusted for decades, or drive pickup trucks that may have been retirement-ready a generation ago. But, as a Virginia Farm Bureau member, finding the right gift for even the pickiest producers is easier thanks to the benefits that come with your annual membership.
Farm Bureau members in Virginia have access to discounts from brands and retailers such as Case IH, Caterpillar, Ford, Grainger, John Deere and Yamaha, as well as Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s products warehouse. With this wide network of member benefits, finding a deal and spoiling the farmer in your life with new farming equipment, tools or an updated wardrobe has never been simpler.
Here are Virginia Farm Bureau’s top 10 favorite items for farmers this holiday season:
Virginia Farm Bureau tumbler Farming is hard work, and everyone knows it. It’s important to stay hydrated, so why not give farmers the option to take their beverage to-go in a Virginia Farm Bureau tumbler? Shop for the tumbler and other home goods on the Virginia Farm Bureau store, which can be found at vafb.com/ benefits.
Chore coat Work clothing has become a hot trend in mainstream fashion, but Virginia farmers actually put their attire to the test every day. There are few garments more flexible than a chore coat, and members can find savings on a new one or other work wear at Grainger.com.
Emergency or first-aid kit As handy as work gloves are, they can’t stop every nick and scrape. Firstaid kits, as well as kits for weatherrelated emergencies, can be purchased through Grainger.
Work gloves Just like a chore coat, a good pair of work gloves serves several purposes. They keep farmers’ hands protected from abrasions and cuts, hazardous materials, outdoor elements and more. Shop for a pair—or three—by browsing the products warehouse at products.vafb.com. 14
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
Upgraded tool set
A new ‘sleigh’
Farmers often are reaching for tools, and if their set has seen better days, new hand tools or power tools may be in order. Members can save on select tools through Caterpillar, or through Grainger on brands such as Dewalt®, Stanley® and more.
What farmer couldn’t benefit from a new truck, tractor or mower from time to time? Members feeling extra generous this holiday season can save on mowers from Bush Hog, tractors from John Deere and Case IH, ATVs and side-by-sides from Yamaha, or a new truck from Ford. Exclusions apply for each, so make sure to study up at vafb.com/benefits.
Tool storage No tool set is complete without somewhere to store it, and members can find savings on toolboxes from Craftsman®, Stanley® and other brands through Grainger.
Virginia’s Harvest hams and peanuts
Portable heater Does your property have a barn, shed or workshop that could use a little more warmth? Keep things heated with a 9- or 15-gallon gas-powered space heater available through the VFBF products warehouse.
There’s never a bad time for Virginia ham or peanuts, but the holidays typically are a time for serious snacking. Get your hands on a country ham or sweet and savory peanuts by placing an order online at products.vafb.com/food, or by calling 800-476-8473.
Anything else— they’ve earned it
Didn’t find what you were looking for? No hard feelings! Farm Bureau members in Virginia also have access to Member Deals Plus®, the nation’s largest private discount network. Here, members can access discounts on anything from electronics to travel, dining and apparel, and everything in between. To find a full list of discounts available to Farm Bureau members through Member Deals Plus®, visit memberdealsplus. accessdevelopment.com and register using your Farm Bureau membership number.
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HONEY RIVER FARM
COURTESY OF THE GILLEY FAMILY HONEY RIVER FARM
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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
NICOLE ZEMA
NICOLE ZEMA
Clockwise from top left: Jacob Gilley, his wife, Jennifer, and their three children operate Heaven’s Hollow Farm in Orange and Madision counties; Cyndi Knudson and Brian Clements of Honey River Farm in Lancaster County are comfortable in their beekeeping suits; Ralph Morton is proud of the blackberries and piglets raised on his Cattle Run Farm in Greene County; and brood larvae work on one of the Clements’ hives.
DIVERSITY IN AG
HOME FREE
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Veteran farmers work the homeland after years of service overseas
he mission-minded, disciplined and hardworking ethic of military veterans is employed by 9,217 servicemen and -women who are producing agricultural products on 1.3 million acres in Virginia. Those veteran farmers, as identified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2017 Census of
Former Army 1st Sgt. Ralph Morton finds joy in new agricultural niches BY NICOLE ZEMA
Third-generation farmer Ralph Morton of Cattle Run Farm in Greene County stopped by a recruiter’s office on a whim in 1996. “Next thing you know, I’m in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, for basic training,” recalled Morton, whose two-year enlistment stretched into a 21-year career. He retired as a first sergeant in 2017. “When I joined the Army, leadership was second nature,” he said. “Working on the farm developed the ability to think independently and work with others. My leaders saw something in me, and I followed their mentorship throughout the years.” Morton’s deployments ranged from peacekeeping missions in Bosnia, Germany, Kosovo and the Balkans, to the post-9/11 intensity of Afghanistan, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Morton mentored other U.S. soldiers and also trained Afghan security forces. “You’re out there in the middle of nowhere in small villages,”
Agriculture, represent every branch of the armed forces. In this fourth article in a series exploring diverse segments of Virginia agriculture, we feature three of the veterans who served abroad, returning home with global perspective and renewed love for the land.
he said. “Mountains here are nothing compared to mountains in Afghanistan. I enjoyed it, but it was very, very challenging.” Home was always a comfort zone, but the end of active duty presented unexpected difficulties. “Going from 100 mph to about 35 is one of the toughest things I’ve ever had to deal with,” shared Morton, who suffered a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. “I really struggled just being able to concentrate; I was all over the place. Then I went into shut-down mode, and it started to take effect on the body.” But Morton found personal peace through veterans’ organizations and agricultural endeavors. He is now volunteer director of the Minority and Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont, an offshoot of Virginia State University’s Small Farm Outreach Program that offers training, technical assistance and financial support on a regional level. He learned how to grow blackberries at VSU’s berry school, and Morton’s 95 plants thrived on the farm property. “I was so stoked with them,” he
said. “And in the first year we had a bumper crop.” Morton and his sister, Sarah, have expanded into agribusinesses like a farm Airbnb, retail sales of their beef and pork products, and soon a farm stand. “I’m in a good place right now, even with the ups and downs,” Morton said. “I like coming out in the mornings after taking the kids to school, going through the raised beds watching stuff grow, working the cattle and riding different routes to check on things. I found that was a big therapeutic piece for me.”
Orange County veteran exemplifies new guard of Va. farmers BY ADAM CULLER
He didn’t grow up on a farm, but Jacob Gilley learned to love the Virginia countryside when his family visited Madison County, where his parents grew up. The family vacations to Madison left an impression on Gilley, and he often thought of cultivating farmland. On the other hand, since his father had served 20 years in the U.S. Air
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DIVERSITY IN AG Force, he saw the benefits military service had granted his family—a good life and some money tucked away for his future farming endeavors. With that in mind, Gilley took a detour on his way to becoming a first-generation farmer. As a 17-year-old in 2005, he enlisted in the Air National Guard straight out of high school. Gilley served as an aircraft mechanic and was deployed to Puerto Rico, Germany and Afghanistan before leaving the service as a staff sergeant in 2011. Camaraderie and travel were the aspects of his service he enjoyed most, and the experience left him with a profound admiration for those who serve. “Being in Afghanistan—I was on the base and was fairly secure— there were many people that faced worse than I did, and sacrificed way more,” Gilley said. “We’re all veterans, but I have a lot of respect for the other men and women and the roles they served. Every job is important in the military, and there are a lot of days I wish I was still serving for the fellowship, the brotherhood and that sense of pride.” Thankful for the lessons his military service taught him, Gilley is equally grateful to now be farming with his wife, Jennifer, and their three young children. The family operates Heaven’s Hollow Farm in Orange and Madison counties, living on land that’s been farmed by Jennifer’s family since 1951. The Gilleys run a cow-calf operation; background cattle; raise hair sheep, feeder pigs and pastured broilers; and market meat and eggs under the Heaven’s Hollow Farm brand. Their products are sold with a Homegrown by Heroes label, which is administered by the Farmer Veteran Coalition and certifies farm products are produced by veterans.
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When not on the farm, Gilley also holds the position of mid-Atlantic sustainable grazing manager with American Farmland Trust, working with Central Virginia farmers to improve sustainability practices. Additionally, he is president of Orange County Farm Bureau. He and his wife also represent District 7 on the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Committee, a group Gilley said he is “indebted to” thanks to past successes in the committee’s Discussion Meet competition.
U.S. Navy veteran ventures into beekeeping BY ALICE KEMP
Building beehives, clearing land and creating honeybee forage plots is a vast cry from Brian Clements’ previous career. As a former explosive ordnance disposal technician for the U.S. Navy, Clements served multiple combat tours overseas, including deploying with Combined Joint Task Force after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Earning a Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and numerous other awards, he retired from active duty in 2005 as a master chief petty officer from the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. “My time in the Navy took me to many foreign countries,” Clements said. “I enjoyed tasting cuisine from different places, which inspired my love of exploring new foods, cooking techniques and agriculture.” Though no longer on active duty, he still works for the Navy and spends the rest of his time at Honey River Farm in Lancaster County with his fiancé, Cyndi Knudson. Together they manage bees on a tranquil 13-acre property overlooking the Rappahannock River. “We have approximately 25 hives
and are building up to 75 hives,” Knudson said. “We sell pure honey, comb honey and flavor-infused honeys.” Flavors like lavender lemon, hot pepper and a citrus-infused honey that “complements seafood well,” are sold at local retail stores, farmers markets and restaurants around the White Stone community. Clements and Knudson began their operation in 2019. Still in the growth phase, Clements said he often relies on his military background when “looking over the entire scope of the project at hand and breaking it down into pieces for planning.” And instead of dismantling explosives, he’s fixing and re-engineering equipment at the apiary, working with regulators and collaborating with other agriculture partners to expand their market. Beekeeping may be more relaxing than what he did in the military, but he still handles some unpredictability and has to stay flexible—something many farmers know well. “Farming can be greatly impacted by uncontrollable events,” he explained. “The bestmade plans are often disrupted by weather, timing of events and unforeseen complications.” Reflecting on life as a Navy service member and farmer, Clements said both are communities with a special kinship and identity. Not in line with typical, mainstream jobs, “both have very rewarding aspects and extreme challenges. “Like people in the military, farmers enjoy spending time together and sharing with each other,” he said. “Discussing production ideas, sharing stories with a brotherhood that understands what’s important. It’s teamwork.”
HARDY HOLLIES: Festive beauty that lasts year-round
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BY ALICE KEMP
ollies’ jewel-red berries and rich, glossy leaves create a festive wintertime display. And while they shine during the holidays, they also make great additions to yards throughout the year. “They’re good all-around plants,” said horticulturist Mark Viette. Viette explained that many evergreen hollies are great for screening, such as the American holly. Growing 20 to 50 feet high, with spiny green leaves and red berries, this quintessential holly is one of the most common in Virginia. “They’re real durable,” Viette said. “You just have to plant them at the proper distances, and they will fill in and give you a good screening if you have a
neighbor or a highway.” Another screening option is the yaupon holly. Slightly smaller and growing as a shrub or small tree, they prefer warmer climates, such as zones 7 to 10. When fertilized, the female plants will produce berries during winter. While most are evergreens, some, like the winterberry, are deciduous. Showcasing clusters of bright red berries on bare branches, these hollies grow in many environments and will do well in moist to wet soils. They’re also “great to use in decorating and arrangements,” Viette added.
Pruning and care Hollies used for hedging and in landscapes will need an occasional haircut.
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HARDY HOLLIES
Clockwise from right: Holly plants vary in the size of their leaves and quantity of berries. Birds often feed on berries from the American holly; bees are drawn to spring blooms; and birds also are attracted to the winterberry, Yaupon berry and inkberry varieties of holly.
They may look edible, but they aren’t! While birds and wildlife will make a meal of holly berries, people and pets should avoid them. They contain chemicals called saponins, which are toxic and can induce vomiting, dehydration and drowsiness.
“Pruning is done in the dormant winter season before new growth starts in March or so,” explained Mike Andruczyk, a Virginia Cooperative Extension horticulturist in Chesapeake. “There are a wide variety of sizes for hollies, and they’re also very free of pests and disease issues. With proper selection of the site and variety, you can have a great plant in your yard that requires very little extra care.” Homeowners also can find smaller varieties for their landscapes. “Dwarf selections of inkberry, yaupon and winterberry hollies fit easily in typical home gardens with at least 50% sun exposure and good drainage,” Andruczyk said.
For the birds and bees Wildlife also can reap the benefits of hollies’ dense foliage. “Cardinals, mourning doves, blue jays— 20
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
they nest in these trees,” Viette said. “It’s not as easy for other animals and predators to get to them. Hollies really do hide the nests well.” Andruczyk added that birds feed on holly berries and many, like the American, inkberry, sweet gallberry and yaupon, bloom in the spring with small cream-colored flowers and a honey-like fragrance. “They’re excellent for bees,” he said. “In the autumn, the female plants—if pollinated—will have beautiful red, black, orange or yellow fruit that adds a seasonal interest and may attract cedar waxwings as they migrate south for the winter.” Hollies require cross-pollination, so homeowners who want berries will need both female and male plants. “You probably just need one male and can surround it with female plants,” Viette explained.
Medicare beneficiaries: Time to prepare for open enrollment BY ADAM CULLER
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he Medicare Annual Election Period is underway, which means it’s time for Medicare beneficiaries to start considering their 2022 coverage needs. Medicare’s open enrollment period runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 and generally is the only time subscribers can change their Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage for the upcoming year. During this time, beneficiaries can enroll in, withdraw from or switch Part D prescription coverage or Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C. Any policy changes made during the Annual Election Period go into effect Jan. 1, 2022. Gina Gentilini, senior individual account executive for Virginia Farm
Bureau’s Health Insurance division, said customers should use the election period to determine whether their current coverage matches their medical needs. When shopping for new Medicare Advantage or Part D plans, Gentilini noted customers should evaluate the potential use of the Medicare Advantage Plan they intend to enroll in, which will dictate their total out-ofpocket expenses for medical services. Customers also are urged to consider the total cost of their prescription drugs through Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. “The most important thing is to look at the overall picture of what that plan offers, and not so much what the premiums are and what the plan will
cost you upfront,” Gentilini said. “Just because something may be cheaper premium-wise out of your pocket, it doesn’t mean it’s going to be cheaper overall when you’re using it.” Those who turn 65 after the Medicare Annual Election Period still can obtain Medicare coverage for 2022. New beneficiaries can enroll during their Initial Medicare Enrollment Period, which starts three months before an individual’s 65th birthday, and concludes three months after. To learn more about Medicare enrollment options, contact your local Farm Bureau office or call 800-2297779 to discuss Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.
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*Must be a valid member of Farm Bureau for 30 days and have a valid email address to be eligible for John Deere Rewards benefits. John Deere’s green and yellow color scheme, the leaping deer symbol, and JOHN DEERE are trademarks of Deere & Company.
vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2021
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Don’t miss out on this offer. Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com today! *Farm Bureau Bonus Cash is exclusively for active Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. $500 Bonus Cash on the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2020/2021/2022 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, 2022. Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com or see your authorized Ford Dealer for qualifications and complete details. Note to dealer: Claim in VINCENT using #37860.
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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
2021-FD-FB-Q4-Virginia-7.5x4.8125-v1.indd 1
8/26/21 11:13 AM
Claims texting service now available to VFB insurance customers
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BY ADAM CULLER
ustomers asked, and Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. responded. A service that allows policyholders to receive claim updates via text messaging is now available. The new texting service launched for all lines of business in mid-July, and all VFBMIC policyholders have access to this convenient feature when submitting a claim. The messaging system is powered by Hi Marley, a platform that connects customers to their insurance companies through intelligent text messaging. “The idea really came from our customers, because a lot of times they wanted us to text them their claim numbers, information about their adjuster or other updates related to their claims,” shared Anne Baskette, VFBMIC director of claims administration. “And while some of our agents and adjusters who have company cellphones could meet those requests, most of our claims are worked by office personnel who don’t have cellphones or the ability to text,” she explained. “That’s when we started looking for a platform that could help us text all of our customers and meet that growing demand.” Baskette said VFBMIC’s search centered on finding an intelligent system that could offer more than those that simply send messages asking customers to call their claims adjusters for updates. Customers will be asked if they want to receive text messages when calling in a claim, which is still a requirement despite the new texting integration. If so, they will automatically receive messages that provide their claim number, as well as information about their claims adjuster. Additionally, customers will receive a message any time a payment has been
Virginia Farm Bureau insurance customers can now receive claims information via text messaging.
made on their claim. Any automated messages sent through the claims texting service will pertain only to an individual claim, and VFBMIC will never use the service to send customers information about its products. Outside of receiving automated texts, policyholders also can utilize the messaging service to communicate directly with their adjuster instead of calling them. Through text, customers can obtain more information about
their coverage, make an appointment to have their damaged property inspected, get updates on their claim status and more. This level of personalized service typically is reserved for insurance companies that have a national presence, Baskette noted. In that regard, Virginia Farm Bureau is going above and beyond to provide its policyholders with exceptional customer service. vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2021
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LEGAL NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY The annual meeting of policyholders of Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company will be held at 8:45 a.m., Thursday, December 2, 2021, at the Williamsburg Lodge, 310 South England Street, Williamsburg, VA, for the following purposes: 1. T o receive and act upon the reports of the Company officers. 2. T o elect a Board of Directors, each to serve a term of one year. 3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof. Dated this 1st day of October, 2021. Kathleen M. Early, Secretary
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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
Weathering winter
Take time to consider weather hazards and the condition of farm equipment and structures during the colder months BY ADAM CULLER
A
s every farmer knows, the job may slow down in winter, but the work never stops. Even when the ground is frozen over with snow and ice, there’s always something that needs to get done around the farm. Many farmers are conditioned to complete their chores as quickly as possible, but during the colder months, weather can complicate tasks that would otherwise be a breeze. Rather than rushing through their work and risking injury, farmers should be mindful of pacing themselves when working in the winter weather. “When it’s cold outside, our work is just going to take a little longer,” said Jonathan Grimes, chairman of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Safety Subcommittee. “The biggest thing is remembering to take your time when you’re doing something,” he continued. “Your footing and traction aren’t going to be as good in the snow and ice, so whether you’re walking around or operating a piece of
equipment, you need to slow down and really think the situation through.” Grimes added farmers should always inspect their equipment before use, as melting snow and ice could make the machinery’s platforms slippery.
Individuals also should always maintain three points of contact when mounting and dismounting equipment to avoid the risk of falling. | WINTER WEATHER cont'd on page 27 »
‘I’ll get around to it’
Estate plan crucial to securing ownership of family farmland BY NICOLE ZEMA
“It seems so complicated.” “It’s too overwhelming to think about right now.” “I’ll do it later.” These are some of the excuses estate planning specialist P. Dianne Martin of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. has heard from farmland owners and farm operators who delay establishing a formal succession plan. They mistakenly believe “everything will take care of itself” when they die, she said. Or they feel uneasy revealing details regarding their estate.
But proper estate planning can preserve family farmland and protect related businesses, securing those assets for current and future generations. When landowners neglect adequate estate planning, consequences can include the sale of assets to pay taxes; conflicts among heirs; unnecessary or excessive costs that reduce an estate’s value; and improper asset distribution. “All parties need to meet face-to| ESTATE PLANNING cont'd on page 26 vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2021
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| ESTATE PLANNING cont'd from page 25 »
face and discuss the challenges that land ownership brings, and make a plan, now!” said Martin, who works with Virginia Farm Bureau insurance agents to help farmers connect with reasonably priced attorneys. “The 2020 pandemic was a wake-up call for folks to make a plan. We never want to think something bad will happen, but don’t wait until the point you can’t make decisions.” As one of their membership benefits, Farm Bureau members can meet with an estate planning specialist and receive a free, no-obligation analysis of their individual estate and retirement savings needs. More than 200 member families take advantage of the service each year. “Planning should be reviewed when the dynamics of the family change,” Martin explained. “Or when the law changes. Ultimately, every estate is planned, if not by the owner, then by state and federal laws.”
Estate taxes threaten family farms The 2017 federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act included an exemption that requires an estate to file and pay taxes only when gross assets exceed $11.58 million per person. But this legislation will expire in 2025, dropping the exemption to $5.8 million after that. Farming is a costly way of life, and so is death, when
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When planning for the next generation, it’s important to keep communication lines open.
surviving family members are hit with estate taxes on the transfer of farmland and equipment. When those taxes exceed cash and other liquid assets, surviving family partners may be forced to sell property needed to keep the farm going. American Farm Bureau Federation supports the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021—U.S. House and Senate bills that would flat-out repeal the estate tax, or make the current $11.6 million exemption permanent. Virginia’s agricultural advocates are encouraging congressional leadership to support the legislation. Blacksburg farmer and entrepreneur Scott Sink, who serves as VFBF vice president, said the estate tax repeal would simplify complexities of generational property transfer that are burdensome to farm families and small businesses. “I feel this legislation will help small businesses and family farms with continuity and planning as they move forward,” he said. With profit margins already tight, “having estate taxes out of the way is one less burden families or businesses have to face.”
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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
The estate planning process begins with an in-depth inventory of asset values, and a general overview of heirs and intended asset distributions. Participants receive an analysis that examines potential tax liabilities resulting from several distribution plans. Legal and/or tax counsel generally are necessary in following up on analysis recommendations. Your Farm Bureau insurance agent is your primary contact for estate planning services. Call your county Farm Bureau office today for more information.
| WINTER WEATHER cont'd from page 25 »
Keep an eye on equipment, farm structures Large farming equipment and structures often are among farmers’ largest investments, and keeping those assets safe throughout the winter takes some extra effort. Scott DeNoon, farm product and underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., noted equipment should always be properly stored and shielded from the elements to avoid weather damage. And, whenever farmers find some downtime, they should perform routine maintenance on their farming equipment. That way, machinery can be ready for spring planting. According to DeNoon, collapses are among the most common farm insurance claims placed in winter. He encouraged farmers and other landowners to inspect and prepare their structures for winter weather as soon as possible. “You’re going to want to inspect the roofs of any structures to make sure they’re sturdy enough to withstand the weight of accumulating ice or snow,” DeNoon said. “You also need to make sure doors, windows or gates on those structures— especially if they shelter animals—are in good structural condition now, and make sure repairs are done if needed. “Making a repair is something you’re not going to want to be burdened with if there’s snow or ice on the ground, or if a winter storm is imminent.”
Winter weather can cause additional challenges for farmers, so they are urged to take extra precautions.
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Heart of the Home
SCRUMPTIOUS SWEET POTATOES— naturally sweet and versatile
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weet potatoes can be baked, mashed, fried or turned into pies, and they are one of the tastiest and most versatile vegetables in the pantry. They’re also superfoods. Rich in a multitude of vitamins and minerals, they contain vitamins A, C and B6, as well as iron and potassium. Low in carbohydrate and fat content and high in fiber, they’re filling while giving the body what it needs. In fact, sweet potatoes are consistently rated as one of the healthiest vegetables people can eat! Despite their name, sweet potatoes are a root vegetable and not related to standard white potatoes, which are tubers. They’re also genetically different from another tuber: yams. In season October through March, a good sweet potato is firm and has smooth skin. Avoid any with cracks, soft spots or blemishes. Sweet potatoes have a decent shelf life and can be stored in a cool, dark place for three to five weeks.
Sweet Potatoes and Apples INGREDIENTS nonstick cooking spray 3 sweet potatoes 3 apples ¼ cup raisins ⅓ cup orange or pineapple juice 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 350°. Spray an 8” baking dish with cooking spray.
Sweet potatoes’ versatility in both savory and sweet dishes is appreciated by home chefs.
Wash sweet potatoes, and cut in half lengthwise. Cut in half again, and then slice. Add sweet potatoes to the baking dish.
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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
Wash apples. Leaving the skin on, cut the apples in half through the core. Then cut each piece in half again until you have
four quarters. Cut out the seeds, core, and cut into thin slices. Add to the baking dish, and sprinkle raisins on top.
1 cup unsalted beef broth ¾ cup apple cider 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled, cut crosswise into 1- to 1½-inch pieces
In a separate bowl, mix juice and brown sugar together until sugar dissolves, and pour over the potatoes and apples. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
2 teaspoons minced garlic 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, and bake for another 10 minutes until potatoes are tender and cooked through.
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
—Recipe adapted from Virginia Cooperative Extension
DIRECTIONS
Pork Roast with Sweet Potatoes, Pears and Rosemary INGREDIENTS 3½-pound bone-in pork loin center roast, excess fat trimmed to a thin layer 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary, plus more for serving (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary) salt and ground black pepper 2½ pounds (6 medium) sweet potatoes, peeled, and cut lengthwise into sixths 3 firm, ripe Bosc pears, cut lengthwise into quarters and cored 12-ounce bottle hard cider or apple juice DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 450°.
2 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons brandy or water
Pears and rosemary give this pork and sweet potato dish an added touch of flavor.
pears are tender, about 1 hour. Transfer pork to a carving board. With the oven turned off, transfer the sweet potato mixture to an ovenproof bowl, tent with aluminum foil, and keep warm in the oven. Let the pork stand for 10 to 15 minutes. In the meantime, heat the roasting pan over high heat. Add cider, and bring to a boil, scraping up browned bits in the pan with a wooden spoon. Boil until cider is reduced to ¾ cup, about 5 minutes. Pour into a sauceboat. Carve the pork, and transfer it to a serving platter. Surround it with the sweet potato mixture, drizzle it with 3 tablespoons of the cider sauce, then sprinkle with rosemary. Serve with remaining sauce on the side. —Recipe adapted from the National Pork Board
Beef Pot Roast with
Rub pork with oil. In a small bowl, combine rosemary, ¾ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, and rub over pork.
Cider Gravy and Maple Sweet Potatoes
In a large, flameproof roasting pan, place pork bone-side-down. Roast for 15 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350°, and roast for another 15 minutes.
INGREDIENTS 2 teaspoons olive oil
Add sweet potatoes and pears to the pan, stirring gently to coat with pan juices. Spread as evenly as possible around the roast, and season with salt and pepper. Roast, occasionally stirring the sweet potato mixture, until an instant-read food thermometer inserted in the center of the roast reads 145° and the potatoes and
3- to 3½-pound boneless beef shoulder roast 1½ teaspoons salt
In a stockpot over medium heat, heat oil. Place beef roast in stockpot, and brown evenly. Remove the roast, pour off the drippings, and season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Add onion and thyme to stockpot and cook, stirring 3 to 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Add broth and cider, and increase heat to medium-high. Cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until browned bits attached to the stockpot are dissolved. Return roast to the stockpot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover tightly, and simmer 2½ hours. Add sweet potatoes and garlic to stockpot, cover, and continue simmering for 30 minutes or until sweet potatoes and pot roast are fork-tender. Remove the roast, and keep it warm. Using a slotted spoon, remove the sweet potatoes and garlic, and place them into a large bowl, leaving the liquid in the stockpot. Add syrup, ginger, remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper to the sweet potatoes. Beat until the sweet potatoes and garlic are mashed and smooth. Keep them warm. Skim the fat from the cooking liquid, and stir in the cornstarch mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook, and stir 1 minute or until thickened. Carve the roast into slices; serve with mashed sweet potatoes and gravy. —Recipe adapted from Beef Checkoff
¾ teaspoon pepper, divided 1 cup chopped onion 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2021
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IN MEMORIUM
Marvin Lewis Everett Southampton County
M
arvin L. Everett Sr., a past member of the board of directors for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, died Aug. 16. Mr. Everett, who was 91, served on the VFBF board from 1990 to 2007. He also was a past president of Southampton County Farm Bureau, and a member of the VFBF Peanut Advisory Committee from 2009 to 2016. “Virginia Farm Bureau was very dear to EVERETT him,” said his son and VFBF board member M.L. Everett Jr. “He met so many people throughout the state in his association with Farm Bureau. Dad always told me that in his travels he felt like there was a Farm Bureau member just around the corner who could help him if he ever needed anything.” A local farmer and advocate for agriculture, Mr. Everett and his wife helped start Everett Trucking Inc., and Everett Farms Inc., where he grew peanuts, cotton, soybeans, pumpkins and other crops before his son, M.L., and grandson, Lewis, inherited the operation. He also was a founding member of The Peanut Coalition, The American Agricultural Movement and the Va.-Carolina Peanut Co-op.
“He never hesitated to meet a fellow farmer and discuss farming issues,” M.L. Everett said. “Collectively with other farmers, he’d try to make a difference. Whether it was legislation in Washington, D.C., at the General Assembly on the state level, or county agriculture issues, he was always there at the negotiating table trying to help strengthen agriculture for the next generation.” Mr. Everett also was a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served one and a half years in Korea. He was awarded several honors and a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. Outside of agriculture, he was known for being active in his community. He was the oldest member of Joyner United Methodist Church, which he served in numerous capacities, and he was a past president and a charter member of Joyner-Gray-Yale Ruritan Club; Zone Governor-Holland District Ruritan National; and past master of Courtland Masonic Lodge #85. Mr. Everett is survived by his wife, Betty; two children; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two nieces.
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vafb.com / NOVEMBER 2021
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WORKING IN ACRES N OT H O U R S
Your time is most valuable in the field during harvest. Our team is ready to meet you at your farm when it matters most. Contact us when you’re ready.
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