12 minute read
Young Farmers host candidates
Young farmers interact with state leaders during forum and roundtable
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY NICOLE ZEMA
Virginia’s young farmers represent a constituency driving the state’s largest industry toward a prosperous future, and lawmakers want to familiarize themselves with agricultural issues important to them.
Young farmers and advocates from nine industry groups engaged in dialogue with lawmakers and gubernatorial candidates at the 2021 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Summer Expo July 30 and 31 in Fauquier County.
A sense of unity underscored both the Agriculture and Forestry Gubernatorial Forum and roundtable event with urban legislators. Candidates agreed that farmers need support—through expansion of rural broadband infrastructure, funding for implementation of best management practices and addressing labor issues.
Candidates share stance on agricultural issues at forum
A crowd gathered under the pavilion at the Fauquier County Fairgrounds to hear presentations by gubernatorial candidates Terry McAuliffe of Fairfax County and Glenn Youngkin of Falls Church.
Youngkin, the Republican candidate, said he understands the “extraordinary expense” regulatory guidelines impose on farmers to meet environmental objectives for the Chesapeake Bay. The regulations to implement best management practices force change too quickly and without funding, he said.
“I love and cherish the Chesapeake Bay,” Youngkin said. “But when we press forward and use best management practices as a tool to meet regulatory guidelines set for the Chesapeake Bay, we either have
Virginia gubernatorial candidates shared their agriculture and forestry platforms during the Young Farmers Summer Expo in August.
to back off the regulations or fully fund them, because what was done is unfair.”
BMPs are backed by technical support from soil and water conservation districts and require a dedicated stream of funding.
“There are no better stewards of the earth than our farmers—it’s their livelihood,” said McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate. “We need to put legislation together to have dedicated funding every single year going forward, because if you know it’s there, you can think five or 10 years ahead, and make strong decisions to protect our beautiful earth.”
Every dollar invested in Chesapeake Bay restoration returns $4 in revenue to the state, he added.
Youngkin said the H-2A programs supplying agricultural labor must remain functional. But access to industry training and education should be a priority for Virginia’s workforce.
McAuliffe echoed those comments, saying the educational system must be redesigned to teach skills for jobs that will exist in the future. But that’s tough when 14% of Virginia students don’t have reliable internet access.
“And I promise, you will get broadband,” McAuliffe said, referencing incoming federal funds to expand broadband infrastructure.
Bridging that digital divide is No. 1 on the agenda, Youngkin said, to invigorate rural economies statewide.
“About 250,000 homes and small business across Virginia, in rural environments mostly, are being left out of educational and business development opportunities,” he stated.
As governor, Youngkin said he would not make political appointments to key positions.
“I look forward to working with all associations representing agriculture… to put experts in these jobs so there is representation for you,” he said.
McAuliffe, who served as 72nd governor of Virginia, discussed his track record of supporting Virginia agriculture and forestry. During his tenure, he noted, the industry saw a 30% uptick in exports.
“We did $3 billion in exports for first time in Virginia history,” he said. “I was the most traveled governor in U.S. history, with 35 trade missions to five
Wiser and stronger in 2021, Young Farmers
converge at summer expo | BY NICOLE ZEMA
When 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic brought global commerce to its knees, the younger generation of farmers became innovative. How they adapted was part of the conversation at the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Summer Expo.
This year’s expo, themed Farming on the Edge, was held July 30-Aug. 1 in Fauquier County. During the event, full- and part-time farmers, college and high school students, gubernatorial candidates, rural and urban lawmakers and industry representatives networked and discussed timely issues and cuttingedge developments in agriculture and forestry.
About 150 young farmers from across the state viewed bison at Cibola Farms in Culpeper and met the cows milked for Moo Thru Ice Cream at Cool Lawn Dairy in Remington.
At the general session, Young Farmers heard from panelists about direct marketing, creating one-stop shops for farm products and finding international markets.
Northampton County agribusiness professional wins Excellence in Agriculture Award
Kyle Sturgis of Northampton County was named this year’s Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Excellence in Agriculture Award winner.
The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes individuals for involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.
Sturgis is a fifth-generation farmer and manager of Shore Breeze Farms in Cape Charles, where he oversees the hydroponic greenhouse facility, field crop operation and the farm market.
Sturgis is past chair of VFBF Young Farmers Committee and current chair of the VFBF Aquaculture Advisory Committee, and he serves on the organization’s legislative and national affairs committees.
Sturgis holds a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and environmental science from Ferrum College.
As Excellence in Agriculture Award winner, Sturgis will receive a Kubota utility vehicle courtesy of Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Services, $500 courtesy of Montgomery County Farm Bureau, and a travel package to the 2022 AFBF Annual Convention in Atlanta in January.
Rachel Henley of Goochland County was runner-up for the VFBF award and will receive $500 and a travel package to the AFBF convention. Other finalists were Ivan and Casey Davis of Buckingham County and Hunter Johnson of Pittsylvania County. Each finalist individual or couple will receive $500.
Pittsylvania County student named Outstanding Young Agriculturalist
Jack Frazier Hammock of Pittsylvania County was named the 2021 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Outstanding Young Agriculturalist.
The recognition program is organized by the VFBF Young Farmers Committee and honors high school juniors and seniors for academic, community and agribusiness achievement.
Hammock is the son of Nathan and Jackie Hammock. He was 2021 valedictorian of Gretna High School and plans to pursue a degree in dairy science at Virginia Tech. He hopes to eventually join his family’s multigeneration farm partnership at Hammock Dairy Inc. in Chatham.
Competition scoring is based on academics, general leadership, farm or agriculture experience, and an oral presentation.
Hammock was a participant in his school FFA chapter’s livestock judging, forestry contests and fundraising efforts. He also was the 2021 valedictorian of Piedmont Governor’s School for Mathematics, Science, and Technology; 2021 Pinnacle Award recipient of the Graduate of Merit Program for Pittsylvania County Schools; and Eastern States Division Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen of the Year.
For his OYA win, Hammock will receive a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Farm Credit, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. and Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.
First runner-up Regan Jackson of Clarke County will receive $500 courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co.
Other finalists were Carrie Barker, Pittsylvania County; Jenna Beville, Sussex County; Rachel Craun, Rockingham County; Ava Genho, Rappahannock County; Olivia Gibson, Rappahannock County; Savannah Goodwin, Louisa County; Sammy Leach, Fauquier County; Charlie Moser, Bedford County; Austin Presley, Pittsylvania County; Jill Reiter, Dinwiddie County; Lauren Rhodes, Augusta County; Ann Rae Sisson, Montgomery County; Ellie Vance, Augusta County; Ellie Vincent, Clarke County; and Tanner Wise, Buckingham County. All finalists will receive $250.
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continents and dozens of countries, selling our Virginia ag and forestry products all over the globe.”
Farmers discuss issues with urban legislators
The following day, young farmers led the dialogue at a roundtable event for incumbent urban legislators.
Since the founding of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC, a nonpartisan political action committee, Farm Bureau members have advocated for their industry through working relationships with lawmakers representing agricultural districts. A series of in-person roundtable events with urban candidates is AgPAC’s new model to build relationships and educate legislators about agricultural issues.
Attending the expo roundtable were Sen. Chap Petersen, D-Fairfax; Del. David Bulova, D-Fairfax Station; Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington; Del. Mark Keam, D-Vienna; Del. Kenneth Plum, D-Reston; Del. David Reid, D-Ashburn; Del. Michael Webert, R-Marshall; and Virginia House of Delegates candidate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, D-Alexandria.
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Discussion Meet finalists to compete in December
The annual Young Farmers Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting, and participants are judged on their active participation, understanding of agricultural issues and ability to build consensus on predetermined topics.
This year’s finalists, announced at the Young Farmers Summer Expo, are Jonathan Grimes of Wythe County; Rachel Henley of Goochland County; Morgan Messer of Augusta County; and Dr. Amanda Weakley-Scott of Madison County.
They will compete Nov. 30 at the 2021 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Williamsburg.
BY NICOLE ZEMA
A new membership category for collegiate agriculturalists is intended to prepare young adults for industry careers and also encourage their involvement with Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.
VFBF’s board of directors recently approved free Farm Bureau memberships to any college students who participate in the organization’s collegiate Young Farmers chapters.
William “Bear” Lloyd of Washington County has been involved with VFBF Young Farmers for about 13 years, and now chairs the program’s collegiate subcommittee. He proposed the new membership category because he thought it would increase college students’ participation in Farm Bureau.
“There was already a lot of excitement and support for agriculture amongst this group, but we needed to take this step so they understand what Farm Bureau does for agriculture, and keep them engaged in the organization with us,” Lloyd said.
A mentorship program is being developed to connect collegiate members with existing Young Farmers.
“We could meet at expos or conventions, and if they have similar career interests, we could do some job shadowing, career mentoring and networking within our organization,” Lloyd explained. “If 15 Young Farmers would be willing to mentor 15 collegiate members, we could build some pretty good relationships. We can talk to them about the programs and activities Farm Bureau offers, further incorporating the collegiate members into our organization.”
Lloyd said this new venture is a big step for the Young Farmers Program.
“My personal hope is one day we have 50 or 60 Young Farmers paired with 50 or 60 collegiate members, talking on a regular basis, offering insight into agriculture and careers, and watching those relationships grow,” Lloyd said.
Potential collegiate members can learn more through their university, college or regional Young Farmers chapter, or contact Ron Saacke, vice president of special programs, at ron.saacke@vafb.com or 804-514-4202. For more information, visit vafb.com/membership-at-work/farmers-in-action/young-farmers.
Young adults interested in serving as an ambassador for agriculture and Virginia Farm Bureau can apply for the Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador program. This year’s application deadline is Dec. 31.
The winner and runners-up are eligible for cash awards, announced at the annual Women’s Leadership Conference in August 2022.
Eligible applicants between the ages of 18 and 24 can see the rules and apply online at vafb.formstack.com/ forms/farm_bureau_ambassador.
Members can save 10% during warehouse appreciation week
Farm Bureau members in Virginia are invited to attend a member appreciation week at the VFBF products warehouse, 1541 Mary Street, Sandston, Sept. 20-24.
On Sept. 24, barbecue, hot dogs and other refreshments will be available for members who visit the warehouse.
All week long, members who visit the warehouse between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. can save 10% on products.
You can view all products on the warehouse’s informational website: products.vafb.com.
Register soon for the VFBF Annual Convention
Historic Colonial Williamsburg provides a fitting backdrop for the 2021 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention, which will be held Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 at The Williamsburg Lodge.
Virginia Farm Bureau has been an important voice advocating for the state’s farmers since 1926. This year’s convention, themed “95 Years and Still Growing,” will celebrate the organization’s 95th anniversary by highlighting its longevity and impact.
The convention agenda includes important legislative updates and policy discussion. It is during the 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.
Judging will take place for the Young Farmers Achievement Award, and finalists will compete in the annual Young Farmers Discussion Meet. Winners for both will be announced during the convention.
The event also will include presentations of the VFBF Distinguished Service Award and county Farm Bureau Award of Excellence. And during the opening lunch, winners of the 2021 Journalism Awards will be recognized for their thorough, fair and balanced agricultural news coverage.
The convention is open to voting delegates and other interested Farm Bureau members. Members can register through their county Farm Bureau offices later this month.
Sights to see
Colonial Williamsburg offers numerous attractions, tours and seasonal performances for visitors.
This year, convention participants can extend their stay and take advantage of the Grand Illumination, which has marked the start of the holiday season in Colonial Williamsburg for more than 70 years. Filled with colonial-themed holiday lights, decorations, fireworks and musical performances, this year’s iconic event takes place the weekends of Dec. 3-4, Dec. 10-11 and Dec. 17-18.
For more information on tourist attractions, visit colonialwilliamsburg.com. Please note many events are dependent on health protocols and guidelines. Stay updated by checking event websites closer to your visit.
State Fair of Virginia returns Sept. 24-Oct. 3
Virginians are fine-tuning their grandma’s best apple butter recipe and youth are getting their livestock showready for the return of the State Fair of Virginia, to be held Sept. 24 through Oct. 3 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County.
Following the cancellation of last year’s State Fair amid the COVID-19 pandemic, guests are likely ready for the classic fair experience with rides, agricultural exhibits, competitions, food, live entertainment and more.
A complete list of attractions, events, performers and other details can be found at StateFairVa.org.
The best option is to purchase tickets online, but they also can be purchased at the gate.
Farm Bureau members will be treated to a discount—$5 off the regular gate admission price on any day of the fair, using a coupon available at your county Farm Bureau office. The limit is two discount coupons per transaction per membership card.
While no official social-distancing or masking mandates were anticipated at press time, fair organizers have planned a layout that allows guests more physical space to spread out.
