2017 IN REVIEW
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU 2017 IN REVIEW
C O NTEN TS 3 6 7 8 12 16
What’s In It For You? President’s Message Your Membership Advantage Growth & Service Legislative & Grassroots Engagement Marketing & Representation
20 22 24 26 30
TOC
Women in Leadership Young Farmers’ Opportunities Education News & Communication State Fair & The Meadow Event Park
On the Cover Virginia Farm Bureau is proud to serve farm families throughout the commonwealth—including yours! Shown on the cover are Tenille and Taylor Nuckols of Eastview Farm in Hanover County, with daughter Emery and son Coleman (Photo: Casey Smith, Dirt Road Photography).
©Jonathan Mayo Photography
FARM BUREAU IS THERE FOR YOU
There for You A familiar institution for almost a century, Farm Bureau represents and serves Virginia producers of all commodities. With 88 county Farm Bureaus and more than 127,000 member families, Farm Bureau is the state’s largest farmers’ advocacy group. We’re Glad to Have You as a Member As a Farm Bureau member, you’ve put your support squarely behind your community and the farms that produce the nation’s food and other important products. But what’s in it for you? 1. You’re helping your community – Your Farm Bureau membership supports local activities that benefit farmers, families and local quality of life. Farm Bureau wants you and your neighbors to enjoy the benefits of productive farmland and forests, open spaces, and clean air and water. County Farm Bureaus also extend support to other community organizations like volunteer fire and rescue companies, food banks, libraries and more.
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1. You’re helping farmers – You’re supporting farm families who, like you, produce food, fiber and forestry products. They’re heavily vested in the future of Virginia communities, and your membership helps Farm Bureau advocate for them.
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1. You’re helping yourself – You have access to a variety of benefits and services available to all immediate family members residing in your household.
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1. You’re helping youth – County Farm Bureaus across Virginia invest in their communities’ future by offering more than $165,000 in scholarships annually. They also support local 4-H and FFA activities.
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1. You’re helping to protect your future – Farm Bureau has programs focused on producing outstanding leaders and helping them engage the legislative process and develop new business plans. And in a world where consumers are interested in how their food is produced, Farm Bureau encourages its producer members to share their stories.
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127,709 Total membership for 2017 (See Page 8)
28 out of 35 Key policy issues on which Farm Bureau saw desired results during 2017 Virginia General Assembly (See Page 12)
1,400 Times print and broadcast media shared news about Virginia Farm Bureau in 2017 (See Page 26)
3 million bushels Amount the Grain Division was expected to sell in 2017 (See Page 18)
225,000 Children reached with Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom resources (See Page 24)
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU 2017 IN REVIEW
›› President’s Message
Before we move forward, a look back Late last November, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation held its 2017 Annual Convention in Williamsburg. The convention’s agenda is always a good mix of looking back at the nearly ended year and preparing for the one that’s ahead. The event draws as many as 800 members and guests and affords me an opportunity to share our organization’s success stories. While I’m grateful that so many people make time to attend, I do realize that not everyone in our producer community is able to be there. That’s why I’m pleased to share this year-in-review publication. As Virginia’s largest farmers’ advocacy organization, Farm Bureau routinely represents our producer members at county government meetings, farm conferences, state legislative proceedings and court cases that affect our industry. Farm Bureau has your back on important tax issues, environmental mandates—even ballot initiatives and many other issues. I’m pleased to share some of that work here.
The numbers look good! For the first time in six years we got to celebrate reaching our annual membership goal! I am truly grateful to all the members and employees who helped make this happen, and we already are working on our new goal of 127,710 member families in 2018. We reached a new goal last year at the State Fair of Virginia as well. Total attendance was more than 240,000—a record for the fair at its Caroline County location. The fair offered more than $70,000 in youth scholarships, and more than 9,000 students visited the event on field trips.
Some changes in the political landscape We’ve just come off another busy political campaign season, and I congratulate the 250 county Farm Bureau leaders who participated in the local Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC process last summer. Committees of farmers interviewed candidates for the House of Delegates and made recommendations for endorsements. The purpose of our bipartisan VFBF AgPAC and political efforts is to position Farm Bureau to be an effective spokesman for agriculture no matter which party is in power. Gov.-elect Ralph Northam promised to be a friend to Virginia farmers when he spoke to rural leaders at the Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Gubernatorial Candidates Forum last summer. He pledged to expand broadband Internet access in rural areas, and to support land-use taxation at the local level. He also said he believes farmers are not the biggest problem when it comes to cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay. We look forward to working with the new administration to protect farm interests.
Sleeve-rolling time This is all part of Farm Bureau’s role as the voice of Virginia agriculture. But while the organization has been focused mostly on state issues, we do have a powerful voice in setting the national Farm Bureau policy. We saw some major policy victories last year in Washington, with the EPA backing off the wrong-sided “Waters of the U.S.” rule. More needs to be done, howevert, to provide a legal and effective foreign worker base for farmers. We also need to improve our trade positions in world agriculture markets. But it’s never all roses. We will face political and financial challenges in the coming year, but a positive attitude has always seen us through. So let’s get to work and work hard. Wayne F. Pryor, a Goochland County beef and grain producer, is president of Virginia Farm Bureau. 6
FARM BUREAU CAPTURES AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE This month Virginia Farm Bureau Federation will be recognized at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention with four AFBF Awards of Excellence. The awards recognize superior programs in four categories: • advocacy; • engagement and outreach; • leadership and business development; and • membership value.
FARM BUREAU IS THERE FOR YOU
Savings & Convenience ‹‹
Your Membership Advantage Member benefits and services are available to all immediate family members living in your household. Staff at your county Farm Bureau office are happy to provide details!
TRAVEL SERVICES • 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 and Suburban locations • Wyndham Hotels and Resorts Discounts – up to 20% off at over 8,000 Baymont Inn & Suites, Days Inn, Hawthorne Suites, Howard Johnson, Knights Inn, Microtel, Ramada, Super 8 Motel, Travelodge, Wingate by Wyndham and Wyndham Hotels locations • NEW! Resort Condo Rental Savings – at more than 2,400 vacation destination properties, with TripBeat • Avis Car Rental Savings – up to 25% off Avis base rates • Budget Car Rental Savings – up to 25% off Budget base rates
HOME/BUSINESS/ FARM SAVINGS • NEW! Ford and Lincoln Vehicle Savings – $500 for eligible Ford vehicles and $750 for eligible Lincolns • NEW! John Deere Equipment Discounts – on residential, commercial and utility equipment • Member Deals Plus®* – lets you save wherever you go, with the nation’s largest private discount network. Save money on meals, clothing, vehicle care, and other goods and services, with show-your-phone technology or deals that can be redeemed from a home computer. • Grainger Savings – Get discounts on all equipment and supplies you use every day from Grainger, plus get free standard ground shipping on all standard Grainger products.**
HEALTHY LIVING • Life Line Screenings – for stroke, heart attack and bone fracture risks • Prescription Drug Discount – at 57,000 pharmacies nationwide, on 12,000 FDA-approved 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
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
• 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.
• Tires – competitively priced Cooper auto and truck tires • Caterpillar Machine Discounts – Save up to $2,500 on qualifying new Cat machines from participating dealers, and receive an additional $250 credit on work tool attachments purchased with new Cat equipment. • Case IH Equipment Discounts – Save $300$500 on qualifying products from participating dealers.
*Member Deals Plus® and Member Deals plus® are registered trademarks of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. **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.
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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU 2017 IN REVIEW
›› Growth & Service
— V I R G I N I A FA R M B U R E A U —
MEMBERSHIP IN 2017 127,709 Total members
1.07% increase over 2016
outreach and community engagement
The Virginia Farm Bureau Membership and Field Services Department partners with county Farm Bureaus to organize activities that strengthen connections with members, support communities and inform the public about the importance of agriculture.
$165,000+
34,542
Total producer members 1.09% decrease from 2016
93,167
Total associate members 7.9% increase over 2016
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Funds paid by county Farm Bureaus to fund scholarships for local youth
85 County Farm Bureaus that distributed at least one newsletter, postcard, e-mail or other communication to keep members informed
31 County Farm Bureaus that solicited member feedback on legislative issues through “What’s YOUR Issue?” newsletters and articles
FARM BUREAU IS THERE FOR YOU
MEMBERSHIPS PER COUNTY FARM BUREAU *indicates organization that reached its 2017 membership goal
COUNTY TOTAL
COUNTY TOTAL
Essex* 692
Virginia Beach*
Fauquier* 1,359
Pulaski 955
Floyd* 2,065
Rappahannock* 565
2,099
Fluvanna 943
Richmond* 991
TOTAL
Frederick* 911
Roanoke* 1,266
Washington 3,392
Giles* 702
Rockbridge 1,376
Charles City-James City-New Kent-York*
3,035
Gloucester-Mathews 1,759
Scott* 2,218
Hanover* 2,879
Goochland* 1,318
Shenandoah* 1,666
Franklin* 2,729
Grayson* 1,052
Southampton 1,949
Tazewell* 2,581
Greene* 757
Spotsylvania* 1,099
Smyth 2,518
Greensville 1,150
Stafford 1,001
Augusta* 2,468
Halifax* 2,025
Surry 759
Rockingham* 2,364
Henrico* 2,218
Sussex 700
Bedford* 2,353
Henry* 923
Warren* 663
Russell* 2,273
Highland-Bath 798
*Westmoreland* 1,213
Isle of Wight
1,978
Wise - Dickenson* 1,642
King and Queen* 673
Wythe* 1,146
TOP 10 COUNTIES
MEMBERSHIPS PER COUNTY FARM BUREAU, CONTINUED *indicates organization that reached its 2017 membership goal
King George
1,026
King William* 1,460 Lee* 1,911
COUNTY TOTAL
Loudoun* 969
Accomack* 1,933
Louisa* 1,455
Albemarle* 1,882
Lunenburg 890
Alleghany* 898
Madison* 863
Amelia 1,265
Mecklenburg 1,712
Amherst* 1,435
Middlesex* 792
Appomattox* 943
Montgomery* 2,093
TOP MEMBERSHIP GOAL COUNTIES
Bland* 821
Nansemond 1,232
Botetourt* 1,122
Nelson 1,436
Brunswick* 1,522
Chesapeake* 1,936
Each county Farm Bureau is challenged with securing at least one more membership per year than it had at the end of the previous year. These counties saw the greatest membership gains in 2017:
Buckingham* 693
Northampton* 1,299
COUNTY TOTAL
Campbell* 2,204
Northumberland-Lancaster* 1,532
Alleghany 112.53%
Caroline* 1,306
Nottoway* 826
Tazewell 110.20%
Carroll* 2,220
Orange* 1,481
Chesapeake 108.89%
Charlotte* 1,695
Page 1,506
Wise - Dickenson
Chesterfield* 2,136
Patrick* 778
Grayson 107.57%
Clarke* 287
Pittsylvania* 1,733
Rockingham 106.73%
Craig 677
Powhatan 1,007
Wythe 104.56%
Culpeper* 1,233
Prince Edward* 1,144
Richmond 104.21%
Cumberland* 1,198
Prince George* 697
Henrico 104.08%
Dinwiddie 1,932
Prince William-Fairfax* 1,306
Henry 103.94%
108.38%
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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU 2017 IN REVIEW
›› Growth & Service
More members are saving with Member Deals Plus
®
Enrollment continues to climb for Member Deals Plus, an exclusive benefit for Virginia Farm Bureau members. Member Deals Plus uses nation’s largest private discount network to offer savings on restaurant meals, clothing, auto parts and services and many other purchases 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. Member Deals Plus streamlined its enrollment process and upgraded its mobile app last fall, so it’s even easier to start saving money today. Many participating merchants have agreed to offer discounts in both the mobile and Web versions of the program.
Staff at your county Farm Bureau are happy to share details about your membership benefits.
Member Deals Plus can be accessed anywhere ®
Member Deals Plus saves you on: • Amusement Parks • Apparel
MEMBER SAVINGS
•A utomotive Parts & Services • Car rentals
Save money at thousands of locations in Virginia, and over 100,000 locations nationwide with Member Deals Plus!
• Concerts & Events • Dining & Food •E ntertainment & Recreation • Flowers • Furniture • Gifts • Health & Beauty • Home & Garden • Hotel stays • Jewelry • Movies •M useums, Zoos & Tours • Office supplies •O utdoor Equipment • Golf • Services • Travel •A nd More!
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FARM BUREAU IS THERE FOR YOU
Benefits introduced in 2017
Producer Advantage Members who farm can take advantage of Farm Bureau’s commodity marketing, licensed grain dealer and business development services. For more than 40 years, Virginia Farm Bureau has provided members with a variety of quality supplies at competitive prices from the Farm Bureau warehouse and through more than 250 Farm Bureau-approved dealers statewide.
FORD AND LINCOLN BONUS CASH
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Members became eligible for $500 toward the purchase or lease of a qualifying Ford vehicle and $750 toward the purchase or lease of a qualifying Lincoln. JOHN DEERE SAVINGS
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Members receive automatic access to John Deere’s GreenFleet™ Loyalty Rewards program. That means deeper discounts on equipment, including tractors, mowers and utility vehicles, at John Deere dealerships, as well as exclusive offers and special parts savings. TRIPBEATsm
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TripBeat makes it easy, convenient and affordable to search and book resort condominium vacations by providing access to more than 2,400 resort rental properties in desirable travel destinations in the U.S. and abroad.
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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU 2017 IN REVIEW
›› Legislative & Grassroots Engagement
General Assembly successes Virginia Farm Bureau Federation saw desired results on 28 out of 35 key policy issues. Successes included: • an additional $15 million for conservation practices available for farmers who work through their local soil and water conservation districts to implement; • restoration of a $2.04 million cut for Virginia Cooperative Extension; • restoration of funding for the Wildlife Damage Cooperative Program; • restoration to 100 percent of funding for the Reforestation of Timberlands Program
• ability of farmers to work with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, rather than with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in ensuring compliance with the federal produce safety rule; • an increase in allowable overweight permits statewide for Virginia-grown produce; and
HIGHL IGHTS
$15 million in additional funding for conservation practices
• additional protections for landowners in cases of inverse condemnation.
$2.04 million in cut funding restored for Virginia Cooperative Extension
100% restoration of funding for the Reforestation of Timberlands Program
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FARM BUREAU IS THERE FOR YOU
Legislative Day 51
County Farm Bureaus represented
116
County Farm Bureau leaders who participated
140
State legisators (or respective staff) contacted
Legislative Day participants discussed critical budget amendments related to key programs that support agriculture and forestry, as well as a couple of key issues: • agriculture best management practices cost share program; • Wildlife Damage Cooperative Program; • core programs at the Department of Forestry and Virginia Cooperative Extension; • farm vehicle truck weight overweight limits; • sale of unpasteurized milk; and • helping produce farmers comply with the federal produce safety rule. Other activities: • The VFBF Women’s Committee organized and staffed a “Meet Virginia Agriculture” exhibit inside the General Assembly building. Lunchtime visitors to the exhibit were offered BLTs made with Virginia ingredients (See Page 20). • VFBF Young Farmers participated in Legislative Day activities and also took part in a Young Farmer-focused day of meetings with state lawmakers (See Page 23).
Farm Bureau volunteer leaders from across the state took part in the 2017 Legislative Day.
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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU 2017 IN REVIEW
›› Legislative & Grassroots Engagement
Participants in the Agriculture and Forestry Gubernatorial Candidates’ Forum kicked off the 2017 “I Farm I Vote” campaign.
Members increase visibility, assess candidates for statewide and House seats I Farm I Vote campaign returns Between August and early November, hundreds of members posted photos of themselves holding signs for Farm Bureau’s “I Farm I Vote” campaign on social media to remind candidates of the farm families in their districts.
Gillespie, Northam participate in candidate forum On July 28 the VFBF Young Farmers Committee worked with the organization’s governmental relations staff to host the fifth annual Agriculture and Forestry Gubernatorial Candidates’ Forum during the Young Farmers Summer Expo. The event was co-sponsored by Farm Bureau and the Virginia Agribusiness Council, Virginia Forestry Association and Virginia Forest Products Association. Candidates Ed Gillespie and Ralph Northam addressed more than 150 agriculture and forestry leaders, taking questions specific to Virginia’s No. 1 industry.
VFBF AgPAC More than 250 county Farm Bureau leaders were involved in the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC endorsement process. • Statewide candidates endorsed – Ed Gillespie for governor, Jill Vogel for lieutenant governor and John Adams for attorney general • House candidates endorsed – 94 • Endorsed candidates elected – 82 14
FARM BUREAU IS THERE FOR YOU
Grassroots policy development 76 – County Farm Bureaus represented at regional policy meetings
388 – County Farm Bureau leaders who participated
212 – Issues surfaced Issues surfaced at regional policy development meetings are a starting point for determining VFBF policy positions. The meetings also are an opportunity for members to receive updates on key topics from subject matter experts. These brainstorming sessions led to almost 700 resolutions being submitted for consideration by the VFBF Resolutions Committee.
Member engagement tools used in 2017 Plows and Politics blog Readership for the Plows and Politics blog at plowsandpolitics.com grew by 386 new followers to more than 1,550. Staff posted more than 130 articles, and the blog averaged more than 800 visitors a month.
Facebook used to reach lawmakers The Governmental Relations Department has been using social media, most notably Facebook, to engage members and educate legislators regarding specific General Assembly bills. A closed Facebook group for producer members was created to share calls to action such as legislative action alerts and comments on misleading online articles. The group has more than 150 members. Facebook was used to kick off the “Meet Virginia Agriculture” campaign that mirrored the theme for Legislative Day. Members contributed “Meet Virginia Agriculture” posts with stories about their farms and their families. A weekly “Takeover Tuesday” project on Facebook has enabled members to use photos and video to document activities on their farms. By mid-2017, 45 farmers had participated, along with several Farm Bureau staff members and other industry leaders.
Other social media activity VFBF also maintains a presence via Twitter (@vafarmbureau) and Instagram (vafarmbureau).
An ongoing success story: State has nearly 400 RMPs in place for farms
SAVE THE DATE
Acres of farmland enrolled in Resource Management Plan Program – more than 92,000 Plans certified or being developed – 388 as of Aug. 31, 2017 Plan locations – majority are within the Chesapeake Bay watershed
Regional legislative meetings set stage for 2018 By Dec. 15, 2017, 241 county Farm Bureau leaders, representing 61 county Farm Bureaus, had met with 51 state legislators to discuss VFBF policy relevant to the upcoming General Assembly session. Two additional meetings were scheduled.
Introduced in 2014, Virginia’s Resource Management Plan Program for farms promotes the voluntary use of agricultural best management practices that maximize water quality protection. Each custom-written plan includes, at minimum, those BMPs that have proved most effective at reducing runoff pollution to local waters. Farm Bureau was among agriculture organizations that worked with the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board to develop program specifics. Farms that complete the RMP Program are eligible to display an official “Certified Environmentally Friendly” sign and to use the program logo when marketing their products.
Members engage, speak up on local issues Between August 2016 and August 2017, county Farm Bureaus took part in 151 local affairs activities in their communities. These activities ranged from helping a Farm Bureau member with a local issue to advocating on a proposed ordinance before county supervisors. Thirty-four county Farm Bureaus met with their supervisors, hosted them at an event or ensured Farm Bureau was represented at a county government meeting. Among top issues on which county Farm Bureaus worked are: • preserving land use assessment taxation; and • maintaining agricultural education programs in local school systems. 15
z VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU 2017 IN REVIEW ›› Marketing & Representation
Commodity advisory committees serve as Farm Bureau’s eyes and ears Commodity advisory committees alert Farm Bureau members to emerging trends and issues and respond with relevant policy recommendations.
New department head shares vision
• In 2017, 159 volunteer leaders serving on the committees were tasked with discussing national issues. • The cotton, peanut and soybean and feed grains committees met collectively to discuss the next farm bill with state-level agency heads from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and representatives of the American Farm Bureau Federation.
• The dairy committee focused on the future of federal dairy policy in the next farm bill and received updates on budgetary and political constraints from AFBF staff. • The specialty crops committee examined new federal food safety regulations as well as farm bill and labor policies. • Burley and flue-cured tobacco committee members discussed crop insurance regulations affecting tobacco and revisited Farm Bureau labor policies.
WILMER N. STONEMAN III became director of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Commodity/ Marketing Department in April 2017 after working at Farm Bureau for 22 years. “We want to help develop policies that will turn into programs that benefit farmers and, ultimately, Farm Bureau,” Stoneman noted. Many policies that are adopted as the organization’s priorities stem from Farm Bureau’s advisory committees, he added. Since the Commodity/Marketing Department assists and supports many of those committees’ activities, Stoneman views the department as a vital part of successful policy implementation. The department’s mission is to help farmers achieve their economic goals through VFBF’s advisory committees, its grain marketing program and the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability.
— Committees’ areas of focus —
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• Aquaculture
• Equine
• Burley
• Flue-cured
tobacco
• Cotton
• Livestock
• Dairy
• Peanuts
• Poultry
tobacco
• Soybeans,
feed grains & grain marketing • Specialty crops
FARM BUREAU IS THERE FOR YOU
Staff assists with meetings and events across the state Commodity/Marketing Department staff attend industry meetings and events across the state, offering support or presenting information. Those events include: • Virginia Ag Expo • Virginia Agritourism Conference • Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade • Virginia Small Grains Field Day • Virginia leg of the Mid-Atlantic Wheat Tour Paul Davis, who owns a research and demonstration farm in New Kent County and is a retired Virginia Cooperative Extension agent, was a Mid-Atlantic Wheat Tour participant.
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU 2017 IN REVIEW
›› Marketing & Representation
Staff supports farmers through outside commodity organizations Commodity marketing staff represent Farm Bureau members at meetings and events and collaborate with outside groups. In 2017, they: • SPOKE with the Virginia State Dairymen’s Association board about pending milk legislation; • ARRANGED the bi-annual Virginia Aquaculture Conference with Virginia Aquaculture Board representatives; Mid-Atlantic Wheat Tour
• DISCUSSED disease management options with the Virginia Pork Council;
GRAIN
Grain Division moves millions of bushels of grain and soybeans The VFBF Grain Division was created in 1972 in response to growers’ need for increased competition among grain buyers. Farm Bureau is a licensed grain dealer and ships to 30 destinations in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland and Pennsylvania. The Grain Division gives members access to broker services and works with 15 independent haulers to provide transportation for bushels marketed through the program. It also provides marketing updates to industry groups upon request. By mid-December, the division: • was on schedule to sell 3 million bushels in 2017; • had negotiated 1,600 purchase and sale contract agreements; • had dispatched 1,700 trucks for pickup and delivery; and • had provided services to 235 members. 18
• WORKED with the Virginia Cotton Growers Association to host the Virginia Cotton Conference and provide staff to support the association throughout the year; and • HELPED tobacco growers reactivate the Virginia Tobacco Growers Association by providing staff support to set meetings, file legal paperwork and identify goals for its 100 members.
FARM BUREAU IS THERE FOR YOU
VA FAIRS
VA FAIRS helps small agribusinesses find funding to expand
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Created in 2004 and spearheaded by Virginia Farm Bureau, the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to assist rural agricultural enterprises. The foundation offers technical and business development services for producers transitioning from commodity production to value-added and for those expanding existing value-added businesses. VA FAIRS areas of expertise are: • strategic planning; • feasibility studies; • business plans; • marketing plans; and • assistance with grant and loan applications. Types of businesses helped by VA FAIRS • Aquaculture • Aquaponics • Beekeeping • Craft breweries • Distilleries • Hydroponics • Farmers’ markets • Food hubs
• Livestock and meat processing • Malt • On-farm creameries • Peanuts • Processed pork products • Wineries
Publications created by VA FAIRS on the following topics: • Breweries • Chestnuts • Distilleries
• Food hubs • Virginia legal structures
VA FAIRS has sponsored: • Virginia Farm-to-Table Conference • Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade • Governor’s Summit on Rural Prosperity • Virginia Agritourism Conference • Virginia Association for Biological Farming Conference
VA FAIRS CLIENT ACTIVITY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
2014 2015 2016 2017*
Feasibility studies
5
5
6
6
Marketing plans
1
1
1
1
Business plans
14
15
21
20
7
6
2
0
15
18
20
4**
Applied research Grant applications submitted Other
1 1 2 1
Grant applications in progress
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*As of October 2017; ** Incomplete grant cycle
VA FAIRS’ past economic impact
2014 2015 2016 Businesses assisted 28 24 21 Jobs created as a result of assistance 236 200 75 Jobs saved as a result of assistance 55 50 160
Value-Added Producer Grant awards in Virginia for projects receiving VA FAIRS’ assistance Grant dollars awarded Projects awarded
2014 2015 2016 $2,200,000 $2,600,000 $3,900,000 17 15 18
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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU 2017 IN REVIEW
›› Women in Leadership
Spring Conference focused on dialogues
Women’s Program wellrepresented at Legislative Day
More than 250 participants attended the VFBF Spring Conference in March in Williamsburg to learn about engaging others in discussions about agriculture. The conference included workshops about using social media to communicate with the public; engaging neighbors and addressing outside concerns about animal welfare and the environment; and keeping farm families healthy. Sandy Adams, Virginia’s commissioner of agriculture and consumer services, delivered the keynote address, and Del. Keith Hodges, R-Urbanna, spoke about the importance of making connections with elected officials, especially those who may be unfamiliar with agricultural practices and issues. Virginia’s Agriculture in the Classroom program received more than $38,000 in contributions and other support during the conference.
Three members honored at conference • DR. MARY TOMLINSON of Grayson County, a dairy farmer and large animal veterinarian, was named Farm Woman of the Year. • TERESA LINDBERG of Greensville County, a middle school agriculture educator and FFA advisor, received the Virginia Farm Bureau Lady Leader—Proudly Promoting Agriculture recognition. • CHANDLER VAUGHAN of Charlotte County, a third-generation farmer and agribusiness major at Virginia Tech, was named Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador.
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Women’s Program participants remained an integral part of the annual VFBF Legislative Day, and in 2017 they were recognized on the floor of the General Assembly for their efforts in promoting agriculture. As part of the event, Women’s Program volunteers held a “Meet Virginia Agriculture” display inside the General Assembly Building and shared information with the public about their families’ farms. They also served visitors lunchtime BLT sandwiches and ice-cold milk. The milk and sandwich ingredients were sourced from within the state, reinforcing the connection between Virginia farms and Virginians’ food and other products.
FARM BUREAU IS THERE FOR YOU
Farm Bureau women drive ag literacy effort
Volunteer readers included Dr. Basil Gooden, Virginia secretary of agriculture and forestry at that time.
Women’s Program participants were the largest volunteer group for Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom’s Agriculture Literacy Week in March. Volunteers read books about agriculture to children in their communities. These face-to-face interactions with children continue to foster rich and rewarding conversations. Students are excited to meet real farmers and eager to understand more about daily life on a farm. Many Women’s Program volunteers combined their reading efforts with plans to celebrate National Ag Day and Ag Week.
Hay bale contest draws record number of entries County Farm Bureaus, agribusinesses, FFA chapters and 4-H clubs created a variety of displays with decorated hay bales for the 2017 Annual Hay Bale Decorating Contest, sponsored by the VFBF Women’s Committee. “The contest this year exceeded our expectations with almost 40 entries,” said Faye Hundley, chairman of the committee. “We had so many wonderful entries and are hopeful that they attracted lots of attention and fostered greater awareness of Farm Bureau and agriculture.” County Farms Bureaus were encouraged to solicit entries from local businesses and other organizations. “We hoped that, by encouraging others to enter, we could more effectively remind people that agriculture is very much a part of their communities,” Hundley explained. The winners were: Best Promotional Display – Fluvanna County Farm Bureau Most Creative Display – Isle of Wight County Farm Bureau Best Agriculture-themed Display – Warren County 4-H Livestock Club Best Agribusiness, FFA or 4-H display – Shenandoah-Strasburg FFA Chapter Convention Favorite – Nelson County Farm Bureau 21
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU 2017 IN REVIEW
›› Young Farmers' Opportunities
Winter, Summer Expos connect Young Farmers from
The Young Farmers Program holds leadership, learning and networking events twice a year. The 2017 Winter Expo took place in Northern Virginia and Washington. Participants toured facilities such as Virginia Tech’s Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center and River Farm, which uses solar energy to offset nearly all of the electricity used on the horsetraining operation. They also explored Washington via the Metro system, stopping at the American Farm Bureau Federation headquarters, the National Zoo and an urban farm and education center. The 2017 Summer Expo took place in Roanoke, and the Young Farmers also hosted the Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Gubernatorial Candidates’ Forum. Judging was held for the state-level Excellence in Agriculture Award, Outstanding Young Agriculturalist Award and Discussion Meet semifinals. 22
• CASEY and STACEY PHILLIPS of Montgomery County were named the Excellence in Agriculture Award winners. Casey manages his family’s dairy farm, and Stacey teaches special education at a local elementary school. They also use their pick-your-own sweet corn business to educate consumers about agriculture. • ABBY DURHEIM of Stafford County was named the Outstanding Young Agriculturist. She is a graduate of the Commonwealth Governor’s School program at Stafford High School and plans to study agriculture communications and marketing. Also part of the Summer Expo were workshops on building business plans; growing county Young Farmers programs; and building a State Fair of Virginia for the future.
District Outstanding Young Agriculturalist winners (above) were among those recognized at the Young Farmers Summer Expo. The event also included workshops and familyfriendly opportunities to socialize.
FARM BUREAU IS THERE FOR YOU
across state
SCYPHERS
Young Farmers present award, support causes with auction at VFBF convention The annual Young Farmers Benefit Auction at the 2017 VFBF Annual Convention in Williamsburg raised more than $9,000 for Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom and the Agricultural Technology Program at Virginia Tech. Young Farmers also took part in judging for the VFBF Young Farmers Achievement Award, the final round of the annual Discussion Meet and the annual Young Farmers Awards Breakfast.
Young Farmers make distinguished showing in AFBF award programs VFBF Young Farmers had another successful year at the 2017 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention, bringing back three national awards. This is the seventh year in a row that Virginia Farm Bureau has produced a nationally ranked winner at the event. • SARAH SCYPHERS of Washington County won the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award. Scyphers is a high school agriculture education instructor and FFA advisor. • CHRIS and DR. PATRICIA “TRISH” HASKINS of Pittsylvania County were runners-up in the AFBF YF&R Achievement Award competition. Chris grows tobacco and manages an Angus/ Hereford cow-calf operation. Trish works part-time as a veterinarian and with the cattle on the farm. • DR. JESSICA JONES, also of Pittsylvania County, was one of three finalists in the AFBF YF&R Discussion Meet. Jones is a high school agriculture education instructor and FFA advisor.
Young Farmers share legislative concerns at Capitol Young Farmers participated in the annual VFBF Legislative Day and, for a second year, also had a special day at the Capitol to meet with legislators and discuss issues important to agriculture—and young farmers.
• JUSTIN and LORI MCCLELLAN of Smyth County were named Achievement Award winners. The McClellans have beef cowcalf and calf feeding operations, as well as an excavation and trucking business. • AMY FANNON of Lee County, a Virginia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent and unit coordinator, won the Discussion Meet. Her family raises pumpkins, corn and alfalfa hay on their farm. • MARTHA MOORE, VFBF vice president of governmental relations, was honored with the Young Farmers Committee’s Warren Beach Award for support of Virginia’s young farmers.
SMV safety display at State Fair of Virginia
For the third consecutive year, the Young Farmers Program put together a slow-moving vehicle display for the State Fair of Virginia to educate fairgoers about the speed at which tractors travel and how much distance they need to stop.
Farm Link, Certified Farm Seekers program
The Young Farmers Program and Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services renovated the Farm Link website at farmlink.va-vdacs.com. They also worked to enhance the Certified Farm Seekers program for beginning and expanding farmers, and to help VDACS connect their Farm Link website with Virginia Cooperative Extension agricultural agents statewide. 23
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU 2017 IN REVIEW
›› Education
Agriculture in the Classroom reaches nearly a quarter-million children In 2017, Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom was successful in connecting nearly 225,000 children with agriculture. During the year, nearly 2,000 teachers and volunteers attended professional development training programs. In addition, AITC provided more than 40 school and classroom grants to fund handson experiences, including school gardens, farm-themed field trips and agricultural field days. The grants gave nearly 13,000 Virginia children an opportunity to have a direct agricultural experience. In recent years, AITC has worked to expand teacher recognition efforts. To celebrate and support educators who excel at incorporating agriculture in teaching, the organization offers a Teacher of the Year Award. In three of the past four years, Virginia AITC’s Teacher of the Year has garnered recognition at the national level as well. Another outreach is the annual Adopt-a-Teacher program. Funded by generous donors, including many county Farm Bureaus, more than 300 teachers have received a collection of classroom resources and a reminder about AITC resources available online. Also in 2017, AITC offered new volunteer resources that can be borrowed or purchased, and updated its website at AgInTheClass.org with a new, user-friendly design for teachers, volunteers and donors.
Agriculture Literacy Week The seventh annual Agriculture Literacy Week took place March 6-10. More than 1,000 volunteers, including many county Farm Bureau volunteers and Virginia Farm Bureau staff and insurance agents, as well as volunteers from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Southern States Cooperative, Farm Credit, 4-H and FFA, read to children in almost 2,000 classrooms. Among the volunteer readers were Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Basil Gooden, Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Sandy Adams and Virginia’s first lady, Dorothy McAuliffe. Volunteers read to children in more than 2,000 classrooms statewide. 24
Program marks milestone anniversary The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom marked its 25th anniversary in 2017. Board members, supporters, volunteers and staff wrapped up a year of celebrations at the Red Barn Ball gala in November in Williamsburg. Additional fundraising events for the year included a golf tournament in May, a cornhole tournament in July, a 25th anniversary raffle, a Clays Across the Commonwealth shooting event in October and Tractors for AITC, a yearlong initiative. Each of those contributed toward an annual fundraising goal of almost $350,000. Contributions to the foundation help AITC educate children and teachers about the importance of agriculture.
FARM BUREAU IS THERE FOR YOU
Many Agriculture Literacy Week volunteers provided hands-on activities for students to whom they read.
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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU 2017 IN REVIEW
1,400
›› Communications
Instances in which print and broadcast media carried news about Farm Bureau and commentary from Farm Bureau producer members, volunteer leaders and staff. (See next page)
News
Cultivate
Farm Bureau
The Voice of Virginia’s Agricultural Producers
SUMMER 2017
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APRIL 2017
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Farm Bureau News
NOVEMBER 2017
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The Voice of Virginia’s Agricultural Producers
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LIFE ON FARM BUILT FROM SCRATCH:
‘I wouldn’t trade it for the world’
30 Years of annual VFBF Journalism Awards to Virginia news organizations (See Page 29)
FARM BUREAU IS THERE FOR YOU
News & Communications ‹‹
Members remain the most valued audience VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS magazine has, since 1941, been mailed to members who farm. Recent content has included:
Farm Bureau ensured your news was in Virginia’s news In more than 1,400 instances in 2017 Virginia print and broadcast media outlets shared news about Farm Bureau and commentary from the organization’s producer members, volunteer leaders and key staff. • 6 million potential readers and viewers • more than 25 winners of Farm Bureau awards • media coverage of the 2017 VFBF Annual Convention, State Fair of Virginia, Agriculture and Forestry Gubernatorial Candidates’ Forum and other events • a weekly batch of agricultural news sent to more than 320 television, radio and newspaper reporters and editors; Farm Bureau is poised to put reporters in touch with “spokesfarmers” in their respective communities • Agriculture news organizations that share Farm Bureau articles include Delmarva Farmer, Lancaster Farming and MidAtlantic Country Folks; On the Farm radio and regional television program Virginia Farming.
• the scope of Virginia’s agricultural exports, along with the state’s top exported products and foreign markets; • VFBF challenges and successes in representing farm interests in the General Assembly; • gubernatorial candidates’ remarks on agriculture and forestry issues; • Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC endorsements; • coverage of both 2017 Young Farmers expos and the Spring Conference; • Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom’s 25th anniversary; • a Pittsylvania famer’s recognition as Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year; and • pre-event information and post-event coverage of the VFBF Annual Conventions. CULTIVATE magazine, which launched in 2008, helps show nonfarming members all the ways agriculture touches their lives, and shares tips on insurance, safety, Farm Bureau member benefits and activities such as cooking and gardening. Recent feature content has included: • Virginia beef, and beef-producing families committed to raising a quality product; • the diversity and aspirations of Virginia’s internationally recognized wine industry; • Virginia-grown ingredients used by the state’s craft breweries; • the agricultural roots of land-grant universities; • curious consumers’ influence on farmers’ markets; and • a series of articles on Virginia’s soil regions and their influence on agriculture.
Reader feedback is important More than 700 producer members and 1,100 associate members took part in online readership surveys last year. QUESTION
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
CULTIVATE
Reads the magazine on a regular basis
94%
91%
More than one person in household reads the magazine
20%
21%
Asked to rate content on a scale of 0-5: • 0=“not very interesting” • 5=“very interesting”
Responses averaged 4.16
Responses averaged 4.21
Most-read content • agriculture features (74%) • agriculture news (58%) • legislative updates (52%)
• gardening (77%)
Prefer to receive print publication rather than electronic one
70%
84%
• recipes (72%) • agricultural
features (48%)
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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU 2017 IN REVIEW
›› News & Communications
Where can you watch Real Virginia? Visit va.fbvideos.org/ real-virginia to watch current and archived episodes, as well as older segments of “In the Garden,” “From the Ground Up,” and “Heart of the Home.” Real Virginia is carried on 40 cable access channels and five network affiliates. It airs weekly on: • WVPT Harrisonburg, • WBRA Roanoke, •WCVE Richmond,
Real Virginia is easy to find— Real Virginia, Farm Bureau’s weekly television program, airs across the state and nationally on RFD-TV. It is also available on YouTube and vafb.com. Farm Bureau partners with WVPT in Harrisonburg, a PBS affiliate. This opens the door to gain access to other PBS stations in Richmond, Charlottesville, Hampton Roads, Roanoke, Lynchburg and Danville. In 2017, 42 stations aired the program, including an array of government and local access channels in rural and metropolitan areas. Like Cultivate magazine, the program reminds viewers of the importance of agriculture in their daily lives. In recent months, the program has shared the following: • how a twice-weekly Shenandoah Valley produce auction benefits farmers, restaurateurs, consumers and even food banks; • Virginia farmers’ role in protecting honeybees and other pollinators; • the gourmet appeal of Virginia-grown peanuts;
• WVVA Bluefield and • WTKR Norfolk. Check your local listings. The program also airs nationwide at 3:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month on RFD-TV on Dish Network and DirecTV. Watch Real Virginia anytime online at vafb.com.
• farm businesses that supply herds of goats for weed control and property improvement; • a tourist-friendly trail of fruit producers in Nelson County; and • a school for beginning farmers
Horticulturist Mark Viette in Augusta County hosts a landscape gardening segment, and Virginia Cooperative Extension Specialist Chris Mullins at Virginia State University hosts a vegetable gardening segment. Chef John Maxwell of Richmond shows viewers how to prepare delicious dishes with Virginia-grown products. Originally conceived as a monthly program, Real Virginia adopted a weekly format in 2013.
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• WHRO Norfolk,
County Close-up segments offer local focus, with added value In 2017, Real Virginia broadcasts included “County Close-up” features on agriculture in specific counties. The features call attention to the robust farm sector in individual localities and provide county Farm Bureaus with a promotional video for their use locally. Counties featured in 2017: • Accomack
• Hanover
• Carroll
• Northampton
• Franklin
• Rockingham
FARM BUREAU IS THERE FOR YOU
Helping members become effective spokespersons Communications staff provides media training for Farm Bureau groups upon request and offered such training twice in 2017. The program is a seminar dedicated to sharing modern communication skills to prepare members for formal and informal interactions with consumers and the media regarding food and farming. Staff also conducted a video-based media training for members of Virginia Tech’s Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results, or VALOR, class in 2017. That training also featured individual on-camera interviews for each participant, followed by group feedback.
New federation promotional video created Communications staff created a 6-minute promotional video highlighting the focus and activities of Virginia Farm
Bureau Federation. The video was designed to be shared at county Farm Bureaus’ 2017 annual meetings to show volunteer leaders and other producers all that is available to them as members.
encourage professionals who best cover the agriculture industry.
Special radio ads produced
• The Free Lance-Star, Fredericksburg
VFBF communications staff created three radio ads for use by county Farm Bureaus to increase awareness of Farm Bureau and urge listeners to become members. They are available upon request.
Daily Newspaper
Staff also produced special testimonial ads for WSWV in Lee County for that county’s weekly radio program.
2017 marked 30th anniversary of Journalism Awards VFBF holds an annual Journalism Award competition that recognizes exemplary, ongoing coverage of agriculture by non-farming news media outlets. The award program helps build relationships with news media and
2017 winners Ishee-Quann Award for Media Excellence (Recognizes the most stellar of winning nominations)
• Vic Bradshaw and Ellie Potter, Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg • Jay Pinsky, contributor, The Northern Virginia Daily, Strasburg Weekly or Semi-weekly Newspaper • Rappahannock Record, Kilmarnock Television • WHSV-TV, Harrisonburg • Neesey Payne, WDBJ-TV, Roanoke Members’ Choice Award
(Honorees are nominated by county Farm Bureau leadership for their local coverage) • The Free Lance-Star
Media relations for State Fair of Virginia Communications staff distributed news releases, media advisories and press credentials for the 2017 State Fair of Virginia and assisted news professionals who covered the fair.
A Richmond news reporter interviewed an alpaca farm operator at the State Fair of Virginia.
They also were instrumental in helping produce a 12-minute segment about the fair that aired in April 2017 on public television stations WCVE in Richmond and WHTJ in Charlottesville. The story focused on the fair’s agricultural roots, youth livestock competitions and ag education efforts. 29
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU 2017 IN REVIEW
›› State Fair of Virginia / The Meadow Event Park
State Fair of Virginia attendance bounces back Visitors to the State Fair of Virginia enjoyed a cross-section of Virginia agriculture in 2017. Attendance was more than 240,000, an increase over 2016, when rainy weather caused parking problems on a busy weekend. The strong turnout is a positive sign of the fair’s enduring popularity, and steps were taken to address the parking situation and enhance customer comfort and convenience. The 2018 State Fair will be held Sept. 28 through Oct. 7. • Students who visited fair on a field trip – more than 9,000. • Public entries in arts & crafts, baked goods, horticulture and other competitions – 4,000 • Entries in livestock and equine events – 3,400 • 4-H and FFA competition participants – more than 1,000
• SkillsUSA technical/vocational competition participants – 628 • Money offered in fair scholarships annually – more than $70,000 • Funds raised by Youth Livestock Sale of Champions benefit auction – $82,362 • Funds raised by Black Tie & Boots Scholarship Gala – $31,000
GROUNDSHAKER
Meadow weddings are on the rise The Meadow Event Park is open yearround and is utilized for dozens of horse shows, special events, weddings, festivals and corporate functions each year. The property is in particular demand for weddings and wedding receptions, with 21 held in 2017 and bookings in place for weekends in 2018. A Virginia Society of Association Executives meeting held at The Meadow last year is expected to help generate more rentals for events of all types in the future.
New licensing agreement to enhance Secretariatrelated events Virginia Farm Bureau Federation became full owner of The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County, in 2013. As the birthplace of Thoroughbred racing legend Secretariat, The Meadow has conducted hundreds of tours for fans of “America’s Super Horse.” In 2017 The Meadow acquired the rights to use Secretariat’s name more directly, and the tours have been renamed Secretariat Birthplace Tours. Secretariat great-great-granddaughter Groundshaker is a permanent resident at the venue. Groundshaker is the last horse bred and raced by the late Penny Chenery, Secretariat’s owner.
Trail riding was a hit at Virginia Horse Festival Tying into the property’s equine heritage is the Virginia Horse Festival, which is held each spring. In 2017 attendance was 6,500. Competitions, clinics, seminars and demonstrations that focused on trail riding proved popular with participants.
Former partner operating Illuminate Light Show Patrons in more than 23,600 cars visited the Illuminate Light Show during the 2016-2017 holiday season—a 26 percent increase from the previous year. For three years The Meadow partnered with Tennessee-based Creative Light Shows Inc. to produce the highly successful drive-through holiday event. Beginning with the 2017-2018 season, Illuminate was operated solely by CLS staff as a rental customer. That change allowed Meadow staff to focus on year-end maintenance needs and plans for 2018. 30
FARM BUREAU IS THERE FOR YOU
240,000+ Attendance for the 2017 State Fair of Virginia, a record for the fair at its Caroline County location
6,500 Attendance at the 2017 Virginia Horse Festival, which featured clinics, demonstrations, entertainment and shopping opportunities for equine enthusiasts 31
Farm Bureau is there for you
vafb.com
Farm Bureau serves all farmers—young and seasoned, conventional and organic, old-school and cutting-edge. There’s room for all farmers in this organization created to keep our farm economy strong and our farm future bright.