Issuu

From the President’s desk

Delaware farmers saw change, advocacy in 2020

This is President Richard Wilkins' report to Delaware Farm Bureau delegates during the annual meeting held virtually Tuesday, Dec. 1.

I would like to first thank you for the opportunity to serve as your president the past two years. Thank you for taking time away from your farms, businesses and families to be here virtually to handle the important proceedings of your Delaware Farm Bureau.

If there is one thing that we should consider adopting as the most important lesson learned from 2020 — perhaps it should be "the ability to ADAPT to changing circumstances and conditions.” Covid-19 related disruptions have placed a great deal of stress upon you and our beloved agriculture industry. Many of us have experienced challenges — but what impresses me greatly is the number of agriculturalists that have overcome the challenges and, in some situations, have actually been able to seize opportunities.

Earlier this year shutdowns and emergency declarations disrupted how many Americans were purchasing their meals. Consumption of meals outside of the home had risen to approximately 50%. Suddenly when workplaces and restaurants were closed, our food distribution system was challenged to keep supermarkets stocked. The disruption

Delaware Farm Bureau News

Editor Jennifer Antonik jenn.antonik@defb.org

Delaware Farm Bureau News (ISSN 10770798), published in Camden, DE, bimonthly, by Delaware Farm Bureau. Production by Delaware Printing Company. Periodicals postage paid at Camden, DE and additional offices.

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sadly resulted in backups in food processing and packaging and unfortunately created spot surpluses at delivery points for many raw commodities and livestock.

Our poultry farmers felt this very dramatically. I would like to assure our members with poultry enterprises that Farm Bureau has been working vigorously this year within a coalition including legislators and national farmer leaders to get a relief program for contract livestock producers. We will continue to advocate to get this needed help authorized at the federal level to provide meaningful assistance in proportion to the individual farmers revenue loss.

Even before Covid-19 disruptions there was a trend of increased direct farmer to consumer sales. When many consumers were challenged with sourcing their nutrition needs from the traditional markets they also turned to local farms. This opened up increased opportunity to grow or establish direct marketing opportunities for our farmers. Your Farm Bureau leaders recognize that this is an important growth sector within our industry and have dedicated resources to helping.

Perhaps you may have seen or heard some of our promotional messaging during our "Buy Local" campaign this past summer. We continue to look for more opportunities to help Delaware farmers capture a larger share of the consumer’s food expenditures.

We especially have observed the constraint upon the producers of red meat to fill consumers demand for locally produced animal protein. We have created a task force to examine how to increase the capacity of USDA inspected harvest of livestock. If you would like to help in this endeavor please reach out to me or the Farm Bureau staff.

Today, we hear from Dr. John Newton about the economic challenges that agriculture in the United States has faced over the past several months and what we may expect to occur in the future.

Delaware farmers are not immune to these challenges.

Even though many of our consumers did turn to local farms earlier this year when faced with their own food-sourcing challenges due to the pandemic, some of our largest consumers, such as schools and restaurants, had to shutter their doors for the same reason. This has inevitably caused pain to some sectors because of a demand that is not continually rising at the same pace as the increasing supply.

The ever-ominous reality of policy, which is good overall for the strength of our nation, can also be a source of distress.

But I am proud of Delaware agriculture and impressed that what I am seeing is the versatility of our farmers who constantly display their ability to diversify and adapt to the market realities we encounter. We are grateful that the Federation to which we belong, American Farm Bureau Federation, is able to successfully impress the importance of American agriculture and its hard-working farm families upon whichever administration is leading our nation.

Advocacy work is something with which many farmers struggle. A farmer may start a season by placing a seed in the soil, firming the soil around it to assure good germination. They will provide all of the essential elements for the seed to develop into a strong and viable plant, which will fruit well and supply us a bountiful harvest. And we are able to see and reap the rewards of our toil and labors in a single season, often a season of six months or less. But when we become involved in working for the advancement of our industry, advocating for public policy that is good for farmers and agriculture, it is rare to be able to see the results in a single season. We must have the fortitude to march on, continue the fight, because often it takes repetitive attempts before you can begin to influence the minds of those that are so unfamiliar with what we do.

If you believe in the values of a rural community — raising children to have enviable ethics — caring for neighbors in need. If you believe that preserving an agricultural way of life has merit, then join me in working to make Delaware Farm Bureau last at least another 75 Years!

State Board of Directors

President Richard Wilkins

1st Vice President

Laura Hill

2nd Vice President

William Powers, Jr.

County Presidents

Kent: Jacob Urian

Sussex: Steve Breeding

New Castle: Stewart Ramsey

Young Farmers and Ranchers

State Chair: Mollie Lynch

Kent Chair: Michael Lynch

Women’s Committee

State Chair: Mary B. Gooden

Kent Chair: Rebecca Bobola

Sussex Chair: Constance Fox

New Castle Chair: June Unruh

Kent County Directors

Bruce Dempsey

David Marvel

Ted Bobola Jr.

Sussex County Directors

Alan Bailey

Mark Davis

New Castle County Directors

Bruce Patrick

Will Powers, III

Ryan Greer

Delaware Farm Bureau President Richard Wilkins

DEFB holds annual meeting virtually

By Jennifer Antonik

Delegates and Delaware Farm Bureau leadership met for the annual meeting Tuesday, Dec. 1 with a new, modern twist — they gathered virtually via Zoom, a video conferencing software.

Although restrictions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult for the group to meet in person, they still had business to handle for the upcoming year.

A quorum was successfully presented and maintained during the virtual meeting which allowed the group to vote on important decisions such as next year's leader-

ship. President Richard Wilkins, Vice President Laura Hill and Second Vice President Bill Powers were all voted in for additional terms of service.

"I think it's important to note that we are continuing to operate. We've never closed down," Hill said.

Several members of the Board of Directors were present for a runthrough of the virtual meeting a week before the actual event took place, including Hill, who spoke up during the meeting to commend the staff on the smoothness of the event.

"I felt very good about how it went. I felt like the staff did a won-

derful job by having the practice session the week before for some of us. It seemed like once we were online, it went very smoothly. If there was an issue, the staff was able to help out and the office was open for anyone who didn't feel comfortable with the technology," she said in a phone interview. "I encourage anyone with a problem, legislatively, with deer, whatever it might be, to reach out to the office. We are here to help.

Awards were announced, recognizing Crow Insurance and Carey Insurance companies for their work with Delaware Farm Bureau members. Retiring board members

were also honored with awards for their service.

The meeting included presentations from Nationwide and American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist Dr. John Newton and Managing Director of Public Policy Ryan Yates.

No new resolutions were brought forth for the group to consider this year.

The Delaware Farm Bureau can be reached by calling 302-6973183 or visiting the website online at defb.org.

Photos of awardees from the annual meeting can be found in this issue on page 9.

AFBF to host national conference online in January

The 2021 American Farm Bureau Virtual Convention lineup of featured speakers has been unveiled, including Mike Rowe, Rorke Denver and Beth Ford.

The virtual convention will be held Jan. 10-13 and, for the first time ever, registration fees are being waived to give all Farm Bureau members and anyone interested in agriculture the opportunity to experience one of agriculture’s premier events from the comfort and safety of home.

“We are excited to open up the doors of this event and to bring home the high-quality content our attendees have come to expect from our events,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said.

Best known for his hit TV series Dirty Jobs and most recently his show Returning the Favor featuring people making a difference in their communities, Mike Rowe will join the AFB Virtual Convention as our special guest for a fireside chat in the closing general session.

Land O’ Lakes President and CEO Beth Ford will join AFBF President Zippy Duvall to discuss hot topics and issues facing agriculture today.

The AFB Virtual Convention will also feature an inspirational and entertaining keynote address from Navy Seal Commander Rorke T. Denver. This open invitation is a rare opportunity to attend the American Farm Bureau con-

vention free of charge simply by registering. Registration will provide access to live sessions as well as special on demand programs focused on hot topics in agriculture. Featured live events include AFBF President Zippy Duvall’s annual

Place your ad in the Delaware Farm Bureau News and reach nearly 4,000 members!

Contact the Delaware Farm Bureau at (302) 697-3183 or email the editor at jenn.antonik@defb.org for more information!

Local Farmers

Feeding Your Family

address, an Ag Innovation Challenge, Young Farmers & Ranchers competitions, Foundation Night In featuring musical performances and Workshops focused on what farmers and ranchers need to know in 2021

View the full agenda and register for this unprecedented event online at fb.org.

AGENDA, FOUNDATION NIGHT LINE-UP ON PAGE 11

DEFB Foundation holds annual 5K Milk Run/Walk

By Jennifer Antonik

Seventy runners and walkers of all ages laced up their shoes this weekend to help the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation raise money to help feed children in the First State.

More than $16,000 was brought in from the 7th annual 5K Milk Run/Walk facilitated by TriSports Events Saturday morning, Nov. 21, according to DEFB Foundation Coordinator Kali Voshell. Proceeds will benefit the Ministry of Caring’s Milk for Children Fund and the Food Bank of Delaware’s Backpack program.

"Those organizations are ones we built relationships with and they really look forward to getting that money because they really do put it to good use and we like seeing it be put to good use. It was really important for us to be able to have the event," Voshell said.

Over the past seven years, more than $111,000 has been raised for various local organizations, including proceeds from the event from this past weekend.

"The Food Bank of Delaware is proud to partner with the Delaware Farm Bureau on the Milk Run again this year. It is vitally important to have community partners that are supportive of the mission of 'ensuring a community free of hunger,'" Chad Robinson of the Food Bank of Delaware said prior to the event. "We appreciate the constant commitment of the Farm Bureau in ensuring access to healthy, fresh produce for those in need, as well as all the dairy farmers who make the Milk Run successful and support our efforts."

As participants gathered at Buffalo Wild Wings in Dover Saturday, event sponsor and Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation Board of Directors member Jackie King of King Crop Insurance encouraged them to travel along the St. Jones Isaac Branch Trail safely with social distancing in mind. Due to the pandemic, the annual event didn’t come with the same fanfare with ice cream and a larger celebration this year. Participants, however, still enjoyed healthy snacks and a quick awards ceremony with cowbell awards in recognition of their achievements.

"It is nice to help out and raise money with the organization," said Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation Board of Directors member Chuck Hoober, owner of Hoober, Inc. which sells CASE IH and Kubota equipment among other farm supplies from nine different locations.

"All the money from this event goes back into the community which is nice. Some of the sponsors I helped get are good customers and friends of mine. So, it’s nice to see the ag community step up and give some money back," he added. "Ag is very important for feeding the world, of course. And it’s a big part of the state of Delaware; it’s one of the top industries in the state. We have very good farmers in Delaware and here on the Eastern Shore. It’s nice to be able to give back a little bit."

Top walkers and runners pose for a group shot at Buffalo Wild Wings in Dover Saturday, Nov. 21, after participating in Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation’s 7th annual 5k Milk Run/Walk. Photos by Jennifer Antonik

Runners enjoy the St. Jones Isaac Branch Trail in Dover during the 7th annual 5K Milk Run/Walk.

Rachel and Alex Wile, Chuck and Diane Hoober and Alan Quillen celebrate a successful 7th annual Milk Run/ Walk as Debbie Quillen takes a photo from behind the scenes.

Scenes from the 7th annual 5K Milk Run/Walk

Participants of all ages joined the fun during the annual event to raise funds for the Food Bank of Delaware's Backpack program and the Ministry of Caring's Milk for Children fund.

Lisa Cane of Dover smiles at the halfway point during the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation’s 7th annual Milk Run/Walk. Photos by Jennifer Antonik

Sabrina Ostrom of Dover shows off her award earned after running in the annual 5K Milk Run/Walk.

Scenes from the 7th annual 5K Milk Run/Walk

Delaware Farm Bureau members also supported the event Saturday, Nov. 21.

Samantha Steele and Amber Rash show off their awards after the 5K Milk Run/Walk.

Junior Farmers

DEFB presents awards during annual meeting

Scott Carey of Carey Insurance Group of Dagsboro, above, and Jules Hendrix of Crow Insurance in Middletown, below, hold their awards recognizing their agencies for working with Delaware Farm Bureau members.

Retiring members of the Board of Directors display their recognitions. They were honored for their service during the annual meeting. From left to right:retiring county directors Paul Cartanza (Kent County), Herb Wright (Sussex County) and Teddy Bobola (Young Farmers & Ranchers Chair).

Incoming YF&R State Chair Mollie Lynch presents the YF&R supporter of the year award to Richard and Barbara Sapp.

Sen. Carper, Coons accept Friend of Farm Bureau Awards

By Jennifer Antonik

U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Tom Carper (D-Del.) were honored with the Friend of Farm Bureau Award in recognition of their legislative support of American farmers and ranchers.

The award, offered by the American Farm Bureau Federation, was presented by Delaware Farm Bureau Board President Richard Wilkins.

“Delaware agriculture plays a critical role in our state’s economy and helps to keep food on the tables of American families across the country,” Sen. Coons said. “Finding ways to support our hardworking farmers is one of my top priorities. I’m honored to receive this award and will continue using my position in the Senate to advocate for agriculture and Delaware farmers, especially during this difficult time.”

The Friend of Farm Bureau Award is presented to selected members of the United States Congress every two years in honor of their congressional voting record in support of Farm Bureau positions on policy issues. They must be nominated by their state Farm Bureau in order to be considered by the national organization for the award. Congressional members nominated then need to be approved by the AFBF Board of Directors before the award can be presented.

Delaware Farm Bureau member and Delaware Agriculture Museum

President Grier Stayton and his mother, Anna Grier Stayton, left, joined DEFB Board President Richard Wilkins and DEFB Executive Director Joseph Poppiti, right, in presenting the Friend of Farm Bureau Award to U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), middle, Friday afternoon at Stayton

In Delaware, Wilkins says both senators fit the bill. Sen. Carper was presented with his award at Stayton Farm in Houston.Sen. Coons was presented the award at the DEFB state office in Camden.

The Stayton family farm is now operated by Delaware Farm Bu-

reau Member and Delaware Agriculture Museum President Grier Stayton. They primarily produce corn, soybeans and hay from 200 of its 300 acres, but Stayton also practices cover crops plantings, permanent cover plantings, filter strips along ditches, irrigation with

water management practices and crop species diversity. He practices woodland management on the remaining 100 acres of his farm.

Stayton and his mother, Anna Grier Stayton, used a tractor purchased the same year the senator was born as a staging area for the presentation.

“Delaware may be a small state, but we sure punch above our weight when it comes to agriculture, and that is all thanks to the tireless work of our farmers. They fuel our economy, keep our families fed and show us every day how to be good stewards of the land that we all call home. We’re also so grateful for the hard-working men and women who support the agriculture industry and are great collaborators on legislation and policies that help keep this industry thriving here in Delaware,” Sen. Carper said. “I’m honored to work with our growers and producers on putting in place smart policies that provide stability, while also supporting trade and conservation practices. Thank you to Richard and to the Farm Bureau members for recognizing the work we do together to ensure our nation’s farmers — especially the 2,300 family farmers here in the First State — can continue to do the critical work they do and stay in business for generations to come.”

Sen. Chris Coons bumps elbows with DEFB Vice President Laura Hill during his award presentation. Submitted by Sen. Coons' office

DEFB President Richard Wilkins presents the AFBF Friend of Farm Bureau Award to Sen. Chris Coons. Submitted by Sen. Coons' office

Farm in Houston. Photo by Jennifer Antonik

The senators have promoted the agriculture industry through their legislative service during their time in Congress and President Wilkins doesn't see that changing after this award.

“Throughout his career of public service, Sen. Carper has sought input from farmer leaders on how they would be impacted by public policy decisions. He has always looked for solutions that are fair and reasonable. Sen. Carper has the utmost respect of the hard-working families that make America nutritionally secure,” Wilkins said.

During the most recent 116th congressional session, for example, Sen. Carper cosponsored Senate Bill 3797, or the Small Packer Overtime and Holiday Fee Relief for COVID-19 Act of 2020. Supported by AFBF, the bill was designed to aid farmers and ranchers during the pandemic.

Sen. Carper also supported Senate Bill 3548, the CARES Act, earlier this year which allowed for $16 billion in direct payments to be given to farmers and ranchers dealing with unprecedented

financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic, among other relief measures.

Throughout the pandemic, Sen. Carper spent time visiting farms in Delaware and discussing the needs of farmers, their families and their workers with leaders at all levels in hopes of creating a better situation for agriculture producers.

Additionally, he advocated for the United States to include poultry industry in trade agreements to ensure farmers all over the country could continue using trade as a vehicle for revenue.

Sen. Coons takes his involve-

ment within the agriculture industry to a new level as a co-chair for the U.S. Senate Chicken Caucus. This year, he worked with the caucus, industry leaders and legislative colleagues to advocate for Coronavirus relief funds in the form of direct payments for contract chicken growers who were not included in the first round of relief measures.

"Delaware Farm Bureau appreciates Senator Coons's bipartisan spirit. As the co-chair of the Senate Chicken Caucus, he has been a tireless advocate of gaining greater market access for USA poultry

globally, as well as working for solutions to challenges that our poultry farmers face domestically,” DEFB Board President Richard Wilkins said.

The senator has also pushed for help in both the HEROES Act, 2.0 and the HEALS Act, or Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protections & Schools Act, continuing his commitment to farmers, ranchers and their operations at all sizes throughout the country.

According to his office, Sen. Coons, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has also advocated for funding for entities such as the Farm Service Agency, Food Safety Inspection Service and APHIS, or the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. These funds work to improve on rural development, environmental issues, land conservation and rural housing programs. Agriculture research is also included in this year’s appropriations bills, much of which is facilitated in the First State at the University of Delaware, his office said.

For more information about the Delaware Farm Bureau, visit defb. org. The American Farm Bureau Federation can be found online at fb.org.

AFBF NATIONAL CONVENTION AGENDA

The 2021 AFBF National Convention will be held virtually and free of charge. For more information, visit annualconvention.fb.org.

Friday, January 8, 2021

All times are listed in Eastern.

10 a.m.: Ag Innovation Challenge Semi-Finalist Live Pitch Competition

10 a.m.: Women's Leadership: Northeast Regional Caucus

Noon: Women's Leadership: Southern Regional Caucus

2 p.m.: Women's Leadership: Midwest Regional Caucus

4 p.m.: Women's Leadership: Western Regional Caucus

Saturday, January 9, 2021

10 a.m.: Annual Meeting of the American Farm Bureau Women

Sunday, January 10, 2021

2 p.m.: YF&R Discussion Meet Round 1

5 p.m: Opening General Session

Monday, January 11, 2021

11 a.m.: Featured Workshops

12 p.m.: YF&R Discussion Meet Round 2

1 p.m.: Featured Workshops

1 p.m.: YF&R Top 10 Achievement Award Interviews

3 p.m.: General Session featuring a fireside chat with President Zippy Duvall and Land O' Lakes President and CEO, Beth Ford

3 p.m.: YF&R Excellence in Ag Presentations (Round 1)

5 p.m.: Foundation Night In

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

11 a.m.: Featured Workshops

11 a.m.: YF&R Excellence in Ag Presentations (Round 2)

12:30 p.m.: Featured Workshops

2 p.m.: Featured Workshops

3 p.m.: YF&R Discussion Meet

Sweet 16

4 p.m.: Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Final Four

6 p.m.: General Session featuring

keynote address from Navy Seal Commander Rorke Denver

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

9 a.m.: Northeast Regional Caucus (For Voting Delegates and State Staff Only)

11 a.m.: Discussion Meet Final Four

12:30 p.m.: Closing General Session Featuring a conversation with Mike Rowe

3 p.m.: Midwest Regional Caucus (For Voting Delegates and State Staff Only)

5 p.m.: Western Regional Caucus (For Voting Delegates and State Staff Only)

Thursday, January 14, 2021

8 a.m.: Southern Regional Caucus (For Voting Delegates and State Staff Only)

10 a.m.: AFBF Annual Meeting of Voting Delegates (For Voting Delegates, State Staff and Registered Media Only)

Foundation Night In Line-up Country singers Sara Evans and Phil Vassar will perform at the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s Foundation Night In on Jan. 11 at 5 p.m.

The first 1,200 people to register for Foundation Night In will receive a free copy of the Foundation’s 2021 Book of the Year, which will be revealed at the event. The Book of the Year author and illustrator will be virtually on hand to receive their recognition. Also during the event, the 2021 Farm Dog of the Year will be announced, as will the top 16 competitors in the AFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet. Evans’ and Vassar’s performances, as well as the 2021 Farm Dog of the Year contest, are sponsored by Purina. Farm Bureau Bank is providing for the Book of the Year to be mailed home to the first 1,200 registrants.

Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del) and DEFB President Richard Wilkins discuss agriculture during the presentation at Stayton Farm in Houston. Photo by Jennifer Antonik

Photo Contest winners

Honorable Mentions

Katelyn Ellingsworth

Madison Pete

Katharine Parry

Adam Collier

Holly Dattilo

Laura Brittingham

Photo by Jessica Miles Second place winner

Photo by Brett Coverdale Third place winner

Photo by Byron Mutchler Fourth place winner

P & E Committee helps charities

The Delaware Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Committee donated $850 to three organizations, one in each county, this year to help them prepare for colder weather.

Above: June Unruh presents a donation check of $850 to Our Daily Bread in New Castle County.

Middle: Connie Fox visited People's Place II in Kent County to offer an $850 to Executive Director Mamie Charest.

The committee also made a donation to the Good Ole Boys Foundation in Sussex County. The photo from that presentation will be placed in the next issue of the DEFB News.

YF&R raises scholarship funds with pedal tractor raffle

Bobola took a pedal tractor home for Christmas this year after the Young Farmers & Ranchers raffled the item, donated by Binkley and Hurst, to raise money for their scholarship fund. Nationwide matched the proceeds of the raffle up to $1,000. Each year, the group gives two $1,000 scholarships to students in Delaware during the Delaware State Fair.

Maria

By Jennifer Antonik

Meet Your Farmer: Alan Bailey

Alan Bailey is a third generation farmer in Sussex County and one of the newest members of Delaware Farm Bureau's board of directors.

"It's kind of in the blood, I guess," he chuckled in a phone interview.

The family farm, dubbed J Bailey & Sons, Inc., is located just outside of Greenwood on the Maryland/Delaware line where they milk 250 cows. The operation also includes about 750 acres of farmed land to producing grain and, most recently, lima beans.

"A lot of it runs through the dairy farming, though. It's a seven-days-a-week operation. It would be nice if they [the cows] would take off sometimes," he joked.

Much like the generations that came before them, Bailey's brother and cousin work on the farm with him, along with a few other family members from time to time and some hired help to keep things moving.

Dairy from the farm is sent to Land O'Lakes after production whch has helped the operation stay afloat even in the pandemic.

"The pandemic had us hurting in some ways

and it actually helped in some other ways. Land O'Lakes of course supplies some of the food service industry, but that's gone down a lot," he said. "But retail butter sales went up. Some people couldn't supply the butter in other locations; Land O'Lakes was able to send it there."

To stay on top of current events that affect the agriculture industry, Bailey hass been a Farm Bureau member "for quite a while now," he says. Then he saw a need he could fill as a volunteer.

"I just got a little bit more involved," he said of his decision to step up as a Sussex County director for DEFB. "They needed somebody, so I volunteered. With working on the farm all the time, I know it's hard to keep up on things legislatively. But I look at the government stuff. It's a lot. It's nice to have somebody who does keep up because we don't want to find out about things later on. I'm happy to do it."

To find out how you can volunteer with the Delaware Farm Bureau, visit defb.org or call the office at 302-697-3183.

Alan Bailey is Delaware Farm Bureau's newest board of director member from Sussex County.

Returning your farm business to normal during the pandemic

Returning your farm business to normal during the pandemicConsider these tips to help protect your workers and ensure your operation is fully productive.

Businesses, schools and other institutions around the U.S. and world were faced with shutdowns as everyone scrambled to stay ahead of the COVID-19 virus. Though many farm operations and other agribusinesses have remained at least partially operational throughout the pandemic, there is a strong desire to return to normal operations.

That resumption will go a long way to ensuring the food and agricultural supply chain remains intact and continues to meet growing demand even in the face of something like COVID-19. But it can only happen if farm and agribusiness employers are cognizant of worker’s health and safety and the risk the virus poses to sustaining operations in the long term.

Here are a few things to think about as you work toward that goal.

Timing is everything

Even if your farm or agricultural processing business was only partially affected by the pandemic, you’re likely looking to restore operation after even a slowdown. The first question to answer in planning to resume operations is a simple one: When?

It’s not an easy answer, but consulting state and local government guidance, such as your state’s health department, can help clarify your time frame. Federal agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also offer a wealth of guidance to help you resume operations safely.

Depending on the exact nature of your agribusiness, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and your state ag department may

offer additional resources to help you make an informed decision on when to resume full business operations. Some federal and state agriculture programs were suspended or scaled back early in the COVID-19 pandemic, and the restoration of some of them, like the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) audit expiration date extension, may influence your ability to resume full operations. Check with your local USDA or state agricultural department officials to determine if any such modifications could influence your timing.

Know your risks

The risk COVID-19 poses to worker health and safety varies widely depending on factors like location, age and other personal demographics and the type of work done on your operation. Take time to identify key variables that can influence employee risks and any steps you can take to minimize them.

Employees with chronic medical conditions may be more susceptible to serious symptoms if infected by the virus. As the employer, you should prioritize preventing those employees from working in conditions that put them at risk of infection.

Everyone knows about hand-washing and wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the virus, but there are other protective measures you can deploy to help keep workers safe. If close personal contact is required of your workforce, make personal protective equipment (PPE) readily available and consider installing engineering controls like physical barriers or enhanced air filtration systems to prevent person-to-person or airborne transmission of viral particles.

Administrative controls can also help minimize workers’ exposure to COVID-19 transmis-

sion risk. By changing work shifts, you can limit the number of workers at your business and encourage social distancing by making it easier, thereby decreasing transmission risk. Other administrative controls include clear strategies for keeping potentially infected workers separated and adjusting specific work processes or equipment to minimize conditions that enable the virus to spread. Above all, it’s important to be constantly attentive to your workers’ health and ensure that you are providing a safe environment. Doing so will help prevent or ease future work disruptions and help ensure your agribusiness is fully productive and contributing to the nation’s food and agricultural supply chain.

Additional COVID-19 resource

In the midst of a pandemic, it is important to stay safe and prepared.

Nationwide’s COVID-19 resources can help you make the right decisions for your farm and employees moving forward. To learn more, visit www. nationwide.com/lc/resources/ farm-and-agribusiness.