Farm Bureau News
From the President’s desk
What impact will the Delaware Farm Bureau make in 2022?
Happy New Year!
The future of farming is bright. Can you see it?
We can see it everytime we gather and groups of young farmers and ranchers join us or when we see articles on how technology is impacting our field. We can see how bright our future is when we hear of more funding options to help our fellow farmers climb out of the pandemic.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said it well in a recent Zipline post when he said, “Together we are stepping up to overcome the challenges to build a brighter future for our families and communities.”
I couldn’t agree more. Each of us, together as a community of farmers and ranchers, have worked incredibly hard to cope with the obstacles we have faced in recent years just as the farmers before us fought to work their way through the depression or other major disasters.
Over the last year, the Delaware Farm Bureau has celebrated its members for their great contributions to the agriculture sector and worked with legislators and local leaders to continue making changes for our greater good.
Delaware Farm Bureau News
Editor Jennifer Antonik jenn.antonik@defb.org 302-697-3183
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.
Business and Editorial Offices:
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Delaware Farm Bureau President Richard Wilkins
Looking ahead, we stand tall knowing our advocacy often reaches listening ears not just at the local and state levels, but within our local communities in various ways, too.
Every time our Foundation runs a fundraiser, for example, news of their mission reaches news outlets across the state as they help us spread the word. The same is true when our Women’s or Promotion and Education Committees do a good deed in our communities or when scholarships are announced. We seek to share our work in everything we do so others can hear of what agriculture does for them. And it works.
While students in Delaware might first hear of how agriculture impacts them through a reading from a Book Barn placed in schools by the Promotion and Education Committee, their parents or community members might be
reminded of that impact through a letter sent home to them or an article in their local paper.
Others might see a blurb about a farm in their area on our social media platforms. Seeing that might urge them to visit the farm and support our industry in that way. Others still could decide to support one of the causes also supported by a DEFB committee like Wreaths Across America with the Women’s Committee.
Each year, we look forward to these activities and others like the Delaware State Fair and our Blue Jacket Bonanza supporting local FFA students.
Together, these are just a few reasons why the future of farming is bright.
We make an impact in our communities one farmer at a timeYou make an impact. We are honored to call you a member and a part of our community.
The question is - How would you like to make an impact in Delaware this year? There are volunteer opportunities and committee roles available with the Delaware Farm Bureau.
I urge you to call our office or another volunteer today to see how you could fit in with our crew. 2022 could be your year to start making an impact.
Stay strong. Stay well. Stay Farm Bureau Proud. Stay connected to help us make a bigger impact this year!!
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
New Castle Chair: Travis Voshell
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
Lots in store at the 2022 American Farm Bureau Convention
By Zippy Duvall
American Farm Bureau Federation President
This time of year, Santa’s workshop has nothing on the American Farm Bureau offices as we gear up for the 2022 American Farm Bureau Convention. Our staff is making their lists and checking them twice to ensure our annual convention is a meaningful and memorable experience for all. And I hope you all are making your plans to join us in Atlanta. With just a few weeks till we are there, we have lots of presents in store for you.
As we reflect on the past year and look forward to the next, we will be joined by entertaining and motivational keynote speakers. On Sunday, Jim “Murph” Murphy, founder and chairman of Afterburner, will deliver an inspiring keynote address. As a former Air Force pilot, he is no stranger to challenge and perseverance under pressure. I cannot wait for him to share from his experience in the military and business world as he helps us keep our eyes on the target. Then Monday, we will take a light-hearted turn with comedian Jeff Allen. You may have seen him on “America’s Got Talent,” “Huckabee,” Netflix, Amazon Prime, Pure Flix, Warner Bros., Comedy Central, VH1, Showtime, TBN, CBN, Family Net and numerous other television networks, and he can be heard regularly on SiriusXM’s comedy channels, as well as on Pandora and Spotify. We will also continue to offer a wide vari-
ety of workshops to help you boost your advocacy in the new year. You might have a hard time narrowing down your choices from the 20 workshops, which will seek to answer your tax questions, provide the latest on carbon markets, provide an outlook for 2022, explore ways to increase membership, and help you better tell your farm’s sustainability story—just to name a few. You will get the chance to hear from leaders in Farm Bureau and across the industry as well as policy experts and trainers from our own AFBF staff.
Most of all, this will be a time for us to gather in fellowship and lift one another up. I invite you to join us Monday night, January 10, as we celebrate the Farm Bureau team at the Chickfil-A College Football Hall of Fame. Doors open at 7 p.m., and we have some fun treats planned, including a personalized tour through the Hall of Fame and opportunities to view the NCAA College Football Championship Game. You can get your tickets now or at the registra-
tion desk in Atlanta, but you won’t want to miss this great event.
As excited as I am to gather with you all in person, I know some of you may not be able to make the trip this year. We are pleased to provide a robust lineup of virtual events as well, and I hope you will tune in. You can still register to join us virtually to follow along with the general sessions, enjoy many of our workshops live or on-demand, watch the exciting Final Four round of the YF&R Discussion Meet, and pick your favorite team in the Ag Innovation Challenge.
For many of us, the American Farm Bureau Convention is a time to get refreshed and recharged, and after the challenges of the last couple years, we need this time together.
Whether in Atlanta or virtually from home, I hope you will join us as we focus on the people, purpose and possibilities of Farm Bureau. Until then, have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
American Farm Bureau Federation President
Zippy Duvall
Delaware Farm Bureau holds banquet; Holtz, Buskers, Chase lauded
By Carol Kinsley
Reprinted from
The Delmarva Farmer
One of the highlights of the Delaware Farm Bureau “Celebration of Harvest Banquet” held on Dec. 4 was the spirited performance by Delaware Ag Secretary Michael Scuse as he helped auctioneer J.T. Robbins, vice chair of the Young Farmers and Ranchers, raise money for the YF&R and the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation.
Scuse even offered his own pocket money at times to help increase a bid. In the end, the YF&R was able to add $7,000 to its scholarship fund.
YF&R also held a silent auction, and Nationwide matched the proceeds from that with a $1,000 donation.
Margie Chase, Nationwide sponsorship relations account executive for the last 14 years, is retiring after 35 years with the insurance company.
She received a basket of goodies and was honored with YF&R’s Supporter of the Year Award.
“I have a very special place in my heart for young farmers, FFA and 4-H,” Chase said.
YF&R Member of the Year was Casey Collier.
The Busker family of Jenamy
Farm LLC in Harrington was named Delaware Farm Bureau’s Farm Family of the Year. Jenamy Farm was begun in 1979 by Chuck and Charmayne Busker. The operation has grown to a milking herd of 260 with an equal number of young stock and 775 tillable acres.
Charmayne, CFO of the farm, worked with Farm Credit for 30 years. She holds an honorary state FFA degree, was inducted into Delaware 4-H Hall of Fame in 2018, was awarded the Joy G. Sparks Award in 2013 and Delaware Holstein Association’s Distinguished Service Award in 2006.
In 1981 the Buskers hosted the first annual Delaware Cow Camp at their farm.
In 2001 it was reinvented as an overnight event at the fairgrounds with up to 60 youngsters and their calves “camping out” and participating in a variety of educational workshops. The entire family is involved in this event, funded by an endowment in the Delaware 4-H Foundation created by family and friends in memory of Chuck, who died in 2007.
Both the Buskers’ children attended the University of Delaware and both received the American FFA
Degree. Philip is now the COO of the family farm. Sara is operations assistant at the Delaware Ag Museum, a 4-H volunteer and a member of the Delaware Dairy Princess Committee.
Philip and his wife, Ann, have two children, Karley and Gracie, and Sara has a daughter, Sophie Rager.
Charmayne said being named Farm Family of the Year would have really touched Chuck. “He was the Farm Bureau member. He made it happen,” she said.
Winner of the DFB’s Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award was Katherine (Kitty) Holtz of Clayton, former Kent County Farm Bureau President and the first female president of the state Farm Bureau. She was introduced by Scuse who said all three county honorees were very deserving and should be commended for the work they have done.
Holtz and her husband, David, have operated a grain farming business in Delaware since 1969. Kitty
has been active in Farm Bureau since 2003 and volunteered for 10 years as assistant organizational leader for 4-H. In addition, she has served on a dozen or more ag committees. She has continuously impacted the ag industry in a positive way by promoting the need for agriculture to have a seat at the table of discussion on any issue that can have a negative impact on agriculture.
Holtz said, “The real winner is Delaware agriculture.” She encouraged all farmers to be a voice for agriculture.
Carey Insurance Group and Jules Hendrix, representing Crow Insurance Agency, received plaques “for dedicated service to the Delaware Farm Bureau and all Delaware farm families.”
Georgie Cartanza, who served as emcee, wrapped up the evening by urging everyone to “take time to reach out to one another. Your presence is a gift, especially with your children.”
Photos by Kyle Spillane Delaware Department of Agriculture Secretary Michael T. Scuse stands next to J.T. Robbins of the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee.
Members of the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee stand with Nationwide Representative Margie Chase as DEFB honors her as the YF&R Supporter of the Year..
Kitty Holtz was recognized with the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award during the banquet. She is seen here with Senator Bruce Ennis, Delaware Department of Agriculture Secretary Michael T. Scuse, Representative Charles Postles and Delaware Farm Bureau President Richard Wilkins
Jules Hendrix of Crow Insurance and Monty and Mimi
Carey Insurance Agency were both honored during the annual
Delaware Farm Bureau President Richard Wilkins is
of
with them for their awards.
Photos by Kyle Spillane
Carey
the
banquet.
pictured
Delaware Farm Bureau delegates gather for annual meeting: ‘We need to be at the table’
By Carol Kinsley
Reprinted from
The Delmarva Farmer
No resolutions had been offered in advance of the Delaware Farm Bureau’s annual meeting, Dec. 7 but Kent County Farm Bureau President Stewart Ramsey suggested one: “Let it be resolved that Delaware Farm Bureau be proactive and engaged in any process of real-estate assessment taking place in Delaware with the goal of reducing or eliminating the tax burden on farm structures.”
Ramsey’s summary: “Basically, we need to be at the table.”
DFB President Richard Wilkins said he has been acting as the organization’s lobbyist and was already working with contractors who will be doing the re-assessment.
His strategic plan, he said, is to effectuate lower property taxes for agriculture over the next three months.
He suggested that Farm Bureau host a public informational meeting on re-assessment in a centrally located place.
position.
When attendees were invited to bring up any issue they had a desire to discuss, former DFB president Kitty Holtz brought up solar farms, saying Farm Bureau needed to discuss them in connection with property rights, agland preservation and long-term impact.
Holtz said she wasn’t opposed to solar energy, but “the train is on the track, moving quickly, and we need to slow the train down.”
Whether solar farms are permitted
Paul Cartanza suggested that, rather than use good farmland for solar farms, the state should use commercial property that it owns.
Stating he was starting to act like his grandfather, Jay Baxter expressed concern about delegate attendance. “I ask you all, how can we get people to show up, to be interested?”
Several delegates spoke in agreement, offering reasons such as offfarm employment and COVID concerns as reasons members could not
Women's Committee supports Wreaths Across America
The Delaware State Farm Bureau Women's Committee supported the Wreaths Across America program this year at the Delaware Veteran's Cemetary in Millsboro. Sponsored wreaths were places around graves throughout the cemetary in remembrance of the sacrifices made by veterans.
Donations by Promotion and Education Committee help organizations in Delaware
By Jennifer Antonik
Three organizations, one in each county, will be able to provide more goods and services in the coming year thanks to charitable giving by the Delaware Farm Bureau's Promotion and Education Committee.
Each year, the committee offers donations to various organizations throughout the state that help provide food to Delawareans in need. This year was no different, according to Promotion and Education Committee Chair Debbie Kirk.
Caring Hearts Helping Hands, Inc. in Kent County, The Neighborhood House in New Castle County and Delmarva Adult & Teen Challenge in Sussex County each received a $1,000 donation from the committee.
Along with a monetary donation, the committee also provides fact sheets about agriculture products from Delaware. Receiving organizations are encouraged to display the information on their Websites, social media outlets and in their office locations.
"It's our way of supporting our communities and providing information about Delaware ag products while giving back simultaneously," she said. "The committee strives to educate the public about the importance of agriculture while fostering relationships in the community. One way we help develop community is through service to others."
Donations of $850 each were made last year to People's Place II in Kent County, Our Daily Bread in New Castle County and the Good Ole Boys Foundation in Sussex County.
"We dedicate funds that are presented to these organizations during the month of November, when food can be provided to support holiday needs. It is important to support our communities, especially during the holiday season," Kirk said. "The goal is to develop partnerships with organizations throughout our state, raising awareness of Delaware agriculture, promoting locally grown food, and fostering appreciation for the farmers that produce it."
In addition to food, the donations often help organizations continue their services, such as those provided by Delmarva Adult and Teen Chal-
Caring Hearts Helping Hands, Inc. from Kent County, above, and The Neighborhood House from New Castle County, below, display $1,000 donations from the Promotion and Education Committee in December.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 lenge.
"Most of our donations go to the rehabilitation of our students, those that have enrolled in our program services," Executive Director Bob Carey said.
Those services include classes five days a week from 8 a.m. until noon, vocational training, and counseling to include individual, family and marriage needs.
"We put our strongest emphasis on building a relationship with Christ through faith-based addiction curriculum. We believe an individual can change as their heart is changed," he added.
Students enrolled in the program reside on a men's or women's campus for the duration of the program as they grow and work toward recovery.
Caring Hearts Helping Hands, Inc. and The Neighborhood House both work with low-income families in their respective counties, providing goods and services to help lift them into their next stages of life, as well.
For more information on community involvement or to volunteer with a Delaware Farm Bureau committee, visit www.defb.org.
The Delmarva Adult & Teen Challenge from Sussex County also received a $1,000 donation from the Promotion and Education Committee in December.
Photo contest winners announced
Second place Laura Larimore
Winners were announced in the annual photo contest run by the Delaware Farm Bureau's Promotion and Education Committee. Submissions were due in to the committee by Sunday, Oct. 31. The committee chose the top 15 winners and asked the public to vote on their favorites from the Delaware Farm Bureau's Website. Winning photos will be on display at the office and the Delaware Agriculture Museum. Each winner received certificates honoring their achievement. Monetary awards were also given to the top four photographers, winning $200, $150, $100 and $50 respectively. Information on next year's contest will be made available online at www.defb.org later in the year.
Third place Derek
Kuebeck
Fourth place
Leanne Garrett
Honorable Mention
Amber Lewis
Honorable Mention
Julie Unruh
Honorable Mention
John Lloyd, Jr.
Honorable Mention
Katie Ramey
Honorable Mention
Bill Sweeney
Honorable Mention
Jennifer Jones
Delaware Farm Bureau is seeking an Executive Director
The mission of the Delaware Farm Bureau (DEFB) is to promote and protect Delaware agriculture through education and advocacy to ensure a quality of life for farmers and their consumers. DEFB is widely recognized as one of the strongest farm organizations in the First State. DEFB is a non-profit organization that serves as a unified voice for farmers in the State of Delaware. DEFB works towards sound public policy in support of Delaware’s farm and food industry, but remains non-partisan.
Position Summary: The Executive Director manages the operations of the DEFB and the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation. In concert with the Officers and Board of Directors of DEFB and the DEFB Foundation, responsibilities include: program and policy leadership, membership development, strategic planning, program coordination and evaluation, budget development and oversight, sponsorship development and overall management of personnel and property. The Executive Director reports directly to the President and Executive Committee.
The Executive Director reports to and works with the DEFB Foundation Board of Directors for oversight of the DEFB Foundation. The Foundation is a non-profit organization created to build awareness, understanding and a positive public perception about Delaware’s farm operations, to promote fresh local food and to support the Foundation’s Ag Education Mobile Classroom.
Required Qualifications: A passion for and sound understanding of agriculture with demonstrated success in organization management and execution of policy. A Bachelor of Science Degree is preferred, Advanced Degrees are welcomed as well. A detailed listing of responsibilities will be made available on the DEFB website. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with educational background, experience and proven success in this field.
For Consideration: Email Letter of Introduction and resume to Richard.Wilkins@defb.org or call DEFB at 302-697-3183
Three life insurance options to secure your farm
The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*
Life insurance can protect your family and your business in more ways than you might think. If you’re a beginning farmer, it can provide your family with financial stability in your absence. It is also instrumental in helping your farm continue after illness, retirement or if you pass away. It can even help provide needed funds should something happen to one of your operation’s most valuable employees.
Here are three examples of how the right life insurance coverage can protect you:
1. Term policies can help beginning farmers
If you’re younger or just beginning your farm, you’ve likely taken on some debt…maybe even a hefty amount of it. After covering your family’s living expenses and paying on your farm’s debt, there may not be much left over in your family’s bank account.
That challenge is exactly why term insurance is so important. Term policies provide life insurance coverage at the lowest cost and can help your family cover your personal or business debts. It can also create an emergency cash fund or provide needed financial support while your family gets back on their feet.
“As a farmer just getting started, you may have incurred personal debt in order to finance the growth of your farm. This debt has a life of its own and will survive your premature passing. This debt means that less of your assets will be available to support your loved ones," according to Nationwide Advanced Consulting Group Director Steve Hamilton. "A level term life insurance policy that protects your family through the life of your loan is an easy and cost-effective way to help make sure your debt does not burden your loved ones after your passing."
2. Universal life policies for established farmers
If you’re a more established farmer with a higher-value operation, there’s an additional benefit
that can come with a permanent life insurance policy. Whether you’re concerned about protecting your family or your savings, universal life policies can provide:
• Permanent death benefit protection
• Income tax-free death benefits for your family
• Additional source of savings with tax benefits
• Source of tax-free supplemental income in retirement
“More established farm operators can consider adding a permanent, cash-accumulating life insurance policy to their personal balance sheet,” said Hamilton. “Farms, land and equipment all possess varying degrees of liquidity risk. If your family needs funds quickly after your passing, an asset may not sell quickly or profitably when there’s a lack of demand. Whether the policy allows your family to bide time for a better offer or allows your family to keep the tractor running if you’re not around, a permanent, cash-accumulating life insurance policy can become the cornerstone of a farming family’s financial plan.”
3. A survivorship life policy for the future of your farm
When planning the future of your operation, the right life insurance policy can help ease the financial pains of transitioning the farm. A survivorship life insurance policy is an option to consider.
“A buyout of your farm funded with a survivorship life insurance policy can ensure that your farm’s successors have the funds to purchase your operation or that your spouse and children that may not work the farm receive the financial benefits of your life’s work,” Hamilton added. “Even if the next generation is not your successor,
a buyout funded with life insurance amongst future or current co-owners can help the farm continue operating while your family is financially taken care of.”
If you’re interested in exploring your life insurance options to secure your family’s or your farm’s financial future, don’t wait. Get connected to a financial specialist who can help protect your farm, family and future by visiting Nationwide.com/YourLand.
*A.M. Best Market Share Report 2020.
The information was obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and its employees make no guarantee of results and assume no liability in connection with any training, materials, suggestions or information provided. It is the user’s responsibility to confirm compliance with any applicable local, state or federal regulations. Information obtained from or via Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company should not be used as the basis for legal advice or other advice but should be confirmed with alternative sources. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2021 Nationwide
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