Delaware Farm Bureau News
Local Farmers Feeding Your Family
Delaware Farm Bureau members participate in State Legislative Day
by Heather Kline
On March 9, 2016, Delaware Farm Bureau Members gathered at Legislative Hall in Dover to participate in the first “State Legislative Day.” Members had the chance to meet with Legislators to discuss issues important to them and also attended the Sunset Committee Meeting pertaining to House Bill 262, an act to amend Title 7 of the Delaware Code relating to the Land Protection Act.
During the Sunset Committee meeting, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary David Small specified that the bill was written to reflect current practice and charges the individual counties with the overlay zones for the State Resource Area Maps. He also stated the bill adds criteria for selection of areas adopted by DNREC criteria and the legislation is based around a voluntary program.
Representative Richard Collins
questioned if the program really was voluntary.
“The way this is written, the legislation would make this a required program,” he stated.
Representative Tim Dukes also questioned Secretary Small about various wording throughout the bill being “left to broad.” Secretary Small responded that certain wording was removed to reduce redundant terms.
Representative Dukes then proceeded to question Secretary Small about the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan.
“The Plan is a requirement for federal dollars for lands. It states the pressures of wildlife in the State and was adopted in 2015,” said Secretary Small.
Representative Andria Bennett continued questioning about DWAP and why there was only one reference to the 1,280 page plan in the legislation.
continued on pg.
DFB, Nationwide Hold Policyholder Leader Dinner and Q&A Session
by Heather Kline
On Thursday, March 17, the Delaware Farm Bureau and Nationwide Insurance held their annual Policyholder Leader dinner at Frazier’s Restaurant in Dover, DE. Each year a county Farm Bureau hosts the dinner- this year, Kent County Farm Bureau hosted Nationwide staff, Farm Bureau members, directors and policyholders. The event allows policy holders the chance to ask Nationwide any questions and concerns they may have pertaining to their claims or policies. It also gives them a chance to speak with Delaware Farm Bureau leaders about any concerns they may have.
Margie Chase, Senior Consultant for Nationwide, welcomed everyone to the dinner and Kent County Farm Bureau President Jonathan Thompson gave the invocation.
Mrs. Chase started the question and answer session with a few questions about the policyholders. She then moved the conversation to the policyholders concerns about Nationwide.
A Delaware Farm Bureau Director shared his concern about the lack of sufficient notice being given to policyholders in advance of policy cancellation resulting from numerous claims. As a result of the cancelled policy, farmers have had difficulty acquiring new insurance.
Kent Fisher, Agribusiness Sales Manager for Nationwide advised that Nationwide doesn’t cancel policies after just one claim and agents may have other carriers in other markets.
“We look at the complete history. This is taken very serious before being cancelled. We try anything to keep an account,” he said.
continued on pg 10
DFB Leaders and members pose with Delaware Senator Brian Pettyjohn at the State Legislative Day, March 9, 2016.
From the President’s desk
Delaware State Farm Bureau has the pleasure of being known as the largest farm organization in the state. Since 1944, our organization has supported farm families, providing “one-voice” to promote and protect Delaware agriculture as an industry and a way of life.
Our industry has changed dramatically over the past seventy-five years. Previously, the greatest threat to our industry was low commodity prices and the weather. Although both continue to be challenge, burdensome regulations have increased such as, EPA’s Waters of the US (WOTUS), TMDL’s, Stormwater Management, and private property issues. Anti-animal production organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), People for Ethical Treatment for Animals (PETA), and Mercy for Animals, have focused on introducing legislation at the state level. Additionally, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) have recently
taken center stage scaring consumers from purchasing food and supporting initiatives to “Just Label It”. Delaware farm families need an organization to aggressively promote the importance of Delaware agriculture, provide a voice in support of legislative initiatives that support our industry, and provide a strong warning to initiatives that will negatively impact our industry. Our organization is committed to this mission.
Delaware State Farm Bureau sponsored a “Legislative Day” on Wednesday, March 9th to target two legislative initiatives; SB 39 Increasing the Minimum Wage and HB 262 relating to the Land Protection Act. If passed as written, both bills could have a serious negative economic impact on farming operations throughout the state.
Prior to the event, the Minimum Wage legislation was heard in a Senate Committee. Several farmers testified how devastating the steep increase would be on their operations—ultimately causing the sponsors to strike their amendments that would have increased the minimum wage to $15.05 by 2023 followed by an annual Cost of Living Adjust-
ment! Unfortunately, the bill passed by only one vote increasing the minimum wage to $10.25 by 2020 and was sent to the House. Since the legislation was not scheduled for a hearing during our visit, members scheduled appointments with House Committee members to encourage them to defeat S.B. 39 when the committee was scheduled to meet on March 23rd.
Also on our Legislative Day, the House Sunset Committee met at 1 p.m. to discuss HB 262 Land Protection Act. Several farmers testified, sharing concerns regarding the SRA Maps, the inclusion of the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan, the vague definitions, and questioned if the Act was truly voluntary. The committee acknowledged our concerns and did not take action on the bill.
After this meeting, a draft substitute bill was created removing the SRA Maps for the Act and eliminated the reference of the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan.
On March 22nd, the Joint Sunset Committee scheduled a hearing. Again, several farmers filled the committee room and signed up to testify. The committee realized they would not have enough time to hear the testimo-
ny from everyone wishing to make comments and announced the House Sunset Committee would hold a hearing on March 23rd to give everyone the opportunity to make comments. Several farmers, landowners, realtors, and environmentalists attended and shared their concerns. The Chair announced the committee would schedule a couple of meetings during the Easter break with the stakeholders in hopes of reaching a consensus.
I have been very inspired and encouraged by our Delaware Farm Bureau leaders and members who have truly demonstrated their commitment to protecting agriculture as an industry and a way of life. I am honored to share in this mission!
DFB President Kitty Holtz
Local Farmers Feeding Your Family
2016 Membership Recruiting Campaign
The recruiter will also receive a sign after they recruit 5 Farm Members! Stay tuned for D ails!
Every new member recruited will receive a 10” x 14” metal Farm Bureau sign like this one!
DFB Women’s Committee Celebrates 2016 Food Check-Out Day
by Heather Kline
The Delaware Farm Bureau Women’s Committee celebrated Food Check-Out Day on March 19, 2016 by purchasing over $500 in groceries to donate to the Ronald McDonald Room at Kent General Hospital/Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover, Delaware. Food Check-Out Day marks the time of year when Americans will have earned enough disposable income to pay for groceries for a family of four, for the rest of the year.
Every year, the Delaware Farm Bureau Women’s Committee purchases groceries from Sam’s Club in Dover, Delaware and stocks the cupboards at the Ronald McDonald Room in Bayhealth Medical Center. The donation allows families with patients in the NICU at Kent General Hospital to have a snack or quick meal while staying close to their loved ones.
Delaware Farm Bureau Women’s Committee also works closely with American Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Committee’s “Our Food Link” program. The year-round program works to educate consumers and students on agricultural topics, while also speaking with legislators and supporting community events. The program also includes food collections and monetary donations for charities like Ronald McDonald House.
Delaware Farm Bureau News
Editor Heather Kline 302-697-3183 heather.kline@defb.org
Delaware Farm Bureau News (ISSN 1077-0798), published in Camden, DE, bimonthly, by Delaware Farm Bureau. Production by Susquehanna Printing. Periodicals postage paid at Camden, DE and additional offices.
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Subscription price to members (paid as part of Farm Bureau membership dues) is $1.60. All other subscriptions are $6.50 per year.
The cupboards were filled with food and drinks for families of patients in the NICU.
Delaware Farm Bureau Women’s Committee shows their food donation at Bayhealth Medical Center.
Delaware Farm Bureau holds elections, auctions FV Tags
by Heather Kline
On March 19, 2016, Wilson’s Auction held their Mid-Atlantic Spring Equipment Auction at the Delaware State Fair Grounds where Farm Vehicle Tags 7 and 8 were auctioned off.
With the help for Representative Dave Wilson, Farm Vehicle Tag 7 auctioned for $3,500 and Farm Vehicle Tag 8 auctioned for $3,000!
All proceeds will go to the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation.
On March 22, 2016, the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation met and re-elected Marty Desmond, Lending Manager at Mid Atlantic Farm Credit; Chuck Hoober of Hoober Inc; and Jeremy Tucker, Manager of Marketing & Communications at Delaware Electric Cooperative to two-year terms. Additionally, Jackie
We would like to thank these Silver Level sponsors for supporting the 2016 Race!
King, King Crop Insurance and Dr. Bart Gill, Education Associate for AgriScience at the Delaware State Department of Education were also elected to two year terms. We would like to thank Dr. Janice Seitz and Sabrina Freiberg for serving on the Board.
The Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation in conjunction with the New Castle County Farm Bureau will be
holding the 4th annual 5K Milk Run/ Walk on May 21, 2016 at 8 a.m. at Appoquinimink High School. Preregistration is $20.00 until May 19, 2016 and registration on the day of the race is $25.00. The race will provide funds for the Ministry of Caring’s “Milk for Children Fund” and Neighborhood House, Inc.
Do You Have a Crop Insurance Story?
Over the past five years (20112015), Delaware farmers have paid over $26 million in premiums to purchase more than 8,300 crop insurance policies covering over $687 million in crop liability. The coverage resulted in nearly $36 million in indemnities paid on over 2,100 policies, for an average (mean) indemnity of more than $16,800 per indemnified policy. During this period, Delaware producers realized a crop insurance program benefit/cost ratio of 1.36. In other words, every $1.00 of producer-paid premium resulted in $1.36 dollars of indemnity payments paid to participating producers. Clearly, crop insurance has played an important role in securing profitability for more than a few Delaware producers. (Data Source: RMA Summary of Business www.rma.usda.gov/ data/sob.html)
AgRAEIS partners with the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) and the Delaware Farm Bureau (DEFB) to inform Delaware producers of the availability, features, and benefits of Federal Crop Insurance Programs. AgRAEIS is
currently seeking Delaware farmers who are willing to tell their own stories about how Federal Crop Insurance Programs have helped their operations to be more stable and profitable. Participating producers will be interviewed, and their stories documented for the benefit of other producers who want to better understand crop insurance. Similar stories from across the nation are already posted online at http://www.rma. usda.gov/news/farmerarchive.html.
To tell YOUR crop insurance story, please contact AgRAEIS (SuccessStories@AgRAEIS.com) for additional details.
AgRAEIS and the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) are equal opportunity providers. Federal crop insurance program policies are sold and serviced by private crop insurance companies. To locate a crop insurance agent or obtain information about risk management and RMA’s Federal Crop Insurance Programs, please visit www.RMA. USDA.gov. To receive additional information crop insurance news, dates, and upcoming training events, please contact AgRAEIS at Info@ AgRAEIS.com and/or follow @DelawareAgRisk on Twitter.
Representative Dave Wilson auctions FV Tag 8 at the Mid-Atlantic Spring Equipment Auction at the Delaware State Fair Grounds.
Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation holds elections during their meeting.
Farm Bureau Purchases 41 Blue Jackets for Deserving FFA Members
by Heather Kline
High school students in Delaware received blue jackets just in time for State FFA Convention.
Forty-one jackets were donated to schools across the state of Delaware in early March but these weren’t just your ordinary winter jacket. The easily recognizable blue corduroy and yellow letters stood out among everything else at the Delaware State Farm Bureau office in Camden, Delaware. These blue jackets, each stitched with a student’s full name, were getting ready to be distributed to the forty one applicants of the Delaware Farm Bureau’s Blue Jacket Bonanza Program.
“Thank you to the Delaware Farm Bureau for their continued support of the Delaware FFA Association! The members truly appreciate the Blue Jacket Bonanza,” said Delaware FFA Advisor Dr. Bart Gill.
In 2010, the Blue Jacket Bonanza program was started by the Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau in California, to provide deserving students the opportunity to earn a jacket of their own. Since then, many County and State Farm Bureaus, including
Delaware, have joined the ranks of the Blue Jacket Bonanza.
To be eligible for a blue jacket, applicants are required to do at least 10 hours of community service, and in less than 500 words describe their career goals, higher education plans and what the blue jacket means to them. This was the third year that the Delaware Farm Bureau (DFB) participated in the program; last year they awarded 66 jackets.
In their new blue jackets, students went on to compete in various Career Development Events and participate in the Day of Service at the Delaware State FFA Convention in Dover, DE March 9-11, 2016. DFB State Youth Ambassador Ryan Van Sant was also elected Delaware FFA Association President for 2016-2017 at convention.
The Delaware Farm Bureau plans to continue to participate in the Blue Jacket Bonanza in 2017. Applications are available mid-November on their website www.defb.org and the deadline to submit applications will be January 13, 2017. For more information please visit defb.org or call (302) 697-3183.
FFA Blue Jackets ready to be delivered to Delaware High Schools as part of the Delaware Farm Bureau’s Blue Jacket Bonanza.
Left: William Penn High School Students Damien Cook and Semaj Bungy-Carter proudly wear their FFA Blue Jackets.
Below: Smyrna High School Student Taylor Davis proudly wears his FFA Blue Jacket.
Congratulations to the newly elected 2016-2017 Delaware FFA State Officer Team: Molly Harris, State Reporter (Caesar Rodney FFA), Jared Ryan, State Treasurer (Indian River FFA), Ryan VanSant, State President (Middletown FFA), Shannon Thorpe, State Vice President (Appoquinimink FFA), Allison Wheatley, State Secretary (Smyrna FFA), Eric Porter, State Sentinel (Lake Forest FFA).
These patches are attached inside the Blue Jackets before being delievered.
King
sisters honor Matriarch with donation to Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation
by Heather Kline
The Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation received a $1,500 donation from Nancy, Bonny, Donna and Jackie King on behalf of their mother Catherine King and the Catherine D. King and Edwin Reese King Fund under the Delaware Community Foundation.
“This is all about her. This is how she wanted it,” said Donna King.
Catherine King grew up in Stockley, Delaware and married Edwin Reese King in 1942. After buying their farm in 1949, they joined Federal Crop Insurance out of Washington, D.C. when Reese learned of an opportunity with them. He and Catherine decided to open King Crop Insurance in Sussex County in 1967 that started in an office at their farm in Laurel. She worked tirelessly to improve crop insurance programs for farmers. Catherine retired in 2003, after 36 years in the crop insurance company but maintained part ownership of the company until she passed
in October 2015. She was also active in many organizations including the Delaware Farm Bureau.
“King Crop Insurance started in 1967 with a strong belief in the future of crop insurance and continues to believe in the value of the program as it serves neighbors and the network of farmers on Delmarva,” according to their website.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Catherine D. King and Edwin Reese King Fund at the Delaware Community Foundation at 36 The Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Annual donations will continue to be made to her favorite charities, including various youth related organizations in Sussex County and the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation.
The Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that started in 2013 and aims to build awareness, understanding and positive public perception about Delaware’s farm operations and fresh local food.
The King Sisters present their donation to the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation.
DELAWARE FARM BUREAU NEWS
continued from pg. 1
Secretary Small stated it was only a small piece of the legislation.
“I don’t think a 1,200 plus page plan is a small piece of the legislation,”
Representative Bennett stated.
While many of the committee members made suggestions to help clarify the plan, many constituents, including Delaware Farm Bureau members, brought up their concerns of how the legislation would affect their farmland.
Delaware Farm Bureau member David Carey brought attention to his concerns about DWAP.
“I printed the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan and let me tell you, no one understands DWAP and no one in this room has read it,” he said.
Legislative Update
DFB OPPOSES the following bills:
HB 262: An act to amend Title 7 of the Delaware Code relating to the Land Protection Act.
Synopsis: The Joint Sunset Committee recommended in 2015 that the Open Space Council review Chapter 75, Title 7 of the Delaware Code and submit in 2016 proposed legislation to bring the 25 year old Delaware Land Protection Act up to date and relevant to today’s nees and standards. This Act is the result of Council’s review and submission
Status: Tabled in Committee to hold additional meetings for stakeholders, DFB has been invited to participate
SB 39: An act to amend Title 19 of the Delaware Code Relating to Minimum Wage.
Synopsis: This bill provides for an increase of the minimum wage by .50 cents per year for the next 4 years beginning June 1, 2016 and adds a cost of living adjustment increase thereafter.
Status: Tabled in committee to “work out a compromise that would ger more votes,” according to Sponsor Representative Gerald Brady. SB 39 passed the Senate 11-8 in January
Sussex County Farm Bureau President Jesse Vanderwende stated the legislation is stand alone. Delaware Farm Bureau Director Richard Wilkins, who has been farming since 1972, spoke to the committee on why he opposes this legislation.
“Without our consent, you would be reducing the operations on our own land. You don’t know the slippery slope this is going to cause,” he said. HB 262 did not move from committee and will continue to be worked until the legislation wording is clarified.
Later in the day, the Delaware Farm Bureau was presented with Senate Concurrent Resolution 46 to commemorate the week of March 13-19, 2016 as Delaware Ag Week.
2016.
DFB SUPPORTS the following bills:
HB 124: An act proposing an amendment to the Delaware Constitution relating to the Realty Transfer Act.
Synopsis: The Delaware Farmland Preservation Fund was created under the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Act in order to conserve, protect, and encourage improvement of agricultural lands within the State. The Legislature has previously expressed its desire that $10 million in receipts from the State Realty Transfer Tax be allocated annually to this fund in order to accomplish its goals. This Act is the first leg of a constitutional amendment that will make this allocation binding on all future administrations and General Assemblies, thus allowing this essential program to continue protecting one of our State’s most important resources.
Status: Defeated 20-17 March 15, 2016
New Legislation
HJR 11: Directing DNREC to allow a deliberative process to review alternative stormwater management regulations and satisfy the Regula-
tory Flexibility Act
Synopsis: This resolution establishes and sets forth the understating that due to the complexity and wide ranging environmental, social and economic impact associated with a change to the State of Delaware stormwater management regulations and accompanying technical document, a deliberate process allowing for a review of alternatives is necessary to assure that the burden of compliance does not significantly outweigh environmental benefits. It is also necessary that the final stormwater regulations and technical requirements be subject to the public hearing process and satisfaction of the regulatory impact requirements contained in the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
HB 289: An act to amend Title 7 of the Delaware Code relating to hunting.
Synopsis: This bill allows for the hunting of deer on private land on Sundays.
HB 290: An act to amend Title 16 of the Delaware Code relating to tick control
Synopsis: This Act is the result of the findings of the
Lyme Disease Prevention Task Force (“the Task Force”). On June 1, 2015, the Task Force issued a report that made several recommendations. One of the recommendations was to “[d]evelop on a statewide basis a science-based Integrated Pest Management strategy incorporating acaricide use, biological controls, management of tick-host animals and backyard habitat management.” To implement this strategy, the Task Force recommended a change to state law to allow the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to address ticks and be involved in field control operations for ticks.
This Act amends the powers and duties of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control by granting it the authority to address tick mitigation in the manner recommended by the Task Force.
Delaware Farm Bureau Directors Richard Wilkins and Steve Breeding pose with Senator Brian Pettyjohn after accepting a Resolution making March 13-19, 2016 Delaware Ag Week.
Legislative Packets and “Support Delaware Farmers” Stickers were given to those who participated in Legislative Day on March 9, 2016.
Delaware YF&R Members attend SHOW ME Conference in Kansas City, MO
by Laura Simpson
In February 2016, ten Young Farmers and Ranchers committee members flew out to Missouri to attend the SHOW ME Leadership Conference that was held in Kansas City.
This year’s guest speakers included; 2016 Miss America, Betty Cantrell; Jason Brown, who used to be one of the best centers in the NFL, had a five-year $37 million contract with the St. Louis Rams, and just walked away from football to become a farmer, which he had never done before; and last, but certainly not least, Kelly Barnes, whose goal and mission in life is simple: “Help people create great moments more often”. By the end of Kelly’s opening session for the day, he had the entire conference chanting, “BE TO GET!” Be a friend to get a friend. Be involved to get something out of it. Be willing to fail to get success. Be willing to do the small things to get the big things. Be willing to love to get love. Be positive to get a posi-
tive life.
In the past four years of conferences, our group has always taken away something great we can use in our own state of Delaware, whether it be something as big as a new philosophy on life, or just a new fundraising idea. These leadership conference objectives are to always bring together Young Farmers & Ranchers to learn, share, and grow together to build a stronger Farm Bureau. They provide an opportunity for young leaders to network with peers, industry leaders and subject matter experts; to develop leadership skills through general sessions, workshops, as well as gain training, education and preparation on advocacy. They also motivate members to apply what they have learned in their careers and their Farm Bureaus, and develop a call to action for members. As always, it was a big success and AFBF hosted another great conference.
DEC Irrigation System Conversion Grant Program Available
Delaware Electric Cooperative through the State of Delaware’s Energy Efficient Investment Fund has grants available to DEC members for conversion of the irrigation pumps from diesel to electric. The grant provides 30 percent of the total non-utility cost of the conversion. Costs covered include parts and labor associated with electric motor and starter installation, removal of existing gear head and components and electrician costs. Systems which have a minimum of 40kw load are eligible for program funding.
The application process is in three parts: Part one is completion and approval by DEC for utility funded grant is a prerequisite for the non-utility fund applicaton. Part two is grant approval and part three is grant payment.
Irrigation System Conversion Grant Program participants are able to maintain the diesel engine on their premises with the condition the engine will fully be retired from use and used for parts or will be in use for a maximum of 100 hours per year for emergency back up only.
The program is designed to assist those irrigation systems currently using a fossil fuel distributed generator to operate their system to convert to an electric system while participating in DEC’s Demand Side Management controlled program load.
Participants satisfying these conditions can be exempt from the engine scrappage requirement of the grant award.
For more information, contact Kevin Yingling at (302) 349-3120 or kevin@decoop.com.
Delaware Young Farmers and Ranchers members had the chance to visit sports arenas around the Kansas City area including the Kansas City Sporting Club lockerroom, Kansas City Chiefs lockeroom and the Kansas City Royals dugout!
Be Flood Smart
Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether your home or business is near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert, there is always potential for flood damage. Floodsmart.gov reports, in the last 5 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods. Just because you haven’t experienced a flood in the past, does not mean you won’t in the future. In fact, nearly 20% of all flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the United States.
According to the American Red Cross, floods cause more damage in the U.S. every year than any other weather-related disaster. The ARC offers the following flood safety tips.
• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another
way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
• If you approach a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
• Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
If a flood does strike your home or business, contact your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated quickly and properly, and the cleanup is often an overwhelming task. The SERVPRO® System is prepared to handle any sized disaster.
Nationwide’s Make Safe Happen® Program Commits to Empower One Million Safety Actions
A letter
penned by Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Terrance Williams
Margie Chase, Nationwide Senior Consultant, Business Development
Dear parents and all of those caring for children,
I have the pleasure of serving as chief marketing officer of Nationwide, but I view my most important role as being a good father to two bright and active boys.
Like most parents, raising healthy and well-adjusted children is my number one priority. While I take great joy in watching my sons grow, each new stage of childhood brings new risks and worries for their safety – be it on the playing fields, at school, or even in our home. According to our recent survey of more than 1,000 parents with children under 13 years of age, 93 percent think that, compared to other locations, their home is the safest place for their child1. It’s not every day that we think about the potential safety risks in our own homes as the most serious. Unfortunately, accidental injuries, such as poisoning, drowning and home fires, are the leading cause of death among children 2. I also now know that nearly 50 percent of these accidents actually happen at home3. Because of this, Nationwide continues our mission to raise awareness and to help parents take action to keep their children safe.
In February 2015, Nationwide launched Make Safe Happen, a program dedicated to driving awareness and action around accidental childhood injuries. At that time, we started a conversation on this important, but also very difficult, issue. Since then, I’m proud to share that we have made significant progress to empower parents and families in the U.S. to improve home safety behaviors. We convened a Make Safe Happen Advisory Council – an esteemed group of injury prevention and child safety experts from media outlets and leading nonprofits, such as Safe Kids Worldwide and Nation-
wide Children’s Hospital. Together, we’ve educated hundreds of thousands at events across the country, through the app, and through the tips and resources on our website.
We know more needs to be done. According to the survey, the majority of parents (69%) are looking for more updated information on today’s child safety issues. So, this year, with the guidance of our Advisory Council, Make Safe Happen will focus on educating caregivers on four critical at-home safety risks. They are: furniture and TV tip-overs, poisoning, drowning and fire. These serious, complex and potentially fatal issues require greater attention and understanding, which is why we are eager to inspire one million safety actions by the end of the year. We believe this is a lifesaving goal that we’ll track throughout the year at MakeSafeHappen.com.
To reach our goal, we want to share lifesaving information with parents, and help communities and homes that need it most. In partnership with our newest Advisory Council member, the American Red Cross, we will install fire alarms in houses and provide grants for youth swim lessons in high-risk, low-income communities across the country.
We encourage you to take your own action today by downloading the app, watching a safety video or attending one of the Make Safe Happen safety events that will take place across the country in 2016. And, of course, help us inspire more parents and caregivers to take action by spreading the word on social media using #MakeSafeHappen.
As a parent and long-term Nationwider, I am highly committed to this program. Please join the movement to make our homes as safe as possible for our children. On behalf of my colleagues at Nationwide, we very much look forward to making a real difference in families’ lives through one million safety actions.
Respectfully,
Terrance Williams
Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer
continued from pg. 1
Mrs. Chase also advised that cancelled policies do not happen often and these concerns have made their way to the top leaders in Nationwide.
Copper metal theft was another concern that was raised. Delaware Farm Bureau Director Richard Wilkins suggested having a discount for having the prevention of theft in place with non-electric pivot systems that deter copper theft. Delaware Farm Bureau Director Paul Cartanza also made the suggestion of having a discount for making sections harder to steal wiring.
“We do have a discount pricing for good management practice,” said Mr. Fisher.
Mr. Wilkins also asked how Nationwide actually handles their claims because he’s had bad experiences with past insurance agencies. Mr. Fisher explained that Nationwide has high tech equipment that can get inside a vehicle and take pictures of the problem. As soon as a client calls, adjusters are on the phone to get a detailed estimate so they can get farmers back to work as fast as possible.
“So, you do the work instead of us and we don’t have to worry about
it?” asked Mr. Wilkins.
“Yes. Ninety percent of the time Nationwide provides adjustments for the customers. A lot of the team are farmers, just like you,” said Mr. Fisher.
Mrs. Chase then asked for suggestions about other insurance products that may interest policyholders.
Kent County Farm Bureau Director Ted Bobola asked if Nationwide had policies for classic cars and also for high value livestock. Mr. Fisher advised that Nationwide partners with Hagerty Insurance to provide specialized policies for classic cars. They can send an agent to look at the vehicle and assign a policy based on the appraised value. Unfortunately, Nationwide does not provide insurance for high value livestock because it requires a mortality carrier.
Mrs. Chase closed the conversation with a reminder about Nationwide safety programs such as the Grain Bin Safety and Rural Road Safety Campaigns.
Nationwide Insurance is the leading insurer of farms and farm owned cooperatives in the United States. In 1925, with the help of Murray D. Lincoln, the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation incorporated the Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company with the hopes of providing auto insurance at low rates for farmers throughout Ohio. Nearly ninety years later the Delaware Farm Bureau and Nationwide In-
surance are celebrating eleven years of partnership. Today, nine state Farm Bureaus including California, Connecticut, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, West Virginia and Delaware continue to work with Nationwide to provide
discounts on home and auto insurance to our members.
Nationwide Insurance was started for farmers by farmers with the goal of preserving and serving our agricultural heritage. We’re looking forward to many more years!
Nationwide Leaders (from left) Brett Landis, Sales Manager; Brett Tupps, Regional Sales Associate Vice President; Margie Chase, MD/DE Sr. Consultant; Kent Fisher, Farm Sales Manager; Susan Hatfield, Customer Relations Associate Vice Presiedent; and Adam Karns, Claims Manager pose for a picture after the Nationwide Policyholder Leader Dinner.
Delaware Farm Bureau Leaders and Policyholders state their concerns during the Nationwide Policyholder Leader dinner.
KENT COUNTY
Charles Conley P.O. Box 116 35 Commerce Street Harrington, DE 19952 (302) 398-3276
Glenn Deaton 905 A N. Dupont Highway Dover, DE 19901 (302) 734-3700
David Fetterman 200 North Rehoboth Boulevard Milford, DE 19963 (302) 422-3079
Michael Frankos
375 W. North Street, Suite A Dover, DE 19904 (302) 531-0831
Jay Rouse 1252 Forrest Avenue Dover, DE 19904 (302) 678-2223
Michael Wilkinson
223 S. DuPont Blvd, Ste 2 Smyrna, DE 19977 (302) 653-5580
NEW CASTLE COUNTY
Michael Alpaugh 94 E. Main Street Newark, DE 19711 (302) 453-9871
Matthew Beaty
P.O. Box 1713
296 Bear-Christiana Road Bear, DE 19701
Lori Blackwell
248 E. Chestnut Hill Road Newark, DE 19713 (302) 738-5030
Lisa Broadbent-Diossi 20 Polly Drummond Hill Road Newark, DE 19711 (302) 731-0044
Rick Broadbent 3510 Silverside Road, Suite 2 Wilmington, DE 19810 (302) 479-7777
Shawn Coen P. O. Box 1713
296 Bear-Christiana Road Bear, DE 19701 (302) 322-2022
Roy Crow 106 S. Broad Street Middletown, DE 19709 (302) 378-9592
Wayne Deamond 2026 Duncan Road Wilmington, DE 19808 (302) 995-1100
Steven Dewberry 5700 Kirkwood Hwy, Ste 103 Wilmington, DE 19808 (302) 995-9550
Steve Disabatino 478 Middletown Warwick Road Middletown, DE 19709 (302) 449-5556
A. Barbara Dorsey 3510 Silverside Road, Suite 2 Wilmington, DE 19810 (302) 479-7777
James Dorsey 1521 Concord Pike, Ste 301 Wilmington, DE 19803 (302) 472-3200
Richard Finney 3510 Silverside Road, Suite 2 Wilmington, DE 19810 (302) 479-5560
Terry Gouert 824 Philadelphia Pike Wilmington, DE 19809 (302) 478-6400
Harry “T.” Insley 110 Christiana Medical Center Newark, DE 19702 (302) 286-0777
John Koziol 724 Yorklyn Road, Water Wheel Building, Suite 200 Hockessin, DE 19707 (302) 234-5430
Kenneth Marconi 813 E. Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 (302) 992-9772
Brooks McCall 1805 Foulk Road Suite H Foulk Road Medical Center Wilmington, DE 19810 (302) 475-8200
Henry E. Nickle 119 Washington Street Delaware City, DE 19706 (302) 834-9700
Calvin Sheets
254 Fox Hunt Drive Fox Run Plaza Bear, DE 19701 (302) 832-0441
Robert Steinebach 296 Bear-Christiana Road Bear, DE 19701 (302) 328-1212
Charles Wallace 1906 Newport Gap Pike Wilmington, DE 19808 (302) 998-1412
Peter Wolff 520 Peoples Plaza Newark, DE 19702 (302) 283-1880
SUSSEX COUNTY
Scott Carey
30618 DuPont Boulevard, Suite 1 Dagsboro, DE 19939 (302) 934-8383
Elmer Hearn 310 High Street Seaford, DE 19973 (302) 629-9493
Cynthia C. Hoban 18 Hickory Street Frankford, DE 19945 (302) 732-9505
Marvin Muncie 1011 Norman Eskridge Highway Seaford, DE 19973 (302) 629-9414
Cliff Short 606 E. Market Street Georgetown, DE 19947 (302) 856-7773
Richard Small 1130 S. Central Avenue Laurel, DE 19956 (302) 875-3333
Thad Truitt P.O. Box 248 365 Savannah Road Lewes, DE 19958 (302) 645-6459
MARYLAND
Susan Wilgus-Murphy 1203 Pemberton Drive Salisbury, MD 21801 (410) 742-8240
William Staples 1410 S. Salisbury Boulevard Salisbury, MD 21801 (410) 546-3999
Greg Whitten 317 Crusader Rd Cambridge, MD 21613 (410) 228-7484
