Palmer amaranth is no stranger to farmers in Delaware. Since 2009, Palmer amaranth has made its presence felt on the Delmarva Peninsula and was added to Delaware’s Noxious Weed List in 2012. Since that time, Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Noxious Weed Unit and University of Delaware Extension Weed Science have worked together to spread the message of the dangers of Palmer amaranth in agricultural production.
Research has been conducted at the University of Delaware Ex-
tension on techniques to control Palmer amaranth in all types of crops in Delaware. Dr. Mark VanGessel and his staff have worked hard to create a management guide for farmers that is available online at http://extension.udel.edu/ ag/weed-science/weed-management-guides/.
Since 2012, DDA’s Noxious Weed Unit has distributed these management guides and has also presented on Palmer amaranth at the many crop management meetings throughout the state.
Many farmers throughout the
YF&R to hold strawberry fest
Delaware Farm Bureau's Young Farmers and Ranchers will hold their 9th annual YF&R Strawberry Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 26 at Bobola Farm in Dover. A $5 wristband allows unlimited Fun Zone access, and there will be plenty of food and beverages for sale, including strawberry shortcake and strawberry ice cream. Proceeds from the day goes into YF&R's general fund used for community assistance, outreach, and leadership training.
state and particularly in Sussex County have experienced the difficulty in managing Palmer amaranth. This will be a weed that weed management plans will be built around from now on, mainly due to its aggressive nature and its ability to become resistant to multiple herbicide sites of action.
In the past year, Palmer amaranth has started to become an issue in Delaware State rights of way. DDA and DelDOT are working together to make sure this issue is addressed.
On March 20, 2018, Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse, DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan, Dr. Mark VanGessel, DDA’s Noxious Weed Unit, and DelDOT’s Roadside Environmental Crew met at DDA to forge a plan on how to prevent Palmer amaranth from becoming a problem in rights of way and thus spreading into previously non-infested fields. During this meeting, several points of action were determined that will begin this year:
• DelDOT Roadside Environmental Crew and DDA’s Noxious Weed Unit will work together to
identify sites with Palmer amaranth and will then distribute these sites to roadside mowing crews. These sites will be monitored closely for Palmer amaranth growth.
• DelDOT will try different mowing timings and mowing heights to see what effect these changes will have in terms of Palmer amaranth germination and ability to grow to seed.
• University of Delaware Extension and DelDOT Roadside Environmental Crew will work together to conduct research on effectiveness of herbicide treatments for Palmer amaranth control in rights of way. Several test plots will be identified and compared to conventional mowing practices without herbicide treatments.
• DDA and DelDOT ask that Palmer amaranth not be disposed of in rights of way.
DDA and DelDOT will continue to be proactive on Palmer amaranth control in rights of way.
Contact Todd Davis or Blake Moore at (302) 698-4500 with questions or concerns regarding Palmer amaranth.
Delaware Farm Bureau distributes 50 FFA jackets
For several years, Delaware Farm Bureau has participated in the Blue Jacket Bonanza Program, which was developed to provide high school students involved in the FFA, who do not have the financial means, a chance to earn their own blue jacket.
The program was begun in 2010 by the Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau in California, where many of the local students did not have an FFA jacket, which now costs about $60. Since then, many county and state Farm Bureaus, including Delaware, have joined the ranks of the Blue Jacket Bonanza.
Applicants in the program are required to do at least 10 hours of community service, and in an essay of less than 500 words, describe their career goals, higher education plans and what the blue jacket means to them.
This year, Delaware Farm Bureau received applications from 92 students. Fifty students across the state were selected to receive jackets. A jacket is awarded on a one-time basis per student.
Fifty blue jackets, each stitched with a student’s full name, recently were prepared for distribution in the Delaware Farm Bureau’s Blue Jacket Bonanza Program.
Electric cooperative offers irrigation grants to farmers
Delaware Electric Cooperative is relaunching its Irrigation Grant Program, which provides financial assistance to farmers who convert their diesel-driven irrigation systems to electric.
There's still time to be counted in Census
of Ag
Farmers and ranchers still have time to be counted in the 2017 Census of Agriculture, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Although the first deadline has passed, NASS will continue to accept census information through the spring to get a complete and accurate picture of American agriculture that represents all farmers and ranchers.
"We thank everyone who has completed their census to date," said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer.
The Co-op grants will cover the first $7,500 of the cost to run electric to irrigation systems. The remaining utility cost of converting those irrigation systems will then be split equally between farmers and DEC.
25 percent on their energy bills.
Farmers who receive a grant from Delaware Electric Co-op will also save money by participating in the Co-op’s load control program, which allows the Co-op to shut off power to irrigation units during peak energy usage times. Participants in the load control program typically enjoy a savings of 18 to
According to Co-op President and CEO Bill Andrew, “By converting generators from diesel to electric, farmers will not only save on fuel costs, but will also stop emissions from being released into the air by older diesel generators.”
The program initially launched in 2011, with 275 irrigation systems eventually being converted to electric, reducing emissions from those systems by approximately 75 percent. The program was briefly paused in 2017, but was brought back because of demand.
To be eligible for the program, proposed irrigation systems must have a minimum 20 kilowatt load. Farmers will also be required to sign a contract for controlled load service with the Co-op for 60 months.
For more information on the program, contact Kevin Yingling, manager of Business Development and Energy Services at kevin@decoop.com or (302) 349-3120.
“We currently have a return rate of just over 40 percent of the 3 million census questionnaires mailed last fall. A lot is at stake if producers are not represented in this data. Census data have and will continue to influence important decisions for American agriculture. The data will affect every operation and every farming community at some point, whether it be through farm policy, disaster relief, insurance or loan programs, infrastructure improvements, or agribusiness setup. There is accuracy and strength in numbers, which is why NASS is committed to giving producers every opportunity to respond."
Federal law mandates that everyone who received the 2017 Census of Agriculture questionnaire complete it and return it even if not currently farming. NASS will continue to follow-up with producers through the spring with mailings, phone calls and personal visits. To avoid these additional contacts, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to complete their census either online at www.agcounts.usda. gov or by mail as soon as possible. Responding online saves time by skipping sections that do not apply and automatically calculating totals. The online questionnaire is accessible on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.
For more information, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov. For questions or assistance filling out the census, call toll-free (888) 424-7828.
CERCLA uncertainty ‘taken off farmers’ plates’
By Bruce Hotchkiss
Reprinted with permission from The Delmarva Farmer issue March 30, 2018
Time was running out. Two pieces of proposed new legislation — known as FARM and ACRE — faced a court-imposed deadline of May 1. At the same time, lawmakers struggled with an omnibus spending bill, which, if not enacted promptly, would again shut down the federal government.
FARM, the Fair Agricultural Reporting Method Act (S. 2421) and ACRE, the more recently introduced H.R. 5275, Agricultural Certainty for Reporting Emissions, were each designed to protect poultry and animal farmers from the regulations outlined in CERCLA, the decade-old Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. It requires entities
releasing hazardous substances, like ships or factories, to notify the federal government for emergency response purposes only.
When the law was passed, EPA did not believe that reports on the routine release of low levels of ammonia from chicken houses, for instance, was included in the intent of the law.
The exemption for animal agriculture was successfully challenged in federal court by environmental organizations, thus establishing the May 1 deadline.
Though a deadline was in place, EPA had not been able to provide farmers with approved methods of determining those estimates.
Leaders of the nation’s agricultural industry pondered their opportunities. Both FARM and ACRE had attracted wide bi-partisan support in both houses.
The omnibus funding bill appeared, surprisingly, to have something in it for everyone and seemed
to be drawing support from both sides of the aisle. The order seemed to be: Expedite.
And its supporters did just that. FARM was attached to the spending bill, which President Donald Trump signed into law on March 23.
All told, an additional 36 Senators and 90 Representatives ultimately co-sponsored the bills.
those House and Senate bills.
The new law does not create a new reporting exemption. It merely restores the CERCLA reporting requirements to where they were since 2008, and it does not change reporting requirements under a different federal law (the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, or EPCRA) that requires emissions reporting to state
Satterfield: ‘With the looming uncertainty of CERCLA reporting now taken off farmers’ plates, chicken growers can turn their focus back to producing an economical, safe and wholesome supply of food for the United States and the world.’
Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons of Delaware, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland co-sponsored the original legislation restoring agriculture’s longstanding exemption from CERCLA reporting.
The inclusion of a permanent CERCLA exemption in the omnibus bill achieves the same result as
and local emergency response agencies.
Bill Satterfield, executive director of the Delmarva Poultry Industry Inc., said, “With the looming uncertainty of CERCLA reporting now taken off farmers’ plates, chicken growers can turn their focus back to producing an economical, safe and wholesome supply of food for the United States and the world.”
Farmers, motorists urged to share the road this spring
By June Unruh, Chair P&E Committee’s “Rural Road
Safety Campaign”
As Delaware farmers begin spring planting, we are asking motorists to take a few moments to review some very important safety measures for sharing the road.
As all motorists do, farmers perform safety checks on their equipment. One thing they check is the placement of the “Slow Moving Vehicle” (SMV) emblem on each piece of equipment they pull onto the road. Think of the SMV emblem as a warning to slow down. Tractor and combine windows
must be washed to assure clear vision while operating machinery. The farmer also checks to see that all lights on the equipment are working properly.
Most people think farmers only need the highways in the fall, during harvest, but we’re on the road at least nine months of the year, maneuvering in traffic. We need to use those roads to do our jobs, to get from one field to another. Farming is a weather-driven occupation. Sometimes we must be on the highway even if it is a weekend.
For motorists, a good understanding of farm equipment shar-
Ready to compete in YF&R Antique Tractor Pull?
Chad Arnold was ready for the 2017 competition at Delaware State Fairgrounds. The 24th Annual Delaware Young Farmers & Ranchers
Antique Tractor Pull will be held July 28.
ing the road is a must to insure their safety. Here are just a few important points to keep in mind:
• Pay attention. When you are not focused solely on the road, you increase your chances of a collision, especially if you should come upon slow-moving farm equipment.
• Slow down when you see the SMV emblem. It is difficult to judge the speed at which you are closing in, especially at night.
• Don’t assume the farmer knows you’re there. While most operators do check behind them, their main focus is on the road ahead. Farm equipment can be very loud, so the driver may not hear your vehicle.
• Be patient. Don’t assume that a farmer can move over to let you pass. Driving on the shoulders may not be safe.
• Watch for hand signals. Don’t assume that a slow-moving vehicle pulling to the right side of the road is going to turn right or is going to let you pass. Make sure the driver sees you before you try to pass. Some equipment needs extra room to make a wide left turn into a driveway or field.
• Pass with extreme caution. Don’t pass unless you can see clearly ahead of both your vehicle and the farm equipment you are passing. Don’t pass near a curve,
Yellow safety signs such as this one are available from the Delaware Farm Bureau office. hill, intersection, bridge, or railroad crossing.
• Remember, farm equipment cannot stop or slow down as quickly as an automobile. Don't drive right behind farm equipment. Stay a safe distance away.
Safety ...
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
hear better,” he said. As for ear plugs, “any kind is better than no plug, but you are better off wearing ear muffs with heavy equipment,” he said.
Ben King, Nationwide risk management consultant, discussed agritourism and details to consider and then discuss with your insurance agent before you invite visitors onto your farm.
Points to consider are parking areas, including visibility when entering and exiting; clean entryways; limited access to hazardous areas; safety features such as railings around wagons used for hay rides; hand-washing areas at petting zoos, and having emergency plans in place. Forbid smoking near corn mazes and have a way to keep tabs on participants. Some people have gotten lost in a maze and called 9-1-1.
King warned that even if you do not invite the public onto your farm, you are responsible for “attractive nuisances” — anything that has the potential to draw children to come and play, such as a silo or manure pit. Fences and signs offer you some protection, but you should do everything possible to keep people from harm, even trespassers.
Jack Wilson, Delaware Fire School senior instructor of rescue programs, said he grew up in Wilmington and knew nothing about farms until he moved to Seaford nine years ago, where he is now chief of the volunteer fire department. He offered suggestions on how to help in case of an emergency on your farm. With a poultry house fire, for example, shut off generators, fans and feed augers. Farm chemicals should be clearly labeled.
Water supply is one of the fire department’s biggest issues, particularly in a rural area, Wilson said. If you have irrigation, con-
Farmers, motorists urged...
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
These warnings have a personal meaning for me. When one of my neighbors tragically lost his life while driving a tractor on a rural road, I initiated a “Rural Road Safety Public Awareness” campaign two years ago through the Delaware Farm Bureau and Delaware State Grange. I chair the Rural Road Safety Campaign for the DFB’s Promotion and Education Committee which has worked to educate farmers and the general public about the need to “share the road.” Our efforts culminated last year with a Delaware Ag Safe-
sider adding a fire department connection. Fire engines can only carry so much water. Wilson said J.C. Willin, a farmer and member of Seaford Fire Department, had put in a connection on his irrigation system years ago which has been “an invaluable resource.”
A demonstration of how to “Stop the Bleed” was presented by Bonny King, RN and trauma coordinator at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, and a member of the King Crop Insurance family. If you find yourself the first responder and someone is bleeding severely, follow these steps: Assure your safety and the victim’s. Call 9-11. Then find the source of bleeding. Control bleeding by applying direct pressure and packing a CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
ty Conference in March. We won an award at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in January 2018 for our efforts and just completed our second annual safety conference.
While driving this spring, please watch for the bright yellow field safety signs we have distributed to help warn motorists that equipment is working nearby and may be crossing the road.
On behalf of family, friends and neighbors who are farmers, I ask all drivers to be aware of our slow moving equipment and please “Share the Road.”
Bonny King, right, supervises as Laura Ebeling of Nanticoke Memorial Hospital demonstrates how to apply a tourniquet to stop bleeding.
BEN KING Nationwide Risk Management Consultant
JACK WILSON Delaware State Fire School senior instructor
Safety Conference ...
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
gaping wound. Using even a dirty shirt is better than having someone bleed to death, which can happen
in five minutes. For extremities, use a tourniquet if necessary. Treat for shock.
The final speaker was Dr. Kerry
Book Barns ready to be delivered
Fifteen Book Barns have been custom built by Smyrna High School FFA and are ready to be delivered by Delaware Farm Bureau's Promotion and Education Committee to elementary schools across the state. The Book Barns will be used to house a starting set of nearly a dozen “Accurate Ag Books.”. These books are selected from American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s collection of nearly 500 books that accurately cover agricultural topics.
The Accurate Ag Books database is available at: www.agfoundation. org/recommended-pubs.
Richards of University of Delaware’s Pesticide Safety Education Program. She demonstrated the university’s new user-friendly website where growers can find the information needed regarding pesticide certification, pesticide regulatory compliance and other pest management concerns. She also discussed changes in Worker Protection Standards which went into effect as of Jan. 2, 2018. WPS rules apply not just to applicators but to any employee who might go into a treated area within certain time frames. There are also exclusion zones that apply even to a passer-by walking down the road, which may require an applicator to change course when applying a chemical.
You must immediately train workers on pesticides being used and repeat the training annually.
Another new requirement is that anyone, including immediate family, who wears a respirator must have a medical evaluation (which can be completed online for $25) and an OSHA fit test.
Richards noted, “If a grower is cited for multiple violations....the total fine can be significant.”
Those who provide WPS training must either be a certified applicator or complete an EPA approved Train-The-Trainer Course. For more information, contact Richards at kerryr@udel.edu or by calling (814) 880–0013.
Kerry Richards, right, described changes in Worker Protection Standards and displayed a new chart which growers must post.
Farm program payments and their effect on succession planning
Margie Chase, Nationwide Senior Business Consultant
The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the No. 1 farm and ranch insurer in the United States:
As a farmer you know all too well about risk; it’s present in every aspect of the job.
Whether it’s maintenance, running equipment or any number of other things, one of your biggest risks will be your sales when you get to market.
As you may know, the government has programs to help farmers address some of the risk they face with commodity markets. They provide revenue and price loss payments for eligible farmers under the farm bill. Under that bill, many farmers may qualify for additional payments but are unable to collect those because of individual payment caps.
To maximize the amount of payments a farmer can receive, special consideration needs to be given to the structure of the farmer’s operation, and this may mean you need to consider the challenges of succession planning. Failing to plan for Farm
Service Agency programs could mean the difference between securing the farming operation for the next generation or a forced sale.
• What you should consider.
It’s critical that all programs that can assist you are examined. These programs come with qualifications and have requirements to ensure maximum benefits are achieved.
• The qualifications.
To be eligible for payments under Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC), a farmer must be engaged in farming and contributing significantly to the farming operations. There are provisions around how “contributions” are defined, so it’s important that you understand these guidelines so that you meet these terms and that you structure your operation appropriately to capture all of the potential program benefits available to you.
• Questions you may have.
- Will I need to change the way I run my operations?
- How can I learn more about these programs, their qualifications and how I can bring my operation to qualify?
- Can the next generation be structured in a way that allows for them to be eligible for program payments
without interfering with the operation of the farm?
Researching these questions and coming to an answer isn’t something that you have to do by yourself. It’s important to enlist the help of qualified professionals who don’t have a stake in the final decisions. Qualified professionals may include your banker, your accountant, your personal attorney or a financial or estate planner. If you would like to help in finding a qualified professional to speak
with, contact the Nationwide® Land As Your Legacy® team at LAYL@ nationwide,com or toll-free at 1-855529-2729.
