Farm Bureau News
From the President’s desk
Prioritizing safety, advocacy with the Delaware Farm Bureau
As a farmer myself, I understand the importance of safety. It’s a topic we need to hold near and dear to our hearts because we are the most important part of our farming operations.
Farm Bureau prides itself in promoting safety measures on and around the farm. This includes advocating for policy changes as needed and safer roads so our farmers can drive their equipment to and from their location without problems.
We also like to promote safety practices our farmers can initiate on the homefront – like safer grain bin practices.
The Delaware Farm Bureau joined efforts this year in celebrating National Grain Bin Safety Week by promoting Nationwide’s Nominate your Fire Company Contest and grain bin safety signage. These are both very exciting projects that greatly impact our state.
The contest has helped firefighters across the state receive grain bin rescue training with equipment their local department gets to keep in case they receive such a
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.
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call. Luckily, grain bin accidents are rare.
Delaware Farm Bureau President Richard Wilkins
But when they do occur, they can become deadly very fast. Having trained first responders and adequate equipment near our farms will be crucial in these types of emergency situations.
It’s for these reasons, too, that we created signage that can affix directly to grain bins. These signs were created in partnership with the Delaware Soybean Board and include safety information and a list of fire departments that currently have grain bin rescue training and equipment. Signs are available to farmers at no cost.
Serving our members in this way is a top priority for our organization, but our desire to promote safety in Delaware doesn’t stop at just the contest and signs.
In fact, every year, we host a safety conference featuring pesticide information and credits among other safety-related topics. This year, we will also discuss fall protection and heat-related illnesses to help prepare our farmers for the upcoming season.
Rural road safety is another top priority for advocacy. Farmers have to be able to get from point A to point B safely with large farm equipment; advocating for them and raising awareness of hazards becomes crucial when our farming seasons get busy.
Our national president Zippy Duvall said in a recent Zipline post, “Safety must be a priority on the farm, not an afterthought.”
I couldn’t agree more. I would even add to it – we need safety to be a priority for all Delawareans so we can work together to help keep our farmers safe and working. Drivers, first responders and others play a huge role in keeping our farmers safe.
The Delaware Farm Bureau continues to work with our farmers and consumers in mind. We are looking forward to exciting things to come as the pandemic hopefully wraps up.
Stay tuned for exciting developments, summertime fun at the Delaware State Fair and more news from our Foundation and committees.
If you would like to see how you can fit in at the Delaware Farm Bureau as a volunteer and help us advocate for farmers and consumers alike, please visit us online at www.defb.org or call our office at 302-697-3183.
Stay strong. Stay well. Stay Farm Bureau Proud.
State Board of Directors
President Richard Wilkins
1st Vice President
Laura Hill
2nd Vice President
William Powers, Jr.
County Presidents
Kent: James Minner
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 Unr uh
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
jenn.antonik@defb.org for
National Grain Bin Safety Week celebrated by DEFB
By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau
The Delaware Farm Bureau joined the agriculture community in celebrating National Grain Bin Safety Week Feb. 20-26 this year by urging safety by farmers and awareness by first responders.
“Grain bin accidents can tragically impact individuals, families and entire communities,” President of Nationwide Agribusiness Brad Liggett said. “Accident prevention means everyone working together, and Grain Bin Safety Week provides a forum for the agricultural community to help keep people safe.”
A grain bin accident could become deadly within minutes, National Education Center for Agricultural Safety’s Director Dan Neenan said last year while training firefighters at Camden-Wyoming Fire Company.
The organization was awarded grain bin rescue tube equipment and training last year thanks to Nationwide’s Nominate Your Fire Company Contest and the Del-
Grain bin safety signs are now available to farmers at the Delaware Farm Bureau office in Camden.
aware Farm Bureau. Across the country, more than 45 fire departments were awarded equipment and training last year in hopes of saving lives.
“The fire department [wins] the rescue tube and the auger, but it’s
very important that they learn how to get into the confined space of a grain bin and then use that rescue tube to build a cofferdam around our victim, sink it down around them and then evacuate the grain from the inside until the
person entrapped comes loose,” Neenan said during the training in 2021. Accidents, he added, “. . . can happen very quickly and the only way to prevent that is to have a zero-entry mentality.”
In Delaware, fire departments in Bridgeville, Harrington, Milford, Odessa, Little Creek, Leipsic and Laurel have also received equipment and training in recent years through this program.
Nominations for the yearly contest are accepted through April 30. Contact the Delaware Farm Bureau’s office at 302-697-3183 for more information or nominate a local fire department online at tinyurl.com/yc6fxdez.
Grain bin safety signs are also available to farmers by contacting the Delaware Farm Bureau’s office or emailing Mikayla.Paul@ defb.org. These signs are decals that stick to grain bins and contain a list of fire companies in Delaware that are equipped with the rescue tubes and training. For more information, visit www. defb.org
Annual conference to feature core credit, safety presentations
By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau
The Delaware Farm Bureau's Promotion and Education Committee is excited to announce this year's Ag Safety Conference scheduled for Wednesday, March 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Commodity Building at the Delaware Fairgrounds in Harrington — in person.
"The pandemic, for the past few years, has prevented the conference from meeting in person. Everyone is looking forward to 'in person conversations' with fellow farmers and neighbors," Delaware Ag Safety Conference Chair June Unruh said
The conference, offered in partnership with Nationwide, the University of Delaware's Cooperative Extension and Delaware's Department of Agriculture (DDA), will feature presentations on health and safety issues, a core credit, free coffee, donuts and lunch for participants, and door prizes.
Unruh said the event focuses on farmers and members of the agriculture community, but it is open to anyone with interest in the topics offered.
"This isn't just for farmers - anybody can attend. In the past, we've always had people come that aren't in the farming business, but they liked the topics," she said.
She will have a chance to lead the
conference by giving opening remarks, followed by DDA Secretary Michael Scuse.
Presentations during the event will include:
• Heat-related illnesses with Dan Wagner of Bayhealth Medical Center,
• Fall Protection with Matt Ludwig of Nationwide,
• Ladder Safety with Matheu Carter of the University of Delaware, and
• Worker Protection Standards in reference to Respirator Specific Training by Dr. Kerry Richards of the University of Delaware (one core credit included for participants).
Delaware Farm Bureau President Richard Wilkins will give closing remarks to round out the event.
Past conferences have focused heavily on grain bin safety among other topics, but Unruh explained that this year's conference has a different spin.
"This year's conference, I think, is focused on the farmer himself. We've always talked about machinery and safety, and this year it's all about keeping himself safe. He's got a job to do and he's got to keep himself healthy and well. He's out there feeding the whole world; he's got to pay attention to his own safety, as well. And we feed them! They
feed us, so this is our chance to feed them," Unruh said. "Our farmers are stewards of the land and are feeding the world. It is crucial that they take their own personal health and personal safety seriously. Agriculture workers are exposed to a wide range of work related hazards and the Safety Conference addresses these types of issues every year."
To agriculture professionals, she added, "We must never lose fo-
cus of safety issues on the farm. It is crucial for the well being of our farmers so they can perform their everyday jobs. Doesn't matter if you are just starting in farming or have been farming for a lifetime — safety starts with you. Think safety everyday. The world is counting on you."
Registration is free and includes the core credit and lunch for participants. For more information and to register, visit www.defb.org.
Foundation's Ag Lab to return for summertime fun
Farm Credit grant of $10,000 supports ag accurate education
By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau
Agriculture education is on the move again as the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation prepares its Ag Lab for summertime fun.
The 24-foot mobile lab features hands-on lessons with agriculture themes to build awareness, understanding and a positive public perception of Delaware farms, promote fresh local food, and teach children "ag accurate" information about food and how it is produced.
A $10,000 grant from Farm Credit recently helped the program continue its legacy since its inception in 2014.
"In 2017, we began the expansion into the Delaware Public School system, due to our research and inclusion with Core Curriculum and NextGen Science Standards. We provide a 30-minute lesson that emphasizes healthy eating, how food gets from the farm into their lunch boxes, how to grow their own food, and farming/agriculture as a viable career option for the future," Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation Coordinator Kali Voshell explained in the grant application.
The goal, she added, is to reach at least half of all public elementary schools in Delaware within the next three to five years, along with organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs, daycares and other groups.
The Mobile Ag Lab increases its operations in the summer months by also visiting camps and other groups that traditionally meet when school is not in session.
Darian Mitchell of Benjamin Banneker Elementary School in Milford said the program is "very engaging and hands on. I also like the incorporation of a story into the presentation."
Organizations, schools and classrooms interested in booking the Mobile Ag Lab should contact Kali Voshell at kali.voshell@ defb.org or by calling the Delaware Farm Bureau office at (302) 697-3183.
The Mobile Ag Lab brings ag accurate education to students in Delaware throughout the year.
Annual 5K Walk/Run to benefit Delaware charities
By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau
The Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation is gearing up for a fun year.
The 9th annual Milk Run 5K Run/ Walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 7 with registration starting at 8 a.m.. The race begins at 9 a.m. at Buffalo Wild Wings in Dover.
Proceeds from this event, facilitated by Tri Sports Events, benefit the Ministry of Caring's Milk for Children Fund, Food Bank of Delaware's Backpack Program and the Foundation's efforts to advance agriculture literacy and advocacy.
The 8th annual Milk Run 5K Run/Walk brought out more than 100 participants, helping raise needed funds for the three organizations.
Priscilla Rakestraw of the Ministry of Caring said during last year's event, "We need the help of everybody to feed and to clothe and to shelter the poorest among us. Because of this event, we can give milk to every child that comes to the dining room and every child that comes to our shelter. I don’t know what we would do without it. It is so important to us that people care and for the Farm Bureau
Foundation to come forward every year and say we want to help you take care of the poorest among us.”
Her organization feeds more than 500 people per day from all over the state and, "That's a lot of milk,"
according to Ms. Rakestraw.
The Food Bank of Delaware’s Backpack Program is also available to those in need across the state. According to the organization, backpacks containing weekend meals and other goodies were distributed to 132 schools during the 2019-2020 school year impacting 5,857 students in Delaware.
"This event is a highlight for many of our volunteers and supporters. It's something different that promotes what we do in a fun, engaging way," Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation Coordinator Kali Voshell said.
"Part of our mission at the Foundation is to educate the public about agriculture and promote local products. We can do this by supporting these organizations. They also help distribute information on Delaware-made products. It's a great partnership," she added.
To register, visit https://defb.org/ foundation/milk-run/. Registration is $25 until April 30 and $30 after that day or on the day of the event.
Businesses, organizations and individuals interested in sponsoring this event can contact Kali Voshell at kali.voshell@defb.org or call the state office.at (302) 697-3183.
Runners in the annual Milk Run 5K Run/Walk enjoy the scenic route in Dover during a previous event.
I SPY FARMING
Avian Influenza Found In Delaware Chicken Flock
Testing has confirmed a case of avian influenza on a Delaware poultry farm that showed increased mortality over the past few days.
Following an investigation by the Delaware Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory has confirmed poultry from this farm have tested positive for highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI).
There is no public health concern, and avian influenza does not affect poultry meat or egg products, which remain safe to eat.
“We have taken immediate action to contain this disease and will continue to work with poultry owners, the industry, and our laboratory partners to protect against its spread,” Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse said. “This appears to be an isolated case, with no reports of disease among our chicken industry. Delmarva poultry is safe to eat, and consumers can be confident in the safety of their food.”
The Delaware Department of Agriculture and partner agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are working to contain the situation, including sampling and
quarantining nearby poultry flocks. Avian influenza is an airborne respiratory virus that spreads easily among chickens through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes.
The farm is under quarantine to stop the spread of avian influenza to other flocks in the state. The birds on the affected farm will be depopulated to prevent the spread of disease and will not enter the food system. Due to the severity of this avian influenza, anyone found trespassing on a quarantined farm will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The avian influenza detection was the highly pathogenic H5 type, which is more severe and can cause high mortality in poultry flocks. It is the same strain confirmed in other states and wild birds in the Atlantic flyway. It is not known exactly how the virus was contracted. Scuse encouraged all poultry flock owners to follow the strictest biosecurity on their farms to prevent the spread of the disease. Those steps include:
• Limit, monitor, and record any movement of people, vehicles or animals on or off your farm.
• Permit only essential workers and vehicles to enter the farm to limit the chances of bringing the virus from an outside source.
• Avoid visiting other poultry farms and any unnecessary travel off the farm.
• Disinfect equipment, vehicles, footwear, and other items that come into contact with flocks.
• Keep your flock away from wild or migratory birds, especially waterfowl.
• Isolate any ill animals and contact your veterinarian.
This finding is the first case of HPAI in commercial poultry in Delaware since 2004.
Positive test results were confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Service Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. Preliminary testing was performed at the University of Delaware’s Allen Laboratory in Newark, part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network.
For more information on avian in-
fluenza and protecting poultry, visit https://de.gov/poultry. Backyard flock owners who have sick or unusual deaths in their flocks should email Poultry.Health@delaware. gov or call (302) 698-4507.
Additional background
Avian influenza (AI) is caused by an influenza type A virus that can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and is carried by free flying waterfowl and wild birds, such as ducks, geese, raptors, and shorebirds. AI viruses are classified by a combination of two groups of proteins: hemagglutinin or “H” proteins, of which there are 16 (H1–H16), and neuraminidase or “N” proteins, of which there are 9 (N1–N9). Many different combinations of “H” and “N” proteins are possible. Each combination is considered a different subtype and can be further broken down into different strains which circulate within flyways/ geographic regions. AI viruses are further classified by their pathogenicity (low or high)—the ability of a particular virus strain to produce disease in domestic poultry.
Volunteers, staff represent Delaware Farm Bureau at 2022 national conferences
Delaware Farm Bureau President Richard Wilkins and wife Donna enjoy a meal during a convention break in January.
Advocates travel to Atlanta for convention
By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau
More than 4,000 attendees and 50 speakers traveled to Atlanta, GA this January for the 2022 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention.
Delaware Farm Bureau staff and volunteers were among the crowd listening to speakers such as U.S. President Joe Biden and presentations from groups such as the AFBF's own economic team.
Delegates at the convention also had the chance to vote on policies and elections. AFBF President Zippy Duvall and Vice Present Scott VanderWal were both re-elected for their fourth terms with the organization.
Policies established for 2022 include a wide range of topics, like greater transperancy in livestock markets and federal milk pricing, biofuels, digital technology and urban agriculture. More information can be found on the AFBF website at www.fb.org.
Other sessions during the con-
vention included sustainability, challenges, advocacy and more.
The Delaware Farm Bureau received a special shoutout from President Biden when he began his speech and DEFB member Laura Brittingham said AFBF President Duvall took time to address her personally and ask about her farm during the convention.
"It was a great experience. It was really great to see so many people in support of agriculture in one location. I went to several different breakout sessions," Brittingham said. "My favorite one was probably the sustainability conference. There were three different farmers on the panel and they were talking about how important it is for each of us to tell our individual story. It's probably something that the average public isn't really exposed to all the time."
Next year's convention will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico Jan. 6-11, 2023.
Delaware Farm Bureau State Women's Committee Chair Mary B. Gooden tells convention goers about activities in the First State.
Laura Brittingham, Mary B. Gooden, Connie Fox and Jan Cartanza pose for a picture at the 2022 American Farm Bureau Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.
Young Farmers, Ranchers gather for conference
By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau
Young Farmers & Ranchers from Delaware gained leadership skills and enjoyed hands-on learning sessions during the national YF&R Conference in February this year.
Held in Louisville, KY, the event featured networking opportunities, community service projects, roundtable discussions and more.
"The conference is a great way to meet people that are facing some of the same things that we are," Delaware State Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee Chair Mollie Lynch said. "My favorite part other than getting to network was getting to go on the educational tours. I got to see some amazing Kentucky horse breeding farms."
Lynch and other YF&R Committee members enjoyed the
plethora of activities made available at the conference and helped make blankets for homeless persons in the Louisville area.
"I learned some new ways to break the ice with members, new thoughts on old ideas and new techniques for raising my beef cattle. I believe what I learned at the conference will make me a better YF&R member, leader and farmer," she added.
The YF&R Committee helps with advocacy efforts and raises money for community needs such as scholarships. The annual Strawberry Festival held in May and the annual Antique Tractor Pull held on the last day of the Delaware State Fair are just two activities led by the Delaware group.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.defb.org or call the state office at (302)-6973183.
Delaware's Young Farmers and Ranchers State Coordinator Kali Voshell, New Castle County YF&R Chair Abel Elwell, Member Adam Collier, YF&R Secretary Casey Collier, YF&R Financial Liason Katie Foster, YF&R State Chair Mollie Lynch, Kent County YF&R Chair Michael Lynch and YF&R State Vice Chair J.T. Robbins pose for a photo during the national YF&R conference in Louisville, KY this year.
YF&R State Vice Chair J.T. Robbins, NCC Chair Abel Elwell, Kent County Chair Michael Lynch and State Chair Mollie Lynch volunteer during the convention making blankets for the homeless in Louisville.
Awards honor hard work, commitment in Delaware
By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau
The Delaware Farm Bureau took home two awards during the 2022 national conference in Atlanta, GA.
The 2021 Award of Excellence honored the First State for its coalitions and partnerships, and engagement and outreach.
The New Horizon Award honors the most innovative new state Farm Bureau programs, according to the Farm Bureau Federation. Delaware Farm Bureau's Digitally Marketing Delaware's Specialty Crops Campaign fit the bill.
"We were awarded the USDA Specialty Crop Grant for a few years and we wanted to just try something a little bit different and find new ways of reaching out to consumers, especially nowadays since they're just so technologically advanced," DEFB Marketing Coordinator Mikayla Paul said. "We thought outside the box and partnered with iHeart Media and local radio station 94.7 to utilize their advanced technologies
in connecting with consumers through digital platforms."
The campaign marketed 23 specialty crops produced in Delaware and included radio spots delivered by Farm Bureau members. The success of the program was measured through surveys completed by consumers who engaged with the ads.
To help teach consumers about where food comes from in Delaware, Paul and other staff members and interns visited member farms and highlighted them on social media.
"Even though this was all digital, we were still able to go out in person and connect with our members to show them that there is value in the Farm Bureau and that we are working to help benefit them and help support them," she added. "And sometimes it also helps you gain new members. So it was a great membership activity all throughout the campaign."
For more information on the Delaware Farm Bureau and to get involved, visit www.defb.org.
Delaware Farm Bureau earned the 2021 Award of Excellence.
The New Horizon Award was given to Delaware Farm Bureau during the national conference.
Social Security and Medicare strategies for farmers
The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*
Retirement isn’t often part of the long-term plan for farmers. But it’s still important to think about your long-term financial future. And a few retirement benefits are key components of that future.
That includes Social Security and Medicare. Incorporating these benefits into your long-term plans can help firm up your (and your farm’s) financial footing today and down the road.
“Farmers need a trusted advisor to help them understand how decisions around Social Security and Medicare will impact their finances,” said Nationwide Advanced Consulting Group Director George Schein. “Farmers need expertise to help transition their farms to the next generation. And they need to create a source of retirement income.”
Know the impacts of your Social Security choices
Social Security retirement benefits are available starting at age 62. But taking your benefit as soon as possible leads to reduced monthly payments. For that reason, many choose to delay until full retirement age or age 70 (when benefits stop growing).
Delaying benefits as long as you can is a good rule of thumb. But that’s not always best for farmers.
“Some farmers may not expect to live into their 80s. Those farmers are more likely to choose the reduced payments that begin before their full retirement age,” Schein said. “Some farmers may also start Social Security benefits early because they plan to rely on the steady source of income it provides to cover the costs of Medicare premiums, which generally start at age 65.”
It’s a good idea to talk to a financial professional as early as your 40s or 50s to ensure you qualify for benefits. You need at least ten years of taxable income to be eligible.
“A downside of today’s tax laws for farmers is that some may offset their farm’s annual income entirely and miss out on Social Security altogether,” Schein said. “By addressing this while there’s still
time, a farmer can make the most of this important benefit.”
Learn more about Social Security disability for farmers from Nationwide’s Land As Your Legacy® team or get connected to a financial professional who can provide even more personalized guidance.
Plan for Medicare coverage
Most U.S. citizens become eligible for Medicare at age 65 if they’re either qualified to collect Social Security benefits, a U.S. citizen or if they’ve been a permanent resident for at least five years. With a few limitations, the federal program covers a portion of many common medical expenses like:
• Inpatient care
• Outpatient care
• Skilled nursing care
• Hospice care
• Durable medical equip-
ment (like a walker or wheelchair)
• Preventative benefits like annual checkups and screenings
But there are also exclusions, namely:
• Prescription drugs
• Dental
• Vision
• Hearing care
Plan ahead to help better afford Medicare’s gaps
Additional coverage is available from private insurers and should be considered by those 65 and older. The annual open enrollment window is the key time for these decisions. It begins in mid-October and runs through early December.
“Planning for current and future medical care and how to pay for it is even more critical for farmers because of the physical nature of
their work and a lack of quality health care in many rural areas,” Schein said.
Nationwide’s Land As Your Legacy team can help further make sense of both Medicare and Social Security for farmers. 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
