Farm Bureau News
Celebrating 78 Years!
Local Farmers Feeding Your Family
Annual Ag Safety Conference planned
Spring is right around the corner, which means farmers will be out in their fields and agriculture equipment will be on the roads again.
But prior to the planting season officially starting, the Delaware Farm Bureau's Promotion and Education Committee takes advantage of the opportunity to regroup with farmers and educate them on various safety topics, ranging from a farmer’s health to safety hazards found on the farm.
The 6th Annual Delaware Ag Safety Conference will be held Wed., March 22, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Loblolly Acres, located at 3893 Turkey Point Rod. Viola, DE 19979. It is free and open to anyone who might be interested in learning about safety around the farm.
This conference, in partnership with Nationwide, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension and Loblolly Acres, will feature presentations on various safety topics, one pesticide credit, vendors for attendees to network with, and door prizes. Morning coffee and lunch will also be provided.
Presentations during the event will in-
clude the following:
• Hay Bale Safety with Jules Hendrix of Crow Insurance Agency and Nationwide,
• “Tick Talk” with Dr. Ashley Kennedy of DNREC,
• Water Quality and the Effects on Pesticide Performance with Dr. Kerry Richards of University of Delaware (one pesticide credit included for participants), and
• Being Safe & Smart around Moving Equipment and Parts with DEFB Executive Director Don Clifton.
The topic of ag safety is very dear to Ag Safety Sub-Committee Chair June Unruh. She advocates for farmer safety and for the safety of the public. When it comes to the Annual Delaware Ag Safety Conference, Unruh is continuously finding new topics to present to those who attend the safety conference each year. A quote she lives by is “Safety – it all starts with you.”
This event is FREE and open to the public. To register for or sponsor the 6th Annual Delaware AG Safety Conference, visit defb.org.
In this issue
From the President’s desk
Changing our future for the better takes a group effort
State Board of Directors
President
William “Bill” Powers, Jr.
1st Vice President
Steve Breeding
2nd Vice President
It’s legislative season in Delaware - a time when old friends and new colleagues gather in the state’s capital to create change and positively impact our citizens. It can be a stressful time for everyone involved from legislators to business folks to advocates like volunteers with the Delaware Farm Bureau because we all walk into that building with an idea of what we want our future to look like and we need the legislators’ help to get there. When we work to better our future, we have to bring the skill of compromising to the table in order to truly affect change. The power of compromise was realized even recently when our own former Delaware Farm Bureau Board President Richard Wilkins worked with several other board presidents from across the country to craft a memorandum of understanding with John Deere allowing farmers and ranchers the opportunity to regain the
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: 3457 S. DuPont Highway, Camden, DE 19934, 302-697-3183.
Any editorial material may be reproduced with credit to this publication.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Delaware Farm Bureau News at the office above.
“right to repair” their own equipment.
This resolution was crafted within the private sector, between the two parties, rather than through legislative efforts. However, the art of compromising and working together can certainly be, and has been, used successfully when it comes to legislation, as well.
One of the most important things we have to remember in terms of creating change is that it always starts with one - One idea, one need, one person, one organization, one legislator. . .
As Delaware Farm Bureau members, we have the added benefit of bringing thousands of our voices together at once to help emphasize those needed changes whether it’s bringing one new idea to the table or commenting on ideas already in the works.
Our Executive Director Don Clifton, fellow farmer and lifelong agriculture advocate, has been a frequent flier at Delaware’s Legislative Hall this year, making sure our viewpoints are known, keeping the Delaware Farm Bureau Policy Book and the skill of compromising handy along the way.
The policy book contains pages upon pages of items our hard working member delegates have voted on over the years to help guide our organization. For example, this past year, our delegates voted to ask our legislators to declare the whitetailed deer a pest. This viewpoint updates the policy book and helps
guide our advocates like Don who can take the facts behind our new policy and explain it to legislators who can help affect change. In essence, the Delaware Farm Bureau’s Policy Book is a tool our advocates can use as leverage to help get our points across in a professional, powerful manner. It can show our legislators that we discussed this issue as an organization and collectively decided this is how we want to guide our advocates.
We need our members to step up and participate in that changemaking process because we work better as a team.
Together, we bring experiences to the table and we can work out some of the bugs in the ideas we have before we bring it to legislators. We can’t do that without new volunteers and members every year. The point is - without you, we can’t work as well for you.
I hope in 2023 you will consider stepping up to the plate and volunteering in a new role with the Delaware Farm Bureau.
All of our volunteering opportunities come in varied shapes and sizes. There is no one size fits all option - it’s all about what will work best for you knowing that you want to help us create a better tomorrow. With our members backing us up on the team, the possibilities are endless.
So - are you in? Call our office today at 302-697-3183 to discover where you might fit best in our team of volunteers.
Paul Cartanza, Sr
County Presidents
Kent: James Minner
Sussex: Steve Breeding
New Castle: Stewart Ramsey
Young Farmers & Ranchers
State Chair: Mollie Lynch
Kent Chair: Michael Lynch
New Castle Chair: Abel Elwell
Women’s Committee
State Chair: Mary B. Gooden
Kent Chair: Rebecca Bobola
Sussex Cha ir: Constance Fox
New Castle Chair: June Unruh
Kent County Directors
Bruce Dempsey
Paul Cartanza Sr
Ted Bobola Jr
Sussex County Directors
Alan Bailey
Laura Brittingham
Cory Atkins
New Castle County Directors
Bruce Patrick Will Powers, III
Ryan Greer
Delaware Farm Bureau President Bill Powers
DEFB, Univ. of Del. to host Risk Management event
By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau
The Delaware Farm Bureau is teaming with the University of Delaware’s Cooperative Extension to host a Risk Management Conference at the Paradee Center in Dover Monday, March 6.
The conference will run from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. and include lunch for attendees. To help families and agriculture professionals better understand the risks and opportunities available during farming, topics will include trends in
crop insurance, grain marketing opportunities, input cost management, personal and family risks, and much more.
"Mitigating production risk is one of the most challenging aspects of agricultural production, especially during times of extreme volatility like in 2022. This conference will discuss several different management strategies to help plan for and mitigate risks to farming businesses in the current environment of 2023 and beyond. Topics discussed include, enterprise bud-
Topics will include
Commodity Crop 2023 Budgets
Shannon Dill, Univ. of Maryland
Fertilizer Market Trends and Outlook
Jason Troendle, The Fertilizer Institute
Crop Insurance Options
Alex Serrano, USDA Risk Management Agency
Grain Marketing Trends and Strategies
Nate Bruce, Univ. of Delaware
USDA Farm Service Agency Risk Management Programs
Maryann Reed & Robin Talley, USDA Farm Services Agency
Farm Transition Planning
Paul Goeringer, Univ. of Maryland
gets, fertilizer markets, grain marketing, USDA programs, transition planning, and more," University of Delaware Cooperative Extension Farm Business Management Specialist Nate Bruce said. "Participants should feel more comfortable about managing production risks as a result of attending the conference."
Delaware Farm Bureau Executive Director Don Clifton added, “It’s important to analyze our farming operations to know where we’ve been and where we want to
take our businesses in the future. As farmers, that means we have to really understand not only the risks associated within agriculture, but also the opportunities that are available. We hope this conference can shed light on some of these topics that tend to be a little harder to grasp."
For more information or to register for the Risk Management Conference or the 6th annual Ag Safety Conference, call the Delaware Farm Bureau at 302-697-3183 or visit www.defb.org.
Lynch names Elwell YF&R Member of the Year
By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau
Abel Elwell has worked hard to further the mission of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, a group within the Delaware Farm Bureau, and improve the agriculture industry. This year, he was recognized for his efforts.
Elwell, the YF&R chair for New Castle County, was honored as the 2022 Member of the Year by statewide chair Mollie Lynch of Houston.
"I chose Abel because of his hard work and dedication to not only the YF&R, but to Delaware agriculture. Abel has been a wonderful liaison between the county and YF&R. He is always willing to help out and does every task with a smile," Lynch said.
Currently residing in Middletown, he grew up in Salem County, New Jersey and got to know agriculture through organizations like 4-H.
He earned a degree in Crop & Soil Science from Virginia Tech where he joined a local Young Farmers & Ranchers group and worked for farmers during his college years.
“While I thoroughly enjoyed running equipment, I now work for farmers in a different way. I work in sales support for Willard Agri-Service in Lynch MD. This has been a learning experience getting to know the farms across Delaware and the Eastern Shore from scouting and soil sampling. Working in ag retail is more of a lifestyle than a job. Delaware Young Farmers & Ranchers has helped me connect with people just like me,” Elwell said.
Volunteering with the organization has offered him that chance to connect while supporting agriculture in a different way, he added.
“Being involved in Farm Bureau gives me an opportunity to connect with other people in Delaware who share similar passions, interests and values. Since less than two percent of Americans are directly involved in agriculture, it's imperative that those of us who are, advocate and stand together. Farm Bureau is that voice,” Elwell said.
As the YF&R Member of the
Year, his work isn’t done. He will continue advocating for agriculture and producers, as well as consumers, through his volunteer role at the Delaware Farm Bureau, a role he takes very seriously.
“If we don't have a seat at the table, we are lunch. The story of agriculture is already being told by those outside of our industry. It's important that those of us with first hand knowledge tell our stories to consumers,” Elwell said.
“Turning on the news and scrolling through Facebook can paint a less than optimistic future for our Industry as a whole. The great news is we do have the power to make a direct impact on our local counties and state. Together, we can change the narrative and engage with consumers and lawmakers. We are the next generation. There are so many cool opportunities YF&R can offer such as taking part in the Strawberry Festival, the tractor pull at the state fair, and the national YF&R Farm Bureau convention. Don't miss out on your chance to become a part of the Farm Bureau family.”
The Delaware Farm Bureau offers a variety of membership types including members who are farmers, those who are professionally engaged in the agriculture industry and farm community members who want to support the mission. Volunteer opportunities are available in committees such as the YF&R Committee, Promotions & Education Committee, Women’s Committee and more.
For more information, visit defb. org or call the state office at 302697-3183.
Abel Elwell, Young Farmers & Ranchers chair for New Castle County, accepts the 2022 Member of the Year award from statewide Chair Mollie Lynch.
Strawberry Festival supports YF&R scholarships, activities
By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau
The Delaware Farm Bureau's Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee is preparing for a sweet community day out in May.
The 13th annual YF&R Strawberry Festival will be held Saturday, May 27 at Bobola Farm & Florist from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The event is open to attendees of all ages and includes a fun zone for children, live music and, of course, fresh strawberry shortcake. Wristbands for the activities are $6 each with a $1 discount for attendees who bring a non-perishable food item.
Visitors can also pick their own strawberries in the Bobola Farm's U-Pick patch.
"The Strawberry Festival is important to our family for a few reasons. Our festival is a reminder that summer is right around the corner. It is also important to us because it gives the community a chance to be on the farm and see exactly where their food comes from and the people who grow it," Rebecca Bobola said. "The Bobola family has also always emphasized partnering with and or
supporting the next generation, either through 4-H, FFA or Farm Bureau's Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. Partnering with Delaware Farm Bureau's YF&R for the strawberry festival is an example of that relationship."
Statewide YF&R Chair Mollie Lynch said the event is am important
activity for the group every year.
"It's a lot of fun, but it's also a way for us to give back to the community. We collect non-perishable food items for the Harvest for All Campaign led by our national organization to encourage our younger farmers to give back in a way that is meaningful and connects to our livelihood," she said.
"It's also a really great chance to get the community out and about while exploring one of our local farms in action. The Bobola's have been very gracious in allowing us to use their farm for this event every year."
For more information on upcoming events and membership, visit www.defb.org.
Great Hearing. Great Benefits. That Simple.
As a member of the Delaware Farm Bureau, you have access to the Great Hearing Benefits (GHB) program. GHB provides family members access to hearing care and hearing aids at discounted rates.
• Up to 50% below-MSRP pricing on today’s top hearing aid technology
• Free 60-day trial.
• 3-year warranty and service plan.
• 4,500 nationwide locations for free hearing aid service or repair.
• If your hearing aids are lost, stolen or damaged within the first three years, we’ll replace your hearing aids!
• Share your benefits with up to three immediate family members.
Congress looks to renew national Farm Bill
By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau
The clock is ticking on the all-encompassing Farm Bill Americans have come to know.
Since the 1930s. the Farm Bill has covered an increasing variety of topics centered around agriculture and the nutritional needs of Americans. It offers various agencies the power to oversee some conservation efforts, support crop insurance and agricultural disaster related needs, and implement and maintain programs such as welfare offerings and lending opportunities, among other things. Essentially, it serves as a mechanism authorizing spending bills as they relate to nutrition and farms. To account for inflation, other fluctuating pricing concerns and societal needs at the time, the Farm Bill is renewed about every five years.
"Without reauthorization, some farm bill programs would expire, such as the nutrition assistance and farm commodity support programs. Other programs have permanent authority and do not need reauthorization (e.g. crop insurance) and are included in a farm bill to make policy changes or achieve budgetary goals," the Congressional Research Service stated in its Farm Bill Primer updated Feb. 22, 2023.
The inner workings of the upcoming farm bill continues to be debated as the Sept. 30, 2023 expiration date looms for the current farm bill, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 which included $867 billion in spending authorizations supporting American consumers and farmers.
Of the programs funded through the Farm Bill, the government's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program takes the majority coming in at about 82%, according to the America Farm Bureau Federation, focusing on maintaining and improving on food security in the United States.
The remainder of funding currently made available through the Farm Bill helps farmers stay in business and create new employment opportunities. It also funds projects such as ag research and conservation programs, and risk management and disaster related programming for farmers. Commodity programs can also be found inside the Farm Bill, making up
"The Farm Bill is one of the mightiest tools to protect our nation’s food supply and strengthen agriculture," AFBF President Zippy Duvall said.
AFBF delegates who attended the national convention in Puerto Rico in January helped shape the farming organization's priorities by voting on and adopting policies which could give advocates a better idea of how they can work to influence legislators during Farm Bill negiations.
Expanded funding, more flexible relief programming and extended protection for more specialty crops are just a few of the items delegates voted on during the convention, according to AFBF, all of which could be supported through the Farm Bill.
"Recognizing growing food insecurity in the United States, delegates approved new policy to support access to nutrition programs including connecting farms directly with food banks, increasing the number of SNAP-approved food sales outlets, and other efforts to make produce
DEFB Executive Director Don Clifton and US Senator Tom Carper shared thoughts on February 17 about Farm Bureau’s priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill. DEFB will be engaging with Senator Carper, Senator Chris Coons, and Representative Lisa Blunt-Rochester as the new Farm Bill is being drafted. It is the goal of a Bipartisan Congressional coalition to deliver an “on time” Farm Bill this year.
available to families living in food deserts," AFBF stated in a press release.
Many of the priorities laid out by AFBF delegates were echoed by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich), chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, when she gave a prepared opening statement at the "Farm Bill 2023: Trade and Horticulture" hearing Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023.
"I am committed to passing a Farm Bill that improves [farmers'] ability to manage risks and market their products. Our attention to their issues is vital to keep American-grown fruits and vegetables on our tables. Since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, we have seen continued growth in the organic sector, which exceeded $63 billion in sales last year. We need to continue to support our organic farmers, including those transitioning into the program," she said.
"It is also important that we made the Local Agriculture Market Program permanent in the 2018 Farm Bill. And, we have seen a surge in demand for locally sourced foods during the pandemic, underscoring the need for more investments in our local and regional food systems. Globally, we are facing unprecedented levels of food insecurity, compounded by high food prices, supply chain challenges, and Putin’s war against Ukraine. Our farmers play a vital role in providing U.S. grown commodities to feed those in need, and Farm Bill development programs help to build resiliency on the ground," Sen. Stabenow continued. "The Farm Bill also creates opportunities for American farmers to connect with consumers around the world by providing marketing assistance and credit access. Agricultural exports have grown from $66 billion in 1996 to a record of more than $191 billion in 2022. That’s more than 1 million American jobs on and off the farm."
Sen. Stabenow continued supporting farmers
What is in the Farm Bill?
TITLE I – Commodity Programs
TITLE II – Conservation
TITLE III – Trade
TITLE IV – Nutrition Programs
TITLE V – Credit
TITLE VI – Rural Development
TITLE VII – Research and Related Matters
TITLE VIII – Forestry
TITLE IX – Energy
TITLE X – Horticulture
TITLE XI – Crop Insurance
TITLE XII – Miscellaneous
What is AFBF's position?
AFBF supports the following principles to guide development of programs in the next Farm Bill:
• Increase baseline funding commitments to farm programs;
• Maintain a unified farm bill which includes nutrition programs and farm programs together; and
• Prioritize funding for risk management tools which include both federal crop insurance and commodity programs. The food and farm bill has been a bipartisan effort in the past. The 2023 farm bill presents an important opportunity for lawmakers to rise above partisanship and work together again to pass legislation that protects food security for all Americans and the future success of our farmers and ranchers.
during her opening statement, saying, "The success of our agricultural economy requires continued investment in markets and opportunities for all farmers. Whether they are selling to their neighbors or exporting products globally – and whether they are growing traditional commodities, specialty crops, or organics – the Farm Bill helps farmers put food on tables here and around the world. We all have a stake in continuing to make sure this happens. That’s what this farm bill is all about."
While the Farm Bill is handled at the national level, it is felt at the local level throughout the country.
Delaware Farm Bureau Executive Director Don Clifton, following a recent conference call with AFBF staff, stated, “Recent Farm Bills have emphasized risk management programs as essential to an effective safety net for farmers and ranchers. AFBF has a amazing team monitoring Congressional progress on the Farm Bill. They keep us well informed in the states and we perform our due diligence staying in touch with our Congressional Delegation. We have recently discussed the Farm Bill with Senator Carper, Senator Coons, and Representative Blunt-Rochester. We are fortunate that each of these is a Farm Bill veteran and understands the issues.”
Growing For 100 Years: DCA celebrates a century of growing poultry on Delmarva
Delmarva Chicken Association
Delmarva Chicken Association (DCA) has launched a year-long educational campaign, "Growing For 100 Years," to celebrate the innovation and growth of the meat chicken industry, which began a century ago in Ocean View, Delaware.
Cecile Steele of Sussex County, Delaware pioneered the industry in 1923 when she accidentally received a shipment of 500 chickens. This prompted her and her husband, Wilmer, to build the first broiler chicken farm on Delmarva. Within three years, this Delaware family had built coops for 10,000 chickens and jumpstarted an American innovation - a farm dedicated to raising chickens not for eggs, but to eat.
Since that first broiler chicken flock in 1923, the industry has made remarkable advances, giving generations of family farmers a way to make a living from the land, serving as the backbone of Delmarva's economy, and protecting the environment by utilizing fewer resources to produce more chicken. Today, there are more than 1,300 family farmers on Delmarva, more than 18,000 chicken company employees, and hundreds of allied businesses in the chicken community, working together to produce $4.5 billion worth of chicken a year.
"Cecile Steele's inspired idea 100 years ago has impacted not only the Delmarva region, but America and the world," said DCA Executive Director Holly Porter. "This campaign is about paying tribute to the farmers, chicken companies, and allied businesses advancing the industry, and looking forward to the bright future ahead for the chicken community."
2023 is also the 75th anniversary of Delmarva Chicken Association, founded in 1948 to organize the Delmarva Chicken Festival and formerly known as Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc.
To kick off the Growing For 100 Years campaign, DCA and presenting sponsor Perdue Farms hosted a launch event at the Delaware Agricultural Museum in Dover, Del. on Saturday, February 11. More than 150 industry leaders, innovators, farmers, lawmakers and officials attended to mark the occasion.
Delaware's congressional delegation of U.S. Senators Tom Carper,
Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) honored this milestone in a Congressional Record Statement.
"The industry may have started with an accidental delivery, but we can look back on it now as an amazing economic opportunity for Delmarva and the thousands of families it supports," said Senator Carper. "Raising broiler chickens is a way of life for the more than 1,300 farm families on Delmarva whose hard work provides food for hundreds of thousands of people in our country and around the world."
"100 years ago, a resourceful woman from Sussex County created an industry that feeds the world today," said Delaware Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. "Chicken is vital to Delaware's economy, and it's an honor to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Cecile Steele's first flock."
"Delaware's mild climate, infrastructure, and closeness to key markets smoothed the way, but the growth of the chicken industry happened thanks to hard work by farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs," said Michael T. Scuse, Delaware's Secretary of Agriculture. "On this important anniversary, we thank generations of farmers and companies who dedicated themselves to feeding their neighbors."
DEFB Executive Director Don Clifton and US Senator Chris Coons enjoy the festivities during the Delmarva Chicken Association’s (DCA) “Growing Chicken for 100 Years!” Celebration Kick-Off event held at the Delaware Agriculture Museum Feb. 11. Senator Coons is a founder and Co-Chair of the US Senate Chicken Caucus.
Cecile Steele of Sussex County formed the first broiler chicken farm on Delmarva in 1923 along with her husband, Wilmer, according to the Delmarva Chicken Association.
Delaware state legislators joined the Delmarva Chicken Association for its 100th anniversary kick-off event with resolutions and honors in hand.
"Chicken producers' positive economic impact stretches from coast to coast, hits every sector of the U.S. economy and is felt in every congressional district," said National Chicken Council President Mike Brown. "We're also committed to environmentally responsible chicken production practices to ensure a
healthier planet, and chicken production in the U.S. is more sustainable than ever before."
Throughout the year, Delmarva residents and visitors can expect to learn about the meat chicken industry on TV, digital platforms, publications, billboards across the region, and community events in Maryland and Delaware.
Delmarva Chicken Association,
founded in 1948, is the Delmarva chicken industry's voice as the premier membership association focusing on advocacy, education and member relations. DCA's vision is to be the most-respected chicken organization in the United States. For more information about the Delmarva Chicken Association, visit www. dcachicken.com or call 302-8569037.
Funding available through Dept. of Ag to increase competitiveness of Delaware’s specialty crops
The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) is now accepting proposals for the 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The federal Farm Bill is allotting approximately $340,000 through a competitive grant process to fund innovative projects supporting specialty crops and creating new and better markets for the Delaware specialty crop industry. DDA will accept applications through March 24, 2023.
Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, nursery crops, and floriculture. Projects should benefit the specialty crop industry and provide a positive impact with measurable outcomes. Grants are available between $5,000 and $75,000 for projects lasting one to three years.
Agricultural producers, nonprofit organizations, government entities, for-profit companies, or education-
al institutions based in Delaware or with a business or academic affiliation based in the state are eligible to apply. Applications requesting funding for field crops, such as corn, soybeans, or animal agriculture, do not qualify for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
DDA is offering an in-person grant workshop. People interested in learning how to apply for the grant’s eligibility requirements and priorities are welcome to attend. For more information, contact DDA Marketing Specialist Ese Jessa by email at Ese.Jessa@delaware. gov.
Past Delaware projects have included expanding community-supported agriculture programs, research on new specialty crop varieties, deer deterrent methods to safeguard specialty crops, and marketing to promote locally grown specialty crops.
Proposals for the upcoming fiscal year must be submitted to DDA by 4:30 p.m. on March 24, 2023. The grant evaluation team will review submissions, with selected projects included in the Delaware State Plan for USDA’s review and final approval.
For questions about Delaware’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program or to obtain an application, visit online at https://de.gov/scbg.
Applications now accepted for DEFB internships
By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau
Farm visits, digitam marketing and local advocacy is how four students spent a summer vacation or two while gaining unique hands-on experiences through internships with the Delaware Farm Bureau.
Marketing Interns Hannah
O’Hara of Milford, 2020, Kyle Spillane, 2021, of Harrington, Abby Edwards of Felton, marketing intern for 2021 and Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation intern for 2022, and Jaiden Cain, 2022, of Harrington, each worked hard to benefit agriculture in the First State and their own education as they learned effective advocacy techniques, understood diverse farming practices and brought fresh ideas to the organization.
“The marketing intern pertains more to the ‘promote Delaware agriculture’ portion of the mission statement. They go out and visit with members in an effort to encourage consumers to shop locally by visiting local farm stands and farmers markets in their area. They do a lot with connecting consumers to where they can purchase fresh and local products. They also help educate the public at various
events, such as the Delaware State Fair,” Marketing Coordinator Mikayla Paul said.
O’Hara, the organization’s first intern, set the tone for the interns who would follow. She primarily promoted the Book Barn campaign, offered by DEFB’s Promotions and Education Committee, helping pivot the campaign’s direction during COVID-19. She recorded Delaware Farm Bureau members reading the ag accurate books, included in the Book Barns, in their fields to promote ag literacy. These videos can be found on the Delaware Farm Bureau YouTube channel. She also worked to advance the organization’s digital presence, helping advocate for farmers and ranchers using modern technology. She now works as the Administrative Assistant and Premiums Manager at the Delaware State Fair. She said the program was very effective in helping prepare her for the future. “The Delaware Farm Bureau offers an internship that is like no other. It will widen the horizons of any aspiring marketing professional. My knowledge of agriculture, technology, traditional marketing and social media have expanded immensely,” she previ-
ously told DEFB. “Meeting farmers and being personable is key for this organization and internship. While most programs have you design or promote from behind a desk, the Delaware Farm Bureau takes you throughout the state to farm stands, member farms and the Delaware State Fair. I highly recommend applying for this experience.”
Like O’Hara, other students who have made their way through the internship program at DEFB have found success, as well.
Spillane graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in marketing in 2022 and spent much of his time as an intern working with digital designs, creating content, supporting the Mobile Ag Lab and promoting the Livestock Survey. He now works as a Land Acquisition Analyst with K. Hovnanian Homes.
Edwards is gearing up to share her own experiences with the next generation as a teacher in the Milford School District when she graduates from Delaware State University this spring after studying agronomy and ag education. She led the “Our Delaware Farmer” campaign for DEFB for which the interns visited and interviewed many farms throughout the state
to help share their stories directly with consumers through social media.
Cain is set to graduate from Virginia Tech this spring with a degree in Agribusiness and a minor in Dairy Science and is excited to bring her expertise to her own field - literally - at the family farm. During her internship, she worked on digital content creation. She also worked with the Foundation’s Mobile Ag Lab and advocated for Delaware farmers through outlets such as the Delaware State Fair.
“This internship solidified my decision that I want to pursue a career in agricultural marketing/communications. I am currently interning at the SOAR Foundation in communications and advocacy. What I learned in my internship with the Delaware Farm Bureau helped me secure this internship and be successful,” Cain said of her time with the statewide organization.
The Delaware Farm Bureau is currently accepting applications from students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in the field of Marketing/Business or Agriculture for its 2023 summer internship program. Applications are due March 31. They can be found online at https:// defb.org/contact-us/careers/.
Youth win sheep in Youth Conservationist Program
article was submitted
Delaware youth Shane Dury. 10, and Elizabeth Handlin, age 16, were both selected to receive sheep at the 2022 Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival during the Youth Conservationist Program Contest.
“I was the 2022 recipient of a yearling White Border Leicester Ewe in the YCP contest held at the MD Sheep and Wool Festival," Shane said.
"I was introduced to sheep and had been raising a few smaller crossbred sheep through my 4H leader for a couple of years," he continued. "After having sheep for a few years, I decided to put in my application to see if I would be selected to receive a Border Leicester ewe. My big sister has a small flock of Border Leicesters and I really love the breed. They have a great temperament, are friendly, calm and docile, hearty and have beautiful wool. Border Leicester come in 2 different colors: White and Natural Colored. I wanted to focus on the White colors. I named my ewe 'Ember,' and we completed six shows in
multiple states. She won me a few grand champion ribbons against some tough competition and the family who selected me to receive her watched me show her online! I handle all her daily care and needs, and we worked very hard on preparing for our shows this past summer. She was bred to a registered Border Leicester ram back in the fall and is due to have her first lamb at the end of March. I’m super excited!”
Lizzie also has years of livestock showing experience behind her.
“I’ve been showing livestock since I was two, but I got my first breeding ewe when I was ten. She was given to me by my 4H leader. I had a great start, but I wanted to raise more competitive sheep. While showing, I saw a Natural Colored Border Leicester and fell in love with their curls and personality," she said.
"My Border Leicester ewe, Zinnia, which I received from the Youth Conservationists Program is now pregnant and is due April 2. When I was with Zinnia at a show called Stars and Stripes, I won supreme showman. I then got invited to an agriculture convention in New Jer-
sey where I will be doing a display about the YCP program. I’m so glad to have her and she is a great addition to my flock,” Lizzie continued.
The Youth Conservationist Program (YCP) allows all kids ages 9-18 to write an essay saying who they are as an individual, their knowledge with sheep, their flock goals as a shepherd, what breed(s) they are interested in raising and why the conservation of breeds is important.
The program has many breeders that come together to donate a yearling ewe, or a one-year-old female sheep, from their own flocks. In 2022, the program had 11 different heritage breeds that were donated to help get kids started on their very own flocks.
These amazing people committed themselves to being mentors to the kids they selected for their ewe. Once all the essays have been received, the breeders are given all essays from kids that are interested in their breed and they decide who receives their ewe. Once the child accepts the ewe, they go to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival which is held during the first weekend of
May. There, they will meet the family who donated the sheep and participate in an award type ceremony to receive ownership of their sheep.
By accepting the sheep, they have agreed to meet five major criteria that is to be completed in a years time. The child must:
• Show/exhibit the sheep at least twice,
• Breed the ewe to a registered ram of same breed,
• Utilize the fleece by either crafting or selling,
• Promote the YCP and their breed in an article to their local paper, and
• Hand in a report the following year to their breeder showcasing how their first year went.
"We would like to tell any kid who wants to start their own flock to apply to this program. Having sheep is a lot of fun. There are lots of people apart of this program that are happy to help you or answer questions you may have. They are very supportive and want to help you raise a healthy and productive heritage breed flock," Shane and Lizzie said. For more information, visit https:// sheepandwool.org/
This
by Shane Dury and Elizabeth Handlin.
Delaware youth Shane Dury, 10, to the left, and Elizabeth Handlin, 16, to the right, won sheep while at the 2022 Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival during the Youth Conservation Program Contest.
Smyrna FFA hosts college, ag career fair
During National FFA Week, the Delaware Farm Bureau had the opportunity to speak with high school FFA students at Smyrna High School’s 2023 Agricultural College and Career Fair, that took place on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. This event was eye-opening for the students, allowing them to learn more about the various career pathways within the realm agriculture.
The Smyrna High School Agriscience Department and the Smyrna FFA Chapter invited over 75 businesses and industry representatives, including Delaware Department of Agriculture, Brenford Animal Hospital, Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police and many more. Students within the Agriscience Department were able to learn about the various pathways and careers they can pursue, such as ag education, crop production and engineering to name a few. They spoke with representatives to learn more about each business/ organization and what they do, the different job positions they offer, the education and experience required, and the average salary associated with careers available
within that agricultural pathway. Students had the privilege of speaking with Delaware Farm Bureau President, Bill Powers, New Castle County Farm Bureau President, Stewart Ramsey, and Delaware Farm Bureau Executive Director Don Clifton regarding the role of the Delaware Farm Bureau and how the organization interacts and works with local farmers.
Powers, Ramsey and Clifton also provided students with personal experience and insight from their agricultural pathways.
Delaware Farm Bureau Program and Foundation Coordinator Kali Voshell and Marketing Coordinator Mikayla Paul, were also in attendance and had the opportunity to speak with students about the agricultural career paths
available.
Voshell said, “It was amazing to see how many students were pursuing a career within the agriculture pathway! We were able to talk with many students about their desired careers, from welding to animal science. I hope they stick with it and continue to follow their interest in agriculture and chase their dreams.”
New Castle County Farm Bureau President Stewart Ramsey talks with a student about farming in Delaware.
DEFB Executive Director Don Clifton discusses agriculture with future farmers from Smyrna High School.
Farm Bureau University offers free member resources
Did you know you can access valuable lessons and resources online to help you better advocate for farmers, ranchers and consumers, and educate the public?
With the click of a button, Delaware Farm Bureau members can find information at their fingertips that can help them advocate or grow their own businesses thanks to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Farm Bureau University.
DEFB Foundation and YF&R
Coordinator Kali Voshell called the website a “one stop shop for training and resources.”
Farm Bureau University includes courses such as “Board Essentials” which offers “online training for county board members to develop skills and acquire knowledge as a Farm Bureau leader.”
A similar course for committee members is also available. An advocacy module helps Farm Bureau members understand media, political and consumer advocacy skills
that they could use in their own business or for the overall health of the organization.
Even more opportunities are available in the resources tab where members can discover success stories from other Farm Bureaus, learn how to share their own story or better understand how to discuss hard topics with legislators or recruit urban farmers. Teaching resources can also be found through this opportunity.
“When our members are better trained in advocacy and media needs, and they know how to find promotional resources like what is offered on Farm Bureau University, then we work better as an organization as a whole,” Voshell said, adding that the platform has something for members and volunteers at all levels.
Alan Clark, a Farm Bureau member and leader from Idaho, is a member of America Farm Bureau Federation's Promotion & Education Committee. He completed a new consumer advocacy module and found it to be helpful when planning a Meet the Farmer event at a local grocery store last fall.
“People really do want to hear farmers’ stories, they love hearing about what we do,” Clark said. “They’re more receptive to hearing from us [farmers] than you might think,” he added.
Clark praised the new, self-paced advocacy module, which includes short video segments.
He found the training materials “enjoyable to watch,” with the section on active listening particularly useful. When advocating about agriculture, “it’s so important to listen to what people are saying when they ask questions,” he emphasized.
Stacey Lauwers, a Farm Bureau
member and leader from Michigan, chairs AFBF’s Promotion & Education Committee and also completed the new module.
“Explaining what we do on our farm, with confidence and in a personal way, is how I can better engage with people and share my passion for farming,” Lauwers said. “As farmers, we need to be having conversations about what we do. The module easily walks you through how to be better prepared to do that.”
Lauwers acknowledged that sharing with advocating about agriculture may be challenging if you’re just getting started, but added, “Everything gets easier with practice and engaging in conversations is no different.”
It’s easy to enroll in Farm Bureau University, according to Voshell, and it’s free to current Farm Bureau members.
Visit https://university.fb.org/ and click “Sign up here.”
Nationwide’s Nominate your Fire Department Contest could save lives on Delmarva
By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau
More grain bin rescue equipment and training in Delaware could have made a recent sand bin rescue easier, according to Delaware Farm Bureau Member and Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief/Vice President Jason McCabe.
The call for help came in on Wednesday, Feb. 1 from an Atlantic Concrete facility in Dagsboro. By 10:15 a.m., the fire department was on site and ready to begin the rescue. Throughout the day, McCabe said a slew of emergency personnel from both public and private entities assisted in freeing a 19-year-old man stuck inside of an industrial sand bin, including the Sussex Technical Rescue Team.
Although Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Department doesn’t currently have grain bin rescue tubes on hand, cofferdams were available through other fire departments, some of whom had been awarded their rescue equipment and training through generous donations from Mountaire or Nationwide’s annual Nominate your Fire Department Contest.
Of the responding units, at least four had been awarded this equipment and training through Nationwide’s program; Mountaire had also donated the same to the Sussex Technical Rescue Team. Through Nationwide, Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Department received training and tools in 2020. In 2021, Laurel Fire Department received the same thanks to sponsorship from the Sussex County Farm Bureau, followed by Georgetown Fire Company in 2022 thanks to sponsorship from the Delaware Farm Bureau and Seaford Volunteer Fire Department in 2022 thanks to sponsorship from the Delaware Soybean Board.
“One of the beauties of the volunteer rescue system in Delaware and one of the things that makes it great is that there is a great working relationship between fire departments and other entities, be it our EMS, paramedics, state police, DNREC, DelDOT and oth-
er groups,” McCabe said. “What made this one rescue unique was the far reaching assets that responded. We had the entire state of Delaware partially or wholly committed in some form or fashion. And really, it was a Delmarva response, more so than a strict Delaware response. We had responders here from Ocean City, Ocean Pins and Salisbury, too.”
He added that Technical Rescue Teams, Mountaire and Perdue were very helpful and mobilized quickly during the rescue as they brought rescue equipment to the scene.
Mountaire Farms’ Facebook page stated after the event, “Our team had donated a grain bin rescue kit to the Sussex Technical Rescue Team just a month prior, and we brought two more kits to the scene yesterday at their request. This is why we train and this is why our proactive safety program - Goal Zero - is so important. On behalf of our entire team at Mountaire, GREAT JOB to everyone who was a part of the successful rescue yesterday.”
These kinds of public and private partnerships have not only supported local businesses in Delaware and on Delmarva, but they have worked to save lives, as well, as more first responders receive
the grain system. Whether we’re dealing with an emergency or something else, having the tools on hand and having the training is paramount to having the best possible outcome,” McCabe said.
Fire Departments in Delaware which have been awarded grain bin rescue equipment and training to date include Bridgeville, Harrington, Odessa, Carlisle in Milford, Camden-Wyoming, Laurel Fire Company, Seaford, Clayton and Georgetown.
the tools and training needed for technical rescues such as this one.
“I would say that any industry that incorporates any type of gravity hopper, grain storage system, etc., it is never a bad idea to have the cofferdams on site,” he said. “On site rescue tubes and training for local fire fighters, that would have probably been the only thing that could have made this rescue better. On the emergency services side, we had a great team.”
He emphasized safety for farmers who need to use grain storage systems and promoted Nationwide’s contest which offers a way for local fire departments to gain rescue equipment and training
“If you do have to go in [a grain or sand bin], make sure you have someone on the outside who can call for help if needed. Lock out, tag out. Wear a harness so you can at least be attached to something if there’s a problem and try to have rescue equipment on hand if at all possible. But we can’t expect all of our farmers with 10,000 bushels of storage to have a cofferdam on site ready to go. So having our members nominate their local fire departments to receive these dams is really a powerful way to go so a farmer doesn’t have the worst possible day and end up engulfed in
“Every year, grain bin accidents lead to countless injuries or deaths and it is everyone’s responsibility to take proactive measures to prevent these tragedies from happening,” Nationwide’s President of Agribusiness Brad Liggett said. “For a decade, Nationwide has been a leader in the fight to correct this industry issue, and while we’re incredibly proud of the efforts and the many partners who’ve made them possible, there is more work to be done.”
To make the contest a success, Nationwide partners with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety every year, along with other partners like the Delaware Farm Bureau, helping provide 272 grain rescue tubes to first responders across 31 states.
“Rural fire departments are often the only line of defense when an entrapment takes place in their region and time is of the essence when responding to these accidents,” said Dan Neenan, director at NECAS. “It’s critically important to ensure these first responders not only have the specialized rescue equipment, but also the training needed to respond effectively. NECAS is proud to join Nationwide and its partners to make a difference.”
Nationwide’s Nominate your Fire Department Contest runs through April 30 and anyone can participate by visiting https:// marketing.nationwide.com/nominate-your-fire-department-form/. For more information, the Delaware Farm Bureau can be reached at www.defb.org or by calling 302697-3183.
The local rescue of a 19-year-old man stuck in a sand bin at Atlantic Concrete in Dagsboro highlights the need for more equipment and training in Delaware.
Preserving agriculture’s past, securing its future this National Ag Day
The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*
Agriculture is more than just a business for us at Nationwide.
From our company’s roots to our many associates who today actively manage farms and ranches, it’s at the heart of everything we do.
So as we celebrate National Ag Day this year, it’s more than just a single day of annual reflection. The day, all of its activities and the spotlight it shines on agriculture is a high point in our everyday commitment to preserving the heritage of agriculture and securing its future.
That’s especially true in 2023. This year marks the 50th anniversary of National Ag Day, organized by the Agriculture Council of America. This year’s theme is “Growing a Climate for Tomorrow,” an idea that’s close to everything we do at Nationwide. As we pause to recognize the hard-working men and women of American agriculture for all they do this National Ag Day, we’re also looking ahead and doubling down on our commitment to protect your next.
With nearly a century of protecting America’s rural community, Nationwide is as committed as ever to paving the way for farmers and ranchers to succeed today and tomorrow. Today, that means providing everything from high-value information on new tools and technology, such as telematics and HAYTECH, to insurance products and services that evolve with farmers and ranchers’ changing needs. Just like the 2023 National Ag Day theme, we work every day to grow a climate for tomorrow. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary milestone for National Ag Day, we’re focusing on how to adapt and evolve to ensure our customers have what they need, when they need it.
“Nationwide has a deep heritage in agriculture. We were founded by farmers, and it’s part of our heritage,” said Nationwide Agribusiness President Brad Liggett.
“This year’s National Ag Day theme aligns closely with our un-
ending respect and support for agriculture. But it’s also fundamental to our commitment to ensuring we’re evolving alongside our customers so we’re always there when, where and how they need us.”
Why National Ag Day is so important to Nationwide
Nationwide’s deep agricultural history cannot be overstated. But for many associates at Nationwide, National Ag Day is personal. Associates like Senior Consultant Erin Cumings also manage farms or ranches along with their work at Nationwide. That makes National Ag Day, its long heritage of raising awareness about farming and ranching, and especially the 2023 theme vitally important to both work and family life for Cumings and the many associates like her. And it exemplifies just how important agriculture is to us at Nationwide.
“National Ag Day is a day when we can shine a light on agriculture in general,” said Cumings, who alongside her husband operates a farm in central Iowa. “I love being able to bring my whole self and all of my experience and expertise to Nationwide every day.”
Visit AgInsightCenter.com for more expert tips and information
from Nationwide.
*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.
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