Farm Bureau
Celebrating 78 Years!
2023 FFA Blue Jacket Bonanza presented
By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau
More than 80 students received their very own FFA jackets Tuesday morning from the Delaware Farm Bureau as the 93rd Delaware FFA State Convention began with excitement.
Each year, DEFB gives the embroidered corduroy jackets to deserving FFA members through its annual Blue Jacket Bonanza as a way to encourage students to continue their agricultural journeys. Students must apply for the jackets and demonstrate heart for community service and the FFA organization.
Former FFA state officer and current DEFB President Bill Powers spoke to students during the Blue Jacket Bonanza presentation. Like him, he added, a lot of his fellow DEFB board members are also FFA alumni and feel a connection to the students through this program. Powers expressed the pride he felt when he received his first FFA jacket. “I wore it all the time. I eventually wore it out,” he told the students during the convention.
“Our board started providing jackets a few years ago wanting to get them to the kids,” he said. “It was a great feeling standing there, seeing all those blue jackets. It's a good organization.”
William Penn High School FFA President MaKayla Counts shared her experience with the iconic blue jacket during the presentation, as well. She said her jacket gave her a sense of unity and pride as she progressed through the organization, becoming William Penn FFA’s first African-American female president.
“It’s hard to put into words how I felt when I opened my very own jacket. Happy, surreal, excited for the new opportunities that were ahead of me. As a first generation FFA member,
BLUE JACKETS CONTINUED TO PAGE 14
In this issue
Delaware Farm Bureau President Bill Powers from New Castle County speaks to an FFA student during the annual statewide convention in March.
From the President’s desk
Spring brings new chances to gather, advocate for DEFB
Spring has sprung, strawberries are ripening and Farm Bureau staff and volunteers are out in the community, working to advocate for our farmers and consumers.
It is really awesome to see everyone working together to share in our missions by bringing their individual talents to the table. Every one of us provides a different viewpoint and way to get our story across.
For example, one of our board members, Alan Bailey of Greenwood, and several other members were recently offered a unique opportunity to do just that. He was connected with a reporter from Delaware Today magazine who had asked the Delaware Farm Bureau if they knew of any dairy farmers who could speak to them regarding an upcoming article. Of
Delaware Farm Bureau News
Editor Jennifer Antonik jenn.antonik@defb.org 302-697-3183
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course, we said, “Yes!”
We have a lot of chances to share our stories throughout the year both with fellow members and with the public. We also get to share our stories with lawmakers and changemakers to help craft a better tomorrow.
Our mission at the Farm Bureau is incredibly important. We have to take our roles seriously and be loud about being Farm Bureau Proud!
In the coming months, we have a very full schedule of opportunities to share our stories and network together. I’d like to encourage you to seize those chances and enjoy fellowship with other members and the community.
The annual Milk Run, hosted by the Delaware Farm Bureau’s Foundation, will be held in late May. This year, this 5k walk/run will be held at Ramsey’s Farm in Wilmington, offering another great opportunity to be farmside for a great cause.
The Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee will soon host their annual Strawberry Festival which is a great way to enjoy a day out on the farm. The Bobola family has again graciously allowed the committee to use their farm as a backdrop for this event for years. Live music fills the air as committee members and volunteers help run games for children, collect non-perishable food
items to donate to the Food Bank of Delaware, and offer up some of the most delicious strawberry shortcake around!
The annual Delaware State Fair also offers a lot of great connection opportunities.
We will need volunteers to help with our booth in the Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Building. This offers us a chance to meet with the general public, share the stories of our farmers and recruit new members.
The Women’s Committee will also need a lot of volunteers to help with their annual food booth. This is a popular offering at the fair and helps pay for scholarships every year.
Membership and outreach gives us the chance to share in amazing ways. From meetings to fun activities to volunteer opportunities, the Farm Bureau stays busy for the benefit of agriculture and our consumers. Consider sharing our activities with your neighbors, colleagues and friends. Volunteer and join in on your local meetings.
Above all, stay strong, stay healthy and stay Farm Bureau proud!
To find out where you could fit in with your unique set of talents and skills, contact the Delaware Farm Bureau office at 302-6973183 or reach out to us online at www.defb.org.
State Board of Directors
President William “Bill” Powers, Jr.
1st Vice President
Steve Breeding
2nd Vice President
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
Sussex Chair: Connor Vincent
New Castle Chair: Abel Elwell
Women’s Committee
State Chair: Mary B Gooden
Kent Chair: Rebecca Bobola
Sussex Chair: Constance Fox
New Castle Chair: June Unruh
Kent County Directors
Bruce Dempsey
Ted Bobola Jr.
John Comegys
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
P&E Committee promotes initiatives in Delaware
Submitted by Promotion & Education
Committee Chair Debbie Kirk
The Promotion and Education Committee of the Delaware Farm Bureau has continued their commitment towards educating the community about the importance of agriculture and its impact on our daily lives. With a host of educational initiatives, the committee aims to create more awareness about Delaware Agriculture and is focused on supporting our local farmers and educating our community on the vital role farmers play in our economy.
Recently, the committee hosted their Annual Ag Safety Conference, a one-day event that tackled various topics related to farming safety. Industry experts shared their knowledge and experiences to provide valuable insight on best practices and innovative tools that can help improve safety on
farms. The conference provided a platform for farmers to connect, share their experiences and learn from one another.
In addition, the committee also hosted the 1st Annual Delaware Agricultural Lunch at Legislative Hall, where they engaged with statewide elected officials to discuss issues related to farming and agriculture. The event highlighted the importance of agriculture for Delaware's economy and the role elected officials can play to support it. Attendees were treated to a delicious lunch made from locally-grown produce and other agricultural products.
Beyond these events, the Promotion and Education Committee also spearheads several ongoing initiatives to educate the community about agriculture. The committee conducts digital marketing campaigns to highlight locally grown products
and hosts an annual photo contest to highlight images of Delaware agriculture throughout the seasons. Award winning images are displayed at the Delaware Agricultural Museum in Dover where they can be viewed by museum visitors interested in learning more about agriculture in our state. The Promotion & Education Committee will also be very involved in the 2023 Delaware State Fair where Delaware agriculture will be celebrated throughout the week.
The Delaware Farm Bureau's Promotion and Education Committee is committed to educating the community about the importance of agriculture and the various aspects of farming. With initiatives that range from farm safety to commodity promotion, they continue to create more awareness and drive the conversation about agriculture in Delaware.
DEFB awarded funds to start mental, physical health outreach Resources
A new outreach program by the Delaware Farm Bureau will help farmers in the First State better understand the mental and physical health resources that are available to them nationwide.
"Healthy Farmers Grow Healthy Crops" was funded, in part, by the American Farm Bureau Federation through the Strategic Action Fund and will utilize the DEFB's summer interns to help propel this outreach forward.
The marketing campaign will provide essential resources to members, educating them on the various mental health and agriculture-specific resources.
DEFB will also promote preventative care which is necessary to ensure farmers and their family members have a good quality of life and are in the right state of mind, according to Marketing Coordinator Mikayla Paul.
Under her direction, DEFB's 2023 Summer Marketing Intern will be responsible for designing marketing materials to have available at all events and in the state office, along with social media content, as it relates to mental health and preventative care resources.
Through the new marketing campaign, DEFB will try to collaborate with Life Line Screening, a member benefit partner, to provide potentially life-saving preventative screenings for members in the coming months. Better health care for farmers has been a priority for AFBF as agriculture continues to evolve in the United States. In recent years, the organization crafted the Farm State of Mind website to help farmers find local and national resources to fit any of
their needs. Resources, like what may be provided soon by DEFB, include self-care tips, how to speak to a loved one about mental health, counseling resources, farming-specific information and more.
Farm State of Mind, AFBF www.fb.org/initiative/farm-state-of-mind
DEFB will become one of many state and county Farm Bureaus which has followed the lead of the national organization and added local mental health resources to their websites.
"It's really nice that we get to start this campaign as Mental Health Month begins. We've all been touched by mental health related situations in the past. The COVID-19 pandemic only made it worse with isolation and business stress, so now, as that winds down, I think it's great
Delaware Farm Bureau www.defb.org
Life Line Preventative Screening www.lifelinescreening.com
that we have the opportunity to pick our farmers back up and tell them we've got your back," DEFB Executive Director Don Clifton said of the project.
Some upcoming Life Line Screenings include:
• Thursday, May 4 at Ross Station Event Center, Seaford
• Friday, May 5 at Asbury United Methodist Church, Smyrna
• Monday, May 8 at Minquadale Fire Company Memorial Hall, New Castle
• Wednesday, May 17 at Camden-Wyoming Moose Lodge 203, Camden Wyoming
• Thursday, May 18 at Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company, Magnolia
• Wednesday, June 7 at Marshallton United Methodist Church, Wilmington
• Monday, June 12 at Conley s United Methodist Church, Lewes
• Wednesday, June 21 at Avenue United Methodist Church, Milford
• Wednesday, June 28 at Word of Life Christian Center, Newark
• Thursday, June 29 at Talleyville Fire Co, Wilmington
Legislative News
DEFB offers locally sourced lunch at Legislative Hall
By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau
The aroma of braised beef, chicken salad, corn salsa, mushroom tarts and a unique lima bean hummus, all crafted by Chef Bill Clifton of Fifer Orchards in Wyoming lingered near the Senate Chambers in Legislative Hall Thursday, March 30, as Delaware Farm Bureau, 4-H and FFA members shared their love of agriculture with lawmakers.
Hosted by DEFB’s Promotion & Education Committee, the luncheon fed dozens of legislators and staff over the course of about two hours. It included beef from Ramsey’s Farm in Wilmington and Powers Farm in Townsend and chicken from Mountaire Farms. Rolls and cookies came from Fortunata’s Bakery in Milford.
Delaware 4-H State Teen Council Officers Kyle Kerr, Carter Bradley and Ava Raughley and Delaware FFA State President Noah Dixon, State Vice President Hannah Haigh and State Treasurer Kyle Gares were also on hand to help DEFB with the event.
Rep. Sherry Dorsey Walker of Wilmington said seeing the FFA and 4-H members in Legislative Hall helping the Delaware Farm Bureau gave her feelings of pride, joy and love.
“Since I became a legislator in Dover, I asked to be put on the Agriculture Committee,” she said. “Ag matters to me and it’s so important that our young people learn about cultivating the land. In the process
of cultivating the land, we’re creating opportunities for life. Agriculture does all those things that we desire for our children to have - to have great mental health, ag does that; for our children to be successful in life, ag creates that foundation. So, in order for our children to be successful, they have to have that strong foundation and that’s what ag does and that’s why I fell in love with agriculture.”
Kyle Kerr, Delaware 4-H State Teen Council Officer, said the event was a great opportunity to connect with professionals in a different way.
“Events like the one at Legislative Hall are super important to me, along with 4-H, because it gives us the opportunity to network and reach out to individuals who help make our organization while also spreading the word about 4-H and the importance of agriculture in our state,” he said.
Along with talking to the younger ag volunteers, legislators had a chance to mingle with seasoned farmers and agriculture professionals as they picked up their lunch and headed into session.
“You know I do what I can to support farmers and the Farm Bureau.
This is real nice,” Senator Dave Wilson said in appreciation.
The Delaware Farm Bureau stays in constant contact with the 62 Senators and Representatives of the General Assembly and monitors the progress of legislation important to Delaware producers. DEFB also hosts legislative breakfasts annually to connect with lawmakers at the grass roots county level and keeps them up to date throughout the year by sending them copies of the weekly membership newsletters and bimonthly newspapers, etc.
Stay up-to-date online by visiting www.defb.org.
New Castle County Farm Bureau President Stewart Ramsey, Delaware FFA President Noah Dixon, Vice President Hannah Haigh, Treasurer Kyle Gares, Delaware Farm Bureau Executive Director Don Clifton, Representative Sherry Dorsey Walker and Delaware 4-H State Teen Council Officers Kyle Kerr, Ava Raughley and Carter Bradley pose for a photo during a luncheon for legislators hosted by the Delaware Farm Bureau’s Promotion & Education Committee Thursday, March 30.
Top left: DEFB's Sussex County Women's Committee Chair Connie Fox enjoys lunch with Speaker of the House Pete Schwartzkopf and Rep. William Carson. To the right: Chef Bill Clifton poses for a photo with his father, DEFB Executive Director Don Clifton, after supplying lunch for the event.
Chamber: Advocacy is built on relationships
By Kelly Basille, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Strategic Communications
It all comes down to relationships. Building real connections is the key to progress—and that is done when we sit down together and listen. This is not a new concept, but it can be intimidating if you don’t know where to start.
I loved this latest conversation on the State Chamber’s podcast so much that when I heard it back this week, I found myself taking notes—even though I was the moderator of the original conversation! This exchange between myself, Senator Sarah McBride and Verna Hensley of Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore was so organic and stimulating, that I decided to write down and share my key takeaways:
Build relationships before you need something
Don’t wait until you have an ask to develop a relationship. Those initial touches (invitations to events like a ribbon cutting, coffee meet-
ings, attending their constituent meeting, etc.) become the basis of the relationship. And remember that policymakers are people too. Something as simple as sending a note—a quick text, email, or comment on social media—shows you’re paying attention to what they’re doing and appreciate their work, and it can go a long way.
Get to know policymakers in and outside your district
Remember that the policies worked on at Legislative Hall don’t just impact the district you live or work in, they impact the entire state. Getting to know the legislators who represent where you live and work is incredibly important. But so is building relationships with the policymakers who sit on the committee related to the topic you care about—health care, transportation, environment, veterans’ affairs, and
more. Do not limit yourself to a relationship with one or two people, there are 62 members of the General Assembly who can be your advocate.
Find the things you both can agree on
Quoting Senator McBride here: Remember we can disagree agreeably. There are many things two parties can still agree on, and identifying what those things are is how you build a base level of trust. That preexisting relationship allows you to navigate through tougher conversations. And it’s so important to have more than one opinion and ways of thinking respectively at the table because that is how real and good work gets done.
Balance facts and data with empathy and compassion The
power of storytelling is real.
As Verna so eloquently explains in the episode, if you want to have a lasting impact, the relationships you form will help legislators see a face when they think of an issue. Yes, data is important when making a
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.
point and showing the significance of a topic, but empathy and compassion allow for people to truly connect.
Listen to Kelly's Podcast
Give this episode of Conversations with Kelly a listen. It may inspire you, like it did for me. You can play an active role in shaping the future of Delaware. When we have conversations and learn from each other, it results in not only better policy but a better path to progress.
Find the podcast here: https:// www.dscc.com/podcast.html
This article was first published by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and republished with permission.
Note from DEFB Executive Director Don Clifton: DEFB partners with the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce on monitoring State legislative and regulatory developments. This piece by Kelly Basile offers valuable insights for DEFB members. Our thanks to Kelly for sharing!
Legislative Breakfasts highlight farming concerns, safety issues in Delaware
By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau
Farmers and community members met with legislators in all three counties in April to give them a taste of Delaware agriculture.
The breakfast events, hosted by the Delaware Farm Bureau, were held at Baxter Farms in Georgetown, Brandywine Diner in Wilmington and Mike and Mel's Restaurant in Camden.
Legislators in attendance included representatives, senators and county council members throughout the state.
Farmers used the opportunity to give lawmakers first-hand accounts of issues relating to farming such as rural road safety and tax concerns.
"The biggest issue to agriculture in Delaware is transport," Guy Phillips said during the Sussex County breakfast. "It's dangerous for us to get out on the road."
Others echoed the sentiment and commented on initiatives by the Delaware Farm Bureau and DelDOT to improve on rural road safety in the First State.
"Last fall during harvest season, DelDOT did put out some signs about combines and farming," Farmer and Representative Charles Postles said, adding that he thought the state agency would be doing this again soon.
Delaware Farm Bureau New Castle County President Stewart Ramsey also made mention of the organization's Promotion & Education Committee which successfully advocated to have information about the iconic orange, triangular safety signs added to Delaware's driver's education program offered in public schools, encouraging cautious driving around farm equipment from a young age.
Taxes was another major concern brought up by many of the farmers over the three-day breakfast schedule. Working with farmers to change the way farming operations are taxed would do a world
Delaware Farm Bureau 1st Vice President Steve Breeding talks to farmers and legislators during the Sussex County Legislators Breakfast held at Baxter Farms in Georgetown Tuesday, April 18.
of good, according to DEFB Board President Bill Powers.
"This will preserve the farm better than preserving the farm(land) because it makes them competitive. We're paying on barns we really can't use, silos... Preserving the land is good, but preserving the farmer, that's what we need to do," he said while attending the breakfast at Baxter Farms.
Farmers expressed appreciation to the legislators in attendance at the three county-based breakfast meetings.
"The biggest thing is we want to keep agriculture strong in Delaware. We want to keep up with all of you in this work, work on legislation, whatever it takes. We want to keep agriculture alive as long as we can," Kent County Farm Bureau President Jim Minner said at Mike & Mels Family Restaurant in Wyoming.
For more information on upcoming events with the Delaware Farm Bureau, visit www.defb.org.
New Castle County Farm Bureau President Stewart Ramsey tells lawmakers about farming-related concerns at Brandywine Diner in Wilmington.
Kent County Farm Bureau President Jim Minner talks during the breakfast held at Mike and Mel's Familiy Restaurant in Wyoming.
Delaware Farm Bureau President Bill Powers and Former President Kitty Holtz talks with Senator Kyra Hoffner at Mike and Mel's Family Restaurant.
Farm to Community pilot program seeks participants
Delaware Farm Bureau, in partnership with the Delaware Council on Farm & Food Policy (subset of the Department of Agriculture), is looking for participants for the Farm to Community Pilot Program.
chase Program.
This program is an expansion of the Delaware Farm to School Program, which has had success across Delaware’s 19 school districts for more than 20 years. The program will connect Delaware farmers with community-based organizations to procure and supply products which will be distributed to Delaware families in need.
Farmers will be able to market and sell fresh products grown in Delaware through new market outlets that distribute to local community members. The two community outlets are the Lutheran Community Services’ Delaware Food Farmacy Program and the Historic Lewes Farmers Market’s Food Pantry Pur-
Farmers and producers supplying product through the Farm to Community Pilot Program should:
• Have the capacity to supply at least $150-$500 worth of product per week
• Have the capacity to supply product for at least 12 weeks between the months of April to December
• Produce, all or in part, the product that is supplied (may aggregate from other producers, but part of aggregation must include your own product)
For more information, email DDA_FarmAndFood@delaware. gov. To sign up to participate in the Farm to Community Pilot Program, visit defb.org.
Young Farmers & Ranchers attend national conference
By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau
Young Farmers & Ranchers from Delaware traveled to sunny Florida in March to attend a national conference to network and learn from experts in their fields.
The Delaware Farm Bureau’s YF&R Committee sent a crew of 13 members, all under the age of 40, to the Fusion Conference hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
“Hearing from experts like StoneX speak on grain hedging, risk management strategies and Farm Bureau’s economist prediction of the 2023 farm outlook was an intriguing part of the conference,”
New Castle County’s YF&R Chair Abel Elwell of Middletown said. “Hearing reports and strategies from the thought leaders of our industry is what makes these conferences well worth my time.”
AFBF President Zippy Duvall spoke to convention attendees Sunday morning. Other sessions during the event included keynotes from American Ninja Warrior Alex Weber and Emmy award-winning sports broadcaster Lauren Sisler, as well as a farm bill panel, roundtables and tours of local farming operations. The young farmers and ranchers from Delaware found opportunities to tour Alligator Zoo, Berry Farms and Aquaponic Farms, enjoying a range of experiences to
bring home. Topics for the weekend also included farm finances, mental health, tax issues, emissions, advocacy, marketing and more.
“I enjoyed seeing new sights and meeting people from all around the country and learning about their farming operations,” Delaware YF&R member Paul Saathoff said.
Sunday afternoon, attendees also had a chance to participate in a service project by assembling teacher kits for the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Ag which included a nutrition poster, the book “How did that get in my lunchbox” and an educator’s guide. The kits will be distributed to classrooms in the Duvall County School District in Jacksonville, according to AFBF.
“I enjoyed the trip with the YF&R. It enhanced my knowledge and networking skills. I went to a lot of different sessions which will help with personal life and my YF&R Committee life,” Casey Collier of Harrington said.
Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee membership is open to farmers and ranchers, as well as community members who are passionate about creating a sustainable future for agriculture. All members should be 18-40 years of age.
For more information or to join Delaware’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, contact State Coordinator Kali Voshell 302-6973183 or visit www.defb.org.
During their conference, Young Farmers & Ranchers members enjoyed speakers, tours and other networking opportunities.
Young Farmers & Ranchers members enjoy dinner during the conference in sunny Florida.
Delaware Farm Bureau highlights tick awareness
Spring has sprung, and so have ticks - right onto the pant legs and socks of unsuspecting victims all over the state of Delaware.
According to Dr. Ashley C. Kennedy, Delaware is sixth in the nation for incidences of Lyme Disease and in the top 10 for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. But that’s not all, she told farmers during the annual Delaware Ag Safety Conference held in March at Loblolly Acres. Delaware also ranks in the top five states for Ehrlichiosis, another disease caused by bacteria transmitted to humans and animals through bites by an infected tick.
Despite the large number of disease incidents in Delaware resulting from tick bites, Dr. Kennedy said tick literacy continues to be low in the First State, even amongst healthcare professionals.
“According to a 2017 study, only 38% of Delawareans feel that ticks are a problem,” she explained.
“Only 13% strongly agree that Lyme Disease is a problem in Delaware.”
Lyme Disease can cause temporary symptoms such as fever or a rash near the bite site and lifelong complications such as joint stiffness, muscle aches, neurological problems and cardiac concerns. Tick literacy and early prevention and detection are key to avoiding the more severe symptoms for any tick-borne illness.
“Protecting yourself from ticks and tick-borne illnesses really is about knowing the habits of ticks and how to detect a problem,” Dr. Kennedy said, adding that ticks can be found year round in Delaware.
“We don’t really have a season anymore,” Dr. Kennedy added. “It’s still higher in the late spring and summer, but you can even find ticks all year long, unfortunately.”
Tick prevention tips
• Stay on trails and stay away from tall grass and other vegetation
• Conduct frequent and regular tick checks after being in a tick habitat
• Check hard to see spots like inside the belly button, in and around ears, between legs, under arms and in hair
• Remove ticks promptly
• Remember that some tick species can thrive in meadows, pastures, fields, and even wetlands and lawns
Tick detection and handling tips
• Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible
• Pull upward with steady, even pressure
• Don't twist or jerk the tick; Mouth-parts could break off and remain in the skin
• After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the tick bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water
• Save the tick for identification
• Check for more ticks
Tips for keeping a yard or farm safe from ticks
• Remove invasive vegetation such as multiflora rose, Japanese barberry, oriental bittersweet, and Amur and Japanese honeysuckle
• Keep grass short
• Remove leaf and brush piles
• Reduce groundcover
• Widen trails and create barrier strips
• Trim branches to let in more sunlight
When ticks are found, Dr. Kennedy asks that photos be submitted to de.gov/ticks. Upon receiving photos, the state can help identify the tick species and life stage to help the submitter evaluate risks and next steps.
Safely remove any ticks as soon as possible.
“I know it’s one more thing to add to your list, but it is really, really important to try to avoid these diseases by staying clear of ticks,” she told the group during the safety conference.
Some of the known tick species found in Delaware include the Lone Star Tick, Gulf Coast Tick,
American Dog Tick, Rabbit Tick, Groundhog Tick, Squirrel Tick and Brown Dog Tick.
For more information about the Delaware Farm Bureau, visit www.defb.org. Dr. Kennedy can be reached at www.de.gov/ticks or by email at ashley.kennedy@delaware.gov.
Lone Star Tick
Blacklegged Tick
American Dog Tick
Gulf Coast Tick
Asian Longhorned Tick
Top 10
Tick Facts You Need to Know
1. Ticks are active year-round. Although we consider late spring-early summer prime “tick season,” you can be bitten by a tick during any month, even the middle of winter.
2. Not all ticks are equally dangerous. Each species and life stage is associated with different risks; that’s why tick identification is so important.
3. Lyme disease may be the most common tick-borne infection, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Ticks vector numerous pathogens including bacteria, viruses, protozoan parasites, and even nematodes.
4. Some ticks can make you allergic to meat. Some people develop Alpha-Gal Syndrome, an allergic immune reaction to mammalian meat products (e.g., beef, pork, lamb, venison, and sometimes dairy products and byproducts such as gelatin) after being bitten by a lone star tick.
5. You can greatly reduce your chances of getting a tick bite by applying tick repellent to your skin and clothes, sticking to the middle of trails, and conducting frequent tick checks.
6. You can make your yard tick-safe with a few key landscaping changes: In the places where you recreate, keep the grass short and remove brush. Ticks need humidity to survive, so they are sensitive to direct sunlight.
7. Ticks don’t jump or fall out of trees. This is a common myth, but ticks actually just wait on grass or other plants for a host to walk by so they can grab on. So, if you don’t come into contact with vegetation, it’s easy to avoid ticks.
8. If you get bitten by a tick, it’s important to remove it ASAP. The longer it’s attached, the more likely it is to transmit pathogens. Save the tick in a zip-seal bag for medical reference.
9. Most tick-borne infections can be easily treated, but it’s important to seek treatment early and stick to it. Delayed treatment or failure to complete the full course of antibiotics or other treatment can lead to lingering symptoms that are more difficult to treat and may have severe complications.
10. Don’t forget to keep your pets safe from ticks, too! Talk to your vet about the best anti-tick products to use. Note that products developed for dogs may not be safe for cats. Also, ask your vet about vaccinating your dog against Lyme disease.
DNREC promotes Scrap Tire Program for farmers
A clean-up program by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control now in its second decade is reaching more Delaware farmers to help them rid their properties of scrap tires at little or no cost to their agricultural operations, according to Tara Grazier, of DNREC’s Scrap Tire Management Program.
According to DNREC, the state generates more than 750,000 scrap tires annually, making proper disposal a priority so that these disused tires don’t turn into environmental hazards or cause the spread of illness or disease. Both piled and strewn tires often harbor pests such as mice and snakes, and also hold standing water, an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes that transmit the likes of West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis.
Grazier, a planner with DNREC’s Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances, said the Scrap Tire Management Program, which originated in 2007, encourages farmers in the First State to avail themselves of the state’s Scrap Tire Management Fund to eliminate piles of scrap tires from their farms.
She told them during the Delaware Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting in December that the process is simple: Once a farm property owner notifies DNREC of their intent to remove a scrap tire pile, she will meet with them to determine if the scrap tires meet the fund’s criteria. That having happened, the farm property owner can then manage the removal themselves or DNREC can contract with approved vendors who will remove scrap tires from
Likewise, scrap tire fires release hazardous pollutants into the air, while run-off from melting tires can pollute soils, surface water and groundwater. DNREC also has to contend with the fact that extinguishing tire fires can be difficult and drawn out over time, releasing more toxins to the environment.
the property.
Ronnie Robbins, a retired dairy farmer near Milford, found success in the Scrap Tire Program in recent years and reported a very satisfactory experience after contacting Grazier for help.
“We had so many tires accumulated over the years, including all the tires for our silage tarps. It amounted to several big loads the disposal guys hauled away. The program couldn’t have worked better for us,” he said.
That is exactly the response Grazier and her DNREC colleagues want to hear, she said, emphasiz-
ing that “We are only looking to remove tires from your properties. That’s it.”
Several of Delaware Farm Bureau’s farmer members mentioned illegally dumped tires which can end up on farmland property by no fault of the farmer. There’s a program for that, too, Grazier explained.
Illegally dumped scrap tires, she said, along with other kinds of illegal dumping, can be reported to DNREC’s 24-hour environmental complaint hotline at 1-800-6628802. Once reported, small numbers of dumped scrap tires can be removed by DNREC, while larger amounts of dumped tires can require bringing in a DNREC-contracted vendor for removal.
For their accumulated scrap tire piles, property owners and farmers alike should call DNREC’s Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances to start the process at 302-7399403 or visit de.gov/ScrapTires.
I felt accomplished. I had earned a jacket that would open doors for me in areas that I felt passionate about. I became a part of a community of peers that shared similar interests as me. I broke barriers for myself, my culture, my community, and it all came from having a blue jacket of my very own,” she said. “I will never forget meeting Delaware’s first African American woman representative, Lisa Blunt Rochester. She wanted to speak to a student, me, about Penn Farm and the food program we had to offer at school. As soon as she saw me, I will never forget the words she said to me: ‘And I see that we have an FFA member here.’ Her reaction showed me that this jacket brings recognition to FFA and what it represents.” The Delaware FFA Association can be found online at www.delawareffa.org. The Delaware Farm Bureau can be found online at www.defb.org.
The following students received jackets from DEFB’s 2023 Blue Jacket Bonanza:
Caesar Rodney High School
Mackenzie Cusick
Charles Wissman
Hayden Otto
Maggie Brentari-Reinhardt
Temperance Haupt
Christian McMahon
Rachel Woodzell
Camren Scaffedi
Kerah Dill
Alyssa Wigley
Kenedy Barrett
Brooklyn Campbell
William Penn High School
Elizabeth Grubbs
Elizabeth Toner
Jenna Buchanan
Joanna Gomez-Rosas
Joselyn Carrasco-Hernandez
Leah Zimmerman
Sanaa McDonald
MOT Charter High School
Kayla Kaspin
Bhini Arora
Paige Ramone
Grace Nardo
Shruti Kuncharam
Tatiana Fair
Seaford High School
Marlie Janvier
Natalie Carter
Luke Metzner
Odessa High School
Cierra Smith
Meka Galbraith
Camrynn Chambers
Olivia Orndorff
Kallie Marcum
Smyrna High School
Madison Lomax
Gillian Shane
Nicholas Campbell
Nathaniel Webber
Riley Horsey
Alyssa Attix
Brooklynne Keiser
Alexis Mancuso
Adison Weisenbereger
Colton Johnson
Rylee Mancuso
Jaylen Ryan
Desiree Taylor
Ava Gregory
Jameson King
Brooke Willis
Delmar High School
Cadence Davidson
George Nichols
Christiana High School
Vincent Saltenberger
Kayla Parks
Lake Forest High School
Montana Golden
Kylie Hammond
Ava Gallo
Gabriella Razzano
Mason Hay
Milford High School
Madison Stahl
Lucy Chorman
George Simpson
Bailey Masten
Woodbridge High School
Kalli Chelton
Jace Goff
Kylie Pusey
Madilyn Wynn
Brayan Perez
McKean High School
Crystal Rivera
Natalie Cook
Middletown High School
Wyatt Yolton
Appoquinimink High School
Alana Janiszewski
Jackson Luszcz
Drew Satterfield
Shauna Judd
Sussex Central High School
Tori Jones
Melisa Velasquez-Zunun
Lucas Arriaga
Lily Allen
Kaira Jackson
Dillon Green
Camber Walker
Bryan Mendoza Perez
Andrew Orth
For more information about the Delaware Farm Bureau, visit www.defb.org.
Students from schools throughout the state of Delaware were presented their own FFA blue jackets by Delaware Farm Bureau President Bill Powers. DEFB offers jackets annually to students in need.
Ag economist forges new career, leadership path with MANRRS team
The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*
Finding a place to belong was tough for Jahqethea Johnson as a student. But a chance meeting with the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) team provided her the clarity of sight toward a field of study and career.
Johnson got involved in her school’s FFA chapter as a high schooler in Columbus, Ohio. But she quickly learned that as a young woman of color, she faced unique hurdles in agriculture. She never quite felt at home in agriculture.
“Anytime we went to a conference, our chapter was the only one who looked like us,” Johnson said. “I was never comfortable in those settings, and it had me convinced I was going nowhere near an ag school.”
Entering higher ed with a plan Johnson entered college aspiring to become a physician. A family member’s battle with cancer inspired her to work toward one day eradicating the disease. But it didn’t take long to discover the field of study wasn’t for Johnson, the daughter of two business owners.
“I started not liking biology at all. And I struggled with chemistry so much,” said Johnson, current MANRRS National Graduate Student President. “My advisor didn’t know me by name, and I was afraid I couldn’t pass chemistry to save my life. I wondered what would work for me.”
It was after Johnson transferred to the University of Kentucky when she made the connection that would change her career trajectory completely. Originally to network with other students, Johnson joined MANRRS despite apprehension about agriculture as a field of study or profession. Then, it all clicked.
“I joined, went to the first meeting and they knew me by name before I even got there,” Johnson said. “That's what made it more memorable to me. I felt like I belonged. I felt like it was a safe space.”
Through MANRRS involvement,
Johnson discovered business as a field of study, which led to her graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics. She’s currently a graduate student in agricultural economics at the University of Nebraska and Northern Plains Region Agricultural Statistician at the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS). Johnson knows MANRRS has played a huge role in forging her path. That’s true both in her immediate career plans and the role she can play in supporting others with the apprehensions she felt just a few years ago. “I wanted to eradicate cancer because it's genetic in my family. I am involved in food today, and we know that diet affects health. And that may mean cancer. So in some ways, I’m still doing what I set out to do,” Johnson said. “If it wasn’t for MANRRS, I wouldn’t have looked at agriculture as a viable career. MANRRS showed me I actually have a space in this industry.”
Inspiring others to blaze new trails
As current MANRRS National Graduate Student President, Johnson said she hopes to inspire in students a similar passion she’s developed for agriculture, much the same way her predecessors in the organization did for her.
“I have learned so much about the troubles of minorities and underserved producers, socially disadvantaged producers, and the needs for their representation in the industry. That's my constant reminder, especially as I navigate these uncomfortable spaces,”
Johnson said. “There's no growth in comfort, but representation is needed.”
Nationwide understands the importance of MANRRS Nationwide understands the importance of organizations such as MANRRS to help all voices be heard in the agriculture community.
“The changing face of agriculture is exciting and our new sponsorship of MANRRS allows us to continue to support and embrace diversity of thought at the ag table,” said Nationwide Sr. Consultant Krista Soda. “With MANRRS, we not only have the opportunity to help amplify their mission but we can be a catalyst for helping develop and recruit the next generation of diverse leaders in ag.”
To learn more about MANRRS, visit MANRRS.org. And visit AgInsightCenter.com for resources and expert tips on trending topics
to help you run a successful business and maintain the safety of your operation.
*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
Jahqethea Johnson
