Delaware Farm Bureau News
Local Farmers Feeding Your Family
Delaware Farm Bureau holds 71st Annual Convention
As 2015 comes to a close, Delaware Farm Bureau leaders once again invited members, esteemed guests and delegates to celebrate the close of their Annual Convention with their Annual Banquet, December 3rd, at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover.
The Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee welcomed guests with their silent auction and gun raffle with proceeds going to their annual scholarship fund. This year’s gun
raffle featured a camouflage Browning A5 12 gauge shotgun. The winner of the raffle could also take an $800 cash option. The winner, Joe Minuti from Wilmington, DE opted to receive the shotgun.
The YF & R Silent Auction ultimately raised over $1,200 with help from items donated from area businesses and even DFB members themselves, including Barbara Sapp’s famous Sweet Potato Pie, purchased by Mary B. Gooden.
The gun raffle, which began at the Kent County Farm Bureau Banquet in September and remained open through December 3rd, raised an additional $1,500 for the scholarship fund.
The awards portion of the evening began with President Holtz welcoming the crowd and introducing the Farm Bureau’s guests, which included Congressman John Carney, congressional delegation representatives, legislators and many more. Deputy Secretary of DNREC Kara Coats spoke briefly after Congressman Carney about the progress DNREC is making on the Stormwater Management project.
President Holtz gave a brief version of her President’s Report from Tuesday’s Annual Meeting highlighting the importance of Farm Bureau’s mission; Preserving, Protecting and Educating.
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) administers Federal crop insurance programs covering over $110 billion (in 2014) in crop liability across the U.S. and over $123 million in crop liability in Delaware. A great many producers have benefitted from using RMA’s commodity-specific crop insurance products to manage yield and revenue risk for soybeans, corn, grains, and other crops. These programs account for the vast majority of crop insurance liability in Delaware. However, many producers may not be aware of an additional program which is available to help Delaware producers address production and marketing risks that can cause below-average annual revenue for their whole farming operation.
As its name implies, Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) provides protection against reductions in your whole farm income that can result from some combination of loss of production from natural causes and market price fluctuations. WFRP was introduced for the 2015 crop year as a newly redesigned plan of insurance to replace two previous whole-farm products: Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) and AGR-Lite. RMA first began offering a whole farm (AGR) policy for pilot states and counties in 1999 and expanded availability extensively a few years later. Although both previous programs were available in Delaware for several years, neither became widely used by farmers.
The new WFRP pilot program was created as a provision of the 2014 Farm Bill.
The Powers Family is presented with the 2015 Farm Family of the Year award at Delaware Farm Bureau’s Annual Banquet.
From the President’s desk
Delaware Farm Bureau has had a very busy year. It is hard to believe how fast it has gone. As past presidents will attest to, just when you think everything starts to calm down something else pops up. My weeks have been very full this year and my 2016 calendar is already starting to fill up.
In January 2016 the AFBF Annual Meeting will be held in Orlando, Florida and a new AFBF President will be selected. After serving as President of AFBF for fourteen years and Texas Farm Bureau President for eight years prior to that, President Bob Stallman has decided it was time to step down. He will certainly be missed. Over the years, he has addressed some very demanding issues and leaves AFBF in good shape. So far, four state presidents have announced their intent to run for the president’s position. The current Vice-President Barry Bishue, Don Villwock (Indiana’s State President), Zippy Duvall (Georgia’s State President) and Kevin Rogers (Arizona’s State President). Also, three have announced their interest in the vice-presidents position: Dean Norton (New York’s State President), John Hoblic (Florida’s State President) and Scott VanderWal (South Dakota’s State President).
We continue at the state level to be vigilant against animal activist groups as they come into Delaware attempting to introduce legislation that attacks our animal production industry. The Humane Society of the United States obtained sponsorship for legislation that would fine and incarcerate dairy farmers for docking their cow’s tails. That legislation was tabled in committee but will still have to be addressed. Mercy for Animals aired a misleading and incorrect video of the treatment of chickens at a Tyson poultry farm in Sussex County. Laura Hill, a poultry grower herself, responded very well to a News Journal interview regarding the video. She verbally walked the reporter through the process step-by-step, illustrating the humane and proper way chickens are handled. It is important that we remain proactive in these various sabotage efforts to protect our animal production industry here in Delaware.
There have been several tax and regulation issues that have come up this year. Fortunately, Delaware Farm Bureau has been included in the discussions and been asked to join forces on issues.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 30 established the Clean Water and Flood Abatement Task Force in July as a follow up to the Governor’s failed 2014 water tax proposal. Senator Bryan Townsend and Representative Michael Mulrooney co-chaired the Task Force which Delaware Farm Bureau served on. As with any new tax, we are fearful of the financial burden that will be placed on agriculture over and above that of the ordinary home owner. DFB’s 2nd VP Tom Unruh has represented us well at these meetings. Another area of concern is the Storm Water Regulations, especially as it pertains to poultry houses. Ted Bobola has agreed to represent us and keep us abreast of any new developments with these regulations.
DNREC’s Open Space is in the process of re-drawing the State Resource Area maps. Doug Corey has agreed to represent DFB giving comments and input into the discussions. As always, our concern is how it will affect land values. Once the maps are redrawn, there will be public workshops and a public hearing around March/April of 2016. Watch the weekly digest for dates, places and times.
Best Management Practices (BMP’s) is something that comes into play at most meetings that I have just mentioned. As we have said for some time, Delaware farmers are not getting full credit for all of the best management practices that they are doing. Other surrounding states are beginning to realize the same thing in their respective states. We need to find ways to improve the model and give farmers the credit they deserve.
GMO’s are and will continue to be a hot topic of discussion. We have been proactive in responding with accurate scientific information in support of The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act. It passed the House of Repre-
sentatives and now needs the Senate’s support. We need a national standard on food labeling not a state by state piece meal that will negatively impact farmers, retailers and the consumer.
Federally, we supported the Trade Promotion Authority and the TransPacific Partnership agreement which will open new markets for American agricultural products. Fortunately the TPA passed and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is now moving forward.
I have been expressing concerns to our Senators and Representative over WOTUS for some time now. Congressman Carney voted for legislation that would have repealed EPA’s regulation and directed the rewriting of the regulation. In June, Senator Carper along with Secretary Kee, SCFB President Jesse Vanderwende, other agriculture leaders and myself met in Sussex County to observe and discuss the impact EPA’s regulation would have on drainage ditches. The group supplied valid questions and concerns along with aerial maps and on ground visual to support those concerns. As a follow up to that meeting, Senator Carper had a meeting in September inviting EPA, Army Corps of Engineers, State Agencies, the Home Builders Association, Jesse Vanderwende and myself. Senator Coons was also in attendance.
EPA consistently said that agriculture was exempt and we should not have any concerns regardless of any of the examples we gave them. I asked them to show us in the regulation where it said agriculture was exempt. They kept referring to a two page document that stated agriculture was exempt. I recently located the document they referred to which is nothing more than the current EPA administrations interpretation of the regulation. Unfortunately our Senators failed to recognize that future interpretations could be completely different with a change in administration. I was very disappointed when both Senators on November 3rd voted against S1140 which would require the revising of the EPA’sregulation.
Also of concern, tax provisions that expired at the end of 2014. Section 179 and bonus depreciation are still unresolved. The House of Representatives passed legislation to make Section 179 permanent but has not addressed the bonus depreciation deductions. I contacted Senator Carper regarding The Tax Relief Extension Act of 2015 (S1946) which he voted for and was approved by the Senate Finance Committee in favor of S1946. This includes extensions for both the Section 179 deduction and the bonus depreciation deduction however it is still pending before the full Senate. With Congress only being in session 11 days in December, it is important for all farmers who want to be able to deduct the cost of equipment to contact their Senators and Representative to get this done for 2015 and to make it permanent. Delaware Farm Bureau is the best bargain out there for farmers in this state. The fifty dollars is not the issue – they can recoup that investment through savings with member services. What Delaware Farm Bureau does for the farming community in Delaware cannot be measured in the amount of dues but what it does to promote and protect agriculture in Delaware. Our strategic plan is to PROMOTE, PROTECT and EDUCATE. If you have a neighbor or friend that is a farmer and not a DFB member, please encourage them to join. While we will continue to do what we do, we need their support. They need to belong to DFB in support of our efforts for what we do for them.
Thank you for allowing me to serve you as your President this past year. It has been an honor and a privilege.
President Kitty Holtz
PROTECTION
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It is designed to offer an improved risk management option to protect agricultural producers against declines in revenue from all commodities produced on the farm (subject to some exclusions). WFRP can be especially beneficial for diversified farm operations. A whole farm policy can cover a variety of crops (even those for which individual crop insurance policies may not be available) and includes coverage for organic crops, livestock, commodities purchased for resale, and replant costs. Like other Federal Crop Insurance Programs, premiums are highly subsidized by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC).
RMA has made several modifications to expand and improve WFRP for the coming 2016 crop year. For example,
• Record keeping requirements were reduced to make participation easier for beginning producers,
• A previous cap on percent of income from livestock was removed, allowing producers to insure up to $1 million worth of animals and animal products.
• The cap on historical revenue for expanding operations was increased to 35% to better fit growing farms;
• WFRP became the first RMA product to be offered in every U.S. state and county.
WFRP revenue guarantees are based on a producer’s five-year historical farm average revenue as reported on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax returns (Schedule F or equivalent forms) and annual farm reports. Some rules regarding eligibility for WFRP are listed below. (Producers should contact a licensed crop insurance agent with knowledge of WFRP for program details.)
• Be a U. S. Citizen or resident and eligible to receive federal benefits;
• File a Schedule F or other farm tax return for five consecutive years –2010-2014 tax forms are required for 2016 insurance year except if qualified under certain exclusions;
• Have no more than $8.5 million in insured revenue (farm revenue x coverage);
• Have no more than $1 million expected revenue from animals/animal products and no more than $1 million from green house/nursery;
Delaware Farm Bureau News
Editor Caroline Foltz 302-697-3183 caroline.foltz@defb.org
Delaware Farm Bureau News (ISSN 1077-0798), published in Camden, DE, bimonthly, by Delaware Farm Bureau. Production by Susquehanna Printing. Periodicals postage paid at Camden, DE and additional offices.
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Subscription price to members (paid as part of Farm Bureau membership dues) is $1.60. All other subscriptions are $6.50 per year.
• Have no more than 50% of total revenue from commodities purchased for resale;
• Meet certain diversification requirements depending on specific crops raised and available yield and revenue insurance options;
• Provide required reporting, which may include whole-farm history, farm operation reports, and information about growth of your operation; The sales closing date for WFRP is March 15. The crop year for WFRP is a calendar or fiscal year, depending on how taxes for the operation are filed. WFRP can be used in conjunction with other crop insurance programs, including RMA’s yield and revenue insurance products as long as buy-up coverage is purchased for those programs. Coverage levels and payment rates are selected by the producer and depend on the number of commodities produced. Farm operations producing three or more crops can qualify for additional subsidy and coverage levels compared to farms producing a single crop.
Delaware producers face high production costs, numerous production perils, and substantial market risks. The WFRP program, with Federally subsidized premiums, can help farmers better manage their many risks. Producers interested in these or any Federal crop insurance program should contact a crop insurance agent for more information and full program details. A crop insurance agent locator is available on the RMA website at www.RMA. USDA.gov. The website also provides WFRP recordkeeping aid and additional details about all available Federal crop insurance programs.
AgRAEIS will be conducting several free informational sessions in Delaware to help producers better understand risk management and the features and benefits of federal crop insurance (including a WFRP training event on January 14th in Harrington, DE). Event details will be available online, through Delaware Farm Bureau, and posted on Twitter @DelawareAgRisk. Sources: USDA-RMA News Release No. 0239.15, USDA-RMA Fact Sheet for Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (August 2015), RMA website AgRAEIS works with the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) to educate Delaware producers about Risk Management and Federal Crop Insurance Programs. These institutions are equal opportunity providers. To locate a crop insurance agent or obtain information about risk management and RMA’s Federal Crop Insurance Programs, please visit www.RMA. USDA.gov. To receive additional information, please contact AgRAEIS at info@AgRAEIS.com.
BANQUET
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Holtz closed with a call to action for the members and agriculture professionals in the crowd.
“I encourage everyone that if you care about the future of agriculture in Delaware, get involved. Let your voice be heard. Just one hour of participation at a hearing, a meeting or contacting your legislator can be very important and beneficial” she said.
Each year during the program a member of the Nationwide Board of Directors is invited to give a report from Nationwide. Sparky Weilnau, the sole proprietor of a 1,200 acre grain farm specializing in the production of popcorn was this year’s guest. Weilnau was elected to the Nationwide board in 2014. In additional to his extensive agricultural background, Mr. Weilnau has also held local leadership roles in northern Ohio area including serving as Erie County commissioner.
New Castle County Farm Bureau, and Joe Marini from Sussex County Farm Bureau.
DFB’s 1st Vice President Laura Hill presented the State Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award to longtime friend and Farm Bureau Member, Mark Isaacs. Mark is a lifelong resident of Sussex County and was first awarded the Sussex County Farm Bureau’s DSTA Award in October.
Other County award winners included Stephen Cook from New Castle County and Robin Talley from Kent County. Mark started working at University of Delaware in 1986 at the substation in Georgetown (currently the Carvel Research & Education Center) as an Extension Assistant for Environmental Quality where he worked with farmers throughout Delaware on developing best management practices for nutri-
ruh presented the prestigious 2015 Farm Family of the Year Award to William E. Powers Jr. & Family.
The Power’s Family were named New Castle County Farm Bureau’s Farm Family of the Year in October at the County’s Annual Banquet. Other County winners this year included The Parker Family (SCFB) and the Clark Family (KCFB).
Bill Jr. bought the family farm from his mother Karol Powers-Case in 1987. Bill Jr. married Joan in 1989. Their daughter Katie now resides in Oklahoma after receiving her bachelor’s in animal science and master’s in agricultural communications. Son, Will completed diesel and auto mechanic school and now works with Bill on the farm.
Powers Farm is known for selling brown eggs and meat to restaurants and at farmer’s markets and various local grocery stores. Powers Farm produces a wholesome, safe and local product to sell to the Delmarva area. In addition, they see their farm as a route to get the consumers in the area involved in agriculture.
DFB Delegates Update Resolutions
The Delaware Farm Bureau held their Annual Meeting Dec. 1 in Dover where over 120 Delegates took time carefully considering new and old resolutions.
Changes made to the current policy regarding the Agland Preservation helped clarify contradictory language which had been causing confusion. A DFB Farmland Preservation Committee was formed earlier this year to review current policy and later suggested that new language be adopted to clear up further confusion. Changes in language included:
• DFB supports the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Program.
• DFB supports landowners having the option of leaving the Ag District due to program changes.
• DFB supports the use of “highest and best use” appraisal practices.
Mr. Weilnau assisted President Holtz in presenting the Charles Wallace Agency’s Jim Dorsey with the Top Membership Recruiter Award for 2015. The award is for the entire agency in appreciation of service to the DFB for recruiting the highest number of new Farm Bureau members in 2015 –146 new members.
Corey Fetterman, from the Fetterman Agency earned the #1 Nationwide Agribusiness Exclusive Agency Award in appreciation for service to the Delaware Farm Bureau members for securing the future for Delaware farms. The Fetterman agency sold over $193,000 in farm production for the 2014 Calendar year. Fetterman Agency also earned the prestigious Platinum Plowshare Award for reaching $1 million in farm sales earlier this year.
In 2015, three retiring state board directors were acknowledged by President Holtz for their dedicated service to the organization; Chris Willey and Scott Unruh representing
New Castle County’s Ryan VanSant was voted this year’s State Youth Ambassador. Ryan and the other County Ambassador’s Gabrielle Virdin (Kent) and Samantha Kirk (Sussex) were also awarded their Ambassador shirts by Mary B Gooden, State Women’s Committee Chair. Ryan will represent Delaware Farm Bureau at events this year, such as the Agriculture Industry Dinner, Delaware State Fair and the DFB Annual Meeting.
• DFB supports permanent funding for the program.
• DFB encourages policies that preserve farmland in a fair and equitable manner.
• DFB supports a bond offering to enhance the Agricultural Preservation Program.
Delaware Farm Bureau recommended the following:
• Encourage the Installment Purchase Agreement as a tool to preserve farms.
ent management. He later became the Crops Research Coordinator for the substation, where he coordinated agronomic and vegetable research and extension projects.
In 1991, Mark became the Director of the Carvel Research & Education Center, which serves as the Southern Experiment Station for the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Sussex County. In this role, he has worked with numerous local and state officials on addressing and identifying agricultural needs for the State to ensure Delaware agriculture is strong and prepared for the future.
DFB’s 2nd Vice President Tom Un-
Travis Voshell gave the YF&R Report citing successes for the committee in 2015 including the Strawberry Festival and Antique Tractor Pull. Voshell also presented this year’s “Supporter of the Year” Award to Chuck Hoober from Hoober, Inc. Mr. Hoober has supported the YF&R through their many tractor pulls and various other events. The YF&R also acknowledged committee member Mollie Moore as their “Most Oustanding Member” for 2015.
The 71st Annual DFB Convention was a great success thanks in part to our Banquet Sponsors Nationwide, Sharp Energy, Monsanto, Farm Credit, Del-One, King Crop Insurance, Greener Solutions and DuPont Pioneer.
• Support full funding to reduce the discount rate.
• Create a new program to assist farmers making purchase of farmland, including allowing three-party purchases of land with the seller going to settlement with a qualified buyer and the DFLF.
• Set aside or create a revolving fund used to take immediate action to preserve or protect farmland. The second resolution reviewed by delegates included great discussion and background on the Flood Abatement Task Force and “Clean Water for Delaware Fee.” These fees could potentially cost farm owners up to $15,000 a year.
Delaware Farm Bureau President Kitty Holtz addresses guests at the 71st Annual Banquet.
Senator Hocker presents Senate Tribute to Mark Isaacs after winning the 2015 DEFB Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award.
Delaware Farm Bureau annual Banquet
Thank you to our sponsors!
President Kitty Holtz and Nationwide Director Sparky Welinau present Jim Dorsey and The Charles Wallace Agency with the Top Membership Recruiter Award for recruiting 146 new Farm Bureau Members in 2015.
President Kitty Holtz and Nationwide Director Sparky Welinau present The Fetterman Agency with the #1 Nationwide Agribusiness Exclusive Agency award for selling over $193,000 in farm production for the 2014 calendar year.
First Vice President Laura Hill presents Mark Isaacs with the State Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award.
Women’s Committee Chair Mary Bea Gooden presents New Castle’s Youth Ambassador Ryan VanSant the State Youth Ambassador Award.
Sussex County Young Farmers & Ranchers Chair Steve Breeding presents Chuck Hoober with the YF&R Supporter of the Year Award.
How to Pick the Perfect Christmas Tree
Christmas season is upon us and it’s time again to start decorating the house. But, how do you know you’re getting the right tree? Here are some tips on picking the perfect Christmas tree!
• Measure Twice, Buy Once: Measure the height of your ceiling but subtract the height of your stand and tree topper. Also, clear the space to measure how deep the area is.
• Get a live one: Test your tree for smell and falling needles.
If you bounce the tree on the ground and exterior needles come off or you crush the needles in your hand and they don’t smell enough, then the tree is on its way out. Also, bring your stand to make absolutely sure the trunk fits.
• Buy local: Buying local ensures your tree will not die before it gets home. Also, make sure you get a fresh cut of the trunk at the farm to ensure your tree will receive an adequate amount of water during the season.
Support local farms by buying trees from:
New Castle County
Coleman’s Christmas Tree Farm
550 Silver Run Road
Middletown, DE 19709 (302) 378-8949
Hickman’s Tree Farm Inc.
472 Massey Church Road Smyrna, DE 19977 (302) 653-6088
McCarthy Tree Farm 1061 Dutch Neck Road Middletown, DE 19709 (302) 836-3171
Raintree Farms
1231 Dexter Corner Road Townsend, DE 19734 (302) 378-4756
Kent
County
Christmas Trees From The Good Earth 3846 Mahan Corner Road Marydel, DE 19964 (302) 492-3354
Loblolly Acres
3893 Turkey Point Road Woodside, DE 19980 (302) 284-9255
www.Loblollyacres.com
Schreppler’s Fir Tree Acres 2216 Woodlytown Road Magnolia, DE 19962 (302) 697-7396 or (302) 670-7841
Spence’s Tree Farm 19 Ruyter Drive Frederica, DE 19946 (302) 335-4460
Turning Pointe Farms
5395 Westville Road Hartly, DE 19953 (302) 492-0231
Sussex County
Candy Cane Tree Farm 11219 Nancy Street Lincoln, DE 19960 (302) 422-6041
Women’s Committee Shares Christmas Traditions
Every family has their own Christmas Traditions whether it’s baking cookies on Christmas Eve or making pies for Christmas dinner. Some members of the Delaware Farm Bureau Women’s Committee would like to share their Christmas Traditions with you this holiday season!
“One tradition in my home on Christmas morning is baking sticky buns. This recipe is so easy and can be baked in the oven while you are opening Christmas presents. The aroma wafting throughout the house will lure you back into the kitchen.”
Sticky Buns
2 pkgs Pillsbury Crescent dinner rolls
1 stick butter
1/2 C brown sugar
1/2 C chopped pecans
1T water
Melt butter; add brown sugar, chopped pecans, and water. Bring to a boil for one minute. Slice rolls into 8 slices.
Place in 8x8 baking dish. Pour sugar mixture over slices. Bake 20-25 minutes at 375° until golden brown.
-June Unruh, New Castle County
Moist Apple Cake
2 ½ C peeled, chopped baking apples
1 C sugar
2T Vegetable Oil
2 egg whites
1 ½ t baking powder
½ t baking soda
1 t cinnamon
1/2 C chopped walnuts or pecans
½ C fresh or frozen cranberries
Preheat oven to 350°. Spray vegetable spray on bottom and sides of large loaf pan. Put wax paper on bottom to make it easier to remove. Combine apples, sugar and oil in medium mixing bowl. Add egg whites, mixing well. Combine dry ingredients and add to mixture, stirring until dry ingredients are moist. Stir in cranberries and nuts. Bake 60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Note: Cranberries freeze well, in their own package from the store.
-Nellie Hand, Kent County
“Everyone raves about this pie when it’s made for Christmas!”
Sweet Potato Pie
2 C mashed sweet potatoes
1 ½ C milk
3 eggs
1 C sugar
½ t cinnamon
¼ t nutmeg
1T soft butter
1 t salt
1 t lemon flavoring
Combine all ingredients in blender until well mixed. Pour into 10 inch lined pastry pie pan. Bake at 425° for 20 minutes, lower heat to 300° for about 50 minutes more. Makes 1 (10 in) pie.
-Barbara Sapp, Sussex County
Nationwide® Stands Up for Farmers
Through Nationwide’s We Stand For You® advocacy efforts, we show farmers and agribusinesses that we support them — and do what’s right for the members we serve.
That’s why we helped create the Stand Up award program to honor farmers making a difference in their communities — farmers like Matt DeMatteo.
In collaboration with the Nationwide-sponsored “Small Town Big Deal” — a weekly RFD-TV program that celebrates the stories of rural American life — the award was created to highlight the great work being done by farmers across the nation.
Promoted on Small Town Big Deal throughout 2014, community members could nominate Stand Up award recipients online. Of the more than 300 nominations received, DeMatteo’s story struck a chord.
For the 23-year-old resident of New Philadelphia, OH, farming was a lifelong dream. After graduating from Ohio State, he returned to the family farm where he works with his brother and volunteers with the local fire department.
After his farming mentor tragically lost his life in a tractor roll-over just weeks before harvest, DeMatteo rallied his community in support. He led a tractor tribute and, with the help of other local farmers, harvested the farmer’s crops.
“This young man is always doing good things,” says his Nationwide Agent Lynette Dauch. “He has become someone that people look up to. The impact of this on the community will never be measured; bringing together family, friends and acquaintances to mourn and share grief is a big task. Matt made it happen. We need more young adults like Matt in this world.”
DeMatteo was featured on “Small Town Big Deal” on Nov. 12, where he shared his story and received the Stand Up award. Check the show’s website for details about where to watch.
“Partnering with the most-watched show on a network that targets rural audiences and those involved in agriculture allows us to tap into the creativity, innovation and resourcefulness of rural Americans,” says Brad Liggett, agribusiness president for Nationwide. “And highlighting the work of individuals like Matt DeMatteo is just one of the ways we continue to stand for our members and for the entire agricultural community.”
Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. We Stand For You is a service mark of Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company. © 2015 Nationwide.
Matt DeMatteo is interviewed on “Small Town Big Deal.”
Margie Chase, Nationwide Senior Consultant, Business Development
AVOID HOLIDAY HAZARDS
Did you know December is the peak time of year for home candle fires?
Candles, pretty lights and decorations are just a few of the items that add to the charm and cheer of the holiday season—however, if they are not used carefully your holidays may go from festive to frightening very quickly.
Review the following simple safety tips, provided by the National Fire Protection Association, to greatly reduce the fire risk in your home or business this holiday season.
• Two out of five home decoration fires are started by candles. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns.
• Use sturdy candle holders that are not likely to tip over and place candles on clear, uncluttered surfaces. Consider using flameless candles instead of real candles.
• Make sure your tree and decorations are at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents.
• Make sure you have the correct type of lights for your desired de cor. Some lights are designed for only indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Carefully inspect light strands before placing them. Replace any string of lights with worn or bro ken cords or loose bulb connec tions. Connect no more than three strands of light sets.
• Remember to turn off outside decorative lights and Christmas tree lights before leaving or going to bed.
• Get rid of your tree after Christ mas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program.
• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer. Your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals wish you a safe and happy holiday season!
Merry Christmas from
For the third year in a row the Delaware Farm Bureau will participate in the Blue Jacket Bonanza program, made possible by generous donations from the Delaware Farm Bureau Board of Directors. The BOD will purchase 50 FFA Jackets for Delaware FFA Members who meet the requirements through an application process. The students will also receive their official FFA Scarf or Tie with their FFA Jacket.
The Blue Jacket Bonanza program was developed to provide area students involved in FFA, who do not have the financial means, a chance to earn their own blue jacket. To be granted a jacket the students will be required to complete an application process which includes logging volunteer hours and writing a short essay.
The application and more information can be found on www.defb.org or by calling the Farm Bureau State Office at (302) 697-3183.
MidAtlantic Women In Agriculture Conference set for Feburary at
Dover Downs
The 15th Annual MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture Regional Conference will be held on Thursday, February 11th at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. The conference offers women who are involved in agriculture the opportunity to come together and learn about current issues and topics so they can make informed decisions concerning their agribusinesses. Sessions will cover topics on farm diversification, farm transition planning, and landowner liability within agri-tourism as well additional talks about retirement, digital photography, sustainable landscaping, grain marketing and much more. Two pre-sessions, GMO Education and Employee Management will also be
offered February 10th. Registration is $45 and can be completed online at www.extension. umd.edu/womeninag. Early bird registration featuring special pricing is available now through the end of 2015. For further information, contact Victoria Corcoran at VGC@ umd.edu or (410) 822-1244.
The conference will begin at 8:00 a.m. at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, 1131 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901. Special room rates at Dover Downs are available for this conference; reservations must be made by calling Dover Downs Reservation Department at 866-473-7378 and providing the code “GWAG16.”
Delaware Farm Bureau Selects Ag in the Classroom Essay Winner
Now in its 6th year, the Ag in the Classroom Essay Contest was established to bring Agriculture Education to middle-school aged students in Delaware. Farm Bureau works with the Delaware Department of Agriculture to offer the Ag in the Classroom Essay Contest, which challenges students to write a minimum 500 word essay based on a predetermined prompt. This year, the students were asked to describe how important international trade is to Delaware and how it may affect Delaware farmers and their jobs.
This year’s winner was seventh grade student Allison Miller from Postlethwait Middle School in the Caesar Rodney School District. Allison attended the Annual Banquet Thursday, December 3rd at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover, DE where she and her
RESOLUTIONS
continued from pg. 4
It was resolved that DFB opposed the following:
• Implementing a water tax/fee on farm property, buildings and irrigation systems;
• The proposed creation of the Clean Water for Delaware Act;” and
• Establishing the “Clean Water for Delaware Trust Fund.”
Tom Unruh, who represented DFB on the task force, said he felt outnumbered by the bureaucracy as he was the sole farmer.
Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee, also commented, saying he did not favor the proposed clean water legislation “as a Farm Bureau member, as an ‘ag guy,’ or as Secretary of Agriculture. It just is not a good idea. Putting the burden on agriculture is just wrong,” he concluded. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the delegates.
A genetically modified labeling
resolution also passed unanimously. It was resolved that DFB opposes any state legislation mandating genetically modified labeling. GMO’s have been a hot topic for the last few years. Cornell University studies have shown that families could see an increase of $500-$1500 per year at the grocery store if GMO labeling passed.
Lastly, delegates chose to rescind a resolution brought forward last year regarding family and moral values. The resolution was mirrored from AFBF policy books and the intent was to provide wording pertaining to federal laws affecting farm families, such as children working on farms and the ATV helmet law. DFB’s attorney Scott Chambers agreed with rescinding to keep Farm Bureau from having difficulties applying for grants and other programs. The resolution was rescinded by over 2/3’s vote in order to start fresh with new wording in the future.
teacher Ms. Cluff were both honored and Allison read her essay to the crowd. For more information on the 2016 Ag in the Classroom Essay Contest please visit www.defb.org or call the State Farm Bureau Office at (302) 697-3183.
Allison Miller and her teacher Ms. Cluff accept the Ag in the Classroom award at the DEFB Annual Banquet.
Kent County
Charles Conley 35 Commerce Street Harrington, DE 19952 (302) 398-3276
Glenn Deaton
905-A North Dupont Highway Dover, DE 19901 (302) 734-3700
David Fetterman 200 North Rehoboth Boulevard Milford, DE 19963 (302) 422-3079
Michael Frankos
375 W. North Street, Suite A Dover, DE 19904 (302) 531-0831
Jay Rouse 1252 Forrest Ave Dover, DE 19904 (302) 678-2223
Michael Wilkinson
223 South DuPont Boulevard, Suite 2 Smyrna, DE 19977 (302) 653-5580
new Castle
Michael Alpaugh 94 E. Main Street Newark, DE 19711 (302) 453-9871
C. Lori Blackwell
248 E. Chestnut Hill Road Newark, DE 19713 (302) 738-5030
Rick Broadbent
3510 Silverside Road, Suite 2 Wilmington, DE 19810 (302) 479-7777
Lisa Broadbent-Diossi
20 Polly Drummond Hill Road Newark, DE 19711 (302) 731-0044
Shawn Coen
296 Bear-Christiana Road Bear, DE 19701 (302) 322-2022
Roy Crow
106 S. Broad Street Middletown, DE 19709 (302) 378-9592
Steven Dewberry
5700 Kirkwood Hwy, Suite 103
Wilmington, DE 19808 (302) 995-9550
Steve Disabatino 478 Middletown Warwick Road Middletown, DE 19709 (302) 449-5556
A. Barbara Dorsey 3510 Silverside Road, Suite 2 Wilmington, DE 19810 (302) 479-7777
James Dorsey 1521 Concord Pike, Suite 301 Wilmington, DE 19803 (302) 472-3200
Richard Finney 3510 Silverside Road, Suite 2 Wilmington, DE 19810 (302) 479-5560
Terry Gouert 824 Philadelphia Pike Wilmington, DE 19809 (302) 478-6400
Harry “T.” Insley 4633 Ogletown-Stanton Road Newark, DE 19713 (302) 286-0777
John Koziol 724 Yorklyn Road, Water Wheel Building, Suite 200 Hockessin, DE 19707 (302) 234-5430
Raymond Maniscalco 117 Kirkwood Square Wilmington, DE 19808 (302) 999-8211
Kenneth Marconi
813 E. Newport Pike Wilmington, DE 19804 (302) 992-9772
Henry E. Nickle 119 Washington Street Delaware City, DE 19706 (302) 834-9700
Calvin Sheets
254 Fox Hunt Drive, Fox Run Plaza Bear, DE 19701 (302) 832-0441
Robert Steinebach
296 Bear-Christiana Road Bear, DE 19701 (302) 328-1212
Maureen Varone 1816 W. Fourth Street Wilmington, DE 19805 (302) 655-3331
Charles Wallace 1906 Newport Gap Pike Wilmington, DE 19808 (302) 998-1412
Peter Wolff 520 Peoples Plaza Newark, DE 19702 (302) 283-1880
sussex County
Scott Carey Insurance
30618 DuPont Boulevard, Suite 1 Dagsboro, DE 19939 (302) 934-8383
Elmer Hearn 310 High Street Seaford, DE 19973 (302) 629-9493
Cynthia C. Hoban 18 Hickory Street Frankford, DE 19945 (302) 732-9505
Marvin Muncie 1011 Norman Eskridge Highway Seaford, DE 19973 (302) 629-9414
Cliff Short 606 E. Market Street Georgetown, DE 19947 (302) 856-7773
Richard Small 1130 S. Central Avenue Laurel, DE 19956 (302) 875-3333
Thad Truitt 1143 Savannah Road, Suite 2 Lewes, DE 19958 (302) 645-6459
marylanD
Susan Wilgus-Murphy 1203 Pemberton Drive Salisbury, MD 21801 (410) 742-8240
William Staples 1410 S. Salisbury Boulevard Salisbury, MD 21801 (410) 546-3999
Greg Whitten 317 Crusader Rd Cambridge, MD 21613 (410) 228-7484
