Farm Bureau News
Local Farmers Feeding Your Family
Farm families, ag service honored by counties
Senator Bruce Ennis, Dr. Gordon Johnson, Carol Kinsley among those awarded
From the President’s desk
Sharing membership benefits helps everyone
State Board of Directors
President
Richard Wilkins
1st Vice President
Laura Hill
2nd Vice President
It’s banquet season for the Delaware Farm Bureau - that means gathering together over a hot meal and celebrating the hard work we all do on a regular basis. It is also a time to continue our mission of bettering agriculture in the First State through education, advocacy and relational efforts.
All of those things start at the organizational level. We need the chance to gather together so we can share our experiences, celebrate the successes and discuss current changes in agriculture. With 78 years under our belts, these type of engagements have helped our organization continue to improve the landscape of Delaware agriculture.
But that’s only the tip of the iceberg in terms of value in your Delaware Farm Bureau membership.
We also have the resources as a group to offer incredible member
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.
benefits like a prescription savings card and discounts to major farm equipment outfitters and local businesses.
Take Rock Roofing Company in Delaware, for example. Farm Bureau members receive a 10% discount on roof replacementsthis could far surpass the price of a yearly membership. Members could also receive a 40% discount on office supplies through Staples and discounts on Life Line Screenings to name just a few benefits. These benefits are not only life saving to our members, but offer lifelines to our farms, too.
These benefits can always be browsed on our website at www. defb.org or through a brochure available at our office in Camden.
Together, our exclusive benefits and organizational support for advocacy and education provide a crucial foundation, reinforcing some of the most basic needs of our farming community.
One thing is for certain - we need to grow our membership. We need our members to share the work of the Delaware Farm Bureau with neighbors, friends, family and, yes, even your local ag teachers and leaders. Members don’t have to be farmers to support our work.
Those who are professionally engaged in agriculture can enjoy the same benefits as our farmer members. We also have a category for community members who want to help us advocate for our farmers
and consumers.
To help share these benefits, you could take this newspaper to your next friendly get together and share our stories with friends and family. You could also take a membership brochure that outlines our benefits so they can see what they could receive in exchange for membership. Above all, we hope you share your own personal experiences from the Farm Bureau. How have we helped and/ or supported you and your farm? How has the opportunity to gather together with fellow farmers impacted your life? These are the all-too-often unspoken benefits to an organization such as ours. But that doesn’t make them any less important. In fact, those opportunities are some of the most important parts of our work, in my opinion, gathering, sharing, discussing and brainstorming with our fellow community members.
As we look back over the last year and into the next, I hope you will join me as we march into our 78th year of advocacy and education by helping us promote our organization and reach more new members than ever.
For more information on membership or upcoming events, or to let us know you've encountered suspicious activity on your farm, visit www.defb.org or call our office at (302)-697-3183. Stay strong. Stay well. Stay Farm Bureau Proud.
William Powers, Jr
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: Jordan Betts
New Castle Chair: Abel Elwell
Women’s Committee
State Chair: Mary B Gooden
Kent Chair: Rebecca Bobo la
Sussex Chair: Constance Fox
New Castle Chair: June Unruh
Kent County Directors
Bruce Dempsey
Paul Cartanza Sr
Ted Bobola Jr.
Sussex County Directors
Alan Bailey
New Castle County Directors
Bruce Patrick
Will Powers, III
Ryan Greer
Delaware Farm Bureau President Richard Wilkins
Service to agriculture, farm families celebrated
By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau
Behind every combine and farm stand, there is plethora of community support and agriculture professionals helping the farming complete their daily work.
On the surface, this often means a family affair complete with generations of love and guidance. Behind them, dedicated professionals can be found supporting and advocating for the longevity of the agricultural field.
Every year, the Delaware Farm Bureau has the opportunity to honor a handful of these extraordinary people at each of the county banquets held in the fall.
The 2022 Farm Family of the Year recipients include the Bishop Family of Kent County, the Baxter Family of Sussex County and the Beth & Bruce Patrick Family of New Castle County. Dedicated Service to Agriculture awardees include Dr. Gordon of Kent County, Carol Kinsley of Sussex County and Retired Delaware Senator Bruce Ennis of New Castle County.
The Bishop Family
Raised on a dairy farm, Dale Bishop began his passion for agriculture at a young age. In his late 20s, he decided to branch out on his own and began a custom application business while partnering with Milford Fertilizer.
Dale and Donna Bishop began their journey with Bishop Farms Inc. in 1990 as Dale's custom application business began to expand. From the beginning, they embodied a "do whatever it takes as long as it's honest work" attitude. What started as milking a few cows, raising their daughters, and hauling a sprayer all across the state doing custom work has now evolved to an expansive operation and a family dedicated to the future of agriculture. They now grow grain crops on their farm in Sandtown and do custom spraying, bailing, and chopping for local farmers.
Sticking to their roots and dedicated to growing with their community is just a snapshot of their values. The roots do run deep as their daughters have stayed closely connected to the farm in some way. Their oldest, Megan, works side-by-side with Dale, helping with the daily operations and bookwork, and manages custom
bailing in the summer months. Their middle daughter, Logan, is now employed by Growmark F.S., but also stays closely connected to the farm by helping with seed, fertilizer and crop protection materials. Their youngest, Ali, currently works in marketing with a dream that will lead her right back to the farm someday soon.
A quote this family lives by is It if you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life." and they feel that is what Bishop Farms Inc. is all about. - loving the industry, preserving the future of agriculture, and just trying to help feed the world one day at a time.
The Baxter Family
The Baxter Family is this year's Sussex County Farm Family of the Year. Their farming operation was established in the early 1900’s from a small farm and tomato canning operation when James Baxter, Sr. moved to this area from Baltimore, Maryland. Jim and Ruth Baxter, along with their sons Jimmy and Bill Baxter further ex-
panded the farm to include a now closed machinery business, broiler chickens, and increased farming acreage.
Jay Baxter and his sister, Kristy Malin currently manage and operate the farm located in Georgetown, Delaware. A majority of the acreage tilled includes corn, wheat and soybeans; however, this has also been diversified to include food grade crops including sweet corn and lima beans. The farm also utilizes many species of cover crops including legumes, grasses and brassicas. The farming operation furthermore includes overseeing the production of 200,000 broilers, which are raised for Mountaire Farms, Incorporated.
Jay is active in the community as a member of the Georgetown Fire Company, past Chairman of the Delaware Soybean Board, a Director of the Sussex County Farm Bureau, is on the Board of Directors of Crossroad Community Church and is a Chairman of the Epworth Christian School Board.
Along with her full time farm-
ing duties, Kristy is also a mom to four children including one year old twins! Kristy volunteers at Crossroad Community Church, is an avid beekeeper and raises goats and chickens at her home.
Jay and Kristy were both influenced by their grandparents, father and uncle whom instilled the importance of hard work and dedication which have molded them into the passionate farmers they are today. Most importantly, Jay and Kristy have a strong faith in the Lord and hope to pass along these values to future generations.
The Beth & Bruce Patrick Family
Beth and Bruce Patrick of B&B Farms and their family are this year's Farm Family of the Year for New Castle Farm Bureau. They started farming in 2005 with field crops, custom hay cutting, swine and beef. By 2007, they were selling bulk pork and beef. They opened their meat market in March 2017, offering pork and
The Bishop Family, Kent County Farm Bureau
From the Executive Director's desk
Six Months In –An Update for Members, Friends
As the leaves are falling and harvest is winding down on Delmarva, State and County Farm Bureau organizations across the region are holding their annual meetings and awards banquets. Delmarva Farmer readers have seen reports of our Delaware banquets.
I am now in my sixth month as Delaware Farm Bureau’s Executive Director. This is the first year I have attended all three Delaware county Farm Bureau banquets and I feel privileged to be a part of this organization. The families and individuals receiving awards this this year are the most recent to be recognized among the best representatives of Delaware agriculture and community service. Having gotten my feet wet, so to speak, as Executive Director, I would like to share a few observations and an outlook for the future of Delaware Farm Bureau Federation (DEFB).
Foremost among my observations is something I have known, but for which I have a renewed appreciation. DEFB includes members from an incredibly diverse spectrum of agriculture, large producers, and small ones. Families which have been established in Delaware agriculture for generations, young couples starting out, and people who have retired from a long non-ag career to start a new one in farming (Who does THAT?) Nearly every type of farm production suitable to the region can be found here and is represented with great pride.
Our farm families are dedicated to the future of agriculture. Many contribute a considerable amount of personal time and talent to the sustainability of agriculture, within their family operations, in the broader farming community, and to strengthen their grass roots Farm Bureau.
Value is a two-way connection between Farm Bureau members and the organization. A sense of common purpose runs through the membership statewide, the county boards, and the state board of directors. Many great ideas have been brought to my attention from the grass roots since my arrival and they have been very helpful. Effective communication is key to our collective success. Another observation is that agriculture maintains a reservoir of good will and support from most non-farming Americans and Delawareans. Most people I meet, when they hear I am a farmer and represent DEFB, are interested in hearing a little bit about what it is farmers do, how we operate, and why they should support agriculture locally. This includes average citizens up
and down the state and extends to our elected officials as well.
I have recently had the opportunity to engage with members of our Congressional delegation and the Delaware General Assembly during the most recent legislative session, as well as other occasions. I have been pleased with their willingness to listen to DEFB views on important issues. This applies to members of both major political parties.
Advocacy is a critical role of DEFB and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). The collective voices of farm, ranch, and fishing families, and our supporters must be organized and expressed effectively to obtain favorable results with decision makers. At DEFB, we monitor developments in state and federal regulations and legislation for their potential effects on ag production, property rights, environmental policy, public safety, and a host of other things. The issues affecting farm families can be complex and intertwined. Someone needs to be on guard and prepared to speak out on behalf of Rural America and agriculture. That’s what we do.
I have heard AFBF president Zippy Duvall, of Georgia, comment that Farm Bureau represents farmers and ranchers whether they are members or not, but we certainly welcome all to join our family. In the early months of my being executive director of DEFB, I realize the truth in that assertion. We encourage those not yet members to join us and engage in the process of making the voice of agriculture heard.
Everyone is a stakeholder in agriculture. The continued sustainability and resilience of agriculture is vital to the prosperity of America. Considering that fact, Farm Bureau invites the broader community to become members as well. Delaware Farm Bureau offers membership in three categories: Regular Member, Farm Community Member, and Professionally Engaged Member. Each of us knows someone who would likely join Farm Bureau if we personally asked them to consider it and showed them how to join. Have a friend visit https://defb.org/membership/ for more information or call (302) 6973183. Ask someone to join us for the future of agriculture!
Executive Director Don Clifton
Mealtime fellowship
U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt-Rochester offers prayer during the New Castle County Annual Banquet.
Lori Unruh Snyder talks about her agricultural research while her mother June Unruh and New Castle County President Stewart Ramsey watch.
U.S. Senator Tom Carper speaks to attendees of the NCC Annual Banquet.
beef by the piece and expanded the market to include eggs, chicken and turkey. B&B Farms currently includes an estimated 65-75 beef cattle (Black Angus and Charolais), 30-60 breeding and market hogs (Duroc and Berkshire), 50 laying hens, 500 broilers throughout year, 150 turkeys so they can offer fresh turkeys for the holidays, 300 acres field crops (soybeans, corn, wheat and barley), 40 acres hay and straw and u-pick strawberries. In the fall, they offer a festival with a corn maze, hayride, u-pick pumpkins and Fall ornamentals such as pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, mini straw bales, corn stalk bundles, wholesale Fall ornamentals and more.
Growing up, both Beth and Bruce were very involved in 4-H and FFA. They continued their involvement as adult volunteers, helping guide the next generation.
Beth and Bruce educate the community often about the importance of farms and farm life by taking farm animals &/or equipment to local preschools, kindergarten, elementary schools, petting zoos and other events. They open their farm to the public and host school field trips, birthday parties and senior community outings.
Dr. Gordon Johnson
Dr. Gordon Johnson received the Distinguished Service in Agriculture Award for Kent County. He has devoted more than two decades to helping the agriculture
industry here in Delaware. Gordon has written dozens upon dozens of publications of research, trends and opportunities to help grow the agricultural industry in Delaware in order to keep us competitive and profitable. Gordon started as the Kent County Agent, but his work has carried him all over Delaware and beyond, sharing his personal knowledge and what he learned from others along the way. He has touched the lives of people in every facet of farming.
Gordon has serves on many boards and commissions and currently works as an assistant professor educating others on plant and soil science at the University of Delaware.
Carol Kinsley
Carol Kinsley is this year's Distinguished Service to Agriculture awardee for Sussex County. With no ag background, unless you count her grandmother's backyard flock of chickens, she dedicated her career to learning and helping others continue to learn as well.
She grew up in North Carolina, married 55 years ago and after 10 years in Florida moved to Tilghman Island, Maryland, in 1980, and to Delaware in 1990. She began managing circulation for The Delmarva Farmer in 1980, hoping to get an opportunity to write.
Ten years later, she became an assistant editor, mentored by Bruce Hotchkiss, and completed a bache-
lor's degree in professional writing. She traveled all over Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, meeting farmers and telling their stories. She has won several awards over four decades for her writing.
She helped launch the "Mid-Atlantic Grower" newspaper, recognizing the importance of horticulture as agriculture. She served as editor for 17 years and was also managing editor of The Delmarva Farmer before semi-retirement in 2006.
Although now officially retired, she still covers events such as Farm Bureau banquets and other ag meetings for The Delmarva Farmer and Morning Star Publications.
In addition to work at the newspaper, she promoted biodiesel and soybean products for the Delaware Soybean Board, produced annual reports and two water quality Best Management Practices publications for the Delaware Nutrient Management Commission, and served as Executive Director of the Mid-Atlantic Soybean Association. She came out of retirement in 2016 to serve Delaware Farm Bureau as Public Relations Coordinator for three years.
She is currently the President of Sussex County Master Gardeners where she stars as Farmer McGregor in their Peter Rabbit puppet show about vegetables. She is also a member of the Spade & Trowel Garden Club and volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club in Seaford to introduce children to gardening.
While doing all this, she and her husband, John, former Division Manager of Sussex County Emergency Medical Services, raised two
The Baxter Family, Sussex County Farm Bureau
The Beth & Bruce Patrick Family, New Castle County Farm Bureau
fine children. Their son is Division Chief in Montgomery County (Maryland) Fire Department and their daughter is director of the emergency department at TidalHealth Nanticoke. They have five grown grandchildren and a I-yearold greatgrandson who comes with two half-siblings to love.
As part of American Farm Publications, this recipient has often said she was "preaching to the choir." Beyond that, in writing for other publications, she has shared good news about agriculture to the rest of the "congregation."
Ret. Senator Bruce Ennis
Senator Ennis has been a member of the Delaware General Assembly for the past 40 years (1982-2007 in the House of Representatives and 2007-2022 in the Senate). Representing a largely rural district in one of the fastest growing areas of the State, much of his career has involved working to achieve a balance between pressures for rapid development on the one hand and preservation of farmland and open space on the other. He has also been an active supporter of hunting, fishing and other sports closely associated with the preservation of open space.
Prior to becoming a member of the General Assembly, Bruce served for 20 years in the Delaware State Police, retiring as Staff Captain. He also served for many years as a member of the Delaware Air National Guard and volunteer fireman serving in many leadership roles over the years.
Senator Ennis has served as Chairman of the Delaware State Senate Agriculture Committee since 2011 and was a member of that committee since he was elected to the Senate in 2007. He leads this committee with the knowledge that Agriculture is the #1 Industry of the State of Delaware and approximately 42% of Delaware is farmland. His Senate district covers the southern part of New Castle County and the northwestern part of Kent County. It includes the towns of Smyrna, Clayton, Port Penn, Leipsic, Townsend and Odessa and parts of Middletown and Dover. This area is one of the fastest growing parts of the state with a substantial number of agricultural areas including saltmarshes along the Delaware Bay and broad expanses of farmland and forests. He has championed preserving open spaces and farmland, along with sensible land-use policies that
encourage planned growth and development, as well as protecting environmentally fragile areas along
the coast. Senator Ennis has long been a longtime supporter of the Agland Preservation Act.
Senator Ennis retired this year, but says he will return to speak out for agriculture in the future.
Dr. Gordon Johnson, Kent County Farm Bureau
Retired Senator Bruce Ennis, New Castle County Farm Bureau
Carol Kinsley, Sussex County Farm Bureau
Registration open for 2023 AFBF convention
The American Farm Bureau Federation announced the opening of general registration today for the 2023 American Farm Bureau Convention. The convention will be held in-person Jan. 6-11, 2023, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. AFBF assessed the status of San Juan and the convention facilities following Hurricane Fiona and determined that all are fully operational.
“Mi Familia” (My Family) is the theme of AFBF’s 104th consecutive convention, a “must attend” event that offers attendees the inside track on policies and perspec-
tives that will affect farms, ranches and agribusinesses in 2023 and beyond.
“This is your opportunity to gain insights about the future of agriculture, sharpen your skills and help define the agenda in Washington,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “I look forward to seeing you in January in Puerto Rico as the Farm Bureau family gathers together at the start of another year of feeding, clothing and fueling our great nation.”
Attendees may participate in a variety of educational workshops to advance their leadership skills,
expand business proficiency and gain insights from industry visionaries about food production-related policies and trends. The convention also offers the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge innovations in agriculture, hear from powerful speakers and explore a vibrant trade show with exhibitors showcasing the latest in agricultural technology, tools and services.
Workshop topics include the 2023 farm bill, policy updates, market outlooks, trade, the latest ag education resources and strategies for coping with farm stress.
More than 50% of the land in Puerto Rico is used for agriculture. An exciting aspect of this convention is the opportunity for farmers and ranchers from the 50 states to see and learn about crops and agricultural practices unique to Puerto Rico. Information about ag and leisure tours of Puerto Rico is available on the convention website. Details about additional tours will be posted when available. View the convention agenda online at https://annualconvention.
fb.org/schedule-of-events and register at https://annualconvention.fb.org/register.
Top 10 reasons to attend this year's event in Puerto Rico
10. Action-Packed Sessions: Feel the energy from the lights, sights and sounds of general session in the brand new, state of the art, Coca-Cola Music Hall. General sessions feature keynote addresses from AFBF President Zippy Duvall plus two top secret speakers to be announced soon!
9. Puerto Rico Tours: From coffee plantations and tropical fruit farms to rainforests and beaches – experience Puerto Rico on our fabulous day-trip tours. Or, extend your stay and explore the island on our Post-Convention Puerto Rico Ag & Leisure Tour hosted by Explorations by Thor.
8. Ag Innovation Challenge: Watch as 10 entrepreneurs pitch their innovative businesses to a panel of judges in an effort to win the grand prize: $50,000 in startup funds and title of Ag Innovation Challenge Winner.
7. Convention Trade Show: Immerse yourself in an agricultural experience through the Trade Show’s cutting-edge innovations in agriculture, powerful speakers and exhibitors showcasing the latest in ag technology, tools and services. Plus, catch some TED-style talks on the Cultivation Center Stage or celebrate Grassroots advocacy.
6. Communicate, Collaborate & Influence (CCI) – a Consumer Engagement Program: Have you ever struggled to effectively engage with consumers? All convention attendees are invited to attend this pre-convention consumer engagement programming to build your skills and confidence for con-
veying the significance of agriculture to non-farmers.
5. Farm Dog of the Year Award: Join us to see which faithful farm friend wins the honor of Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year, sponsored by Nestlé Purina PetCare. Plus, catch the moving video featuring the winning canine!
4. Young Farmers & Ranchers Competitive Events: Support your state’s Young Farmers & Ranchers members as they compete for top honors in the Discus-
sion Meet, Excellence in Ag and Achievement Award competitions.
3. Flapjack Fundraiser: Support the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture and fill up on delicious flapjacks at the Sunday morning Flapjack Fundraiser. Plus, see who wins the Book of the Year Award!
2. Educational Opportunities: Nowhere else will you get your choice of multiple workshops focused on ag-related topics from public policy to communications
and member engagement. Learn from world-class speakers and educators on topics geared to inspire you and increase your knowledge.
1. Mi Familia: The American Farm Bureau Convention isn’t just our flagship event as an organization: it truly is a family reunion. The 2023 convention theme celebrates how, across Farm Bureau, we are truly a family. I hope each of you will make plans to join us and invite friends and neighbors to be a part of this event.
Lace up for Ag Literacy 5k raises funds for Foundation
The second annual Lace Up for Ag Literacy 5K Run/Walk held Saturday, Oct. 22 was a success story in the making, according to Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation Coordinator Kali Voshell.
The event was created last year to raise funds to support the Foundation's mission to "build awareness, understanding and positive public perception about Delaware’s farm operations, promote fresh local food and sponsor the Ag Education Mobile Classroom."
In its inaugural year, the Foundation raised more than $10,000. This year's event was successful, as well, according to Voshell.
"We need support from our community and local businesses so we can keep educating the public. This event has been an awesome way to share what we do while raising the funds we need," she said. "First and foremost, the Foundation uses this money to keep our Mobile Ag Lab rolling which teaches kids about agriculture who may have never experienced it before."
The Ag Lab offers students a firsthand experience with soil, seeds and a sampling of items made from the successful harvesting of farmbased products.
"It's a fun experience. Our interns get to help with the Ag Lab throughout the year, too, which teaches them the importance of sharing agriculture at this level, as well" Voshell said.
To schedule a visit from the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation's Mobile Ag Lab or to support
the Foundation, reach out to Kali Voshell at kali.voshell@defb.org or call the state office at (302) 6973183. Upcoming events can be found online at defb.org.
Alan Firlein of Rock Hall, MD, high fives Tom Molin of Townsend, DE, as they pass each other on the St. Jones Trail in Dover during the second annual Lace Up for Ag Literacy 5K Run/Walk.
Caught on the Trail
Wendy Davis of Harrington, DE, walks alongside Pat Noble of Marydel, DE, raising funds for the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation.
Anna Touchard of Felton, DE, smiles on the trail at the halfway mark in Dover, DE.
Don Zalenski of Magnolia, DE, and Rose Ann Smith of Bear, DE, run through a forested area to benefit
AFBF establishes 2023 Farm Bill priorities
The American Farm Bureau Federation today released its priorities for what may be the most consequential legislation for agriculture in 2023 – renewal of the farm bill. The priorities were identified by a working group of Farm Bureau members and staff from across the country.
AFBF’s overarching priorities include:
• Continuing current farm bill program funding;
• Maintaining a unified farm bill that includes nutrition programs and farm programs together;
• Prioritizing risk management tools that include federal crop insurance and commodity programs;
• Ensuring adequate USDA staffing and resources to pro-
vide technical assistance.
“The farm bill is the most significant piece of legislation that affects farmers and ranchers across the country,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall.
“Since enactment of the 2018 farm bill, farmers have faced significant challenges from market volatility, increased input costs and devastating natural disasters. Despite these headwinds, farmers and ranchers have met the needs of consumers both here and abroad while continuing to improve our environmental stewardship. We look forward to working with Congress to ensure the appropriate resources are available to craft farm policy that reduces food insecurity, bolsters national security and encourages longterm stability for all of our farm and ranch families,” he added.
The priorities include more than 60 recommendations over multiple titles of the farm bill including reference price increases for commodities, more transparency for milk checks, funding for conservation
programs, rural development, and streamlining of nutrition programs to get food to those who need it most.
"There’s a huge percentage of Congress that has not had this challenge in front of them and we need to make understand how important it is to all Americans, whether you’re in rural America, whether you farm or not, or whether you’re in urban America. And it’s not just about farming, it is about America and its national security," President Duvall said in an interview with AFBF's Micheal Clements.
The AFBF board of directors voted unanimously to approve the recommendations. Final approval of policy priorities will be accomplished by a vote of delegates at the AFBF Convention in Puerto Rico in January 2023.
For more information or to read the AFBF farm bill priorities, visit www.fb.org.
Find out more about the Delaware Farm Bureau by visiting www.defb. org.
Benefits and risks of adding agritourism to your farm
The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*
Agritourism is a great way to capitalize on the natural draw of your landscape, connect non-farm families to agriculture and create new revenue streams for your operation. But these benefits are not without risk.
Finding the right agritourism for operation
Adding a new agritourism venture to your operation starts by answering a simple question: What will work best? Consider the following:
• Your land, what you raise and any other resources that could contribute to a new attraction
• The time and money you can invest in an agritourism venture
• Potential hazards to visitors, the liability they create for you and how you’ll mitigate the risks and keep people safe
“It doesn’t always have to be a large venture that requires a lot of resources,” said Barb Neal, Cornell Cooperative Extension Agriculture Agent and Horticulture Educator in Tioga County, New York. “Everybody has a specialty, so it’s just a matter of finding what will require the right amount of time and investment.”
Agritourism
examples to consider
• Pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Fairly common around the country, they’re popular but can require a lot of time and labor.
• Farm tours and hayrack rides. Also fairly common, opening your farm to the public for tours and offering services like hayrack rides provide up-close farm experience. They often vary widely on cost, supervision and risk exposure.
• Bed & breakfasts. An unoccupied farm house or even a repurposed barn or other farm building offer farm guests distinctive overnight stays. Time and labor required are normally fairly
high.
• Experiences. Ranging from “U-Pick” farms and Christmas tree farms to barn rentals for events like weddings, these also can range widely in cost, supervision and risk exposure.
• Classes. Weekly or monthly classes on things like jamor bread-making can be an easy, low-cost option.
Minimizingthe risks of agritourism
Before adding agritourism to your farm or ranch, think about the specific risks you and your visitors will face and how you’ll mitigate them. This includes simple things like trip and fall hazards all the way to specific risks around livestock, farm equipment and food safety. Conduct a thorough audit of these types of risks and start by taking steps to minimize the hazards they represent.
“Check with your state for any agritourism protective measures and talk to your insurance agent for guidance on mitigation measures and how you can expand your insurance coverage,”said Neal.
Talk with
your insurance agent
Farmers who offer agritourism activities need to discuss their specific types of businesses with their insurance agent. Usually, the policy that provides liability for the farm business does not extend to liability from other profit-mak-
ing activities, such as agritourism. Your local Nationwide Farm Certified agentcan help you identify risks, implement safe practices and confirm you have the right agritourism insurancein place. Nationwide offersliability coverages that can be written as a package, in conjunction with a farm policy, to cover your agritourism ventures.
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 reli-
able. 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
