Local Farmers Feeding Your Family
Mikayla Paul joins DEFB staff as marketing coordinator
Farm Bureau promotes national #StillFarming initiative
White-Reinhardt Grant awarded to urban farming project
Photo by Hannah O'Hara at Country Kids Produce
From the President’s desk
Farmers, Ranchers #StillFarming as pandemic continues to impact Delaware communities
Seven months ago, Governor John Carney issued his first state of emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although many of our day to day experiences were rocked by this decision, the fact that farmers are indeed #StillFarming despite the uncertainties felt by many continue to be seen as planters and now combines ride along our roads and farm stands are filled with local produce.
We could say the Delaware Farm Bureau is #StillFarming, too, as we’ve been working to nurture positive feelings of the agriculture industry by promoting the hard work of our farmers and ranchers.
In August, DEFB collaborated with other local entities such as the Delmarva Poultry Industry and the Maryland Farm Bureau to purchase lawn signs highlighting agricultural scenes and the hashtag #StillFarming which was crafted by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
It’s important that we don’t forget our roots, right down to our local farmers and entrepreneurs.
Delaware Farm Bureau News
Editor
Jennifer Antonik jenn.antonik@defb.org
Delaware Farm Bureau News (ISSN 10770798), published in Camden, DE, bimonthly, by Delaware Farm Bureau. Production by Delaware Printing Company. Periodicals postage paid at Camden, DE and additional offices.
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Delaware Farm Bureau
President Richard Wilkins
This collaboration afforded us another opportunity to show off these hardworking folks to a new group of eyes – tourists. In the height of our tourism season this year, travelers saw these signs with our logo affixed to them and are reminded that our farmers are still working to keep food on our tables.
The benefits of showing off our industry by targeting an audience of thousands of visitors in the Manyland and Delaware beach towns was increased by the collaboration as we were able to pull resources together to have a cost-effective promotion.
I had the occasion to speak with Jimmy Hoppa from WBOC’s program DelmarvaLife about this opportunity. At the DEFB, we are grateful for opportunities like this which helps further our mission and vision.
We were also able to engage some of our farmer members with the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee’s annual Antique Tractor Pull held every year at the Delaware State Fair. It is fun watching the farmers enjoy their antique tractors.
The committee worked hard to ensure they could still provide this annual family event in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic.
They diligently considered and incorporated all of the social distancing and mask requirements needed to keep our participants and audience safe during this event.
This event is important to the work of the YF&R as net proceeds benefit the YF&R scholarship fund. Recipients are announced during the event each year. This year’s awardees were Shannon O’Hara and Maci Carter – two very deserving young women headed to college to begin their careers.
More than a hundred farmers travel to this event every year not only from around Delaware, but nearby states, as well. It’s fun to watch them work their equipment to the best of its abilities knowing they are helping our youth who will one day continue to lead our industry.
While we wait for Delaware to continue opening its doors following the pandemic, the Farm Bureau continues its work. Although it is uncertain if we will be able to gather soon, the commitment of our staff and volunteers remains steadfast.
These examples, and many more, are what make me Farm Bureau proud every day. It brings me joy to volunteer for an organization that supports our roots and works hard to make the lives of our farmers better every day.
To get involved, visit us online at defb.org or call our office at (302) 697-3183. If you would like to come to the office, please call ahead to ensure the safety of yourself and our staff.
Stay well. Stay safe. Stay healthy.
State Board of Directors
President
Richard Wilkins
1st Vice President
Laura Hill
2nd Vice President
William Powers, Jr.
County Presidents
Kent: Jacob Urian
Sussex: Steve Breeding
New Castle: Stewart Ramsey
Young Farmers and Ranchers
State Chair: Teddy Bobola
Kent Chair: Michael Lynch
New Castle Chair: Travis Voshell
Women’s Committee
State Chair: Mary B. Gooden
Kent Chair: Rebecca Bobola
Sussex Chair: Constance Fox
New Castle Chair: June Unruh
Kent County Directors
Ted Bobola Jr.
Paul Cartanza Sr.
David Marvel
Sussex County Directors
Alan Bailey
Mark Davis
Herb Wright
New Castle County Directors
Bruce Patrick
Will Powers III
Ryan Greer
defb.org
Mikayla Paul joins state office staff as marketing coordinator
By Jennifer Antonik
Mikayla Paul is ready to start a new adventure with the Delaware Farm Bureau as its new marketing coordinator.
After graduating from Caesar Rodney High School and later Goldey-Beacom College with an MBA in marketing management and business administration, she spent several years working for small shops in Dover, Bel Boutique and The Loocke Boutique, where she experimented with marketing techniques to help the businesses flourish.
Her experience gave her the tools she will use at the Delaware Farm Bureau such as customer engagement, running events and sales.
“I fell in love with marketing. There are so many umbrellas with so many paths in that route,” she said. " I know farmers are super busy, some of them are older and maybe don’t understand the technologies we’re using. That's where we come in. We are unified in our organization and are working together to benefit our farmers. I'm looking forward to organizing events when we can have events again."
Paul hopes to use her branding and marketing knowledge to help the Delaware Farm Bureau continue to grow its membership.
“I don’t come from an agriculture background, but I do enjoy driving through Delaware amongst all the farms. I enjoy gardening vegetables myself. Marketing is like any industry; it’s constantly evolving. I felt like I could really implement a lot of my marketing knowledge and skills from my previous job to increase membership and help build a bigger brand here. There’s a lot of potential, so I thought it was a great opportunity for both the DEFB and me,” she added. When she was younger, Paul was involved with her local Girl Scout group through middle school, earning her Silver Award along the way – the second highest
award for girls in the organization. When she entered high school, she branched off into business-related organizations at school like DECA.
She has already started her role with a running start by facilitating the non-profit's digital marketing campaign with IHeartMedia and former intern Hannah O'Hara.
“We are very excited to have Mikayla become an integral part of our staff. Her education, experience and enthusiasm will benefit the marketing of Delaware Farm Bureau’s value to our Farm Bureau members and to all Delawareans,” Delaware Farm Bureau Executive Director Joseph Popetti said.
To find out more about the Delaware Farm Bureau, visit the organization online at defb.org.
Scenes from the 2020 Delaware State Fair
The Delaware Farm Bureau's Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee hosted its annual Antique Tractor Pull Contest during the Delaware State Fair.
Photos by Hannah O'Hara
Teens awarded scholarships from YF&R Committee
By Jennifer Antonik
The Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee of the Delaware Farm Bureau is proud to announce two scholarship winners for the 2020-2021 school year.
Maci Carter of Harrington and Shannon O’Hara of Milford will each be awarded with $1,000 from the committee to benefit their college education.
Headed to the University of Delaware this fall, Carter will continue cultivating her farming background through the Agriculture and Natural Resources degree program with the intention of teaching agriculture in the future.
She graduated from Lake Forest High School in Felton this year as the class vice-president and was a member and past-president of the Lake Forest FFA Chapter. She currently serves as the 2020-2021 Delaware FFA state treasurer.
An athlete, Carter also played varsity field hockey, basketball and soccer. She was involved in the Manship Chapel Youth Group, a mentoring program and the Peach Blossom 4-H Club where she served in multiple positions included president, recording secretary
and historian. Her involvement with the 4-H also included vice president roles with both the Kent County 4-H Junior Council and Delaware 4-H State Teen Council.
O’Hara will attend Stevenson University in Maryland for business communications after graduating from the hospitality and tourism management pathway at Sussex Technical High School earlier this year.
DEFB 2020-2021 scholarships
Several scholarships have been awarded through Delaware Farm Bureau committees and county entities. The following students will be awarded scholarships for the 2020-2021 school year:
Delaware Farm Bureau Ambassador, 2020-2021
Olivia Gaines
YF&R Scholarships, $1,000
Maci Carter, Shannon O'Hara
State Women's Committee Scholarship, $2,500
Maci Carter
County Women's Committee Scholarships, $1,000
Kent County: Dylynn Cubbage
New Castle County: Goodwin K Cobb V Sussex County: Blair Hill
County Farm Bureau Scholarships
New Castle County Farm Bureau, $1,000
Helena Kirk, Madison Cook and Goodwin Cobb
Sussex County Farm Bureau, $250
Megan Moriarty, Shannon O'Hara, Alexandra Wilson and Lake Vasey
Kent County Farm Bureau, $500
Beatrice Gooden Memorial Scholarship: Alexa Bowman
Hubert Cannon Memorial Scholarship: Jessica Bergold
She was very active in high school as the secretary and president of the Multiplying Good club, vice president and president of the student government, vice-president of the school’s National Technical Honor Society chapter and captain of the Sussex Tech Reflections Color Guard. She was also involved in the concert choir, Bella Voce (Sussex Tech’s advanced women’s choir), DECA, National Honor
Society and the Student Advisory Committee.
Outside of school, O’Hara is a member of the Slaughter Beach Memorial Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, the Sussex County Youth Philanthropy Board and the Delaware State Fair Junior Fair Board. This past year, she also served as the Delaware Farm Bureau's State Youth Ambassador.
Her resume includes 13 years of membership to the Houston Cardinals 4-H Club where she served in leadership positions such as vice president and president. Participation in 4-H allowed her to experience other opportunities such as becoming a day camp counselor, membership with the Kent County 4-H Junior Council and traveling to the National 4-H Healthy Living Summit, National 4-H Conference and National 4-H Congress. She earned legacy awards through the 4-H and was an active exhibitor at the Delaware State Fair.
Carter and O’Hara were announced as scholarships awardees during the annual Antique Tractor Pull Contest held by the DEFB’S YF&R each year during the Delaware State Fair.
Shannon O’Hara of Milford, left, and Maci Carter of Harrington, right, stand with Delaware Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee President Teddy Bobola and YF&R Committee Vice President Jonathan Moore. Photo by Hannah O'Hara
Urban farming project awarded with AFBF White-Reinhardt grant
By Jennifer Antonik
The New Castle County Farm Bureau was awarded a $1,000 grant to benefit the Delaware Center for Horticulture (DCH) to support urban farming and ag literacy in Wilmington.
The White-Reinhardt Fund for Education, made available through the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture in cooperation with the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, offers grants of up to $1,000 each year to state and county Farm Bureaus for ag literacy programs.
The proposal, submitted by the Farm Bureau on behalf of DCH, details the creation of several raised beds in the back of DCH’s demonstration garden, planted with crops suitable for urban landscapes. The DCH has also asked for funding from other sources to support the endeavor, which will ultimately afford the organization the opportunity to “create new adult and family education programs on how to grow your own food,” according to the grant application.
"We are so grateful to the Delaware Farm Bureau for their recognition of the importance and impact of our resilient gardening concept, which serves to educate Delaware residents about gardening as a way to address food insecurity and increase community engagement," said DCH Executive Director Vikram Krishnamurthy. "At DCH, we know and teach others about the power of plants as it relates to the physical and mental wellbeing of our members and the communities we serve. Growing and providing for ourselves and our families gets people in touch with plants and the natural world, which keeps us grounded and connected to each other."
For a sustainable project, DCH will “engage senior residents of the Lincoln Towers facility next door in garden volunteering and utilize the raised beds to support
the needs of residents as its own ‘community garden,’ thereby serving higher risk population.”
In addition, students from around the area will visit, when possible, to learn the basics of urban farming, bringing new skills home to their families, many of whom are food insecure, as well.
The garden itself uses recycled materials while exhibiting a variety of gardening situations for many urban farming needs including limited space, polluted environments, drought, shade, heat, and other adverse conditions.
The hands-on aspect of the project will give the students and seniors alike a tangible experience with farming in urban spaces similar to what they may find near their own homes.
"Community gardens are a great way to educate by doing hands-on work,” NCC Farm Bureau President Stewart Ramsey said. “The Delaware Farm Bureau is a grass roots organization which advocates for local farmers and food production. It's important that we help local communities learn about producing safe, healthy food. And, the DEFB and its members are supporting efforts to provide food to the less fortunate through this initiative as we have many times in the past through programs like our annual Milk Run.”
Delaware joins efforts celebrating national #StillFarming movement
By Jennifer Antonik
The Delaware Farm Bureau is celebrating farmers this summer along with the Maryland Grain Producers, Maryland Farm Bureau, Delmarva Poultry Industry and Sussex and Kent County Farm Bureaus.
Thanks to their collaboration, new lawn signs can now be found throughout the Delmarva Peninsula promoting the agriculture industry and its professionals that are #StillFarming, working hard to provide the nation with its food supply.
The hashtag, #StillFarming, was developed by the American Farm Bureau Federation to encourage farmers and consumers to tell the unstoppable stories found in the agriculture industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Clearly, farmers and ranchers were hungry for a unifying theme that speaks to their tenacity and commitment to their work. But #StillFarming is so much more than a rallying cry. It’s reaching consumers and connecting them to the people who grow their food, with
a glimpse into how it’s grown. It has given consumers much needed assurance in these uncertain times that the farm families of America are keeping our plates full even though some sparse grocery store shelves have caused concern due to supply chain stresses,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said in March shortly after the hashtag launched. “There is no shortage of food being grown in our country, thanks to the hard working farmers and ranchers who are #StillFarming.”
Signs in Delaware, purchased by the Sussex and Kent County Farm Bureaus, feature the #StillFarming hashtag along with agriculture scenes from around the area inside the word “local” to celebrate local farmers.
“On behalf of all farmers on the Delmarva Peninsula, the Delaware Farm Bureau reminds our visitors that farmers are still farming to provide local chicken, eggs, meats, seafood, fruits and vegetables for their enjoyment,” Delaware Farm Bureau Board President Richard Wilkins said.
MEMBERSHIP &
Meet your farmers: Gregg and Stephanie Knutsen
By Jennifer Antonik
After a lifetime of farming, the Knutsen's are working to prepare the next generation to keep their traditions alive.
Gregg Knutsen grew up on a dairy farm in Rising Sun, MD. He met his wife, Stephanie, while the pair were studying at the University of Delaware.
"I was in Animal Science; she was plant and soil science and math. It wasn’t until the last semester, and by fate, that we had 3 classes together," he said fondly.
Now, they operate the family farm where Stephanie grew up in Harrington.
"In college, I joked with her that I wanted to milk cows and she said she grew up on a farm down here and her grandfather did milk the cows," he said. "So, I found a job down here and set a goal to be on my own in five years."
Knutsen began by working at the Allens processing plant in Hurlock, MD for a few months before moving on to a crop insurance job and eventually becoming an independent agent.
That didn't pay him frequently enough to begin sustaining a new family, however, so he began working for a neighbor who had a dairy farm.
"In that time, we renovated and began farming the family farm. I was on my own in 2004. It will be about 16 years," he said.
Knutsen still sells crop insuranc, along with his wife who also works for the Maryland Department of Agriculture in the Caroline Soil Conservation District.
Together, they have three chil-
dren who have grown up on the farm just like their parents.
"I love the way of life, I love the way of raising the kids on the farm, teaching them hard work and they’ve got all this ground to run around on. I got to do it as a kid I thought it’d be great for them to have that experience," he said.
G&S Dairy, as they affectionately dubbed the operation, has 450 acres tilled for a variety of crops including corn, soybeans, barley and hay. They also have cows and other livestock.
The Knutsen's tend to turn their farm into a volunteering opportunity, too, as they frequently offer their spaces to local students yearning to learn more about farming through leased animals, classes or field trips.
From the family farm, cows and other livestock animals are leased to 4-H members in the Peach Blossom 4-H Club and others interested in farming each year. The students then come to the farm to help care for the animals and prepare them for shows and the Delaware State Fair, much like Knutsen did as a child himself.
"When things are normal, we have a lot of FFA kids come out, we put a couple of classes together to get them prepared for the [Kent County Dairy Contest] competition. We like to open the farm up for kids to get judging experience," Knutsen said. "It's all to get people more awareness to dairy. There’s so many kids that are generations out of farming. It’s nice to let them know what we do and how to produce a glass of milk."
As members of the Delaware Farm Bureau, the Knutsen's have hosted county meetings at their farm, two Farm to Fork dinners, volunteered for the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation and was awarded the Farm Family of the Year award in the past.
"We've been in the Farm Bureau for at least six years. I like it. It's a good organization. One day a month isn't too bad to give up," he said.
"It's helped me become aware of more of the legal stuff that goes on and what we need to do as farmers to help get the right laws in place. We've got an abundance of great leaders in every field helping them, but you don't realize what goes in to making the laws. The Farm Bureau helps with that understanding and making sure our voices are heard," he added.
For more information about the Delaware Farm Bureau, visit defb.org. To learn how to volunteer for a committee or other opportunity, call the office at 302697-3183.
Gregg and Stephanie Knutsen operate G&S Dairy with their family in Harrington, Del.
Nationwide reveals top 10 insurance claims for farms, ranches in 2019
As agriculture professionals return to fields to prepare for planting season, they should set aside time to ensure their operations are sufficiently protected from the myriad hazards faced throughout the year. Nationwide, the country’s leading insurer of farms and ranches1, stands ready to help members prevent losses on their farms. Today, the company released its list of the top preventable insurance claims on farms and ranches in 2019.
The following claim types accounted for more than 20,000 claims in 2019:
1. Fire
2. Weather, such as wind, hail and lightning
3. Roadway vehicle accidents
4. Mobile equipment on farm/ on the road
5. Animal-caused damage
6. Building collapse
7. Workplace injuries
8. On-premises injuries
9. Theft
10. Food safety
Nationwide’s risk management team serves members by helping them recognize areas of their operation where they may need to take extra measures to keep their employees, products and equipment safe.
“Today’s farmers are facing unprecedented challenges – from dealing with impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to navigating trade challenges, all while they prepare their fields for the season,” said Nationwide Agribusiness president Brad Liggett. “Nationwide has built its reputation as the largest farm and ranch insurer through decades of relationships and hard work to protect agricultural professionals. We hope that sharing this information along with some best practices for risk management will help them address the risks they do have control over and further boost the safety and efficiency of their operation.”
To help farmers prevent or mitigate the risk of these costly disruptions, Nationwide offers the following tips to protect your farm or ranch: Fire
To help prevent or reduce the im-
pacts of fires, ensure working fire extinguishers are present in shop areas and on mobile equipment. You should also confirm that the appropriate electrical service is in place for the environment (grain bins, confinement, etc.) and have a licensed electrician inspect the system as updates are made. Make certain that flammables are stored properly, confirming fuel tanks are located away from structures, and implement regular maintenance and good housekeeping measures for properties and heating units.
Weather (wind, hail, lightening)
When possible, verify that quality building materials are utilized during construction and that proper building maintenance is followed to keep properties in safe condition. To help prevent wind damage to structures, check that screws are used as opposed to nails for the roof and siding fasteners. Protect critical electrical components with lightning surge protection and make sure backup generators are on hand for power outages. Remember to also store equipment and vehicles under cover for protection from hail.
Roadway vehicle and mobile equipment accidents
Accidents involving vehicles or mobile equipment tend to be severe losses. Prioritize the safety of drivers by implementing driver training and sharing rural road safety information. For mobile equipment, be sure maintenance is up-to-date, all operators are trained to use equipment properly, and that safety features, such as lighting and SMV signs, are operational. Avoid moving machinery after dark when possible. It’s also helpful to plan routes in advance to anticipate any potential hazards you might encounter like bridge weight limits or slick roads.
Animal-caused damage
Livestock operations often experience costly damages resulting from animals escaping and damaging property or being struck by vehicles. Verify that adequate fencing is in place and that it’s routinely inspected for damage, especially
after storms or high wind events. Daily monitoring of livestock can also help identify potential problems.
Building collapse
Building collapse-related claims commonly result from snow and ice buildup on structures, though they also occur with grain bins and other farm structures. To prevent unnecessary weight on structures, implement snow removal plans and be sure to target areas where snow and ice tends to build. You should also maintain the integrity of farm structures by conducting regular truss inspections, including inspections of nail plates and truss bracing, in addition to following proper building maintenance practices. For grain storage structures, make certain that proper grain storage and loading/ unloading practices are followed.
Workplace and on-premises injuries
Workplace training is critical to ensure the safety of workers and products while protecting your operation from costly interruptions. Confirm training is comprehensive and that adequate safe guards, like machine guarding, spotters and up-to-date equipment maintenance, are in place. You should also communicate clearly with workers and have an emergency action plan that’s ready to be put to use in the event it’s needed. On-premises injuries are of particular concern in agritourism or other situations where people are invited onto the farm. Housekeeping is very important; make sure walk ways are even, clear and free from slip/trip hazards. You can also consider limiting public access to hazardous areas.
Theft
Even in rural communities, theft of property, mobile equipment and motor vehicles can be relatively common. Restrict public access to properties with locks and gates and use security lighting and camera systems to scare away bad actors. It’s also helpful to park equipment out of easy view and remove the keys to any vehicles.
Food safety
More and more farm operations are becoming intimately involved in food production as a way to supplement income or create a direct relationship with customers. As with other areas of agriculture, food safety requires strict adherence to training and sanitation precautions. You should also be strict with housekeeping practices to reduce clutter and the chance for contamination. Equipment maintenance is also important to ensure good working order and appropriate cleaning.
To learn about Nationwide’s risk management services or get started with a farm review for your operation, visit https://www.nationwide. com/agribusiness.
About Nationwide
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poors. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more, visit www.nationwide.com.
1 Source: 2018 SNL Financial Report. Based on statutory data. The information included in this publication and accompanying materials 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.
