Delaware Farm Bureau News Sept./Oct. 2023

Farm Bureau News

Celebrating 79 Years!

Local Farmers Feeding Your Family

Holtz honored for dedication to agriculture

By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau

When William Penn gave an original Delaware land grant to the Craig family in the late 1600s to early 1700s, he probably didn't know the family would continue to care for Delaware's land hundreds of years later.

In fact, this year, more than 300 years later, one of their descendants was awarded for her work with Delaware agriculture.

Katherine "Kitty" Holtz has worked tirelessly over the years to improve agriculture in the area. She was just one of several Delaware Farm Bureau members to receive awards for agriculture and conservation related efforts recently.

Holtz was awarded the Secretary's Award for Distinguished Service to Agriculture by Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse during the State Fair Awards presentation on Governor’s Day this year.

She has owned and operated Holtz Farms near Clayton and Kenton since 1969 alongside her husband David. According to the

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Delaware Governor John Carney, left, and Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse, right, present farmer and Delaware Farm Bureau member Kitty Holtz with the Secretary's Award for Distinguished Service to Agriculture during the 2023 Delaware State Fair.

From the President’s desk

Delegates shape the future of Delaware Farm Bureau

Have you ever thought about how the Farm Bureau impacts our local communities, and our state and federal policies?

The input of our grassroots membership helps the Farm Bureau maintain its role as the Voice of Agriculture in all of those arenas. Armed with our input and guidance, the Delaware Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation alike contributes to policies at the state and federal levels. We can also greatly impact how agencies like Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Delaware's Department of Agriculture and NRCS, or the Natural Resources Conservation Service, run programming as it relates to agriculture and our consumers.

In order to make the best impact, it is critical that we have the input of individuals from a very diverse background of production, from large to small. Truthfully, we touch a lot of policy here at the Farm Bureau. We pride ourselves on being an organization of impressive num-

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.

bers, at both the state and national levels. Those numbers give us power and, of course, input, to help craft a better tomorrow.

As farmers, we need a space where we can bounce ideas and concerns off of each other and get results. On a personal level, I know it’s important to have connections and kinships. On a business level, these conversations can often lead to better business practices and improved products, as well as the added benefit of impacting future legislation. The Delaware Farm Bureau provides that space for us throughout the year during its various activities.

One of the greatest opportunities for our farmer members to engage in these conversations is by becoming a volunteer and, specifically, a delegate within our organization. Becoming a delegate involves a time commitment of about one day per year — the DEFB's annual meeting which is scheduled for Nov. 28 at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover.

This all-day meeting is free for delegates to attend and includes breakfast and lunch, presentations by professionals in the agricultural industry and the opportunity to vote on issues that concern Delaware Farm Bureau members. Last year, delegates heard policy and market updates from American Farm Bureau Federation staff, and discussed the scrap tire program and deer management solutions with employees from the state of Delaware.

Delegates also voted on policies relating to deer management, among other issues, and voted on leadership roles for the upcoming year.

The annual meeting is possibly one of the more important things we do at DEFB as it helps guide our volunteers and staff through the next year based on the needs of our membership. This is the time our membership can really put their thoughts and desires out there for us - and we are listening.

Over the last year, conversations we’ve had with our delegates and members have helped shape future meetings with lawmakers and educators, to name a couple and resulted in new opportunities for students in Delaware and helped us craft legislation that could impact your bottom line in the near future.

I would urge our members to consider taking the time to be a delegate for our organization because our future deserves our best. It has been an exciting year serving as your board president and I’d love to share the leadership experience with more members as they step up to become delegates.

If you are interested in this role, please contact the office at 302697-3183 or speak with your county president directly. Counties will be voting on delegates for the year very soon, so don’t wait!

For those considering this opportunity to improve on agriculture in the First State, thank you! This role is incredibly important. Your time and expertise in our field is valued.

2022-2023 State Board of Directors

President

William “Bill” Powers, Jr.

1st Vice President

Steve Breeding

2nd Vice President

Paul Cartanza, Sr

County Presidents

Kent: James Minner

Sussex: Steve Breeding

New Castle: Stewart Ramsey

Young Farmers & Ranchers

State Chair: Mollie Lynch

Kent Chair: Michael Lynch

Sussex Chair: Connor Vincent

New Castle Chair: Abel Elwell

Women’s Committee

State Chair: Mary B Gooden

Kent Chair: Rebecca Bobola

Sussex Chair: Constance Fox

New Castle Chair: June Unruh

Kent County Directors

Bruce Dempsey

Ted Bobola Jr.

John Comegys

Sussex County Directors

Alan Bailey

Laura Brittingham

Cory Atkins

New Castle County Directors

Bruce Patrick

Will Powers, III

Ryan Greer

Delaware Farm Bureau President Bill Powers

Lace Up for Ag Literacy to raise funds for programs

By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau

From inside a traveling classroom, the eyes of young students light up as they experience agriculture for the first time by feeling products, playing games, reading books and talking with agricultural professionals.

The Mobile Ag Lab is just one way the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation helps increase ag literacy in the First State and the 3rd Annual Lace Up for Ag Literacy 5k Run/Walk, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 21, will help the Foundation continue this legacy.

“The Foundation’s mission plays a critical role in teaching the public about Delaware’s agriculture, building awareness and understanding. Fresh local food is important, and it comes from our farms here in Delaware,” DEFB Marketing Coordinator Mikayla Paul said. “Funding the Foundation helps those things become a reality.”

The Foundation started the Lace Up for Ag 5k Run/Walk to help fundraising efforts. Now in its third year, the event will highlight local agriculture as participants find their way through a local farm.

The 3rd Annual Lace Up for Ag Literacy 5K Run/Walk will be held Saturday, Oct. 21 at Hopkins Farm Creamery located at 18186 Dairy Farm Rd. in Lewes. A Healthy Kids Run will kick off the event at 8:50 a.m. with the formal race starting at 9 a.m.

Hopkins Farm Creamery is a popular, family-friendly location situated in the heart of Green Acres Farm, a fourth-generation farming venture, located at the intersection of Dairy Farm Road and Route 9 in Lewes. According to its website, the creamery operation opened in 2008 “. . .and has been creating new flavors of ice cream and selling them to the public ever since.”

Starting and finishing at the popular ice cream spot, the off-road farm course for the upcoming 5k

race will take runners and walkers alike back into the pastures of the farm, past hay bales and a barn, through the covered bridge and around the pond.

“Having these kinds of events at our Delaware farms brings the event full circle. It raises funds for an important cause, but it also gets our runners and walkers out while experiencing agriculture like we hope the students do in the Mobile Ag Lab,” Paul said.

When it comes to the students who make their way through the Ag Lab, Foundation Intern Audrey Hastings explained that she’s seen the impact of promoting ag literacy in Delaware firsthand.

“I can tell when I get in the lab that some of these kids have never experienced agriculture before and don’t know where their food or products actually come from. They don’t come from the store; they come from farms right here on Delmarva and it’s really cool to be able to share that with the kids who

come into the ag lab,” Hastings said. “Over the next few years, we want to be able to enhance the Ag Lab and bring more experiences to young people in Delaware. The race event will really help us reach those goals.”

Registration for the Lace Up for Ag Literacy 5k Run/Walk event is $25 per person, including silent heroes who cannot participate in the actual race, through Oct. 13. Registration increases to $30 starting Oct. 14 through the day of the event. The Healthy Kids Run is free for kids 10 years old and younger. Checks can be made payable to “DE Farm Bureau Foundation” and mailed to the DE Farm Bureau Foundation at 3457 S. DuPont Hwy, Camden, DE, 19934. To register online, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/DE/Lewes/LaceUpforAg5KRunWalk. Interested participants and sponsors can also contact the state office at 302-6973183 or visit the Foundation online at www.defb.org.

Delmarva Chicken Festival scheduled for

The Delmarva Chicken Festival, a long-running and beloved public event from 1948 to 2014, will return in 2023 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first dedicated broiler chicken farm on Delmarva. The free festival will take place Oct.7, 2023 from 1-7 p.m. at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, MD.

Attractions at the 2023 Delmarva Chicken Festival include local food trucks, vendors, historical and educational exhibits, children's activities, and more, including live music by The Jones Boys, Jimmy Charles, and Mike Hines & The Look.

The 'Chicken Capers' contests, which pit teams of employees from Delmarva's five chicken companies against each other in field day-style games, are returning for the 2023 event. A fireworks show will round out the event at 7 p.m. All five chicken companies — Allen Harim Foods, Amick Farms, Mountaire Farms, Perdue Farms and Tyson — are presenting sponsors of the 2023 Delmarva Chicken Festival.

Delmarva Chicken Association, in the years when it was known as Del-

October

marva Poultry Industry, Inc., organized an annual festival from 1948 (when it was known as the Chicken of Tomorrow Festival) until 2014, when the festival ended. Historically, the Delmarva Chicken Festival featured parades, chicken cooking contests, and fried chicken prepared in the world's largest fry pan, 10 feet in diameter. The 2023 festival will pay homage to those traditions, but with a modern twist, focusing on local food, live music, and family-friendly attractions. The Greater Salisbury Committee, the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Wicomico Farm Bureau are working in partnership with DCA to plan the event.

This year, DCA's "Growing For 100 Years" campaign celebrates the 100th anniversary of Delmarva's chicken industry, which began in 1923 with a broiler flock raised by Ocean View, Del.'s Cecile Steele.

Those interesting in sponsorship opportunities can sign up to receive more information at dcachicken. com, or contact DCA at 302-8569037 or dca@dcachicken.com.

Dept. of Agriculture, the pair grow corn, soybeans, milo and wheat. Although the farm itself is about 250-acres large, they produce about 2,000 acres of crops every year thanks to double cropping.

Holtz said in a press release from Delaware's Dept. of Ag that she considers the “current state of affairs facing Delaware agriculture among the most challenging historically. The public demands on farmers to produce food of the quality and quantity necessary while facing growing regulatory challenges will test the mettle of today’s family farmers.”

Along with successfully farming the family's operation, Holtz remains active in the Delaware Farm Bureau. She is now on the Kent County Board of Directors, and has previously served as the president of the statewide Women's Committee for one year, Kent County Farm Bureau board president for two years and statewide board president for the Delaware Farm Bureau for four years. She has also served as an assistant leader for a 4-H club in Delaware for ten years.

To find out how you can get involved with the Delaware Farm Bureau, visit www.defb.org or call the office at 302-697-3183.

Farm Bureau members honored with 2023 Governor’s Agricultural awards

Delaware Farm Bureau members Jacob Urian and Guy Philips were honored during the annual Governor’s Agricultural and Urban Conservation Awards ceremony held in May.

Urban conservation award recipients included Sarvil Patel and Jigar Patel of Kent Del Properties, LLC utilized a novel underground stormwater management system. In Sussex County, Rich Rishel was recognized for exemplary leadership in his long-serving role as the director of construction and land development with the Carl M. Freeman group. New Castle County recognizes the Terraces in Rockland Mills for a retaining wall project that improved management of stormwater runoff and eliminated erosion issues.

Representative Ron Gray was recognized as DACD’s Legislator of the Year. Rep. Gray’s advocacy for conservation district programs was instrumental in allocating Community Reinvestment Funds to launch Sussex Conservation District’s Tax Ditch Pilot Program, a program that provides enhanced support to address current and future tax ditch maintenance needs. He is a strong

supporter of stormwater programs, an advocate for agriculture and a champion of Conservation Cost Share and Cover Crop programs. This year’s agricultural honorees included Carousel Farm Park and Equestrian Center, an equine facility in New Castle County focused on protecting the environment as they provide services that build up the local community. Urian, a Kent County farmer dedicated to conservation on his beef cattle, grain and hay operation, also earned an agricultural honor. He is very active in the Delaware farming community and is an active member of the Farm Bureau. He has served in different positions in both organizations and has had many responsibilities throughout. Urian is very dedicated to conservation, implementing numerous practices for his livestock as well as using cover crop to stop erosion concerns. BMPs have also been implemented through drainage practices like ditching and tiles. Jake has also been a part of campaigns like “Soil Your Undies”, which brings awareness to soil health and the importance of maintaining it.

Philips, a Sussex County farmer

passionate about soil health, was honored with an agricultural award, as well. He farms 300 acres of notill corn, soybeans and wheat in Georgetown. He plants a variety of cover crops and implements soil health practices, which increases organic matter, improving sustainability and profitability. Although he retired from poultry farming in 2022, Phillips operated two poultry houses for over 25 years and installed numerous best management and conservation practices. Phillips is the current secretary/treasurer of the Koeppel-Robinson Tax Ditch which recently joined Sussex Conservation District’s tax ditch pilot program to provide a holistic approach to tax ditch maintenance. Other roles and accolades include county president of the Delaware Farm Bureau, Sussex County Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year, Delaware Nutrient Management Commission’s Environmental Stewardship and the National Association of Conservation Districts Soil Health Champion. His passion and commitment to improving soil health benefits water quality; however, his goal is to pass on the land better than he found it.

Fun at the Delaware State Fair

A volunteer passes off cups of ice cream to hungry passerbys at the Delaware Farm Bureau Women's Committee Food Booth which operates every year to raise money for scholarships and other programming. Volunteers help staff the booth over the 10-day fair, raising money for their organizations and the Women's Committee.

The Delaware Ag Trivia Game featuring agricultural facts saw its second Delaware State Fair this year, offering fun and competition to fair goers while teaching them about agriculture in the First State.

Layla Dixon shows off a cowthemed lunch bag branded with Delaware Farm Bureau.

Stephanie Knutsen and two young helpers wow'd an audience during the fair as they made homemade ice cream in the kitchen inside the Commodities Building.

Volunteers from Sussex Tech FFA work the Women's Committee Food Booth to raise money for their organization.

Sandy Urian and Rebecca Fabi volunteer at the information booth, sharing goodies and information about DEFB.

Laura Brittingham teaches about culinary uses of lavender during a cooking demonstration.

Delaware Farm Bureau members Elaine Webb and Debbie Kirk meet U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on Governor's Day from DEFB's information booth.

Delaware youth show livestock during the fair, a tradition that has survived since the fair began more than 100 years ago.

Delaware's Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Delaware Farm Bureau President Bill Powers, Kent County Farm Bureau President Jim Minner, Governor John Carney, DEFB Executive Director Don Clifton and Lt. Governor Bethany HallLong pose for a photo during Governor's Day at the fair.

Delaware Farm Bureau member Abel Elwell, to the right, draws a pig on paper alongside other Kiss the Pig contestants while raising money for the Junior Exhibitors scholarships through the Delaware 4-H.

Antique tractors line the road next to Quillen Arena at the Delaware State Fairgrounds during the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee's Antique Tractor Pull event held on the last day of the fair.

P&E Committee to host social media advocacy workshop

Learn how to effectively advocate for agriculture in the digital age by exploring social media with the Promotion & Education Committee.

The Committee has organized a free, one-hour virtual workshop to take place Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. The "Advocacy through Social Media" workshop is open to all Delaware Farm Bureau members.

Johnna Miller, American Farm Bureau Federation Senior Director of Media and Advocacy Training in the Leadership, Education, and Engagement Department, will present a wealth of knowledge and experience in agricultural advocacy and social media strategy during this event as the expert speaker.

Her insights have helped Farm Bureau members across the country amplify their voices, drive engagement, and affect meaningful change within the agriculture industry.

Miller will dive into the world of social media and its potential for agricultural advocacy, offering a great blend of information for

both seasoned social media users or those just starting out.

Topics covered will include:

• Crafting compelling messag-

es that resonate with your audience,

• Leveraging different social media platforms for maxi-

mum impact,

• Strategies to increase engagement and grow your online presence, and

• Navigating potential challenges and controversies on social media.

In an increasingly digital world, effective communication on social media platforms is essential for advocating for agriculture. By attending this workshop, you'll gain the skills and confidence to use social media as a powerful tool to:

• Share your agricultural story with a broader audience,

• Counter misinformation and educate the public about farming practices,

• Connect with consumers, policymakers, and influencers,

• Strengthen the reputation of Delaware's agricultural community, and

• Make a positive impact on agricultural policies and decisions.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an expert in the field. RSVP online at www.defb.org.

Great Hearing Benefits added to DEFB membership benefits

Delaware Farm Bureau members and up to three immediate family members can now receive discounts on communication and hearing technology, service plans and more thanks to a collaboration with Great Hearing Benefits.

Great Hearing Benefits works to improve hearing health, which is essential to overall health. Thousands of credentialed hearing care professionals participate in the nationwide network, providing the latest technology with affordable pricing, award-winning care, and record-breaking patient satisfaction.

Occupational hearing loss is a prevalent problem found on farms throughout the United States, among other sources of hearing loss, according to top industry experts.

Hearing loss can sound different for every person. Some key indicators include:

Difficulty understanding words, especially in crowded or noisy sit-

uations.

Hearing muffled speech or often needing to turn up the TV volume, and

Frequently asking people to speak more slowly and clearly.

Delaware Farm Bureau members and their immediate family members who think they’ve experienced hearing loss can now reach out to Great Hearing Benefits to schedule an evaluation with any of the professionals available at one of its 4,500 nationwide locations.

From there, the hearing evaluation will include a health and lifestyle history review, an audiogram to determine hearing loss, a review of the evaluation and a recommendation for a hearing solution if needed with no obligation to the member to purchase recommended products.

Members can learn more about this membership benefit by calling 1-877-680-7805.

Members can also visit www. defb.org for more information.

DEFB announces scholarship awardees for 2023

By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau

The Delaware Farm Bureau Women's Committee, Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee and three county boards are proud to announce the 2023 scholarship awardees.

Zane Adams

Sussex County Women's Committee Scholarship

Zane Adams of Seaford will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Sussex County Women’s Committee as he continues his studies at the University of Tennessee’s Knoxville campus where he studies environmental and soil sciences.

Adams grew up on a family farm and graduated from Seaford Senior High School in 2021 where he was active in a variety of groups such as the National Honors Society, HOSA or the Future Health Professionals organization and varsity soccer. He was also active in the school’s FFA, eventually becoming the treasurer, and varsity baseball and football for which he became captain of both teams.

Outside of school, Adams participated in the local 4-H club for more than ten years, acting in treasurer, vice president and president roles, and county-level 4-H for which he

acted as treasurer and earned the Hands Award which is given to one person annually for service.

As a teenager and young adult, he worked at an ice cream shop and mini golf business, promoting to the title of manager by his graduating year. He also worked as a first mate on a fishing charter.

Sydney Phipps New Castle County Women's Committee Scholarships

Sydney Phipps of Wilmington will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the New Castle County Women’s Committee for her veterinary and biomedical sciences studies at Pennsylvania State University.

She graduated from The Charter

School of Wilmington in 2023 and worked on the family farm. Through school, she volunteered with the Ronald McDonald House Club, Helping Paws Club, Red Cross Club, Bikes for Mozambique Club, Make-a-Wish Club and National Honor Society. She was also a ten-year member of New Castle County 4-H’s Sheep Club for which she was the president for five years.

Laurel Clark Kent County Women's Committee Scholarship

Laurel Clark of Smyrna will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Kent County Women’s Committee for pre-veterinary studies at University of Delaware.

Clark graduated from Middletown High School in 2023 where she was captain of the varsity field hockey and varsity soccer teams, animal science ambassador for the school’s animal science pathway and a member of the National Honor Society, Athletic Leadership Club, FFA and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Club. Clark was also a 13-year member of her local 4-H Club, acting as treasurer in 2019 and participated in travel soccer for several years.

Along with working on nearby farms, Clark has experience working at Metro Seafood and Steak, and Augustine Inn.

SCHOLARSHIPS

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RSVP for your County Farm Bureau Banquet

RSVP to jan.cartanza@defb.org or by calling 302-697-3183.

Kent County Farm Bureau

The Kent County Farm Bureau Banquet will be held Monday, Sept. 25 at Felton Fire Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m.; dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $28.50 per adult and $14.25 per child. RSVP by Sept. 15.

Sussex County Farm Bureau

The Sussex County Farm Bureau Banquet will be held Saturday, Oct. 7 at Slaughter Beach Fire Hall. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; dinner will be served at 7 p.m. The cost is $25 per adult and $12.50 per child. RSVP by Sept. 22.

New Castle County Farm Bureau

The New Castle County Farm Bureau Banquet will be held Monday, Oct. 9 at Townsend Fire Hall. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; dinner will be served at 7 p.m. The cost is $25 per adult and $15 per child (12 years and younger). RSVP by Sept. 29.

Zane Adams, Seaford

Sydney Phipps, Wilmington Laurel Clark, Smyrna

Brayden Hearn

Women's and Young Farmers & Ranchers Committees Scholarships

Brayden Hearn of Laurel will receive a $2,500 scholarship from the statewide Women's Committee and $1,000 from the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee to benefit his plans of studying agribusiness at Delaware Valley University.

He graduated from Laurel High School and was active on the wrestling and football teams, serving as a team captain for both. Hearn was also a member of the Independent Ordinance of Odd Fellows, National Junior Swine Association, Laurel Football Pop Warner and the school’s FFA chapter. Hearn was a member of the Holler N Hooves 4-H Club for seven years.

As an FFA Chapter member, he served as treasurer and president and earned the prestigious Greenhand and State Degrees, among other accolades.

The Hearn family operates Sandyloam Farm, a small family farm in Laurel they purchased in 2001, where they have horses, produce and livestock including pigs, sheep and goats. Hearn has also worked at Atlantic Well Drilling.

Kaitlyn Johnson Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee and Sussex County Farm Bureau Scholarships

Kaitlyn Johnson of Selbyville was presented with a $1,000 scholarship from the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee and will receive a $500 scholarship from the Sussex County Farm Bureau as she heads to the University of Delaware to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. She graduated from Indian River High School in 2023.

Johnson grew up on the family farm and was very active in school. She was a member of the Math League, Leo Club, National Honor Society, Drama Club, Odyssey of the Mind, Talent Search Program with Delaware Tech and National Agri-Science Summit.

She was the president of the Vex Robotics Club and earned various awards, delegate and awardee for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program (HOBY), president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, captain and Homecoming queen representative for the Color Guard, section leader and honors band member for the Concert and Jazz Bands, student coach and mentor

for Vex IQ Robotics and delegate for the Rural Electric Washington Youth Tour based on Leadership and Community Service through Delaware Electric Cooperative.

Johnson also spent many years as a 4-H club member and volunteer, affording her the chance to go to the national Congress and Conference events. Through 4-H, she earned many awards and was the Delaware 4-H Pollinator Ambassador. As a Girl Scout, Johnson earned her bronze and silver award, as well. Her work experience includes working on the family farm, Parson Farms and L&M Cleaning.

Lauren Hudson

Sussex County Farm Bureau Scholarship

Lauren Hudson of Lincoln will receive a $500 scholarship from the Sussex County Farm Bureau. The 2022 Milford High School graduate currently attends the University of Delaware studying elementary education and music.

In high school, she was active in the FFA, Educators Rising, National Honor Society and HOSA, the Future Health Professionals’ club. She is also actively involved with St. John’s the Apostle Catholic Church, Avenue United Methodist Church and the Milford Community Band.

In her spare time, Hudson has volunteered at local schools and worked as a substitute teacher, honing in on her educational skills.

Ruby Phillips Sussex County Farm Bureau Scholarship

Ruby Phillips of Georgetown will receive a $500 scholarship from the Sussex County Farm Bureau to benefit her elementary education and Spanish studies at Butler University.

Phillips graduated from Sussex Academy where she was in the school’s drama department, National Honor Society, choir and band. She took music lessons for 12 years, participated in her church youth group, volunteered as a Sunday School helper and teacher for three years, played the violin for the worship team and was awarded the Overall Spirit Award through the Distinguished Young Women Class of 2023.

Phillips spent her youth on the family farm where she worked the produce stand for several summers.

Emerson Hickey New Castle County Farm Bureau Scholarship

Emerson Hickey of Middletown will receive a $500 scholarship from the New Castle County Farm Bureau as she heads to the University of Delaware to study marketing.

She graduated from Middletown High School earlier this year where she was a member of the Best Buddies program and HOSA or future health professionals organization. She was on the cheer squad for which she was the JV captain for one year and awarded the outstanding leadership award. Hickey was also active

in the school's FFA chapter, acting as its reporter for a year and earning Greenhand and Chapter degrees. Hickey participated in 4-H, acting as the club president for two years, and was active in her church youth group. Over the last several years, Hickey has worked at Emerson Farms, Cowgirls Creamery, ChickFil-A and Ash & Gold Salon.

Olivia Daniels New Castle County Farm Bureau Scholarship

Olivia Daniels of Galena will receive a $500 scholarship from the New Castle County Farm Bureau as she studies Environmental Science at Bridgewater College.

She graduated from Kent County High School in 2022 where she was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honors Society, Spanish Honors Society, Interact Club, Bridgewater College Women's Lacrosse Team and Bridgewater College Flory Honors College. She was on the Women's Varsity Soccer Team and acted as captain for 2021, the Women's Varsity Lacrosse Team and acted as captain for 2022, and the school's FFA for which she was the reporter and treasurer for one year each.

Outside of school, Daniels was very active in her local 4-H Club and her church's youth group. She also worked at Hoober, Inc. and Daniels Family Farm.

Brayden Hearn, Laurel

Kaitlyn Johnson, Selbyville

Lauren Hudson, Lincoln

Ruby Phillips, Georgetown

Emerson Hickey, Middletown

Olivia Daniels, Galena

Help preserve Delaware’s agriculture by learning more about Spotted Lanternflies

By Jennifer Antonik Delaware Farm Bureau

Have you noticed a strange new bug in your area? As black, turned red, spotted lanternfly nymphs grow into winged, jumping bugs many have never encountered before, the possibility of these creatures laying eggs across the state increases.

The Delaware Farm Bureau is urging the public to learn about the spotted lanternfly, kill it immediately and report it to Delaware’s Department of Agriculture which is keeping track of statewide sightings online at https://agriculture. delaware.gov/plant-industries/ spotted-lanternfly/.

According to the Department’s website, the spotted lanternfly isn’t just a threat to Delaware and the country, it “. . .is detrimental to Delaware’s agricultural industries, the environment, and residential areas, and has an impact on interstate commerce. This insect is a destructive, invasive plant hopper that attacks many hosts, including forests, ornamental trees, orchards, hops, and grapes.”

In its simplest form, a host of spotted lanternflies can deplete a tree or crop of its resources very quickly and leave residue all around the area which could then destroy nearby plants, as well.

The spotted lanternfly nymph starts as a black bug with white polka-dots and eight legs. As it grows during the nymph stage, the black turns to a bright red. Adult spotted lanternflies look very different, now sporting a striped body with two sets of wings - one will be tan in color with black spots, and one will be red with black spots and other designs.

Their egg cases can be difficult to spot, but important to destroy. They often meld into wooded or dirt areas with their light tan casings that oftentimes look more like a smudge of dirt. The eggs can be several inches long and an inch or two wide, according to the University of Delaware’s Cooperative Extension.

Killing this invasive species before it has the chance to lay eggs, or destroying the eggs when found, is critical to maintaining Delaware’s

agriculture, forestry and other ecosystems.

Several things can be done at home to help mitigate the issue.

Call an expert

Pesticides and other remedies need to be applied by licensed pesticide professionals for which a list can be obtained on the Department of Agriculture’s website. They might also be able to look for eggs and set appropriate traps.

Use insecticides

These are sometimes available to the general public and can come in the form of a soap and more broad-spectrum insecticides. It is important to understand, however, that the chemicals found in these products could cause damage to other living creatures in the nearby area. Read the labels carefully and follow the instructions closely.

Research home remedies carefully

There are some home remedies that have been helpful in killing

spotted lanternflies such as spraying vinegar on the bugs. However, these remedies have not been studied and their effects on the nearby ecosystem are unknown.

Search for eggs

Scrape eggs off and into a bag with rubbing alcohol. This action will remove the eggs safely and prevent them from hatching in the future. Dispose of the bag once collection is complete.

Manage trees of heaven

Spotted Lanternflies feed off of the tree of heaven as a tree of choice. The state of Delaware offers identification and eradication tips here: https://agriculture.delaware.gov/plant-industries/spotted-lanternfly-management/.

For more information about the Delaware Farm Bureau or to see more photos regarding the spotted lanternfly, visit www.defb.org.

Photo collage of the stages of life for spotted lanterflies courtesy of the National Parks Service.

Photo collage spotted lanterfly eggs courtesy of Iowa's Department of Natural Resources.

Vanessa Gaines

Hubert Cannon Memorial Scholarship from Kent County Farm Bureau

Vanessa Gaines of Camden will receive the $1,000 Hubert Cannon Memorial Scholarship from Kent County Farm Bureau as she moves on to college.

Gaines graduated from Caesar Rodney High School earlier this year and plans on attending State University of New York's College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill to study canine training and management and equine assisted therapies.

During high school, she earned a State Degree while participating in the school's FFA chapter. She was also a two-year captain for the cross country team and spent one year as the captain for the softball team. She was also involved in the Math League, Chorale Choir, National Honor Society, 2023 club, Manship Chapel youth group, Manship Chapel adult choir and Westville

4-H Club where she acted as the secretary, vice president and president. She spent many years working for local farms or agricultural businesses, including EVO Family Farms and Haass' Family Butcher Shop.

Dathan Ivory Roland Garrison Memorial Scholarship from Kent County Farm Bureau

Dathan Ivory of Marydel will receive the $1,000 Roland Garrison Memorial Scholarship from Kent County Farm Bureau as he moves on to study sports management and

ag business at the University of Delaware.

Ivory graduated from Caesar Rodney High School earlier this year where he was a member of the Blue & Gold Club, Sportsmanship Club and National Honor Society. He played on several sports teams and acted as captain, including the basketball, cross country and track teams. He was also involved with his church, Calvary United Methodist Church.

He spent summers working at local farms including Fifer's Orchard and Thomas Family Farm.

Plan to attend AFBF's annual convention in Salt Lake City

The 105th consecutive American Farm Bureau Convention will be held January 19-24 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

By attending, you help set the agenda for the leading voice of agriculture in Washington, DC, and so much more. Participate in educational workshops to advance your leadership skills, expand your business acumen, and gain deep insight into the trends and realities impacting food production. Witness cutting edge innovation in agriculture, hear from powerful speakers, and explore the trade show to build a stronger network, shop featured products, and idea-share with other state and county Farm Bureaus. Visit www.fb.org for more info.

Vanessa Gaines, Camden Dathan Ivory, Marydel

Local farm profits by using soil health management system

Baxter Farms in Georgetown, Del. has experienced increased profitability in recent years by decreasing expenses with a soil health management system of no-till production with cover crops.

With Jay Baxter's family and employees by his side, the fourth-generation farm grows corn, soybeans, sweetcorn, lima beans and small greens along with chickens and flowers.

Although the operation was already working with no-till practices, Baxter Farms started a new no-till cover crop program in 2002 with the help of the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Soil Health Institute and the National Association of Conservation Districts.

The groups facilitated a projects titled "Economics of Soil Health Systems to Enhance Adoption and Environmental Benefits." The purpose of this agreement was to assess, demonstrate and com-

municate the economics of soil health-promoting practices and systems to increase adoption of soil health management systems to achieve environmental and onfarm benefits.

For Baxter Farms, it was a success.

After starting the no-till cover crops program in 2002 and adding acreage overtime, the farm saw a decrease in erosion, fertilizer application and soil compaction, an increase in water infiltration and improved water holding capacity. Cover crop species on the Baxter Farm included hairy vetch, cereal rye, annual ryegrass and tillage radish.

“The way we were doing things was not necessarily working as well as I’d wanted it to. The tillage practices that we had at the time, we were not seeing a return on the investment that I thought we should have seen. Help is harder to come by, equipment is more and more expensive to buy, invest

in, and use and to maintain, and we started looking into other options. No-till seemed to kind of fit that bill,” Baxter said.

At the start of the program, the Soil Health Institute interviewed participating farmers, including Baxter, to obtain production information for evaluating economics of the soil health system based on a partial budget analysis. In this approach, the benefits and costs of a soil health system were assessed by calculating changes in revenue and expenses before and after adoption of that system.

After calculating the changes in net farm income associated with adopting a soil health management system, it was found that the net farm income increased overall by $52.09 per acre for corn and $5.39 per acre for soybeans. In 29 out of 30 participating farms from all over the United States, the soil health management system increased the net farm income by an average of $65 per acre, according to the study.

In other words, it costs producers $14 less per acre to grow corn, $7 less per acre to grow soybeans and $16 less per acre to grow all other crops when utilizing a soil health management system.

“We’ve seen some interesting changes in our soil as we’ve been adopting these practices,” he said.

“We’ve been steadfast in moving forward with these practices, and we are seeing visual changes, we are seeing economic changes, we are seeing improvements,” he added.

Baxter describes challenges with weather and manpower, but welcomes experimentation to find what’s best for his operation.

“With any change, there’s always a challenge; we decided that we were going to be extremely stubborn and overcome them,” Baxter explained.

More information on this study and the resulting data can be found online at https://www.nacdnet. org/about-nacd/what-we-do/soil/ shms/.

Get the most out of raising backyard chickens with these tips

The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*

Move over cats and dogs; small chicken flocks are rapidly taking over urban, suburban and rural backyards around the country. Raising backyard chickens is becoming more popular for multiple reasons, including as a way to save a few dollars on your family's grocery bill and provide fun family learning opportunities.

But raising backyard chickens for egg or meat production is more than just a hobby. Every breed has its strengths and weaknesses. Housing, sanitation and protection from predators are all important to consider in how you build your flock. And make sure you’re managing the risks and liabilities raising chickens can create — especially if you’re selling to neighbors.

“Spend time educating yourself about all facets of the species,” according to Nationwide Agribusiness Sales Development Specialist Mekenze Cortum. “Don’t forget to consider safety as well as the educational opportunities for kids and

teens in learning to care for the animals.”

What to think about when adding a backyard chicken flock

If you’re considering raising chickens in a small flock as a hobby or way to diversify existing small-scale ag production, here are the things you should think about.

1. Check local ordinances/regulations. Many cities and towns regulate backyard flocks. Check with local officials to see if there are any limitations. For example, some cities may limit the total number allowed, or allow unlimited laying hens but not permit roosters.

2. Find the right breeds. There’s a variety of chicken breeds with a range of traits. Rhode Island red and Ameraucana chickens, for example, are hardy, do well in small flocks and have easy dispositions. Orpington birds are better suited to cool or cold climates.

3. Keep your birds housed. Native predators and severe weather can endanger a backyard chicken flock. Provide the right housing to minimize these risks.

With many options, make sure the coop design you choose provides three to five square feet of space for each bird.

4. Limit your flock’s exposure to other birds. Like other birds, chickens are susceptible to transmissible diseases like Avian Influenza and coccidiosis. The less you expose your chickens to other native birds, the lower the chances they’ll contract one of a few common diseases.

5. Keep it clean. Good sanitation and safe-handling practices are musts for any backyard flock. This minimizes the risk of disease infection as well as any foodborne illness like salmonella that can be passed to humans when consuming infected eggs or meat.

6. Be careful with electrical and fire safety. Laying hens need regular light and consistent warmth to produce eggs at their full potential. That means many chicken coops include heaters and lights. Keep heat lamps free of debris and inspect them and other electrical components often to prevent fire risk.

Make sure you're covered

Raising backyard chickens can be a rewarding experience, whether in rural, suburban or urban setting. Make sure you’re covered so small risks don’t become big ones, whether through a homeowner’s or farm insurance policy.

“It’s important for folks to consult with their insurance agent regarding potential liability concerns and coverage considerations for raising backyard chickens,” Cortum said.

Visit AgInsightCenter.com for more resources and expert tips on trending topics to help you run a successful business and maintain the safety of your operation.

[1] *A.M. Best Market Share Report 2021.

Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2023 Nationwide

Local fire department awarded lifesaving rescue resources

Local first responders with Townsend Fire Company and Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company were awarded lifesaving resources recently through Nationwide's Grain Bin Safety advocacy campaign.

Townsend Fire Department will receive a grain bin rescue tube in early September while Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company will receive a retraining, refreshing their knowledge of the equipment and tactics necessary to save a life.

The resources will be used to help protect against grain entrapments, which result in dozens of deaths across rural America, according to Nationwide.

Every year, thousands of farmers and commercial grain handlers risk their lives by entering grain bins to remove clumped or rotted grain. As rural communities have come to know all too well, the risks of entering grain bins continue to be overlooked.

“It only takes seconds, or a simple mistake, for an adult to sink in the quicksand-like flow of grain and become fully entrapped or engulfed,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “Adding to the risk is a lack of rescue equipment available to local fire depart-

ments and emergency responders who are called for help when a worker becomes trapped.”

To help lead the fight against these accidents impacting agricultural communities, the country’s leading insurer of farms and ranches, Nationwide, began its Grain Bin Safety campaign in 2014 to bring awareness to the hazards of entering grain structures and to equip fire departments with the resources needed to respond effectively.

Townsend and Bridgeville fire departments are two of more than 272 fire departments to receive these resources and benefit from the program since its inception.

The grain rescue tube delivery and training was conducted by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) and included simulations of entrapments and rescues using a state-of-the-art grain entrapment simulator, which is loaded on a trailer and able to hold about 100 bushels of grain.

Since 2014, at least seven fire departments have put the tubes and training to use to save the lives of workers trapped in grain bins.

“With long-standing roots in agriculture, we’re thankful for the work America’s farmers do and

for the contributions of our valuable partners who help us make a difference with this campaign in rural communities,” said Liggett.

To learn more or view grain bin safety resources, visit www.thinkgrainbinsafety.com.

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 & Poor’s. 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 information, visit www.nationwide.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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