Cultivate Fall 2020

Cultivate FALL 2020

Virginia Farm Bureau

Heritage Breeds

Colorful, rare and sought-after

Cultivate Volume 13, Number 4 Fall 2020

This young turkey is molting, which means shedding its feathers to allow for new growth.

16

Features 7

Cheese takes on qualities of the land

“Heritage breeds generally are old

The flavor of hand-crafted Virginia cheese is

enhanced by the land on which cows and goats forage.

breeds that have been

10

of years.”

12

Window into the past

The Frontier Culture Museum interprets the cultural heritage of indigenous Americans and early immigrants.

Fruit’s flavors are worthy of folklore

Pawpaws are packed with banana, mango and

pineapple flavors—and they grow right here in Virginia!

16

Heritage breeds are rare and flavorful

Farmers raise heritage breeds to preserve animals’ genetic legacies and to provide a specific taste for niche markets.

around for hundreds

— RICHARD LARSON,

Old Gjerpen Farm, Culpeper

Cultivate (USPS 025051) (ISSN 19468121) is published four times a year.

February, May, August, October. It is published by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Periodicals postage rate is paid at Richmond, VA and additional mailing offices. The annual Subscription Rate is $1.13 (included in membership dues).

Postmaster: Please send changes of address to, Cultivate, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, P.O. Box 27552, Richmond, VA 23261; fax 804-2901096. Editorial and business offices are located at 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Telephone 804-290-1000, fax 804-290-1096.

Email address is Cultivate@vafb.com.

Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

All advertising is accepted subject to the publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume liability for the content of their advertising. The publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised. The publisher maintains the right to cancel advertising for non-payment or reader complaints about services or products.

Member: Virginia Press Association

EDITORIAL TEAM Pam Wiley Director, Communications Kathy Dixon Managing Editor Nicole Zema Staff Writer/Photographer Adam Culler Staff Writer/Photographer Patricia Hooten Graphic Designer Maria La Lima Graphic Designer Alice Kemp Staff Writer/Advertising Coordinator

Departments 3

Did You Know?

6

For Your Benefit

28

Heart of the Home

VISIT US ONLINE vafb.com

WE’RE SOCIAL!

MEMBERS — Address change? If your address or phone number has changed, or is about to change, contact your county Farm Bureau. They will update your membership and subscription information.

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE

Associate members will receive their next issue of Cultivate in February 2021. The magazine is published quarterly, and back issues can be viewed at issuu.com/virginiafarmbureau.

ON THE COVER Heritage turkeys are a favorite for some Thanksgiving celebrations (Photo by Nicole Zema).

Did you know?

IT’S NOT TOO EARLY

to consider cutting your own Christmas tree, since most tree farms open the Friday after Thanksgiving!

Cultivated Christmas trees are grown on 464 Virginia farms on 11,151 acres, according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture.

That equates to over 7 million Christmas trees grown in the state, according to the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association.

For every Christmas tree harvested, two to three seedlings are planted in its place. It can take as many as 15 years to grow a tree of average retail sale height, which is about 6 feet, but the average growing time is 7 years.

The 2017 Census of Agriculture reported Virginia ranks 7th in the country in terms of Christmas tree sales.

Fresh-cut Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. The topselling varieties are balsam fir, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, noble fir, Scotch pine, Virginia pine and white pine.

To find a Christmas tree farm near you, visit virginiachristmastrees.org or virginiagrown.com.

WATCH US! > VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU WEEKLY TV PROGRAM

On Real Virginia: Farmers prep for harvests after a trying growing season Featured this month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program: • Virginia winemakers are preserving their products despite a variety of challenges.

• Turf growers and managers are adapting to the pandemic’s impact on sports and recreation.

• Watermen and aquaculturists are reeling from slow seafood sales.

• Learn how the cattle industry is steering agriculture in Louisa County on this month’s County Agriculture Close-up.

Real Virginia airs nationwide at 3:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month on RFD-TV on Dish Network and DirecTV, and on selected cable outlets around the state. It airs weekly on WBRA Roanoke, WHRO Norfolk, WVVA Bluefield and WTKR Norfolk.

Watch Real Virginia anytime online at youtube.com/user/ VirginiaFarmBureau.

DEER COLLISIONS

3,651 That’s how many auto insurance claims related to deer collisions Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. received in 2019— an increase from 2,923 the previous year. Read more on page 23.

4

CULTIVATE

County Farm Bureau offices reopened with safety measures in place

BY ADAM CULLER

M

ost county Farm Bureau offices in Virginia have reopened to visitors after pandemic-related closures, and all are considering the safety and health of their members and staff as they conduct business.

Customers may now visit most county offices and insurance agents in person, though it is advisable to call ahead for an appointment as occupancy is limited.

When visiting, guests are being asked to take the following steps:

• Do not come inside if you are experiencing fever, coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing.

• Wear a face covering while inside the office.

• No more than one customer at a time is allowed in the lobby area.

• Use provided hand sanitizer upon entry and before leaving.

• Maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals.

“The public has been very understanding of the safety protocols we have in place, and the feedback has been very positive as we’ve reopened,” said Gerald Gardner, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. sales director.

Gardner added that county staff have warmly welcomed a return to office operations with the implementation of safety measures. While agents are eager to provide in-person services, some aspects of county office operations haven’t missed a beat during the pandemic.

“Thanks to our phone network, customers would call an office number, connect with staff who were working remotely in their homes, and they’d think they were talking to someone in an office,” Gardner said.

“A lot of times, our staff would leverage technology like FaceTime and Zoom to maintain personal interaction, and field managers utilized Webex to conduct operational meetings that helped them communicate important items and stay in touch with their teams.”

County Farm Bureaus will continue to monitor public health guidelines, and if they must close an office they will do so and notify members as soon as possible. In the event of a closure, phone and online resources are available to members and policyholders 24/7.

“We’re following executive orders, and we’re going to continue to be cautious while we look at this developing situation,” Gardner said. “Our goal is to return to normalcy, but we’re just going to take everything as it comes.”

— virginia ’ s harvest —

Sweeten season with Virginia’s Harvest treats The days are getting shorter, the weather is cooling, and the smell of pumpkin spice lattes permeates the air. Fall has arrived.

As you hang an autumn-leaf wreath on your door and break out cozy sweaters, you may start to think of the upcoming holiday season.

Whether you’re at a holiday gathering or exchanging gifts, Virginia’s Harvest products offer Farm Bureau members a chance to share delicious foods made with Virginia products, like butter toasted peanuts and chocolate peanut brittle. For your holiday dinner table, there are saltcured, bone-in Virginia hams!

Available exclusively from Farm Bureau’s products division, also among this year’s items are the ever-popular roasted, salted or unsalted gourmet peanuts; double-dipped chocolatecovered peanuts; or a 2-pound bag of salted peanuts in the shell. And if you can’t make up your mind, a peanut trio pack offers a variety of tastes.

For product details and prices, visit vafb.com/benefits, and click on “Virginia’s Harvest.” Products can be shipped through the U.S. Postal Service, and a personalized card can be included.

Call the Virginia Farm Bureau Products Division at 800-476-8473 for more information or to order by phone.

vafb.com / FALL 2020

5

For Your Benefit

Farm Bureau discounts lead to good health and great entertainment Dollywood Harvest Festival combines fall’s best food, music and artistry

Life Line Screenings take the guesswork out of health risks

Farm Bureau members in Virginia receive $10 off regular and children’s gate admission at Dollywood Theme Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Admission includes Dollywood’s award-winning Harvest Festival Presented by Humana, which is open through Oct. 31.

During the event, theme park guests can view fall decorations as they listen to the sounds of bluegrass and Southern gospel music on open-air stages. More than 300 live concerts will be performed during the festival.

Also available are traditional Smoky Mountain culinary favorites, including smoked brisket, pork belly, turkey legs, fried green tomatoes, corn pudding and sweet potato casserole.

Unique craftsmen from around the country will join Dollywood artisans in demonstrating and selling their handmade goods throughout the festival.

At night, Great Pumpkin LumiNights offers a festival within a festival. In parts of the park, guests can enjoy artistic sculptures, whimsical scenes and pumpkinthemed food options.

For more information, visit Dollywood.com.

Members can save on four non-invasive vascular health screenings—for carotid artery, abdominal aneurysm, atrial fibrillation and peripheral arterial disease—and have a free osteoporosis screening and bone density test to assess risk for stroke, heart attack and bone fractures.

Life Line Screenings, the national leading provider of preventive screenings, offers this collection of procedures to Farm Bureau members for $135.

Watch for mailings about scheduled screenings in your area, visit vafb.com/benefits and register and log in as a member, or contact your county Farm Bureau.

Members save on prescription drugs Virginia Farm Bureau’s free Prescription Drug Discount and Savings Program affords members discounts at more than 67,000 pharmacies nationwide, on all FDA-approved brand and generic drugs.

Members pay no fee to use the program, which is designed for individuals with no insurance coverage for prescription drugs.

The program works via what’s known as a “consumer care” or “point of sale card” that can be used by your entire household. There are no medical exams, no waiting periods, no claim forms to file and no exclusions for preexisting conditions.

Your county Farm Bureau can provide starter card information and details on how to locate participating pharmacies near you. Farm Bureau representatives also can help you compare potential savings on generic and name-brand drugs.

For more information, visit vafb.com/benefits. You will need to register and log in as a member.

6

CULTIVATE

Miles of

SAVINGS

with Member Deals Plus But before you do, get your ride ready with auto service savings at places like:

vafb.com • Member Deals Plus App • 888-275-9136

|

cheese

|

DRAMATIC EFFECT Virginia locales are reflected in international cheese-making styles

SARA CRAMER SHIELDS

BY NICOLE ZEMA

A

Cheese flavors are influenced by what Gail Hobbs-Page’s goats eat at Caromont Farm in Albemarle County.

cast of international characters is ready for the spotlight.

Funky, nutty, rich or smooth—the personalities of Virginiamade cheeses are a showstopper, and the state’s cheesemakers are continually rewriting the script.

Distinct styles of old-world cheeses are infused with the essence of Virginia’s seasons—a production you don’t want to miss.

“Seasonal changes, the weather, humidity, the vegetation, it really makes a difference,” said goat cheesemaker and chef Gail Hobbs-Page of Caromont Farm in Albemarle County. “Your job as a farmer is to navigate those changes successfully and keep your stock healthy, and then as a cheesemaker, channel the components of that milk into the right cheese at the right time.”

Inspired by a smattering of Virginia goat cheesemakers, Hobbs-Page opened Caromont in 2007. She produces 25,000 pounds of dozens of styles of goat cheese each year. vafb.com / FALL 2020

7

|

cheese

Caromont Farm Albemarle County

|

“YOUR JOB AS A FARMER IS TO NAVIGATE THOSE CHANGES SUCCESSFULLY AND KEEP YOUR STOCK HEALTHY, AND THEN AS A CHEESEMAKER, CHANNEL THE COMPONENTS OF THAT MILK INTO THE RIGHT CHEESE AT THE RIGHT TIME.” — GAIL HOBBS-PAGE Caromont Farm, Albemarle County

Hobbs-Page said she wants to produce quality crafted cheeses that take on the distinctive qualities of the land where the goats are raised.

“I was familiar stylistically with cheeses I loved from the South of France, from Spain, Italy, but I’d never made them,” Hobbs-Page said. “It all starts with that milk.”

Milk from Caromont’s 100-goat herd on 25 acres in Esmont is used to make four styles of cheese, depending on the season.

“Some cheeses are not good at certain times of the year,” Hobbs-Page explained. “In breeding season, it’s so goaty, it tastes like a male goat smells.

But there’s actually a cheese like that in Italy called Casu Becciu, and they embrace that.”

She said spring is the time for fresh cheeses. Blues and dense cheeses are produced in the heat of the summer.

Then the composition of the milk changes, with more fat and less protein—perfect for holiday cheeses or washed-rind cheeses, also known as stinkers.

“One thing you do when you make a batch of cheese is sit around and stare at it,” Hobbs-Page said. “I love the aged goat cheeses, how they change from a flavorless mound to something so rich, complex, salty and yeasty.”

8

CULTIVATE

Caromont’s 100-goat herd includes Saanens, Alpines, LaManchas and Nubians.

Goats are raised on 25 wooded acres in Esmont, which gives the cheese its flavor.

|

cheese

|

Locksley Farmstead Loudoun County

“ANY OF OUR PRODUCTS, WE CAN POINT AND SAY, IT CAME FROM RIGHT HERE.” — ERIN SAACKE Locksley Farmstead Loudoun County

Locksley Farmstead creates traditional cow cheeses

Creamery manager Erin Saacke displays a wide variety of hard and soft cow cheeses that she said get their color from the grass the animals eat.

Keaton Beus’ menu features ingredients sourced on-site or locally.

“Our Norton grape jelly and Maid Marian cheese is an incredible pairing,” Saacke said. “That sweet grape jelly with the earthy camembert cheese—so good!”

The King Richard blue cheese is aptly Cutline XXXXXXXXXXXX named forXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX royalty, with a spreadable yet XXXXXXXXX crumbly texture.

The Little John black wax cheddar is crumbly too, the result

NICOLE ZEMA

Other cheesemakers have made their debut more recently, like Locksley Farmstead Cheese Co. This sister company of Chrysalis Vineyards in Loudoun County was established in 2018.

Holstein, Jersey and Brown Swiss cows produce hundreds of gallons of milk a week for a list of cheeses that reads like cast credits.

Locksley creamery manager Erin Saacke said cheeses are named after fictional Robin Hood characters because proprietor Jennifer McCloud is a fan of the English folklore. But the repertoire of Virginia’s seasons is revealed in the unique attributes of each batch.

“With the grass they’re eating, it’s fantastic cheese,” Saacke said. “Our cheese has this nice yellow color. Beta carotene is released in the cheesemaking process, and the color carries through. Our cheese might look a little whiter or milder yellow in the fall and winter months. But in the spring, it’s so gold because of the fresh, green grass.”

That perceptible connection to the land is part of a broader vision for the business.

“Any of our products, we can point and say, it came from right here,” Saacke said.

“Then to see consumers enjoy it is the most rewarding part.”

In the vineyards’ tasting room restaurant, hand-pulled mozzarella blankets fresh-baked pizzas, and paninis are stuffed with other cheeses. Chef

of a stirred-curd process. Nottingham gouda is smooth and nutty, listed beside Friar Tuck’s tangy, salty fromage blanc.

Locksley’s pungent washed-rind cheese is named for the villain, Prince John.

Familiar flavors of Virginia and the influence of international cheesemaking styles set the stage for real drama.

“Each cheese has such a character to it,” Saacke said. “Like people.” vafb.com / FALL 2020

9

THE FIRST FRONTIER Once at the edge of American civilization, Virginia’s past is preserved in the Shenandoah Valley ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY ADAM CULLER

The museum’s 1820s American farm exhibit gives visitors an idea of what life was like in the 19th century.

T

ucked away on 200 acres of land near the intersection of Interstates 64 and 81 in Staunton, the Frontier Culture Museum is a window into Virginia’s past.

Eleven exhibits capture specific moments in history, interpreting the cultural heritage of America’s indigenous inhabitants and early immigrants. The displays include depictions of Old World settlements in England, Germany, Ireland and West Africa, and snapshots of how the cultures blended together in the New World with the inclusion of Native Americans.

“Each of the exhibits interprets living history,” said Joe Herget, director of marketing for the museum. “When you put all of them together, it forms a fantastic picture of the evolution of American culture and how it came into being. The museum provides the opportunity to get an in-depth understanding of this history, and telling the stories of those cultures is vital.”

10

CULTIVATE

The museum opened in 1988 with the mission to teach the elements of a culture that developed from westward expansion into the Shenandoah Valley— once America’s final frontier. Today, visitors can wander the grounds and witness the traditions of the prominent cultures that settled in Colonial Virginia.

Museum interpreters paint a portrait of life in the Old and New Worlds and describe the motivation that led populations to immigrate—willingly or unwillingly—to America. Homesteading for a living upon their arrival, colonists worked tirelessly and adopted cultural practices from neighboring immigrant communities to survive early struggles on the frontier.

Museumgoers can relate to the early settlers who farmed to provide for their families and worked to pay off debt to landowners.

“I think it’s interesting for folks to see that things weren’t so different then than how they are today,” said Sally

Landes, one of the museum’s historical interpreters. “It’s neat for them to discover our roots, because without them, we wouldn’t be who we are or where we are today.”

Landes, who has worked at the museum for 19 years, tends the 1600s English farm exhibit. She cultivates one-eighth of an acre, mainly growing root vegetables that would have sustained a family in the 17th century, as well as the herbs that were used for medicine.

With seven functioning farms on display, agriculture is at the forefront of the Frontier Culture Museum.

“It’s critical to connect people to the past, and that’s what we’re here for,” Landes said. “Farming is important, because if we don’t support farmers and have everything in place, we’re going to be in trouble. And I think the museum shows the continuum of farming through the years, and you can see that they’ve always found a way to feed their families, neighbors and countries.”

Multicultural contributions on display

Clockwise from top: Primitive tools and wares on display at the 1700s Ganatastwi (American Indian) farm exhibit; AJ Graham, the Frontier Culture Museum’s head blacksmith, demonstrates the technique at the 1700s Irish forge exhibit; and wigwams are characteristic of dwellings used by Eastern Woodland tribes indigenous to the Shenandoah Valley in the 1700s.

plan your visit

| Staunton

Frontier Culture Museum The Frontier Culture Museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Nov. 30, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Dec. 1, 2020, through March 8, 2021.

Guided tours of the museum are available on the hour throughout the day.

General admission is $12 for adults, $11.50 for seniors, $11 for students ages 13 and over, $7 for children ages 6-12, and children under 6 are admitted for free.

Annual passes begin at $35, and groups of 15 or more may contact the museum for special group rates.

For more information, visit frontiermuseum.org or call 540-332-7850.

Of the collective stories told about America’s roots at the Frontier Culture Museum, not all are uplifting—but they are historically significant.

Among the museum’s 11 exhibits, two display the living and working environments of West African and Native American civilizations before their lives were upended by European colonialists.

Staying true to an educational mission to depict the past accurately, the museum doesn’t shy away from portraying the darker side of Virginia’s past.

“Some stories, obviously, were very unfair, and the way things happened with indigenous populations and the slave population was horrendous,” said Joe Herget, director of marketing for the museum. “They’re important stories that have to be told from the standpoint of their historical importance to help people understand what our past is and how it relates to the issues we have today.”

Interpreters at Ganatastwi—a depiction of a Native American village in the 1700s—educate visitors on the impact colonization had on Eastern Woodland indigenous tribes.

Daily activities demonstrate a way of life that has all but disappeared in the 400-plus years since colonists first encountered Native Americans.

The vibrancy of African heritage is on full display at the 1700s West African exhibit, often the first stop for many museumgoers. Here, interpreters teach visitors about aspects of West African culture that have been adopted into modern American culture, such as food, music and worship.

Interpreters also detail the agricultural expertise offered by enslaved laborers that frequently resulted in the economic success of white settlers.

“These cultures made significant contributions from an ideologic and cultural standpoint, but they also made incredible sacrifices in terms of what they gave up to help build American culture,” Herget said. vafb.com / FALL 2020

11

Exotic Virginia Pawpaw’s tropical flavors rooted in American landscape ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY NICOLE ZEMA

T

hat thumping you hear in late summer down by the creek may evoke images of Bigfoot, but the sound likely emits from another obscure and legendary indigenous species—heavy pawpaw fruits falling to the ground.

Pawpaw trees drop their large, ripened fruits from late July to September in low-lying areas in the Eastern U.S. and in Nebraska and Canada. Soft and highly perishable, a pawpaw delivers a fleeting taste of tropical flavors that bewilder the palate.

Horticulturists are exploring the economic potential of pawpaw farming for small producers focused on locally grown food.

“The taste is complex, so it’s easy to love it, or dislike it,” said Dr. Reza Rafie, a horticulture professor and Virginia Cooperative Extension specialist at Virginia State University.

“It’s creamy and flavorful. Most relatives of this fruit are tropical.”

The fruit’s custard-like texture packs banana, mango and pineapple flavors worthy of folklore. Pawpaws are nutritious too—low-calorie and loaded with vitamin C, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese and several essential amino acids.

The pawpaw is under consideration for Virginia’s state fruit, but you won’t find them at farm stands or on grocery shelves.

“They’re extremely perishable,” Rafie said, standing in the shade of pawpaw trees growing in his Chesterfield County yard. “They last only two or three days, and they fall apart. That’s

Inside a pawpaw’s leathery shell is a creamy, custard-like flesh with tropical flavors. Older varieties have more seeds than flesh.

why you can’t commercially ship them on a truck from one place to another.

And they’re only available for a short period of time. But with the locally grown food movement, people have become interested in that local taste and flavor.”

Rafie said the fruit’s pulp is processed into value-added products like ice cream, beer, wine, breads, jellies and jams.

“A lot of people will pass by pawpaw trees and never pay attention, but others go pawpaw hunting,” he continued. Naturally occurring pawpaw trees are often small because they grow in shaded areas with rich soil near water sources.

“But once you get them established

in sunlight and open space, it’s a different story,” Rafie said. “There are a lot of new varieties of pawpaw coming on.”

A pawpaw variety trial is underway at VSU’s Randolph Farm. Researchers intend to collect data comparing different varieties’ flavor, texture, size and post-harvest perishability.

“Particularly the older varieties have a lot of seeds with not that much flesh,” Rafie explained. “But newer varieties have smaller seeds and more flesh. We’ll establish the value of each variety and let growers decide what they want to do.”

For more information on pawpaws, contact Rafie at 804-712-4600 or arafie@vsu.edu. vafb.com / FALL 2020

13

Make plans to prevent problems with tree roots

N

BY ALICE KEMP

othing turns a front yard into a verdant oasis like a mature tree that shades beautiful flower beds.

But over time, you may notice a house’s water pressure is waning. Or a clogged drain won’t clear no matter how many treatments are applied.

Consulting a plumber may reveal the culprit—roots from the stately tree have found their way into the pipes.

14

CULTIVATE

A tree’s nature “Roots will grow where there is available air and water,” said Joel Koci, a Virginia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources specialist and a Board Certified Master Arborist.

Many times, Koci said, a tree can become a detriment because of the soil.

If it doesn’t get nutrients it needs from the soil, its root system will expand, and could end up in a leaky water pipe.

Horticulturalist Mark Viette in Augusta County has seen this firsthand with a weeping willow. “I’ve got a 4-inchdiameter root that grew all the way into a pipe for 40 feet.”

While roots can occasionally grow into pipes, direct root damage to a house’s foundation is rare. Signs of potential damage include buckling or cracks in the foundation floors or walls and uneven window or door frames. Further investigation is needed to determine if a tree is at fault.

“There are a few trees that are pretty

aggressive,” Viette said. “But usually it’s a poorly constructed foundation that succumbs to root damage.”

To keep soil nutrient-rich and minimize potential root issues, Koci and Viette suggest mulching. “When you properly mulch, the mulch will encourage soil microbes, which will fertilize the soil and make it more congenial for roots,” Koci said. “The roots will grow under the mulch and not go out away from it.”

Root guards or barriers placed in the ground near a foundation also can prevent roots from growing where they aren’t wanted.

Plan and choose wisely You can hear the passion in Koci’s voice when he talks about trees. He emphasized the best way to prevent issues with tree roots, or trees in general, is to plan before planting.

“The aesthetics are what people go for first,” Koci said. “That should be the last thing that comes to mind.”

When considering a tree, consider the soil type, moisture, lighting, temperature, room for growth and the tree’s potential size. Choosing a tree ideal for the conditions where it’s being planted can help mitigate issues down the road.

Koci suggested prioritizing native trees, as they typically require less maintenance than introduced trees.

Some maple varieties can make a striking addition to a landscape and have little root conflicts.

Also the American dogwood and Cleveland pear are beautiful flowering options.

“They’re great to use,” Viette said about the dogwood. “They don’t get too big.”

Generally, Koci said, “narrow canopy trees have a narrow root spread, and cause little root interference.”

As far as trees to avoid, both Koci and Viette said planting a weeping willow or silver maple near a house is risky.

Brittle and prone to falling, they have sprawling, fast-growing root systems.

insurance

How to determine if homeowner insurance covers root damage Coverage for homes damaged by tree roots varies based on the insurance provider and circumstances surrounding the damage.

Lisa Whitus, underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., said that, in general, damage caused by pressure of a naturally-growing root to the foundation, sidewalks, or other property is not covered under a homeowner policy. However, if wind blew a tree over, causing the roots to pull up and damage property, that would likely be covered by a homeowner policy, she said.

If roots encroached on a water or sewer line and caused sewer or drain backups inside the dwelling, coverage would be provided for the resulting water damage if the homeowner has water backup coverage.

Otherwise, root damage to underground piping without direct damage to the structure isn’t covered.

Whitus recommended policyholders contact their insurance agent for details.

Tree planting formula Mark Viette has a formula he uses for planning where to plant a tree.

He said to consider the whole width the tree will grow to the outer circumference of its branches, which is called the dripline. Divide that measurement in half, and add 10 feet.

For example, if a tree’s dripline measures 50 feet, it should be planted 35 feet from the house.

vafb.com / FALL 2020

15

Past meets present in heritage breeds Frauke Bruns holds a Red Wattle piglet. Large Black and Red Wattle hogs help clear the land on Pork Stork Farm in Orange County.

B

arnyard animals that foraged on small farms in the 1800s are the livestock breeds that are considered “heritage” today.

Whether they are raising the animals for a niche market or just hoping to preserve a genetic legacy, Virginia’s heritage breed farmers are committed to preserving these types of cattle, swine and poultry for generations to come.

Heritage hogs preserve a genetic legacy

BY ALICE KEMP

F PHOTOS BY ALICE KEMP

oraging in the forest, Frauke Bruns’ Large Black and Red Wattle hogs help clear the woods on her 170-acre property by eating acorns, hickory nuts and leaves. “[Their meat] has the taste of the forest,” said Bruns, who owns Pork Stork Farm in Orange County with her husband, Doug. “They take a lot of herbs, grass, fruits and bark into their diet, and this creates a neat taste. And a different color—it’s a dark red.”

Bruns and her husband ventured into raising heritage hogs four years ago for a specific purpose—to create a unique selling point.

Big, floppy ears are trademarks of Large Black heritage pigs. Red Wattles are easily distinguished by their color.

16

CULTIVATE

“We wanted to have rare breeds,” she explained. “Both breeds are known for their marbled meat.”

Mark Estienne, a professor and swine research physiologist at Virginia Tech’s Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center, said “heritage breeds have their place on farms providing pork for consumers who desire meat raised locally. The pork produced by heritage breeds contains more fat,” which some people enjoy.

Specialty pork sells out quickly That niche market is what Bruns counts on. She sells the specialty pork

Breeds preserve genetic diversity “To be considered heritage, breeds must be purebred, must have a long history in the U.S., and must have had an important place in U.S. agriculture,” Estienne said.

Red Wattles are one of the few heritage breeds unique to North America. Easy to distinguish, their coats can be a vibrant red, and they have two fleshy wattles on either side of their necks. Their meat is described as floral and robust.

The Large Blacks are one of the biggest and oldest breeds, originating in England and exported to the U.S. in the 1920s. The all-black pigs have big, floppy ears extending over their eyes, sometimes impeding their vision, Bruns said.

“I think there are more breeders for the Red Wattle than the Large Black,” Bruns said. “For the Large Black, I think we are down to 100 breeders.”

Preserving heritage breeds for genetic diversity is important, noted Estienne. For example, he said, a time may come when pigs are bred to tolerate high temperature and humidity. The Ossabaw Island Pig has adapted to hot and humid conditions since the 1500s and could be cross-bred with other suitable pigs.

“Once these breeds are gone, their unique package of genetics also is gone forever,” Estienne said.

Thanksgiving is a busy time for heritage turkey farmers

BY NICOLE ZEMA

T

hanksgiving shows off its true colors with a Virginia turkey as its centerpiece.

Virginians who raise heritage turkeys have perfected a slow-food production system, and some customers are willing to pay a premium for a heritage turkey to serve with their holiday spreads.

According to The Livestock Conservancy, official heritage turkeys reproduce and are genetically maintained through natural mating.

They have a long, productive outdoor lifespan and slow growth rate compared to commercial varieties.

“Heritage is an original species that will continue the line,” said Ann Rosenfeld of Mickey and Ann’s Farmette LLC in Southampton County.

They have raised multiple heritage

breeds including Chocolates, Slates, Royal Palm, Black Spanish and Midget Whites on a quarter-acre wooded lot since 2014.

“That’s our original breeding stock,” bellowed Mickey Rosenfeld, projecting his voice over the shrill, throaty gobbling of 13 happy breeding hens, two toms, “and who knows how many juveniles.”

Originally the Rosenfelds started with Lavenders (or Slates), Chocolates and Midget Whites.

“With crossbreeding between Browns, Whites and Slates, we started getting all these new colors,” Mickey said. “It’s still considered heritage when they crossbreed.”

The birds take up to 30 weeks to reach a marketable weight. Hens can

NICOLE ZEMA

at famers markets in Charlottesville and Georgetown and delivers or ships directly to customers. She said her sausages and pork chops are always the first to sell out.

In addition to supplying a niche market, heritage hog farmers play an important role in preserving a genetic legacy.

According to The Livestock Conservancy, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving heritage breeds of livestock, there are 11 heritage hog breeds. Most, including the Large Black and Red Wattle varieties, are listed as critical and threatened on the Conservancy’s Conservation Priority List.

Crossbred heritage turkeys come in a rainbow of colors. vafb.com / FALL 2020

17

reach 10 pounds and toms up to 16.

The meat is described as juicy and succulent, with a thin layer of “selfbasting” omega-3-rich fat under the skin.

Processing fresh turkeys the week ahead of Thanksgiving is a busy time for the Rosenfelds, who have their eyes set on retirement.

“It’s a job,” Mickey said. “We say we’re not going to do it again, but the

Mickey and Ann Rosenfeld have repeat customers who buy birds from their Southampton County farm.

paycheck’s really good. We get a lot of repeat customers for fresh turkeys, though it’s an expensive bird for some people.”

The Rosenfelds and their friends prefer their heritage birds smoked in their walk-in smokehouse.

“We’ll smoke them about four hours, wrap them in foil and cook to temperature,” Mickey said. “So juicy and tender; no knife is necessary.”

Heritage cattle affirm their function on family farms

BY ADAM CULLER

W

hen it comes to Virginia cattle, most people picture black-and-white Holstein dairy cows or black Angus cattle found throughout the state.

Images of red Devons or “Oreo cows” rarely come to mind—because these rare breeds are limited to the few Virginia farms dedicated to raising heritage cattle.

“Heritage breeds generally are old breeds that have been around for hundreds of years,” said Richard Larson, who raises American Milking Devon cattle on Old Gjerpen Farm in Culpeper County. “They’re rare because as agriculture evolved, new breeds evolved and were better at what they were bred to do.”

Old World cattle meet the New World

PHOTOS BY NICOLE ZEMA

According to The Livestock Conservancy, Devon cattle were brought to America by the Pilgrims in 1623. Reddish brown in hue, the cattle were prized for the quality of their milk and beef, and were renowned for their ability to pull plows, wagons and other farming implements.

But with the advent of the tractor and breeding techniques that maximized beef and milk outputs from specialized cattle breeds, American Milking Devons were exiled from mainstream farming by the late 1800s. The breed is now critically endangered, with about 500 remaining.

Larson began raising American

The Rosenfelds’ varieties include a molting heritage Chocolate, above, and heritage Slate, below.

18

CULTIVATE

Milking Devons in 2006 after he discovered the breed was being raised at Mount Vernon and Colonial Williamsburg. He now maintains and breeds a core herd of eight cattle, selling grass-fed beef and calves to a niche market of customers interested in the heritage breed.

Larson said Milking Devons will always be scarce due to their production limits, but he believes they will be coveted by conservationists and families searching for a family cow.

“What’s happening now, as people’s view of the world is changing, their view of agriculture and how they want to be involved is also changing,” Larson said. “Most of my females go to families that want a milking cow for the family, whereas my bulls are sold to other breeders who want access to the genetics that I offer.”

‘Oreo’ cattle satisfy a specialty market Envisioning a rural lifestyle for their family away from the hustle and bustle of Fredericksburg, Heather and Michael White swapped urban living for a centuries-old Halifax County tobacco farm in 2012.

The couple converted the land into a family farm, Sapphire Farms, with the intention of sustaining themselves and their children, Zoie and Tristan, with homegrown meat and dairy products.

Currently, the couple raises heritage cattle, hogs, horses and poultry.

After starting with Jersey cattle, the

PHOTOS BY ADAM CULLER

Sometimes called “Oreo” cattle, this Dutch Belted breed is raised

by Heather and Michael White on Sapphire Farms in Halifax County.

Red Devon milking cattle were brought to America by the Pilgrims.

Whites became enamored with Dutch Belted cattle and transitioned to raising them in 2013. Marked with thick white stripes that bisect their midsections, their hides resemble Oreos. The twotone cattle are a critically endangered breed being conserved by Virginia farmers.

The breed is valued for its high-fat milk, its quality meat and its ability to

survive on rough pasture. Today, the family has a herd of 25 Dutch Belted, 15 of which are purebred, and has found success marketing the beef and dairy products locally and online.

Finding a market for Dutch Belted products is key, said Heather White, because it raises awareness and interest in conserving the breed. With around 200 remaining, the rarity of the

hardy cattle is why the family decided to foster their own herd.

“Raising [Dutch Belted] is important to us because we wanted to be a part of saving this rare breed,” White said. “The environment is always changing—we’ll always have hard winter, we’ll always have storms and droughts—and for a breed of cattle to continually survive those things, that’s important to me.” vafb.com / FALL 2020

19

Weigh your health care options as open enrollment periods approach

BY ADAM CULLER

W

ith open enrollment periods for the Affordable Care Act and Medicare fast approaching, it’s time for customers to weigh their health insurance options for 2021.

Medicare enrollment

into effect Jan. 1, 2021.

Gina Gentilini, senior individual account executive for Virginia Farm Bureau’s Health Insurance division, noted customers in Virginia will have access to several new Medicare Advantage plans in 2021.

“The Annual Election Period is a great time for people to evaluate if the plans they’re on are the plans they need to be on for the coming year,” Gentilini said. “If you’d like to see if a Medicare Advantage plan would be a good fit, contact your Farm Bureau office.”

From Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, Medicare beneficiaries may change their Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage for the upcoming year during the Annual Election Period. During this time, subscribers can enroll in, withdraw from or switch Part D drug coverage or Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C. For most Medicare subscribers, the Annual Election Period is the only time to alter either plan for the upcoming year, and any policy changes will go

ACA enrollment Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act runs from Nov. 1 until Dec. 15.

The Healthcare.gov Marketplace plans for under age 65 allow subscribers

to purchase their own health, dental and vision coverage. ACA plans do not require medical underwriting, and those who enroll during the open enrollment period will have coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2021.

Coverage can benefit those who are uninsured or underinsured due to their employment status, as well as those who have experienced changes to their medical or financial conditions. The open enrollment period is the time to evaluate if the coverage you’re on is right for you.

“We want customers to know that Farm Bureau is here to help them through both open enrollment periods,” said Tracy Cornatzer, sales manager for VFB’s Health Insurance division.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Have questions about Medicare Supplements?

Call today!

Virginia Farm Bureau 1-800-229-7779 An authorized licensed insurance agent for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, license number: 109534

This policy has exclusions, limitations and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For more information on benefits, please contact your agent or the health plan. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. The purpose of this communication is the solicitation of insurance. Contact will be made by an insurance agent or insurance company. Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. trades as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, and its service area is all of Virginia except for the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

AADVOTH006M(15)-VA 55681VASENABS 20

CULTIVATE

Use caution around farm equipment during fall harvest

F

all harvest season is here, and it’s a busy and challenging time for farmers as they move equipment on local roads to get from one field to another.

The fall harvest can last until November, and it’s a particularly precarious time for farmers and drivers because there’s more equipment traveling on public roads, said Jeremy Moyer, Amelia County Farm Bureau president and member of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Farm Safety Advisory Committee. Supporting vehicles, such as tractor trailers and dump trucks, also are on roadways, transporting harvested crops.

“Some equipment is 15 or 16 feet wide with dual tires,” Moyer said.

“There’s not great visibility for the operator. Even with rear cameras and mirrors, there are still pretty large blind spots behind a lot of equipment.”

Additionally, a large piece of equipment such as a combine can easily span more than one travel lane.

State law requires tractors and other

Farm equipment on roadways often takes up more than one lane, which is why drivers should exercise caution.

equipment that travels 25 mph or slower to be marked with a triangular slow-moving vehicle emblem when operated on public roads. Many farmers also use flashing amber lights, reflective decals and escort vehicles to alert approaching motorists.

“Most of the time, large farm equipment is not going very far, maybe a mile or two at the most,” Moyer added.

Drivers are urged to be aware and use caution if they encounter a tractor or other farm equipment on the roadway.

“I think some of the accidents have been when the farmers are making a left-hand turn and the driver behind doesn’t realize the farmer is turning,” said Becky Broaddus, a Caroline County farmer and member of the VFBF Farm Safety Advisory Committee.

Adding to the danger, some rural roads have sharp curves and low visibility, with turnoffs tucked out of sight. Broaddus emphasized that farmers will generally move over when it’s safe so cars can get by, but areas with trees, overgrowth, steep ditches or obstacles roadside mailboxes can prevent them from doing so.

“Be patient, and understand that the farmer is not trying to slow you down,” Broaddus said. “They’re just trying to get safely to their farm or their field.

Don’t put yourself or the farmer at risk by trying to get around them when it’s not safe.”

Manage health and related expenses through preventive care

P

BY ADAM CULLER

reventive care shifts the focus of medical care from treating the symptoms of illness and disease to avoiding illnesses while promoting good health.

Services like annual physicals, immunizations, medication management and any other benefits that help prevent illness, injury and premature death are all considered preventive care.

According to research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seven out of 10 Americans die each year from chronic diseases, many of which are preventable. An increased use of preventive health services results in less exposure to longterm illnesses that could have otherwise been prevented.

“Early detection is key,” said Tracy Cornatzer, sales manager for Virginia Farm Bureau’s Health Insurance division.

“If you’re taking care of your preventive visits, you may catch an illness early, which is beneficial healthwise and can be helpful in terms of cost.

Don’t put off these services, because they could truly help if there’s something your doctor can catch in its early stages and can be treated.”

Most health insurance plans cover preventive care services in full, leaving no cost for subscribers. For many services, there is no copay, coinsurance, deductible or out-of-pocket expenses.

In addition to no costs associated with visits, preventive care also can help lower the cost of managing illnesses, because

most diseases are more treatable in the early stages.

An annual preventive care plan should include bloodwork and a physical with your primary care physician. For women, a yearly visit with a gynecologist is recommended. Please check your health insurance policy for the frequency of covered routine services, as they vary.

Preventive care shouldn’t end with your physician. Regular visits to dentists and optometrists also can help reveal illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

“Your optometrist can catch macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma, and a checkup for the health of your teeth can reveal illnesses like throat cancer and oral cancer,” Cornatzer said. vafb.com / FALL 2020

21

Financing Country Living Since 1916 The Experts in Rural Finance Homes • Land • Construction • Livestock Barns • Outbuildings • Equipment

800-919-FARM (3276) 22

CULTIVATE

FarmCredit.com

Buck the financial burden of deer collisions with comprehensive coverage

BY ADAM CULLER

Deer migration and mating season is October through December, which means more deer on or near roads.

T

o many, Virginia’s natural splendor reaches its peak in the fall. And while fall is a great time to enjoy the state’s vibrant colors and crisp autumn air, the shifting seasons can cause additional risks on roadways.

One of those hazards is deer migration and mating season, which occurs from October through December, and often leads to an increase in collisions due to the animals’ increased movement around roadways.

To protect your vehicles against damage caused by hitting a deer, it’s advisable to add Other Than Collision coverage—also known as OTC or comprehensive coverage—to your auto insurance policy.

“It’s very important to have OTC coverage on auto policies, because

collision coverage is not designed to pay for any collisions with animals,” said Lisa Whitus, underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “Collision coverage is there for a collision involving another vehicle or an inanimate object.”

Drivers in Virginia have a 1 in 74 chance of colliding with a deer or on the state’s roads. When an accident occurs, damage to a vehicle can be significant.

In 2019 VFBMIC received 3,651 auto insurance claims related to collisions with deer, almost a 25% increase from 2,923 in 2018. The claims amounted to $6.26 million in losses, an average loss of $1,715 per claim.

“Whether you own a large

commercial vehicle, a luxury car or any other automobile, hitting a deer or other animals can cause a substantial loss,” Whitus said. “The reason most people purchase OTC coverage for their vehicle is because it’s relatively inexpensive and can help offset the cost of damages in the event of a loss.”

In addition to providing protection against impact with animals, comprehensive coverage is designed to protect your vehicle from other damage not caused by a collision. Fire damage, glass breakage and weatherrelated damage are covered under most comprehensive auto policies.

To ensure your vehicles are protected against nature’s many surprises, contact your local Farm Bureau insurance agent. vafb.com / FALL 2020

23

Ride-share drivers require additional auto coverage

O

BY ADAM CULLER

ffering convenient and reliable transportation to passengers, ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber have become a preferred transit method in many American cities over the past decade.

While many people use these services for quick-and-easy commutes as riders, others use Lyft and Uber to earn primary or secondary income as drivers. If driving a Lyft or Uber appeals to you, it’s important to ensure your vehicle and passengers are covered in case of an accident.

“When you purchase an auto policy for your personal vehicle, there’s an understanding between you and your insurance company that you will not use that vehicle for business,” said Lisa Whitus, underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “The moment you begin to use

your vehicle to pick people up for transportation, you’ll need to endorse your policy to include coverage in case something should happen to your vehicle or your passengers. Otherwise, there’s not going to be any coverage,” Whitus explained.

To guarantee full auto coverage when working for companies like Lyft and Uber, drivers must add a Transportation Network Company endorsement to their auto policies.

A TNC endorsement is designed to address gaps in collision and comprehensive coverage between a driver’s personal auto policy and any insurance policies offered by ridesharing companies to their employees.

Coverage under this endorsement is only active once a driver has accepted a trip within a ride-sharing app.

In addition to securing full coverage on their vehicles, Uber and Lyft

drivers are encouraged to increase their liability insurance coverage in the event passengers are injured in an accident.

The minimum liability coverage requirement for Virginia drivers is 25/50/20—$25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $20,000 for property damage. Expenses beyond each limit are then the driver’s responsibility.

Whitus recommends drivers discuss purchasing higher limits of liability with their Farm Bureau agent to protect against dire financial situations.

“If you’re in a wreck, especially when it’s your fault, liability insurance limits can be exhausted very quickly,” she said. “The more coverage you have, the more protection Virginia Farm Bureau can provide you.”

Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. once again named to Ward’s 50

V

irginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. was named among the 2020 Property-Casualty Ward’s 50 Companies—for the third year in a row.

The list is compiled by Ward Group, a consulting firm specializing in the insurance industry and a leading provider of industry benchmarking.

“During this time of continued uncertainty, it brings us great pleasure to be named one of the 50 top property and casualty companies in the country for the third consecutive year,” said Darlene Wells, VFBMIC executive vice president and general manager. “This recognition stems from our strong financial stability, 24

CULTIVATE

superior customer service and competitive products.

Our local agents do a phenomenal job serving our policyholders.”

Each year Ward Group analyzes the financial performance of nearly 2,900 property and casualty insurance companies in the United States and identifies the top performers. Each company named to Ward's

Top 50 has passed all safety and consistency screens and achieved superior performance over the five years it was analyzed.

“Building a stronger financial base and continually growing our premiums helps our companies better serve our policyholders,” Wells said.

The Ward’s 50 propertycasualty group of insurance companies produced a 10.9% statutory return on average equity from 2015 to 2019, compared to 7.3% for the property-casualty industry overall.

“In selecting the Ward’s 50, we identified companies that pass financial stability requirements and measure their ability to grow while maintaining strong capital

positions and underwriting results,” said Jeff Rieder, partner and head of Ward benchmarking at Aon, a leading global professional services firm. The Ward’s 50 benchmark group also continues to achieve lower expense ratios.

VFBMIC joined five other Farm Bureau insurance companies recognized as Top 50 P&C companies: Tennessee Farmers Mutual Insurance Co., Rural Mutual Insurance Co. in Wisconsin, Nodak Insurance Co. in North Dakota, Farm Bureau P&C Insurance Co. in Iowa and Kentucky Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.

BY ADAM CULLER

Forward collision warning and other new safety features on cars means that some Virginia Farm Bureau auto policyholders are eligible for discounts.

Safety first: Insurance discounts are coming for collision avoidance technology

E

quipped with autonomous braking systems, backup cameras and blind spot sensors that alert drivers to roadway hazards, modern vehicles are prioritizing passenger safety.

And as more automobiles with advanced technology enter the U.S. fleet, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. is preparing to reward customers whose vehicles possess some of those safety features.

On new personal automobile insurance policies and future policy renewals effective on or after Oct. 15, 2020, VFBMIC will begin offering premium discounts

to policyholders who drive vehicles with collision avoidance technology.

Eligible technology includes forward collision warning—with and without autonomous braking, blind spot warning and rear automatic braking.

Premium discounts will apply only to customers of VFBMIC’s multivariaterated personal auto policy, or AMV, line of business.

David Tenembaum, VFBMIC actuarial manager, said Highway Loss Data Institute findings are enabling the company to offer these new policy discounts, as research found collision avoidance technology can significantly reduce accidents and claims.

HLDI research from 2018 revealed forward collision warnings with autonomous braking reduced the frequency of property damage liability claims by 13% and collision claims by 2.3%.

Forward collision warnings use sensors or cameras that warn drivers with audible and visual alerts they are getting too close to the vehicle in front of them. With the addition of autonomous braking, a vehicle will apply the brakes if a driver fails to respond to a rapidly approaching object.

Rear automatic emergency braking applies a vehicle’s brakes if a driver doesn’t respond to an object behind them. This feature reduced the frequency of property damage claims by 29.9% and collision claims by 12%.

Blind spot warnings, which alert drivers to vehicles in their blind spots, contributed to a 6.8% decrease in the frequency of property damage claims and a 1.5% decrease in collisions claims.

When combined, collision avoidance safety features could prevent onethird of reported crashes each year, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. Though cars with advanced safety technology represent just a fraction of all vehicles on U.S. roads, VFBMIC is eager to embrace the future with its new discount program.

“We want to be a market leader— insurance companies are just getting started analyzing this information and reacting to it,” Tenembaum said.

“A limited number of companies are offering these types of discounts, and we want to get ahead of the pack by not only offering discounts for advanced safety features, but higher-thanaverage discounts compared to our competitors,” he added.

If you are insured through Farm Bureau’s AMV program and any of your vehicles are equipped with collision avoidance technology, please contact your local Farm Bureau insurance agent to see if your policy qualifies for a discount.

vafb.com / FALL 2020

25

Congress passes mental health legislation supporting rural communities

R

Bill intends to promote mental well-being and destigmatize mental health care in rural areas.

Together, we’ll overcome the opioid epidemic. #FarmTownStrong

If someone you care about is suffering from opioid addiction, please visit farmtownstrong.org.

26

CULTIVATE

CS18_149 Farm Strong Qpg Ad_r.indd 1

ural residents could soon benefit from the addition of federal mental health resources with the passage of the Seeding Rural Resilience Act. The bipartisan bill is designed to promote mental well-being and destigmatize mental health care in rural communities, and create awareness of farm stress.

It passed as an amendment to the Senate and House versions of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2021.

“Congress recognizing that these resources are beneficial is absolutely imperative, because the more people that are aware of this mental health crisis, the more we’re going to be able to recognize and help farmers in crisis,” said Dr. Amy Johnson, a nurse practitioner with Centra Medical Group, farmer and Bedford County Farm Bureau president.

“By helping to decrease the stigma of mental health and the feeling that people have to suffer in silence, we’re more likely to get folks the help that they need.”

Once enacted, the bill would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide voluntary stress management training for Farm Service Agency, Risk Management Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service employees.

The bill also would fund a $3 million public service announcement from USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services to increase public awareness of farm and rural stress.

Lastly, the Seeding Rural Resilience Act would call for leading agricultural organizations and the secretary of agriculture to establish industry best practices for responding to mental stress.

With federal resources in place, Johnson said she’d like to see the continued deregulation of telehealth beyond the COVID-19 pandemic to improve communication with farmers in crisis. She spoke on the topic at the White House in July.

Noting the impact the pandemic has had on farmers and other rural residents, Johnson said government investment in addressing the mental health resources deficiencies in rural communities has come at an opportune time.

“With the fact that so many states had started from the grassroots level and created the impetus for mental health awareness, we already had a stronghold on those programs helping farmers,” she said.

“Now that the government is getting involved and putting forth the funds to create more public awareness and push these agencies further in their training, it’s huge. We now have something to grow on and aren’t starting from scratch when a stressful situation for farmers became more dire with the pandemic.”

11/15/18 10:13 AM

Teen drivers’ chances of crashing increase with an older or smaller car. Modern auto technology can help keep them safer.

Study shows teens likely to drive less-safe vehicles

A

teenager’s first car is often a hand-me-down or an inexpensive older, smaller model, and that could be making an already high-risk segment of drivers even more unsafe.

A study published recently by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety revealed nearly two-thirds of teen drivers killed in crashes between 2013 and 2017 were driving vehicles six to 15 years old. More than a quarter were driving micro, mini or small cars.

“It’s understandable that parents don’t want to shell out big bucks for their teen’s first car, and they probably don’t realize how much safer a newer, larger vehicle is,” said Rebecca Weast, IIHS research scientist and lead author of the paper. “Small vehicles don’t protect as well in a crash, and older vehicles are less likely to be equipped with essential safety equipment.”

For many, it’s seen as a rite of passage to give an old used family car to the newest driver. But older cars often lack modern safety technology like side airbags and electronic stability control that can help protect new, inexperienced drivers.

According to the study, teens are more likely to drive models that don’t offer those safety options. Since 2012, ESC has been mandated for all new vehicles.

Additionally, smaller cars pose a risk because their lighter mass takes the brunt of collisions with larger vehicles.

The shorter front end in a small car also offers less protection than that of a larger one.

“When considering a first car for your new driver, it’s important to look at the safety features and make sure they’re well-protected in the event of a crash,” said Darlene Wells,

executive vice president and general manager of Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., and a member of the Drive Smart Virginia board of directors. “Safety and reliability are paramount.”

The IIHS conducted a separate study that revealed 2017 model-year small and mini cars accounted for 15 of the 20 vehicles with the highest death rates.

Research has shown that, compared to older drivers, teens drive less yet crash about four times as often. The IIHS study revealed that among drivers killed in fatal crashes from 2013-17, less than 4% of teens killed were driving vehicles under 3 years old compared to 9% of adults. Also, 38% of teens were killed when driving vehicles 11 to 15 years old compared to 32% of adult drivers.

vafb.com / FALL 2020

27

Heart of the Home

Charcuterie boards offer delicious displays for the holidays

F

ew dishes are as impressive and eye-catching as a charcuterie board.

Pronounced shahr-ku-tuhree, this French culinary tradition is the art of preparing and arranging cured meats and other meat products, especially pork.

ALICE KEMP

Historically all about meat, modern interpretations have broadened charcuterie to include cheese, bread, fruit, nuts and a variety of other food items.

“The premise behind it is to showcase nice meats,” said Chef Tammy Brawley, owner of The Green Kitchen in

28

CULTIVATE

Richmond and cooking segment host on Virginia Farm Bureau’s television program, Real Virginia.

From salty to sweet or spicy, charcuterie boards boast an abundance of flavors and textures that complement each other. They’re ideal for entertaining—offering a variety

Heart of the Home

She said along with meats like prosciutto, capicola and salami, her charcuterie boards always have a couple of different cheeses, olives, a pickled item, nuts, a sweet jam and a savory spread like mustard. A sliced baguette can be served on the side or on the board.

“The perfect charcuterie board is when you’ve got a variety of those types of foods,” Brawley emphasized.

We put together a festive charcuterie board showcasing some foods produced in Virginia: prosciutto, Soppressata salami, cheese and, of course, Virginia peanuts.

KATHY DIXON

of options that allow guests to choose what they want to eat.

All about presentation, a charcuterie board gives the preparer an opportunity to demonstrate his or her creativity by arranging different ingredients together how they wish, Brawley noted.

This summer charcuterie board capitalized on seasonal ingredients Prosciutto Apricots like berries and cucumbers.

Sausage Grapes

This and that: Get creative with charcuterie ingredients

Salami Apples Ham Pears Cheese varieties (hard and soft cheese)

Vegetables Hummus

Olives Honey Pickles Jams Nuts Crackers and bread or crostini Figs

This holiday charcuterie spread focuses on traditional ingredients like salami and cheese, and mixes in Virginia peanuts and apples. There is no wrong way to assemble a charcuterie platter.

vafb.com / FALL 2020

29

When hurricane season approaches, it’s best to prepare your home in advance.

Keep homes safe during active hurricane season

I

nto each life some rain may fall, but a thorough hurricane preparedness plan can provide a silver lining in an emergency.

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. This season is only three named storms away from becoming the most active hurricane season on record. There have been 25 so far, and the record is 28.

A proactive approach can protect your family and property against the threat of severe weather. Farm Bureau members can access resources through vafb.com to help determine your risk, devise a plan, build an emergency kit and secure your property. When shopping for emergency supplies, remember your Farm Bureau membership affords you savings from Grainger.

Hurricanes often generate rainfall that can cause severe flooding over wide areas, as well as spawn tornadoes, and severely affect areas well inland.

Before a storm is imminent, plan a safe evacuation route out of its path. Review and become familiar with the plan well in advance with family, friends and co-workers.

30

CULTIVATE

Follow this three-step prep

1

Essential items for evacuation, or returning to your property after a severe storm, include the following: • flashlights and extra batteries • portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries • first-aid kit • emergency food and water (for humans and pets) • non-electric can opener • any personal medicines and supplies • duct tape, extra flashlights, batteries, glow-sticks, tarps, cleaning supplies, insulated coolers, gas can, generators, all-purpose extension cords and portable blowers, all available from Grainger.com.

2

During the storm:

• Monitor the news.

• Stay inside, and keep pets safe with leashes or crates.

• Tell someone your location, and review your plan with loved ones.

• Charge your phone.

•U se flashlights, not candles.

3

After the storm: •L isten to local news for emergency instructions.

•M ake contact with others.

•A void walking or driving in floodwater.

•A void drinking tap water, and check for food spoilage.

•T ake photos for insurance claims.

•B e aware of natural gas leaks, and watch for sparks and broken or frayed wires.

•B e sure electrical systems or appliances are not wet before using.

•C heck for damaged pipes.

•D isinfect items that may have been contaminated.

For more storm preparedness information, visit grainger.com/ content/hurricanes and Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.’s Virginia Hurricane Preparedness Central resource.

Statement of Ownership

Correction An article in the August issue of Cultivate magazine incorrectly listed Frying Pan Farm Park’s phone number.

The correct number is 703-437-9101.

LEGAL Notice of Annual Meeting Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company The annual meeting of policyholders of Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company will be held at 8:45 a.m., Thursday, December 17, 2020, at the Virginia Farm Bureau office, 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, Virginia for the following purposes: 1. To receive and act upon the reports of the officers of the Company.

2. To elect a Board of Directors, each to serve for the term of one year.

3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.

Dated this 1st day of October, 2020.

Kathleen M. Early, Secretary

l farms

g

rin ers, sha

rm Real fa

rea ries, on o t s l a e r

REAL VIRGINIA A weekly television program produced

by Virginia Farm Bureau

Agriculture touches your life every day! Meet the Virginia farmers who raise products for your table and your community. Learn how to prepare delicious Virginia foods and cultivate a lush landscape and edible garden.

Real Virginia airs nationwide at 3:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month on RFD-TV on Dish Network and DirecTV, and on many cable outlets—check local listings.

Watch anytime at vafb.com, and weekly on • WBRA Roanoke

• WTKR Norfolk

• WHRO Norfolk

• WVVA Bluefield

Real Virginia Promo Ad 3.indd 1

vafb.com / FALL 2020 8/26/20 318:32 AM

Pay o n l i n e w i t h e a s e w i t h

QUICKPAY.

Your to-do list just got easier.

If you have an upcoming policy or membership payment, try QuickPay on vafb.com.

Pay securely without a password.

• Pay insurance premiums and annual membership dues without having to create an account or track down your password.

Avoid delays.

• With postal delays becoming more common, take advantage of QuickPay to ensure timely payments and uninterrupted coverage.

Easy to get started.

• All you need is your billing statement and a credit card or bank account to pay securely online. That’s it.

“Member” and “Membership” refer to a membership in a county Farm Bureau®. Membership is open to everyone. Insurance products are benefits available exclusively to members. All insurance products are underwritten and provided by Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company® and affiliates.

vafb.com