FBN Sept 2017

Farm Bureau News

SEPTEMBER 2017

The Voice of Virginia’s Agricultural Producers

vafb.com

Program helps members grow as leaders, farmers

Farm Bureau News

16

Features 14

VALOR Program offers producers leadership training

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AITC foundation marks 25th anniversary

The name says it all: Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results.

With unwavering support from Farm Bureau and a legion of volunteers, Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom is reaching 2,000 educators and 100 times that many children annually.

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VFBF AgPAC endorses candidates for statewide races, House seats

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC has made endorsements in three statewide races and 94 for seats in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Departments 23

For Your Benefit

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Heart of the Home

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Marketplace

Last year nearly 2,000 teachers and volunteers attended Agriculture in the Classroom training programs.

AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM

Volume 76, Number 3 September 2017 Virginia Farm Bureau News (USPS 017-763) (ISSN 1525-528X) is published four times a year. January, April, September, November.

It is published by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Periodicals postage rate is paid in Richmond, VA. The annual Subscription Rate is $1.42 (included in membership dues).

Postmaster: Please send changes of address to, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Farm Bureau News, P.O. Box 27552, Richmond, VA 23261-7552; fax 804-290-1096. Editorial and business offices are located at 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Telephone 804-290-1000, fax 804-290-1096. Email virginiafarmbureaunews@vafb.com. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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.

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

Member: Virginia Press Association

EDITORIAL TEAM

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE Producer members will receive their next issue of Virginia Farm Bureau News in November. The magazine is published quarterly, and back issues can be viewed at issuu. com/virginiafarmbureau.

Greg Hicks Vice President, Communications Pam Wiley Managing Editor Kathy Dixon Staff Writer/Assistant Editor Sara Owens Staff Writer/Photographer Pat Hooten Graphic Designer Maria La Lima Graphic Designer Claire Mills Advertising

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Officers Wayne F. Pryor, President Scott E. Sink, Vice President

Board of Directors

WE’RE SOCIAL!

ON THE COVER Josh Stephens of Shenandoah County is an alumnus of Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results (Photo by Sara Owens).

DIRECTOR

DISTRICT COUNTY

Emily Edmondson 1 Tazewell Richard L. Sutherland 2 Grayson Bruce N. Stanger 3 Montgomery Gordon R. Metz 4 Henry Russell L. Williams II 5 Rockbridge Peter A. Truban 6 Shenandoah Thomas E. Graves 7 Orange Leigh H. Pemberton 8 Hanover William F. Osl Jr. 9 Cumberland Robert J. Mills Jr. 10 Pittsylvania J. M. Jenkins Jr. 11 Lunenburg W. Ellis Walton 12 Middlesex M. L. Everett Jr. 13 Southampton David L. Hickman 14 Accomack Faye Hundley * Essex Mindy McCroskey ** Washington *Women’s Committee Chairman **Young Farmers Committee Chairman

President’s Message

Our industry’s impact is growing; Farm Bureau needs to grow as well At the end of July, researchers at the University of Virginia released some extremely encouraging news for Virginia agriculture WAYNE F. PRYOR and forestry.

A study conducted by the university’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service found that the two industries’ combined annual economic impact has increased 30 percent over findings from a similar study conducted in 2013.

Where agriculture and forestry previously contributed $70 billion annually to the state’s economy, they now contribute $91 billion.

Additionally, study findings released in April by Virginia Tech found that agritourism contributes $2.2 billion annually, and findings released in January indicate the wine industry contributes $1.37 billion.

These are big numbers, representing big business, and you, the Farm Bureau producer member, had a key role in attaining that level of impact.

Membership growth remains a goal

Farm Bureau has for decades been recognized as the state’s largest general farmers’ advocacy organization, and we’re proud of that.

But, looking ahead, we absolutely must grow in order to continue serving the interests of Virginia’s ag community.

And we need your help.

Earlier this year our county Farm Bureau leaders, insurance agency force and other staff mobilized to meet that challenge. I want to ask two things of you:

1. Please commit to continued Farm Bureau membership when you receive your renewal statement; and

Wayne F. Pryor, a Goochland County beef and grain producer, is president of Virginia Farm Bureau.

2. Seek out others who might value being part of Farm Bureau—friends, neighbors, professional contacts and, really, anyone you know who appreciates Virginia farm products.

Top membership counties

Tell them why you joined, and how you have benefitted, whether through legislative engagement, financial savings, insurance protection or volunteer opportunities. Email them a link to our website at vafb.com so they can review our legislative successes, our recent news and our array of membership benefits. Let them know they can join online and are more than welcome to call or visit any local county Farm Bureau office.

Most importantly, please tell them we need their unique perspectives on agriculture and forestry to best serve all of the commonwealth’s producers.

Momentum is a goal as well

As I noted in the April issue of this magazine, our minimum membership goal for 2017 is 126,441, which is last year’s total plus 88—one more member for each county Farm Bureau in the state.

Not a day goes by when I don’t talk with someone who’s very, very much aware of that goal. Each of our county Farm Bureaus is closely monitoring their membership numbers and seeking ways to attract new members and retain established ones.

We’re proud to count you among our current members, and we remain committed to having a significant impact on agriculture’s and forestry’s future.

as of Aug. 28

County Farm Bureau

Members

Washington 3,209 Charles City – James City – New Kent – York

2,818

Hanover 2,636 Franklin 2,608 Smyth 2,409 Tazewell 2,337 Augusta 2,273 Bedford 2,231 Rockingham 2,228 Russell 2,136 County Farm Bureau

Percentage of goal

Alleghany 101.89% Chesapeake 101.18% Grayson 100.82% Rockingham 100.59% Wise - Dickenson

100.53%

Tazewell 99.79% Henry 99.32% Bedford 98.37% Halifax 97.61% Richmond 97.48%

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2017

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Farm Bureau website helps you maximize your membership

Virginia Farm Bureau 1982–2016

When you register as a member on vafb.com, Virginia Farm Bureau’s recently re-designed and mobile-friendly website, you’ll have quick and easy access to your membership information and details of your Farm Bureau insurance policies.

Once registered, all members can: • Get access codes and other information related to member benefits and savings programs; • renew memberships online; and • update contact information to ensure you receive newsletters.

Virginia Farm Bureau insurance policyholders can: • View policy information 24/7, and contact your agent; • request policy changes and pay premiums online; and

REAL VIRGINIA, WATCH US! >> VFB WEEKLY TV PROGRAM

This month on Real Virginia: Peanut promotions, and Agriculture in the Classroom marks a milestone Featured this month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program: • Peanut farmers are promoting their product to the next generation of consumers.

• The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

• A national blacksmith competition is about to heat up at the State Fair of Virginia.

• We share a close-up look at Hanover County agriculture.

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 WVPT Harrisonburg, WCVE Richmond, WHRO Norfolk, WVVA Bluefield and WTKR Norfolk.

Watch Real Virginia anytime online at vafb.com.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Greg Hicks

• download auto insurance ID cards.

The Farm Bureau website also features articles about farm and food trends and a farmers’ market directory.

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From the Ground Up: Growth of a Modern Farm Bureau

Copies of Virginia Farm Bureau history can be purchased online From the Ground Up: Growth of a Modern Farm Bureau, a history of Virginia Farm Bureau published last fall, is available for purchase at dementimilestonepublishing.com/ from-the-ground-up.

The book was written by Greg Hicks, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation vice president of communications.

It covers events over the past three decades and is a companion volume to an earlier work by J. Hiram Zigler that was published in 1982.

Hicks called From the Ground Up “a hybrid history-celebration work” that follows the state organization’s meteoric growth and successes. It includes chapters on the five most recent state Farm Bureau presidents, numerous photos of staff and members at various Farm Bureau events, listings of award winners, and many other highlights.

For more information, contact Hicks at greg.hicks@vafb.com.

BY CLAIRE MILLS

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embers of more than 50 county Farm Bureaus in Virginia have donated nearly $55,000 to assist fellow farmers affected by destructive wildfires in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Colorado.

The March fires swept through an estimated 1.5 million acres, killed seven people and destroyed homes, cattle and livelihoods.

In response to those devastating losses, Wythe County Farm Bureau donated $1,000 to the Kansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Fire Relief Fund. County Farm Bureau President Nate Aker also sent a letter to his fellow county presidents, challenging other county Farm Bureaus to donate if possible.

Aker’s letter explained how to donate to different relief funds established in the states affected by the fires.

Beth Bays, secretary of the Bedford County Farm Bureau Young Farmers Committee, helped spearhead that county’s relief efforts and called the devastation “heartbreaking.” Bedford Farm Bureau donated $2,000 for materials to rebuild fences, but the effort didn’t end there.

“Six of us from the Bedford County Farm Bureau ended up going to Ashland, Kansas,” Bays said. “We drove a trailer loaded with barbed wire and fence posts. Then we spent several days tearing down burned fences and rebuilding miles of new ones.”

Bays said it was difficult to understand the amount of destruction until she saw it.

“Everything was black as far as we could see,” she recalled. All that was left were shells of burned houses, trees and tractors. “These people lost everything.”

Bob Threewitts, a Rockingham

County Farm Bureau board member, was touched by the plight of those affected by wildfires, and Rockingham Farm Bureau donated $1,000 to the charitable arm of the Kansas Livestock Association.

“We’ve been blessed with bountiful seasons for several years. It’s hard to understand what they’re going through, but we hope it helped a little bit,” he reflected.

To help restock a ranch in Englewood, Kan., VFBF Board Member Bill Osl and his wife, Stephanie, of Cumberland County donated 12 heifers. Transporting the cattle was made possible by Brandy Ferguson of Springlake Stockyard in Bedford.

Other county Farm Bureaus that have donated include Alleghany, Amherst,

KYLENE SCOTT, HIGH PLAINS JOURNAL

Virginia farmers join forces to help wildfire victims

Augusta, Bland, Botetourt, Brunswick, Campbell, Caroline, Carroll, Charles City-James City-New Kent-York, Culpeper, Cumberland, Essex, Floyd, Fluvanna, Franklin, Frederick, Giles, Gloucester-Mathews, Grayson, Greene, Halifax, Henry, Highland-Bath, King George, Lee, Loudoun, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Middlesex, Montgomery, Northumberland-Lancaster, Nottoway, Page, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Prince William-Fairfax, Rockbridge, Russell, Scott, Shenandoah, Smyth, Southampton, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Tazewell, Warren, Washington, Westmoreland, and Wise-Dickenson.

Board tours facilities on Virginia’s Eastern Shore M.L. Everett Jr. (right) and other members of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation board of directors got a close look at the packing facility in Cheriton where C&E Farms receives, preps and packages hydro-cooled green beans. Justin Colson (left), C&E operations manager, told the group how the company annually produces 750,000 bushels of beans grown by 34 partners on the Eastern Seaboard. The board toured three packing facilities in Accomack and Northampton counties in July; the other two stops were Pacific Tomato Growers Ltd. in Melfa and Cherrystone Aqua-Farms near Cape Charles. vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2017

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‘I Farm I Vote’ campaign is back Members encouraged to post photos on social media

photos this year as well,” Pruitt noted.

“This campaign is a fairly simple way for our producer members to remind candidates that farmers’ votes count, and that there are farmers all over the state.

“In addition to electing a new governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general this year, Virginia voters will elect 100 members of the House of Delegates. This is no time to be camera-shy.”

Just in time for statewide and Virginia House of Delegates elections in November, producer members have a tool to remind candidates about farm families in their districts.

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation is reviving its “I Farm I Vote” campaign, first introduced in 2015.

Facebook profile photo frame available too!

In addition to posting their “I Farm I Vote” photos, members who use Facebook can install an “I Farm I Vote” frame on their Facebook profile photos.

While on your Facebook page, hover over your profile photo and click the “Edit” or “Update Profile Pic” option, and then click on “Add Frame”.

Scroll through the available frames to locate the one for “I Farm I Vote.”

How to participate: 1. Pick up an “I Farm I Vote” sign at your county Farm Bureau office.

2. Take photos of yourself on your farm with the sign.

3. Post those photos to your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, using the hashtag #IFarmIVoteVA. 4. When you post on Facebook, tag “Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.”

5. When you post on Twitter and Instagram, tag @vafarmbureau.

Members who do not use social media may email their photos to Kelly Pruitt, VFBF assistant director of governmental relations for member engagement, at kellypruitt82@gmail. com. She will post them on the VFBF social media platforms this fall.

“Members really embraced the ‘I Farm I Vote’ campaign in 2015, and they’ve already started posting their 6

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

KATHY DIXON

“What if I farm and vote but I don’t use social media?”

“I Farm I Vote” signs were shared with audience members at the 2017 Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Gubernatorial Candidates’ Forum in July.

Candidates pledge support of agriculture, forestry during forum

T

BY KATHY DIXON

he Democratic and Republican candidates for Virginia governor both vowed to support the state’s largest industry during the 2017 Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Gubernatorial Candidates’ Forum July 28 at Virginia Western Community College.

The event was the fifth gubernatorial forum hosted by the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Committee and sponsored by Farm Bureau, the Virginia Agribusiness Council, the Virginia Forestry Association and the Virginia Forest Products Association. It was one of the earliest events in the July 28-30 Young Farmers Summer Expo.

“We know how important it is to have elected officials who want to support the No. 1 industries in the commonwealth,” remarked Mindy McCroskey, chairman of the VFBF Young Farmers Committee. “It’s not about party line; it’s about how they’re going to support agriculture and forestry.”

A new economic impact study released July 18 by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia revealed that the state’s agriculture and forestry industries contribute $91 billion annually to the economy. That total represents a 30 percent increase since 2013 (See Page 30).

Edward W. “Ed” Gillespie, the Republican candidate, pledged to be a “relentless marketer” of agriculture and forestry products, both domestically and abroad.

Lt. Gov. Ralph S. Northam, the Democratic candidate, said he will work to expand broadband access in

GILLESPIE

NORTHAM

Questions related to agriculture and forestry issues were posed to Republican candidate Ed Gillespie (left) and Democratic candidate Ralph Northam, who participated via teleconference technology.

“Both of them realize the value of our industry.”

— dr. megan seibel Assistant Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry

rural areas. “It is unacceptable in 2017 that we have so many pockets without broadband and cell coverage; this is a pet peeve of mine.” He added that he is working on a pilot program with Microsoft to increase cellular coverage in rural areas.

Both candidates said they support land use taxation.

They both also pledged assistance for funding best management costshare practices that farmers use to help protect the Chesapeake Bay.

“No one cares more about the environment than family farmers, and we need to balance clean water with productive farming,” Gillespie shared.

“It will be a priority to get this right.”

Northam, a native of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, said he grew up with the Chesapeake Bay for a backyard and noted that farmers “get bull’s-eyes on them, but they are not the problem and have been great at helping clean up the Chesapeake Bay.” He concluded by saying that his door is “always open” and that if there’s anything he can do to help agriculture and forestry, he will.

Gillespie wrapped up by saying he is “passionate about creating jobs that will benefit rural Virginians,” and he promised to “be a champion” of agriculture and forestry. “I know you farm and you vote, and I hope you vote for me.”

After the forum, Assistant Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Megan Seibel noted that, based on their responses, both candidates appear willing to work with agriculture and forestry. “Both of them realize the value of our industry,” she said. vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2017

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VFBF AgPAC endorses Gillespie, Vogel, Adams and 94 candidates for House of Delegates Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC announced in mid-August its endorsement of Ed Gillespie, Republican candidate for governor; Jill Vogel, Republican candidate for lieutenant governor; and John Adams, Republican candidate for attorney general.

VFBF AgPAC also endorsed 94 candidates for seats in the Virginia House of Delegates. Those endorsements were based on recommendations of local committees of farmers.

The nonpartisan political action committee was created by Farm Bureau in 1999 and employs in-kind contributions to support candidates who can best support agriculture and Farm Bureau issues.

“The individuals we endorsed have demonstrated their support for farmers through their commitments in their platforms on specific issues or their experience while holding positions in the General Assembly,” said Wayne F. Pryor, VFBF president and chairman of the VFBF AgPAC board of trustees. “We believe we have endorsed three (statewide) candidates who involved farmers in determining their policy platforms and have stronger commitments on how they will continue to help agriculture and forestry remain viable and Virginia’s largest industry.”

Pryor said Gillespie “has a detailed policy platform that includes a commitment to find a solution for providing an adequate, stable, reliable funding source for agriculture best management practices; supporting broader domestic and international marketing of Virginia products; and working to centralize information to support increased production and profitability opportunities for all farmers.”

He also commented that the AgPAC board praised Gillespie for his visibility at agricultural events around the commonwealth and for visiting farms to listen and learn more about how to help the agriculture community once elected.

Pryor said Vogel “has an excellent agriculture-friendly voting record on key issues important to farmers. She has helped to support key agriculture budget initiatives while serving on the Senate Finance Committee. She has experience in working with senators from both parties, which should best enable her to lead the Senate of Virginia.”

Adams, Pryor explained, has a strong legal foundation with a strong belief in property rights as a fundamental right. He said the AgPAC board liked Adams’ willingness to work with farmers against overzealous federal agencies seeking to take on more authority through increasing guidance documents that have not received proper legislative authority. Adams, Pryor said, “wants agriculture and forestry to be represented in his office to help address issues important to our industry.”

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC endorsements (* indicates an incumbent candidate)

Ed Gillespie (R) for governor Jill Vogel (R) for lieutenant governor John Adams (R) for attorney general Virginia House of Delegates District Candidate

District Candidate

1st 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th 21st 22nd 23rd 24th 25th 26th 27th 28th 29th 30th 31st 32nd 34th 35t 36th 37th 38th 39th 40th 41st 42nd 43rd 44th 45th 46th 47th 48th 50th 51st

52nd 53rd 54th 55th 56th 57th 58th 59th 60th 61st 62nd 63rd 65th 66th 67th 68th 69th 70th 71st 72nd 73rd 74th 75th 76th 77th 78th 79th 80th 81st 82nd 83rd 84th 85th 87th 88th 89th 90th 91st 92nd 93rd 94th 95th 96th 97th 98th 99th 100th

Terry Kilgore* (R) Will Morefield* (R) Todd E Pillion* (R) Israel O’Quinn* (R) Jeff Campbell* (R) Nick Rush* (R) Greg Habeeb* (R) Charles Poindexter* (R) Randy Minchew* (R) Sam Rasoul* (D) Joseph Yost* (R) Danny Marshall* (R) Todd Gilbert* (R) Les Adams* (R) Christopher Head* (R) Michael Webert* (R) Terry Austin* (R) Dickie Bell* (R) Ron Villanueva* (R) Kathy Byron* (R) Scott Garrett* (R) Ben Cline* (R) Steve Landes* (R) Tony Wilt* (R) Roxann Robinson* (R) Bob Thomas (R) Chris Collins* (R) Nick Freitas* (R) Scott Lingamfelter* (R) Tag Greason* (R) Kathleen Murphy* (D) Mark Keam* (D) Ken Plum* (D) David Bulova* (D) Kaye Kory* (D) Vivian Watts* (D) Tim Hugo* (R) Eileen Filler-Corn* (D) Kathy Tran (D) Mark Sickles* (D) Paul Krizek* (D) Mark Levine* (D) Charniele Herring* (D) Patrick Hope* (D) Rip Sullivan* (D) Jackson Miller* (R) Rich Anderson* (R)

Luke Torian* (D) Marcus Simon* (D) Bobby Orrock* (R) Buddy Fowler* (R) John McGuire (R) David Toscano* (D) Rob Bell* (R) Matt Fariss* (R) James Edmunds* (R) Tommy Wright* (R) Riley Ingram* (R) Lashrecse Aird* (D) Lee Ware* (R) Kirk Cox* (R) Jim LeMunyon* (R) Manoli Loupassi* (R) Betsy Carr* (D) Delores McQuinn* (D) Jeffrey Bourne* (D) Eddie Whitlock (R) John O’Bannon* (R) Lamont Bagby* (D) Roslyn Tyler* (D) Chris Jones* (R) Cliff Hayes* (D) Jay Leftwich* (R) Steve Heretick* (D) Matthew James* (D) Barry Knight* (R) Jason R Miyares* (R) Chris Stolle* (R) Glenn Davis* (R) Rocky Holcomb* (R) John Bell* (D) Mark Cole* (R) Jay Jones (D) Joe Lindsey* (D) Gordon Helsel* (R) Jeoin Ward* (D) Mike Mullin* (D) David Yancey* (R) Cia Price* (D) Brenda Pogge* (R) Chris Peace* (R) Keith Hodges* (R) Margaret Ransone* (R) Rob Bloxom* (R)

Save the Date!

will take place from 2-7 p.m. on Oct. 6-8.

For festival details and ticket information, visit StateFairVa.org.

Also available this year will be Virginia Midway, the fair’s signature craft beer, from Midnight Brewery in Goochland County.

>> WE NEED YOU!

The Kidway amusement area and other fair attractions will be in full swing on Sept. 29.

State Fair of Virginia to feature Virginia music, new events The State Fair of Virginia will be held Sept. 29 through Oct. 8 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. The fair will feature a distinctive mix of fun, food and Virginia agriculture and forestry.

New attractions include a craft beer festival, a farm-to-table dinner, a Palomino horse show and a recipe contest for competitive cooks, The Great American SPAM® Championship.

Musical acts will all spotlight Virginiabased performers. Celebrate the varied sounds of the commonwealth with artists such as Phil Vassar, Love Canon, Nick Smith and Firehouse. Concerts will begin at 7 p.m. on all 10 days of the fair.

All are free with a paid fair admission.

The Crooked Road series on Sept. 30 will feature musicians from Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail in Southwest Virginia.

Returning are family favorites such as agriculture-themed puppet performances, the racing pigs of Rosaire’s Royal Racers, chain saw artist Ben Risney and the World Championship Blacksmith Competition.

Also performing will be a pogo stunt team, costumed stilt walkers and hoop dancers whose evening shows will feature flaming hoops.

As always, the fair will host numerous livestock competitions and a variety of equine events, including professional and youth rodeo.

For details and ticket information, visit StateFairVa.org.

Barn Appetit dinner will take place during fair The Barn Appetit event on Oct. 6 has all the ingredients for a perfect date night at the State Fair of Virginia.

Participants can enjoy a delicious farm-to-fork dinner in Meadow Hall featuring locally sourced foods and craft libations at the historic birthplace of Secretariat.

Local farmers who raised the foods being served will be on hand.

Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery of Goochland County will release its latest Secretariat-themed craft beer just in time for Barn Appetit.

A portion of Barn Appetit proceeds will benefit The Meadow’s historic barn restoration fund.

Admission is $50 per person; buy tickets at StateFairVa.org.

State Fair’s new beer fest to toast craft breweries The Virginia Craft Brewers Guild and State Fair of Virginia will partner to celebrate Virginia’s booming independent craft beer industry at the fair’s first Blue Ribbon Craft Beer Fest.

More than 30 breweries will participate in the ticketed event, which

Volunteers needed for ag careers exhibit at State Fair Agriculture and agribusiness professionals are needed to help staff an exhibit about the diversity of careers in agriculture at this year’s State Fair of Virginia.

The fair will open Sept. 29 and run through Oct. 8 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. Potential volunteers are encouraged to contact Tim Marshall, 229-560-4436 or tmarshall@abac.edu.

MEMBER SAVINGS Members receive exclusive savings on fair tickets Between now and Sept. 22, members of county Farm Bureaus in Virginia can pick up coupons good for $4 off a $15 regular-price adult admission to the State Fair of Virginia at their county Farm Bureau offices.

The coupons can be used Monday, Oct. 2, through Thursday, Oct. 5, and must be presented at the fair’s Ticket Plaza at the time of ticket purchase. The $4 discount represents a savings of $1 more than advance-price adult tickets available to the general public.

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2017

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Save the Date!

Young Farmers Discussion Meet. The winners of both will be announced on the morning of Nov. 29.

An awards banquet that evening will include presentations of VFBF Distinguished Service Awards and the County Farm Bureau Best in State Awards for county-level programs.

The convention is open to voting delegates and other interested Farm Bureau members. Members can register through their county Farm Bureau offices later this month.

THE WILLIAMSBURG LODGE

Registration opens soon for VFBF Annual Convention Event will be held at the Williamsburg Lodge The holiday splendor of Colonial Williamsburg will provide a festive backdrop for the 2017 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention, which will be held Nov. 28-30. While the event has been held in Williamsburg before, this year it will be a different location, the Williamsburg Lodge.

Agriculture is no less important to Virginia today than it was when Williamsburg was the state capitol during much of the 18th century, and this year’s convention theme is “Farming for Over 400 Years.”

Featured speakers

Tuesday afternoon conferences

Speakers will include American Farm Bureau Federation Vice President Scott VanderWal; Tyne Morgan, host of the farm news television program U.S. Farm Report; and Vance Crow, director of millennial engagement for Monsanto.

VanderWal is a third-generation producer who, with his father, brothers and other family members, raises corn, soybeans and feeder cattle and owns a custom harvesting operation in Volga, S.D. He is also president of the South Dakota Farm Bureau.

Morgan hosts the nation’s longestrunning syndicated television program focusing on agriculture, rural issues and the country lifestyle. She began working in farm broadcasting while in high school, providing daily market updates and ag news at a radio station in her hometown of Lexington, Mo. Crow works to help Monsanto bridge the cultural divide between the company and the broader public. He previously was a communications strategist for the World Bank Group.

Farm Bureau staff are working to organize educational conferences for Nov. 28 on two timely topics: • what to look out for when approached to lease land for solar panels, wind turbines and cell towers; and • the potential for value-added crop opportunities in industrial hemp and cannabis production.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Also on the agenda The Nov. 29 and 30 business sessions will include important updates, remarks from invited guests and policy discussion. It is at the annual convention that delegates from each county Farm Bureau in Virginia help shape VFBF state and federal policies for the coming year. They also will elect state directors for Districts 1, 4, 7, 10 and 13.

Judging will take place for the Young Farmers Achievement Award, and four finalists will compete in the annual

•• Christmas ­­— in —

Colonial Williamsburg

•• The Williamsburg Lodge is a Colonial Williamsburg property that will make it easy for convention participants to enjoy popular attractions and seasonal performances, tours and interpretive programs.

Those include holiday music at various locations, daily guided Christmas decoration walking tours and interpretive programs at sites like the Raleigh Tavern. Some special events require reservations and tickets. Details are available at colonialwilliamsburg.com and on the Colonial Williamsburg Explorer mobile app, which has digital ticket purchase capability.

YOUNG FARMERS SUMMER EXPO

Involvement is ‘investment in your farm,’ Young Farmers told at expo About 200 Young Farmers Summer Expo participants gathered in the Roanoke area at the end of July.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY KATHY DIXON

B

randon and Victoria Gent joked that the best way to get young farmers involved on a committee is to feed them.

The Russell County Farm Bureau Young Farmers Committee they co-chair had been inactive for about nine years when the Gents were asked to revive it. That was two years ago, and the committee now has 20-plus active members, the couple reported during a workshop on growing countylevel Young Farmer groups during the 12th annual Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Expo in Roanoke. The Gents represent District 1 on the VFBF Young Farmers Committee.

“People don’t understand all the good things Farm Bureau is doing for the industry, and we’re trying to let

people know,” Brandon Gent explained.

“We need to give them a reason to join the Young Farmers, not just to enjoy a hamburger together.”

Casey Philips, a Montgomery County farmer and District 3 representative on the VFBF Young Farmers Committee, told expo participants they need to view involvement with the Young Farmers as “an investment in your farm. It’s well worth your time to get involved.”

Kyle Sturgis, co-chairman of the Eastern Shore Young Farmers Committee, said combining Northampton and Accomack Young Farmers has helped them increase involvement. “One of the struggles is getting busy people involved. This way they may not come to every meeting, but they can come to every other meeting.”

The Shore committee has gotten involved in community projects

that are paying off. They hosted a farm transition workshop, recorded agriculture facts for a local radio station to air during National Agriculture Week and they started a sunscreen initiative through which they placed sunscreen products imprinted with “Eastern Shore Young Farmers” in local businesses along with facts about preventing skin cancer.

“Getting our name out in the community has opened doors for us,” Sturgis noted. “People are realizing that there are young people in agriculture.”

Leadership is component of expo The annual summer expo is focused on young adults who are involved in agriculture and those who are studying it or considering it as a career choice.

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2017

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YOUNG FARMERS SUMMER EXPO

About 200 high school and college students, part- and full-time farmers and industry representatives gathered for educational workshops, networking and competitions.

A cornhole tournament helped raise $6,500 for Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom, and judging was held for three annual recognition programs that encourage young farmers to hone their public speaking skills, evaluate their farming operations and consider how they could become ambassadors for agriculture.

Montgomery farmers win Excellence in Agriculture Award Casey and Stacey Phillips of Montgomery County are this year’s Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Excellence in Agriculture Award winners.

The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes individuals for involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.

Casey Phillips manages his family’s dairy farm in Radford, and Stacey teaches special education at a local elementary school. Even though Casey grew up on a farm and Stacey did not, they both are passionate about sharing information about farming with the general public.

STACEY AND CASEY PHILLIPS

Four years ago they started a pickyour-own sweet corn operation, which they market with a Facebook page, road signs and word of mouth. Allowing the public to come to the farm and pick corn allows them to “feel what it is like to pick their corn directly from the stalk it was grown on and not from a grocery store shelf. We’ve been happy with the conversations we have been able to have because of it,” Stacey said.

The Phillipses also host school and scout groups on their dairy farm and have offered tours for Virginia Tech dairy science students and members of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Program. Casey serves on the Montgomery County Farm Bureau board of directors, and the couple also serve as District 3 representatives on the VFBF Young Farmers Committee.

They will receive a Kubota RTV utility vehicle, courtesy of Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Services, and a Stihl chain saw from Mid-Atlantic Stihl. They also will receive a travel package to the 2018 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Nashville. While attending the convention they will compete for the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award.

Amy Fannon of Lee County is this year’s Excellence in Agriculture runnerup. She also will receive a travel package to the AFBF Annual Convention.

Stafford woman wins Outstanding Young Agriculturalist Award

Abigail Durheim was named this year’s Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Outstanding Young Agriculturalist.

The award program is co-sponsored by the VFBF Young Farmers and Women’s committees and Farm Credit and recognizes high school juniors and seniors for academic, community 12

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

ABIGAIL DURHEIM

and agribusiness achievement and presentations to a panel of judges.

Durheim is the daughter of Daniel and Cheryl Durheim. Although she doesn’t live on a farm, she raises lambs and hogs on nearby rented farmland.

She also has been involved in 4-H for the past nine years and shows lambs and hogs. She currently serves as a National 4-H Congress Youth Design Team member and has attended the 4-H Teen Excellence in Leadership Institute.

In addition to raising and showing livestock, Durheim was a member of her school’s National Honor Society and served as freshman class president. She is a recent graduate of the Commonwealth Governor’s School program at Stafford High School and plans to study agriculture communications and marketing.

Her ultimate goal is to become an agricultural lobbyist “so I can share the American farmer’s story with everyone I meet.”

Durheim said living in a metropolitan area creates ample opportunities to “share the farmer’s story and the direct impact that agriculture plays on every single individual’s life.”

She will receive a $1,500 scholarship courtesy of the VFBF Women’s and Young Farmers committees and Farm Credit.

YOUNG FARMERS SUMMER EXPO

First runner-up Cole Reeves of Augusta County will receive $500 courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. Other finalists were Mason Sowers of Botetourt County; Diaz Tompkins of Chesterfield County; Wade Reiter of Dinwiddie County; Alexis Smith of Mecklenburg County; Jayson Gill of Lancaster County; Sarah-Jane French of Cumberland County; Tess Seibel of Botetourt County; Shelly Underwood of Hanover County; Christopher Kuhler of Fauquier County; Macon Maxey of Pittsylvania County; and Austin Hinton of Lancaster County.

Discussion Meet finalists to compete at VFBF convention

The annual Young Farmers Discussion Meet is designed to simulate a committee meeting in which discussion and active participation is expected from each contestant.

Pre-determined discussion topics are provided by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

This year’s finalists are Amy Fannon of Lee County; William “Bear” Lloyd of Washington County; Jesse Martin of Rockingham County; and Sarah Rudolph of Louisa County. They will compete Nov. 28 at the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Williamsburg.

The Summer Expo afforded opportunities to network, tour local agricultural operations and socialize. A cornhole tournament raised more than $6,000 for Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom.

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2017

13

COURTESY OF VALOR

VALOR Program offers producers invaluable leadership opportunities

BY SARA OWENS

T

he name says it all: Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results.

For 15 Farm Bureau producer members, the VALOR Program has been a source of leadership and communications skills that have helped them on their farms and in their careers.

“The VALOR Program strives to sustain the future of Virginia’s robust and diverse agricultural community by maximizing the fellows’ potential for growth and success,” said Dr. Megan Seibel, inaugural program director and president of Roanoke County Farm Bureau. “Participants network and work collaboratively, acting as strong industry leaders.”

The program was established at Virginia Tech in 2011 to develop leaders who can effectively engage all segments of the Virginia agricultural community to create collaborative solutions and promote agriculture both inside and outside the industry.

Participants apply for VALOR fellowships and undergo an interview process. The program is a two-year commitment, with seminars occurring every other month over the course of several days. Fellows travel to many farms and other operations across the state, and the program also includes national and international travel.

Those who successfully complete the program become part of the VALOR Alumni that encourages and supports future classes and continues to actively 14

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Teresa Lindberg (far left) and the rest of the first VALOR class traveled to Argentina. Lindberg called the program “a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

engage in agriculture and increased leadership roles in Virginia and beyond.

An eye-opening study of communication Josh Stephens of Shenandoah County has a purebred Red Angus cow-calf operation and goats and works full-time as a manager for an equipment dealer. He is a member of the second class of VALOR Alumni.

“VALOR helped me become a better manager in my full-time job and also helped open my eyes, as a farmer, in how I interact with others,” he said.

Stephens explained that many people in his circle of friends and colleagues share the same views

and ideas. “Everyone in the VALOR program comes from different areas of the state, and the program, especially the seminars, exposed me to many types of agricultural production and allowed me to learn how to explain agriculture better to people—even those who may not share my views.”

VALOR communications training, he said, “helped me learn how to choose my words carefully when talking to others about agriculture, especially those that may be unfamiliar with some of our agricultural practices.”

Stephens said he was impressed with the time and effort that goes into making VALOR a valuable experience.

“It is hard to put a price tag on this type of leadership training.”

Josh Stephens said VALOR “allowed me to learn how to explain agriculture better to people.”

Fellows’ diversity is an asset Jennifer Leech of Rockbridge County was in the second VALOR class as well and is a dairy farmer.

She manages the herd and does bookkeeping for her family’s Ingleside Dairy Farm.

“The first VALOR class came to our farm as part of a seminar, and I got to see first-hand how the program works,” Leech explained. “Going into it, I knew about the objectives of the program, which made me feel less hesitant and made me want to apply.”

What makes the VALOR program unique, she said, is the diversity of the class, from dairy and beef farmers to people in supporting agricultural roles, landscapers, educators and even those in politics. “It’s a good, wellrounded class of people with different agricultural backgrounds,” she said.

Leech said VALOR also helped her get outside of her comfort zone, especially on her class’s trip to Vietnam, where she experienced a different view of agriculture.

The program also helped open doors for her. She was elected to a Southeast Dairy Council’s Young Cooperative board seat and is now participating

in the Dairy Farmers of America Emerging Leaders program.

“You are worth the time and effort” Teresa Lindberg is an agriculture education teacher in Greensville County and the current beneficiary of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Lady Leader – Proudly Promoting Agriculture spokesperson recognition program.

Want to apply?

Applications for the VALOR Class IV Fellows will be posted in early 2018. For more information, visit valor.alce.vt.edu.

LEECH

SARA OWENS

SARA OWENS

STEPHENS

Lindberg was part of the first VALOR class and said participating in the program was “an honor and a privilege, because it provided a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be immersed into various segments of the agricultural field on the local, state, national and international levels.”

She said the networking opportunities and resources she gained have assisted her as both an educator and as an agriculture advocate, especially as she prepares students for potential ag careers.

Producer members who are considering applying should go for it, she affirmed. “You will learn about yourself, your strengths and develop additional leadership skills to better understand your importance, relevance, and role in this industry,” she explained.

“You are worth the time and effort.

I would do the program over again without hesitation and sincerely believe that I would still gain value.”

Jennifer Leech said she appreciated the opportunity to learn with “a good, well-rounded class of people with different agricultural backgrounds.” vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2017

15

AITC marks 25 years of connecting children to agriculture

T

BY CLAIRE MILLS

provides quality educational resources and professional development to cultivate agricultural literacy among the state’s educators and youth.

Thanks to those donations, AITC has grown from a program that reached nearly 100 educators and 2,000 children in its first year into a fundraising entity with a variety of programs that will reach more than 2,000 educators and 200,000 children this year.

As part of a national effort introduced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, AITC began in Virginia in 1987. Virginia Farm Bureau, the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services launched the joint project. “Agriculture in the Classroom began and flourished in Virginia because of strong support from the

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM

he Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Since 1992, the nonprofit affiliate of Virginia Farm Bureau has collected more than $5 million in donations to support the work of Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom, which

Farm Bureau volunteers like Patsy Waddle (left) of Smyth County have used Agriculture in the Classroom resources to offer a variety of outreach events in their communities.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Farm Bureau Women’s Committee,” reflected Kelly Pious, the foundation’s executive director. “The program has always been closely tied to the Women’s Program and county Farm Bureaus. Those volunteers remain vital contributors to AITC, serving as ambassadors in their communities.”

Fundraising allows AITC to grow

The foundation was established when the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation board realized that if Virginia AITC was to grow into a program of significance it would need to raise funds beyond Farm Bureau’s support. Today, the nonprofit relies on donations to fund AITC’s educational programs.

“At the inception, Agriculture in the Classroom provided curriculum and resources to fourth-grade teachers,” explained Tammy Maxey, AITC senior education manager. “Twentyfive years later, we have expanded to a multifaceted program providing professional development training for preschool, elementary and secondary educators, as well as to college students pursuing degrees in education.”

Last year nearly 2,000 teachers and volunteers attended training programs.

From the beginning, the foundation has created innovative programs and resources designed to infuse agricultural content into the core required curriculum.

“Educational tools constantly expand and evolve to keep pace with current trends in education and needs of volunteers,” Maxey explained. “Whether germinating a seed in a sandwich bag in a classroom, having farmers share stories about their operations or establishing a hydroponics tower at a school, learning

how we obtain our food and basic needs has remained at the forefront for children and educators.”

New opportunities expand AITC’s reach

In AITC’s early days, all programs were focused on classroom educators, who shared that information with students. Today, AITC has diversified to include outreach by volunteers and

Farm Bureau volunteers’ impact Agriculture in the Classroom volunteers from 46 county Farm Bureaus reached more than 100,000 children and the general public during the past year.

• Volunteers statewide organized

community outreach events at county fairs and local festivals, farmers’ markets and even a Virginia Department of Transportation welcome center on Interstate 85.

• Volunteers also took part in school-

based events such as dairy days, partnered with schools for farm field days held on and off school grounds and career days.

• Virginia’s annual Agriculture Literacy Volunteer readers play a key role in the annual Agriculture Literacy Week.

direct-to-student projects inside and outside of the classroom.

During the annual Agriculture Literacy Week, volunteers read agriculture-related books to nearly 50,000 students across the state.

“Agriculture Literacy Week provides an opportunity for volunteers to share the story of agriculture through reading to school groups and a chance for children to learn about life on the farm and meet real farmers,” Maxey said. “It is impossible to duplicate the experience of a face-to-face conversation with someone working in the agriculture industry. Children love the chance to interact with farmers in their communities.”

Still other hands-on projects are made possible by AITC grants. More

Week—organized by AITC, involved more than 1,000 volunteer readers from county Farm Bureaus, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Farm Credit, local FFA chapters, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and other agriculture organization and businesses. They read books about agriculture to children in preschool through second grade at schools, libraries, child care facilities and other locations.

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2017

17

than 40 grants have provided children with interactive experiences such as school gardens, farm-themed field trips and agricultural field days.

To celebrate and support teachers who excel at incorporating agriculture in teaching, the organization offers a Teacher of the Year Award. In three of the past four years, Virginia AITC Teachers of the Year have garnered recognition at the national level.

Through the annual Adopt-a-Teacher program, more than 300 teachers have received a collection of classroom resources.

Online resources such as lesson plans, volunteer tools and grant opportunities are available through the organization’s website. In addition, AITC produces newsletters that are shared with every public school and most private elementary schools in the commonwealth.

Another recent innovation has been

AITC’s student outreach program that bridges the agricultural education gap in Virginia’s metropolitan and urban areas by establishing partnerships to reach more than 10,000 children annually.

“Our future is looking bright.

Consumers are aware of their food, and there is an increasing interest in having a connection to farms and food,” Pious said. “Currently, we impact about 10 percent of Virginia’s children. We look forward to the time when Agriculture in the Classroom is making connections with all of Virginia’s children.”

To mark AITC’s accomplishments, staff will join volunteers and supporters at the Red Barn Ball on Nov. 27 in Williamsburg. The event will celebrate the silver anniversary with an evening of cocktails, dinner and entertainment.

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AITC workshops expose teachers to activities they can use in their respective classrooms.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

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Businesses, Farm Bureaus support AITC In addition to many individuals who contributed, numerous organizations made contributions to the Steward Level ($50,000 and greater)

• Halifax County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee

• Virginia Farm Bureau Federation

• Hanover County Farm Bureau & Women’s Committee

Harvester Level ($10,000-$24,999)

• Houff's Feed and Fertilizer

• James River Equipment • National Agriculture in the Classroom • Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services • Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. • Virginia Soybean Board

Grower Level ($5,000-$9,999) • Augusta County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • BB&T • Chesterfield County Farm Bureau & Women’s Committee • Universal Leaf Foundation • Virginia Small Grains Board • VFBF Women's Committee • VFBF Young Farmers Committee • Virginia Beef Industry Council • Virginia Corn Board • Virginia Soybean Association

• King William County Farm Bureau & Women’s Committee • LexisNexis • Lunenburg County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Mecklenburg County Farm Bureau • Mike Albert Fleet Solutions • Powhatan County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Prince William-Fairfax County Farm Bureau • RICOH • Rockbridge County Farm Bureau & Women’s Committee • Rockingham County Farm Bureau & Women’s Committee • Rockingham Petroleum Cooperative • Shenandoah County Farm Bureau • Smyth County Farm Bureau & Women’s Committee • Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. • Southern States • Southeast United Dairy Industry Association • Tazewell County Farm Bureau & Women’s Committee

Cultivator Level ($1,000-$4,999)

• The Jane & Arthur Flippo Foundation

• Accomack County Farm Bureau

• Virginia Farm Credit Association

• Albemarle County Farm Bureau & Women’s Committee

• Virginia Grain Producers Association

• American Agricultural Insurance Co.

• Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association

• American Farm Bureau Federation

• Virginia Poultry Federation

• Amherst County Farm Bureau & Women’s Committee

• Virginia Farm Bureau Membership & Field Services

• Ballyshannon Fund

• Virginia Apple Board

• Botetourt County Farm Bureau & Women’s Committee

• Virginia Cotton Board

• Buckingham County Farm Bureau & Women’s Committee

• Virginia Egg Council

• Cargill

• Virginia Pork Council

• Charles City-James City-New Kent-York County Farm

• Virginia State Feed Association

• Elis Olsson Memorial Foundation • Enterprise Holdings Foundation • Farm Credit of the Virginias • Floyd County Farm Bureau & Women’s Committee • Greene County Farm Bureau & Women’s Committee

Department

• Birdsong Peanuts

Bureau & Women’s Committee

Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017.

• Washington County Farm Bureau & Women’s Committee • Westmoreland County Farm Bureau Find more information about AITC at AgInTheClass.org.

Donations to the AITC program are always welcomed and can be made online or mailed to AITC, P.O. Box 27552, Richmond, VA 23261.

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2017

19

Award-winning agent ‘so grateful’ for support of community, family

SARA OWENS

BY SARA OWENS

Virginia Farm Bureau insurance agent Mike Mullins called residents of his native Washington County “the finest people you’ll ever meet.”

W

hen Mike Mullins graduated from school, he didn’t set out to become an insurance agent.

But once he got a taste for the industry, there was only one place he wanted to work—and that was Farm Bureau.

In 1980 there wasn’t a position available at the Washington County Farm Bureau office in Abingdon—where Mullins was born and raised—so he moved to Sarasota County, Fla., and began his career with Farm Bureau insurance there.

“I had always heard great things about Farm Bureau, and since there were no job openings at my local Farm Bureau office, I took the job with Florida Farm Bureau,” Mullins explained. “I lived in Florida for a short time as a teenager, so I was familiar with the area.”

Five years later, a job opened in the Washington County Farm Bureau office, so Mullins applied for it and was able to come home. He’s now worked for Farm Bureau for more than three decades, yet his office looks like he’s been working there for only three months.

His desk is neat and tidy, and the walls hold only a few framed prints. An award-winning agent, Mullins keeps all 20

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

but one professional recognition in another room, because when he’s meeting with a customer “it’s not about me, it’s about the customer. And when they walk into my office I want them to feel that way.”

When seated in front of his desk, it’s easy to miss the cabinet by the door that holds family photos and one special award—Virginia Farm Bureau’s highest for its insurance agents.

The Ralph Stokes Award is the top recognition given by the sales management team to an agent who supports company policies; has a high degree of integrity; is highly respected by peers; supports the agency force; and creates a high degree of client loyalty.

Mullins was presented with the annual award earlier this year at the Virginia Farm Bureau Sales Conference.

“When they called my name, I felt so honored, shocked and surprised to hear that I was the honoree,” he said.

Mullins is one of the few Ralph Stokes honorees who worked with the award’s namesake. Ralph Stokes was an insurance agent in Southwest Virginia who was known for his motivation and high level of mobility, despite the fact that he used a wheelchair while serving policyholders in remote areas.

“We worked in the same district and Ralph was always at the meetings, encouraging the agents and sharing words of wisdom with us,” Mullins recalled.

Like Stokes, Mullins also has a passion for helping others.

He has consistently assisted other agents over the years by sharing ideas and suggestions that have helped them grow their books of business. He’s also active in his church and its mentor program and works with children in local elementary schools.

“I’ve learned to be knowledgeable, kind and compassionate to people through my life experiences, and that has enabled me to be successful, and I’m very appreciative to everyone who contributes to that,” Mullins said.

He thinks highly of his coworkers and credits them with helping him be a successful agent. “We really have a good office staff here,” he added of the Farm Bureau office in Abingdon. “There’s never been a finer group to work with.”

Mullins said he also owes a lot of his success to God and to the love and support of his wife, Beverly. “You can’t do this job and be successful without a supportive spouse,” he said.

“I can’t imagine being successful in a sales role without the support of my wife.”

He called Washington County residents “the finest people you’ll ever meet. We wouldn’t be here without them. I’m so appreciative of the people in this county who trust us with their business.”

When he isn’t involved in community or church activities or helping his customers, Mullins can be found on his small farm in Meadowview, which belonged to his family. He also enjoys spending time with his three children and two grandchildren.

For Your Benefit

Farm Bureau Insurance rolling out new auto features Coverage can include new vehicle replacement, accident forgiveness

V

irginia Farm Bureau personal auto insurance customers may be able to take advantage of two new features depending on the type of auto policy they have. The new enhancements provide new vehicle replacement coverage and accident forgiveness protection.

“We are always looking for ways to improve our insurance policy programs and felt that these two new benefits were of great value to our customers,” explained Darlene Wells, executive vice president and general manager of Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. Both enhancements can be added to policies by contacting your Virginia Farm Bureau insurance agent, and both come with an added cost to policies.

New vehicle replacement coverage For policies with an effective date of Sept. 1 and after, customers with a new vehicle that is two model years or less in age and has not been previously owned can have it replaced when a

covered total loss occurs. Only vehicles with comprehensive and collision coverage will be eligible for the benefit.

“When new vehicle replacement coverage applies to a new vehicle on the policy, Virginia Farm Bureau will pay the difference between the purchase price of a new vehicle and the actual cash value of the covered vehicle at the time of the covered loss.

This will be in addition to the actual cash value amount—less any applicable deductible—paid by the company on the underlying covered loss,” explained Barry Light, VFBMIC product development manager.

Coverage is available on any owned, new private passenger, farm and utility-type vehicle on a policy, not including antique vehicles, unlicensed “farm use” vehicles and vehicles having stated amount of coverage.

The amount paid to replace the covered vehicle will not exceed the cost of a new vehicle of the same make and model with the same equipment.

Accident forgiveness protection Virginia Farm Bureau Fire &

Casualty personal auto policies with an effective date of Nov. 1 and after will be eligible for one at-fault accident to be forgiven on a policy at any one time when Accident Forgiveness Protection is added to that policy. It applies to all private passenger, farm and utility vehicles on a policy and excludes antique automobiles and unlicensed farm use vehicles.

“When Accident Forgiveness Protection has been selected for a policy, Virginia Farm Bureau will forgive the first at-fault accident that occurs on that policy after this protection has been purchased and put into effect,” Light explained. “This means the forgiven at-fault accident will not cause any change to existing premium adjustments that otherwise would be affected by the accident.”

While subsequent at-fault accidents may become eligible for forgiveness, only one at-fault accident will be forgiven at any point in time on the policy.

For more information, contact your Farm Bureau agent.

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2017

21

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

For Your Benefit

Save wherever you go, with Member Deals Plus®

New, updated app and streamlined registration!

Member Deals Plus®, the program that saves Farm Bureau members money at retail, service and restaurant locations nationwide, has a brandnew, user-friendly mobile app and a simplified registration process for new users.

If you currently use the original Member Deals Plus app on your mobile device, you will need to download the updated version.

Member Deals Plus uses the nation’s largest private discount network to save you money on meals, clothing, vehicle care and other goods and services. It uses “show your phone” mobile deals that can be accessed anywhere and redeemed from a smartphone at the point of sale or from a home computer.

Many participating merchants have agreed to offer discounts in both the mobile and Web versions of the program.

Members can enjoy these discounts at more than 100,000 locations nationwide: • amusement parks

• hotel stays • jewelry • movies • museums, zoos and tours • office supplies • outdoor equipment • golf • services • travel—and more.

How to get started To register as a Member Deals Plus user, visit vafb.com/benefits, scroll down to the Member Deals Plus section and click on “Learn More.”

Then, on the Member Deals Plus website, 1. Click “Register” in the top right corner, and use your Farm Bureau membership number.

• apparel

2. Once you’re registered, you can start saving immediately.

• automotive parts and services

To save with a mobile device,

• car rentals • concerts and events • dining and food • entertainment and recreation • flowers • furniture • gifts • health and beauty items

• home and garden purchases

1. Download the “Member Deals Plus” app from the AppStore or Google Play.

2. Open the app, click “Setup Account” and follow the prompts to register.

For assistance, contact Member Deals Plus customer service at 888275-9136.

Member Deals plus and Member Deals Plus are registered trademarks of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

Members have access to hotel-stay discounts The Choice Hotels discount program offers Farm Bureau members in Virginia savings of 20 percent at Cambria Suites, Clarion, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Econo Lodge, MainStay Suites, Quality, Rodeway Inn, Sleep Inn and Suburban locations.

Simply call Choice Hotels International at 800-258-2847, and give your Virginia Farm Bureau ID number—available from your county Farm Bureau and at vafb. com/benefits—when you make your reservation. Be prepared to show your Farm Bureau member card when you check in. You also can visit choicehotels. com for reservations and other information.

Advance reservations are required, and blackout dates may apply.

Insurance Q&A

Q: A:

If someone is injured on my property, am I covered?

Personal liability and “medical payments to others” coverages are components of homeowner insurance policies and generally provide protection if a third party is injured on the covered property, according to Scott DeNoon, an underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. However, coverage is not provided for injuries to the property owners or their relatives who live on the premises. In addition, if the injury is the result of business activities of the owner or policyholder, no coverage is provided under homeowner policies.

For business operations, either a separate liability policy must be purchased or, in some instances, the home policy may be endorsed to provide necessary coverage. Your Farm Bureau insurance agent can review your specific situation and recommend appropriate coverage.

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2017

23

Take control, save money with a high-deductible health plan and health savings account Many Americans are on health plans with a higher premium but lower deductibles and copays. These are typically HMO or PPO plans. Gaining in popularity are high-deductible health plans, or HDHPs, which use a health savings account to pay for medical expenses.

You and/or your employer can put money into your HSA to help pay for your medical expenses. There are typically no copays, and you may pay a larger portion of your medical care costs.

“A health savings account can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses tax free,” said Tracy Cornatzer, sales manager for Experient Health. “An HSA must be paired with a

qualified high-deductible health plan.

You can use funds from your HSA to pay for expenses covered under your insurance plan, and to pay for qualified medical expenses not covered by your insurance, such as dental or vision expenses.”

Unlike a flexible spending account, or FSA, the funds in an HSA roll over each year, allowing you to save for unforeseen medical expenses.

“These plans can be hard for people who have had an HMO to get used to.

There is a learning curve. My family and I actually switched this year to a high-deductible health plan from an HMO,” Cornatzer added. “We are saving money on premium, and we’re banking the difference into our health

savings account and have become more conscious about health care spending.

It allows us to take more control of our health insurance costs.”

There are annual limits to how much you may contribute to an HSA. For 2017, self-only plans are limited to $3,400, and family plans are limited to $6,750. When you reach age 55, the IRS allows you to add an extra $1,000.

“When considering a highdeductible plan, you need to look at your overall health status and your health care spending patterns to determine if it is a good fit for you,” Cornatzer noted.

To speak with a qualified health insurance agent in your community, visit vafb.com/quote.

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daily to ensure they are free of clutter and debris like loose branches is “essential to minimizing trip and fall hazards.”

For customers

‘Tis the season—to focus on Christmas tree farm safety Safety—for employees and customers alike—is important when it comes to Christmas tree farms.

“It’s important that customer and worker safety is a top priority,” said Scott DeNoon, farm product underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. He added that inspecting fields, walkways and sales areas

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Signs must be prominently displayed to direct customers to fields and the sales area. Areas that are off limits, such as chemical or equipment storage areas, must be clearly marked to prevent unauthorized access.

“Proper signage, including posting the Virginia Agritourism Limited Liability statute, is an effective measure to promote customer safety,” DeNoon said. “These signs are available through county Farm Bureau offices.”

Customers must not be permitted in areas where farm machinery or equipment such as shakers, balers or tree cutting implements is being operated. For operations where customers are permitted to cut their own trees, only handsaws should be provided.

“The saws provided must be properly maintained and inspected daily to ensure they are in proper working order, and customers must never be provided with chain saws to cut their trees,” DeNoon explained. Likewise, customers cannot be permitted to operate or assist in the operation of tree balers or shakers.”

If wagons are used to transport customers to the field, they must be inspected daily and be equipped with permanent steps and railings that are at least 36 inches high.

For employees Employee safety is equally critical. All tractors should be equipped with rollover protective structures and seat belts, and all machinery should have protective shields and safety guards such as power takeoff shields.

“It is very important to regularly inspect all equipment, especially cutting tools, for potential safety hazards, and all employees must be trained in the safe operation and use of machinery and tools,” DeNoon added.

It is also imperative that proper protective clothing be worn by workers, including chaps, leg guards, steel-toed boots and properly sized gloves.

During shearing operations, hooks or pole pruners must be utilized to reach tall treetops, and if ladders are used always have someone hold the ladder. Since shearing takes place during the warmer months, workers also need to be aware of hazards such as bees, snakes and heat exhaustion.

One of the main ways Christmas tree farmers can influence customer and worker safety is by modeling safe behavior in their own actions. “Set a good example, and let them know their safety is important to you,” DeNoon said.

A properly supplied first aid kit must be readily available at all times, and the farm must have an emergency response plan in place. “It’s not enough to just develop a plan; it must be practiced periodically,” DeNoon stated. “This helps everyone be prepared if an accident occurs.”

Amendments to ‘farm use’ tag law took effect July 1

BY CLAIRE MILLS

Drivers who violate Virginia’s policies and guidelines for “farm use” tags on unlicensed vehicles face a stiffer penalty under a recent law change, while another change allows valid users of “farm use” tags on unlicensed vehicles to drive up to 75 miles.

The changes approved by state legislators went into effect on July 1.

“One amendment allows ‘farm use’ vehicles to go a little farther, a distance of up to 75 miles. Previously, the law allowed travel up to 50 miles,” said Andrew Smith, senior assistant director of governmental relations for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

In addition, the updated law now requires operators to be prepared to supply the location of their farm or farms to law enforcement officials. Any officer may request the address of the lands used by a vehicle’s owner for agricultural purposes or, if the address is not known, the real property parcel identification number of the land.

“The General Assembly also changed the penalty structure for second and subsequent offenses to a rigid $250 fine,” Smith noted. “As before, the law allows for a fine of up to $250 for a first offense. The change requires that the second or subsequent violation be punishable by a $250 fine.”

Virginia lawmakers created the “farm use” designation for farmers who use unlicensed vehicles for specific purposes such as planting and harvesting crops and transporting farm products to market. Most farmers show the designation by using a special “farm use” placard on their vehicles.

Other drivers, however, have purchased the placards and are using them for purposes other than those stated in the Code of Virginia.

“We continue to work with law enforcement officials to better educate the public both in and out of the farming community on the proper uses of these exemptions,” Smith said. “They are for specific uses in the normal operations of farms on the public roads. We do hope the farming community can continue to have this option in the transportation needs for producing and transporting farm products. If any abuse continues, we are worried the exemptions would be lost.”

State law limits the use of “farm use” tags to pickup trucks, panel trucks, trailers, semitrailers, sport utility vehicles and vehicles having a gross weight rating of more than 7,500 pounds. Cars are not included.

Farm Bureau offers its members resources to clarify what qualifies as a “farm use” vehicle at vafb.com/membershipat-work/farmers-in-action/legislative/resources.

“Farm use” tags indicate unlicensed vehicles used exclusively for specific purposes in normal operations of farms and on public roads.

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vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2017

8/3/17279:14 AM

Heart of the Home

Chicken gives you something to cluck

W

When choosing chicken cuts, keep in mind that skinless, boneless breasts have the least amount of calories, with just 114 per piece. Skinless thighs are not far behind with 119 calories each.

Next time you fire up the grill or broiler, enjoy this recipe from the National Chicken Council. It’s even better with late-season fresh vegetables!

Curry-Lime Chicken Thighs with TomatoLima Bean Salsa INGREDIENTS 1 cup plain Greek-style yogurt 1 teaspoon diced fresh ginger 1 teaspoon curry powder

PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL CHICKEN COUNCIL

hether you’re grilling or chilling at home, chicken is a nutritious meal choice—and a versatile one as well. And when you incorporate chicken into your meals, you’re supporting Virginia’s largest agricultural commodity. In 2016, Virginia farmers produced 269 million broiler chickens.

Use a food thermometer to ensure you cook all poultry to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Meat color is not a sure sign of doneness!

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Heart of the Home

about juice of 1 lime 1½-2 pounds chicken thighs 1 cup cider vinegar 1 cup water 2 teaspoons pickling spices 3 teaspoons salt, divided 1 tablespoon sugar ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ½ teaspoon celery seed 1½ cups lima beans, cooked in water for 4 minutes, then drained and cooled 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes 1 small sweet onion, diced ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

DIRECTIONS Combine yogurt, ginger, curry powder and lime juice. Add chicken thighs, and turn to coat with yogurt mixture. Marinate in refrigerator 1-4 hours.

In a small saucepan, combine vinegar and water; add pickling spices, 2 teaspoons salt, sugar, red pepper flakes and celery seed. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and cool.

Place lima beans, tomatoes and onion in a container. Using a fine-mesh sieve, pour the warm vinegar into the vegetable mixture. Add cilantro. Cover and chill at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.

Prepare grill or broiler. Remove chicken from marinade, draining excess. Season thighs on both sides with remaining teaspoon of salt. Place chicken on grill or under broiler to sear. Turn over once until well browned, cooking for a total of 6-8 minutes. Continue to cook chicken, turning to avoid burning. Grill or broil chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees, about another 15 to 20 minutes.

Using a slotted spoon, place about ⅓ cup salsa on each plate, and place a grilled thigh next to the salsa.

Take steps to cook chicken safely The National Chicken Council and the Partnership for Food Safety Education remind consumers to handle and cook raw poultry in a way that prevents undercooking and curbs the possibility of bacteria spreading.

“It is always important to consistently follow safe food handling and cooking practices, because all raw agricultural products—whether it’s produce, fruit, meat or poultry—could contain naturally occurring bacteria that might make someone sick,” explained NCC spokesman Tom Super.

“But, there are steps people can take in the home to significantly reduce their risk.”

Cleanx • Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.

• Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils and countertops with hot soapy water after preparing each food item and before you go on to the next food.

Separatex • Avoid cross-contaminating other foods. Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs from other foods in your grocery shopping cart, grocery bags, kitchen and refrigerator.

• Use one cutting board for fresh produce and a separate one for raw meat, poultry and seafood.

• Do not rinse raw poultry in your sink; it will not remove bacteria. In fact, it can spread raw juices around your sink, onto your countertops or onto ready-to-eat foods. Bacteria in raw meat and poultry can be killed only when cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Cookx • Cook poultry thoroughly. Poultry products, including ground poultry, should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees as measured with a food thermometer. Leftovers should be refrigerated no more than two hours after cooking.

• The color of cooked poultry is not a sure sign of its safety. Only by using a food thermometer can one accurately determine that poultry has reached a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 throughout the product.

Be particularly careful with foods prepared for infants, older adults and those with impaired immune systems.

Chillx • Make poultry products the last items you select at the store. Once home, the products must be refrigerated or frozen promptly.

• After cooking, refrigerate any uneaten poultry within two hours. Leftovers will remain safe to eat for two to three days.

• Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 degrees or cooler.

• Thaw frozen poultry in the refrigerator or in cold water—not on the countertop.

• When grilling poultry outdoors, keep it refrigerated until ready to cook. Do not place cooked poultry back on the same plate that was used to transport the raw product to the grill.

• Always marinate poultry in the refrigerator, up to two days. Marinade in which raw poultry has been soaking should never be used on cooked poultry unless it is boiled first.

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2017

29

Agriculture and forestry have a $91 billion annual economic impact in Virginia.

Governor announces agriculture’s and forestry’s economic impact has increased by $21 billion

G

ov. Terry McAuliffe announced July 18 that a new comprehensive study shows Virginia’s agriculture and forestry industries contribute $91 billion annually to the commonwealth’s economy.

That represents a 30 percent increase over results of a 2013 study that found a $70 billion annual economic impact.

“I am excited to see the agriculture and forestry industries have significantly increased their economic impact in just four years,” McAuliffe said. “As the commonwealth’s firstand third-largest private industries, agriculture and forestry play a vital role in the new Virginia economy. This is the kind of growth we are looking for in Virginia to keep us as the top state to do business in, a leader in export and trade, and a top destination for visitors who are seeking out our agritourism venues and our state’s natural beauty.”

The industries’ total employment 30

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

impact increased by about 7 percent, from 414,700 to 442,200 jobs, representing about 9 percent of total employment in the commonwealth.

“This is wonderful news for agriculture and forestry, which have always been the No. 1 industry in Virginia,” said Tony Banks, a commodity marketing specialist for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

“Our farming members and organization as a whole are so proud of the industry and glad it is continuing to show an increase despite recent downturns in farm gate prices for agricultural commodities.”

According to the study, agriculture accounts for $70 billion of the $91 billion total, and forestry contributes $21 billion.

Related activities such as recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, ecosystems services, agritourism, wine tourism, equestrian events and agricultural festivals were not included in the study but would

add significantly to the total economic impact figure. Findings of a Virginia Tech study released in April indicate agritourism alone contributes $2.2 billion annually to the state’s economy, and study findings released in January noted that the wine industry contributes $1.37 billion.

In addition to tangible benefits such as cash receipts and jobs, agriculture and forestry landscapes afford substantial environmental and other societal benefits. Rural landscapes provide scenic amenities that contribute to quality of life. Forests improve air and water quality, mitigate flood vulnerability, provide wildlife habitat and aid biodiversity.

The study was led by Dr. Terry Rephann of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia. A full copy is available at vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/ weldoncooper2017.pdf.

IN MEMORIAMX

Edward A. Scharer Albemarle County

Edward A. Scharer, a former vice president of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, died May 21.

Mr. Scharer, who was 76, served as VFBF vice president from 2006-2012. He previously served three terms on the VFBF board of directors, representing producer members in the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Hanover, Henrico and Louisa. He also served on the board of the Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. After graduating from Rutgers University, Mr. Scharer moved to Albemarle County to follow his dream of farming.

The beef, hog, hay and corn producer operated Buck Island Farm for 44 years.

Mr. Scharer was a past president and former legislative director of the Albemarle County Farm Bureau. He was also a member and past chairman of the Virginia Pork Industry Board and served on the board of the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability.

“Ed was a good friend and a great farmer, and his leadership for Farm Bureau left an enduring mark,” said VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor. “The open houses he held at his farm helped foster important dialogues in his community about proper animal handling and farm conservation methods. He is missed by all who knew him.”

Notable among his many awards was a 2013 VFBF Distinguished Service Award for his service to Farm Bureau, and the 2011 Warren Beach Award from the VFBF Young Farmers Committee.

Known for his outstanding work ethic and building skills, Mr. Scharer designed and built three barns, a house, a SCHARER gazebo and many pieces of furniture. Other interests included local archeology, travel and support of agriculture.

He is survived by his wife, Tracy Scharer; two children; five grandchildren; a brother and two sisters.

Virginia Farm Bureau 1982–2016

JU ST PU B L ISH E D

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