FBN September 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019

Farm Bureau News The Voice of Virginia’s Agricultural Producers

The Very Best of Virginia

No falling back!

Autumn activities accelerate

Farm Bureau News

Volume 78, Number 3 September 2019

KATHY DIXON

Virginia Farm Bureau News (USPS 017763) (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 at Richmond, VA and additional mailing offices. The annual Subscription Rate is $1.31 (included in membership dues).

Features 9

10

14

The 2017 Census of Agriculture

Candidates endorsed for General Assembly seats

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC endorsed 126 candidates last month for seats in the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates.

Virginia agriculture, by the numbers

Recently released 2017 Census of Agriculture findings provide a detailed look at farming on the state and county levels.

found land in Virginia farms totaled 7.8 million acres that year.

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 Pam Wiley Director, Communications Kathy Dixon Managing Editor Sara Owens Staff Writer/Photographer Emily McCaul Photographer Patricia Hooten Graphic Designer Maria La Lima Graphic Designer Claire Mills Staff Writer/Advertising Coordinator

Program promotes grazing livestock 300 days a year

Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Graze 300 VA is helping farmers boost profitability and water quality while tapering reliance on winter feeding.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

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

Board of Directors

Departments 21

28 31

DIRECTOR

For Your Benefit Heart of the Home Marketplace

WE’RE SOCIAL!

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.

2

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

ON THE COVER Happy fall! Pumpkins are grown on about 380 Virginia Farms (Photo by Kathy Dixon).

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 S. Kyle Sturgis ** Northampton *Women’s Committee Chairman **Young Farmers Committee Chairman

President’s Message

Now could be your best opportunity to launch conservation practices

T

his year the Chesapeake Bay Program announced water quality in the bay attained its highest level since WAYNE F. PRYOR monitoring began in 1985, thanks to “the decades-long effort to reduce nutrient pollution.”

Farmers have been part of that effort, and we remain committed to it. Virginia agriculture met its 2017 midpoint goals for nitrogen and phosphorus under the bay requirements.

There are numerous reasons for that success, including Virginia’s strong voluntary incentives to adopt conservation practices.

Now is a good time to act

Earlier this year, Gov. Northam and the 2019 General Assembly made available the largest amount of funding ever for cost-share practices. They’ve also incorporated additional flexibility into many practices relative to making additional changes in the future.

Consequently, Farm Bureau is strongly encouraging producers to visit with their local soil and water conservation district staff.

We also encourage you to consider starting the process for preparing and implementing a Resource Management Plan. With RMP certification comes nine years of certainty against any future changes in regulations or law pertaining to water quality. Additionally, marketing tools are being developed to help producers brand products from farms with certified RMPs.

Parts of WIP III are encouraging

Virginia and other states in the bay watershed have been finalizing their third phase of participation in the bay’s Total Maximum Daily Load program.

Gov. Northam has submitted a draft of the state’s Watershed Implementation Plan III to the Environmental

Protection Agency, and it will be finalized by December. Nicknamed WIP III, the plan will affect all farmers in the bay watershed, and it has implications for farmers statewide.

Several agriculture and forestry organizations have provided input and insight for the plan. Farm Bureau has advocated for: • Adequate, stable and reliable funding for cost-share practices, equitably distributed between bay-related goals and other water quality goals.

• Flexibility in implementing conservation practices based on site-specific variations.

• More efforts to appropriately document farms’ voluntary conservation measures.

Our focus is providing more incentives for voluntary compliance, and avoiding harsh mandates that could drive farmers out of business.

We were pleased that the WIP III draft includes adequate and consistent funding for the Virginia Agriculture Cost Share Program and for technical assistance. It also calls for better coordination among state agencies that help farmers, and some increased incentives. We see no reason the EPA might recommend changing any of that.

Others parts are cause for concern

Of some concern, however, are proposals to inequitably direct funding without having the manpower to work with farmers; misapply research or information in formulating goals; and set unrealistic goals, among others.

Of even greater concern are proposals to expand the Chesapeake Bay Act and its related mandates to farms west of I-95; boost mandatory use of nutrient management plans on all cropland; and mandate those plans for all farms over 50 acres.

Even more alarming is the proposed mandate that farmers exclude all

livestock from perennial streams with little assurance of cost-share funding—and encouraging citizens to be “pollution patrols.” At press time, we do not know whether the governor made changes in these areas.

Insult to injury

The benefits of fencing animals away from streams and stream banks are not lost on me or, I’m sure, on my fellow producers. But anyone who’s ever bought fencing knows it’s not cheap, and animals that cannot get to a creek or river require pump-fed watering stations. Stream exclusion fencing and other conservation practices are on many farmers’ “to-do” lists for when funds are available. But not every farm can make those improvements without assistance.

And a mandate to do so could push some families to the point where their businesses are no longer viable.

Having that struggle play out before neighbors looking for faults in a farm’s stewardship will add insult to injury.

Swimming upstream

The past 18 months have been particularly challenging ones for farmers nationwide. Trade disputes, milk prices and other woes are in the headlines more often than we’d like.

Virginia’s farmers are keenly aware that we’re all upstream from someone else, and many of us are upstream from one of the nation’s most precious environmental resources. But we need lawmakers to realize we’re also swimming upstream, economically.

We’re going to keep treading water as long as we can, and if someone extends a helping hand, it’s a good idea to take it.

Because a hand is preferable to a mandate set in stone that could sink us.

Wayne F. Pryor, a Goochland County hay and grain producer, is president of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. vafb.com /

SEPTEMBER 2019

3

REAL VIRGINIA, WATCH US!

Top membership counties for 2019

>> VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU WEEKLY TV PROGRAM

This month on Real Virginia: Community canneries, prize-winning pumpkins

as of Aug. 16

County Farm Bureau

Members

Washington 3,013 Charles City-James City- New Kent-York

2,787

Featured this month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program:

Hanover 2,616 Franklin 2,463 Bedford 2,412 Tazewell 2,373 Augusta 2,323 Smyth 2,277 Henrico 2,163

• Community canneries draw gardeners and others who want to savor the summer’s fresh produce.

• Growing giant pumpkins for competition takes some big ambition—and a big time commitment.

• Plenty of Virginia-brewed craft beers start with Virginia-grown ingredients.

Rockingham 2,116

• Treat yourself to a taste of Tazewell County agriculture.

County Farm Bureau

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, WBRA Roanoke, WCVE Richmond, WHRO Norfolk, WVVA Bluefield and WTKR Norfolk.

Percentage of goal

Bedford 96.75% Prince Edward

94.92%

Alleghany 94.83% Richmond 94.70%

Watch Real Virginia anytime online at vafb.com.

Chesapeake 94.29% Southampton 94.07% Middlesex 93.99% Appomattox 93.98% Nansemond 93.93% Amherst 93.61% County Farm Bureau

Member retention rate

Rappahannock 90.79% Southampton 90.69% Charlotte 89.49% Giles 89.04% Lunenburg 88.98% Floyd 88.88% Surry 88.68% Powhatan 88.16% Franklin 88.06% Isle of Wight

4

87.97%

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Hay Bale Decorating Contest entries welcome The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Committee will accept entries through Nov. 1 for its annual Hay Bale Decorating Contest.

The competition is open to county Farm Bureaus, farmers markets, farm supply businesses, student groups, community associations and others.

Guidelines and an entry form are available at bit.ly/vfbfhaybale19. Trophies will be awarded in four display categories: best promotional display; most creative; best agricultural theme; and best agribusiness, FFA, 4-H or school display.

Winners will be recognized Dec. 3 at the VFBF Annual Convention in Norfolk.

Save the Date!

Register soon for 2019 VFBF Annual Convention Norfolk’s newest upscale hotel, Hilton Norfolk The Main, will be the location for the 2019 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention, Dec. 2-5.

Located on the downtown Norfolk waterfront, the hotel is within walking distance of cultural attractions, dining and the Elizabeth River.

Members can register for the convention later this month through their county Farm Bureaus. This year’s theme highlights Harvesting Perspectives.

Featured speakers Speakers will include Dale Moore, American Farm Bureau Federation executive vice president, and Dr. Robert Holsworth, managing principal of DecideSmart.

Moore brings more than 35 years of public policy experience in Washington to his current role with AFBF. In 2001 he was appointed U.S. Department of Agriculture chief of staff by then-President George W. Bush. He spent more than a dozen years on Capitol Hill, working in various positions for the House Agriculture Committee. Moore grew up in southwest Kansas on a livestock, hay and grain farm.

Holsworth is a political analyst and former director of the Center for Public Policy and the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University. He also served as executive director of the Governor’s Commission on Efficiency and Effectiveness. His understanding of the political landscape and public policy issues informs his presentations on election trends.

Tuesday workshops A variety of educational programs will be offered on Tuesday. Morning presentations in the exhibit hall

will focus on direct marketing and international trade.

Afternoon workshops will include the Young Farmers Discussion Meet and presentations on farm safety and different perspectives.

Other highlights A Monday evening dinner-anddancing cruise along the Elizabeth River on the Spirit of Norfolk will feature one deck for rock-n-roll and one for country music. Tickets are $50 each.

There will be a tour of Perdue Grain on Tuesday morning.

On Tuesday afternoon, the VFBF Women’s Committee will announce the winners of a raffle for a custom golf cart and two cash prizes. Proceeds from the project will benefit Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom.

A VA FAIRS Showcase reception featuring Virginia foods, spirits, wines and beers will be held before dinner on Tuesday.

Also on the agenda The Dec. 4 and 5 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 hold elections for directors to represent Districts 3, 6, 9 and 12.

Judging will take place Dec. 3 for the Discussion Meet and Young Farmers Achievement Award. The winners will be announced on the morning of Dec. 4.

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

The convention is open to voting delegates and other interested Farm Bureau members.

vafb.com /

SEPTEMBER 2019

5

PAID ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Virginia zip codes turn up silver for residents Sealed Vault Bags full of heavy silver bars are actually being handed over to the first Virginia residents who find their zip code listed in today’s publication and call before the 7 day order deadline ends to claim the bags full of valuable silver NATIONWIDE – Operators at the National Silver Hotline are struggling to keep up with all the calls.

That’s because Silver Vault Bags loaded with a small fortune of .999 pure Silver Bars are now being handed over to everyone who beats the 7-day order deadline.

“It’s like a modern day Gold Rush. Virginia residents will be hoarding all the silver bars they can get their hands on for the next 7 days.

This comes as no surprise after the standard State Minimum set by the Federated Mint dropped 42%, going from $50 per bar to just $29 making these Silver Vault Bags a real steal,” said Mary Ellen Withrow, the emeritus 40th Treasurer of the United States of America.

“As executive advisor to the private Federated Mint, I get paid to deliver breaking news. And here’s the best part. This is great news for Virginia residents because it’s the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint,” said Withrow.

The only thing residents need to do is find the first 3 digits of their zip code on the Distribution List printed in today’s publication. If their zip code is on the list, they need to immediately call the National Silver Hotline before the 7-day order deadline ends.

Residents who do are cashing in on the record low State Minimum set by the Federated Mint. This is a real steal ■ VIRGINIA RESIDENTS CASH IN: It’s like a modern day Gold Rush. Everyone’s scrambling to get their hands on the heavy, for residents because each Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags pictured above before they’re all gone. That’s because residents who find the first 3 digits of their zip code Silver Vault Bag loaded with printed in today’s publication are cashing in on the lowest ever State Minimum price set for the next 7 days by the Federated Mint.

10 Virginia State Silver Bars is normally set at $500 which Who gets the Silver Vault Bags: Listed below are the Virginia zip codes that get the Silver Vault is the standard $50 per heavy half ounce bar State MinBags. If you find the first 3 digits of your zip code immediately call: 1-800-239-7648 EXT. FMM2056 imum set by the Federated Mint. But here’s the good news. Residents who call to201 225 231 237 243 249 255 261 267 day get the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Feder220 226 232 238 244 250 256 262 268 ated Mint of just $290 for 221 227 233 239 245 251 257 263 each Virginia Silver Vault Bag which is just $29 per 222 228 234 240 246 252 258 264 bar as long as they call the 223 229 235 241 247 253 259 265 National Silver Hotline at; 1-800-239-7648 EXT. FMM2056 224 230 236 242 248 254 260 266 before the deadline ends.

Phone lines open at pre(Continued on next page)

PAID ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE (Continued from previous page)

cisely 8:30 A.M. this morning and are expected to be f looded by residents looking to cash in on the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint to date.

That’s why Virg inia residents who find their zip code on the distribution list today are being urged to call immediately.

Since this special advertising announcement can’t stop dealers and collectors from hoarding all the new 2019 Edition Virginia State Silver Bars they can get their ha nds on, the Federat ed Mint had to set a strict limit of three Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags per resident – these are the bags everyone’s trying to get because they cont a i n 10 i nd iv idu a l Si lver Vault Bags each. Everyone who gets these will feel like they just hit the jackpot.

“Residents who want to cash in on the lowest ever State Minimum set by the private Federated Mint better hurry. That’s because in 7 days, the State Minimum for these heav y half ounce Virginia State Silver Bars returns to the normal State Minimum set by the Federated Mint of $50 per bar,” Withrow said.

“We’re bracing for all the calls and doing the best we can, but with just hours left before the deadline ends, residents lucky enough to find the first 3 digits of their zip code listed in today’s publication need to immediately call the National Silver Hotline," Withrow said. ■

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: If you find your zip code on the distribution list printed in today’s publication read below then immediately call: 1-800-239-7648 EXT. FMM2056 I keep calling and can’t get through: Keep trying. Right now everyone’s looking to cash in on the lowest State Minimum ever set by the Federated Mint. In fact, tens of thousands of residents are expected to order up as many Silver Vault Bags as they can get their hands on before the deadline ends. That’s because the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint has been slashed from $50 per heavy half ounce to just $29 for the next 7 days. And since each Silver Vault Bag contains 10 valuable State Silver Bars for just $290 nearly everyone is taking at least three bags before they’re all gone. But all those who really want to cash in are taking the Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags containing 100 State Silver Bars before the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint goes back up to $500 per Vault Bag. So if lines are busy keep trying.

How much are the Silver Vault Bags worth: It’s hard to tell how much these Silver Vault Bags could be worth since they are highly collectible, but those who get in on this now will be the really smart ones. That’s because the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint goes back up to $500 per bag after the deadline ends. So you better believe that at just $290 the Silver Vault bags are a real steal for everyone who beats the deadline.

Can I buy one State Silver Bar: Yes. But, the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint of just $29 per bar applies only to residents who purchase a Silver Vault Bag(s). That means only those residents who order a Silver Vault Bag(s) or the heavy, Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bag(s) get the $29 per bar State Minimum set by the Federated Mint. All single bar purchases, orders placed after the 7-day deadline and all non-state residents must pay the standard $50 per heavy half ounce Bar State Minimum set by the Federated Mint.

Why is the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint so low now: Thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to get the silver at the lowest ever State Minimum set by the private Federated Mint. Now all residents who find the first 3 digits of their zip code on the Distribution List printed in today’s publication are getting the Silver Vault Bags for themselves and all the solid .999 pure State Silver Bars found inside.

The price for each Silver Vault Bag is normally set at $500 which is the standard $50 per bar State Minimum set by the Federated Mint, but residents who beat the 7-day deadline only cover the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint of just $290 for each State Silver Vault Bag which is just $29 per bar as long as they call the National Silver Hotline before the deadline ends at: 1-800-239-7648 EXT. FMM2056.

Hotlines open at 8:30 A.M. FRONT VIEW

BACK VIEW INDEPENDENCE: 1776 signifies the year America declared independence proclaiming inalienable rights including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

SIGNIFICANT: Numbered in the order of which the state ratified the Constitution and was admitted into the Union.

HISTORIC 13 STARS: Each star represents one of the original 13 Colonies arranged in a circle to symbolize the perpetuity of the union as depicted in the “Betsy Ross” flag.

■ SILVER HITS ROCK BOTTOM:

Everyone’s scrambling to get the Silver Vault Bags each loaded with 10 solid .999 pure Silver State Bars before they are all gone. That’s because the standard State Minimum set by the private Federated Mint dropped 42%, going from $50 per bar to just $29, which is a real steal.

ONLY EXISTING: Silver bars struck with the double forged state proclamation.

LOWEST EVER: State minimum set by the Federated Mint drops to just $29.

VALUABLE: Solid .999 pure fine silver.

PHOTO ENLARGEMENT SHOWS ENGRAVING DETAIL OF SOLID HALF OUNCE STATE SILVER BARS

FEDERATED MINT, LLC IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE VIRGINIA GOVERNMENT, A BANK OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED, RETURN THE PRODUCT FOR A REFUND LESS SHIPPING AND RETURN POSTAGE. THIS SAME OFFER MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE OR IN A DIFFERENT P7190A OF21319R-1 GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. FEDERATED MINT 7600 SUPREME AVE. NW, NORTH CANTON, OH 44720 ©2019 FEDERATED MINT

Save the Date!

Farm Bureau members save on fair admission, food purchases Use your Farm Bureau membership to save $5 on State Fair of Virginia tickets. Then use it again at the fair to save on food and beverage purchases.

To use the admission discount, present a coupon available from your county Farm Bureau office to get discounted tickets. Coupons will be available starting Sept. 1 and are good for $5 off adult, youth or senior ticket purchases on any day of the fair. The discount coupons must be presented at the fair’s Ticket Plaza, along with a Farm Bureau membership card, when purchasing a ticket at the gate. Limit: two discount coupons per transaction per membership card.

To use the food and beverage discount, show your membership card when placing your order. Participating vendors will display signage indicating their special pricing available to Farm Bureau members.

8

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

State Fair of Virginia opens Sept. 27, runs through Oct. 6

A

1,000-pound pumpkin is a sight to behold. Don’t miss your chance to see the Pumpkin and Watermelon Weigh-Off and other spectacles during the 2019 State Fair of Virginia.

This year’s fair will run from Sept. 27 through Oct. 6 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County.

Gargantuan produce is just one of the highlights of the State Fair. Round out the family fun with fair food galore, carnival rides and a focus on Virginia farms and forestry.

There’s no shortage of entertainment, and that includes fairgoer favorites like the racing pigs of Rosaire’s Royal Racers, chainsaw artist Ben Risney, the World Champion Blacksmith Competition and garden tractor pulls. New featured entertainment includes the Ultimate Stunt Circus and roving performer Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy. Live concerts nightly at 7 p.m. will feature legacy hip-hop artists the Sugarhill Gang, Crooked Road performers, Christian rock’s Zach Williams, HARDY, Foghat and LOCASH, an American country duo. All concerts are free with a paid fair admission. Blue Ribbon seating is available this year at a cost of $10 with general admission.

Virginia breweries will participate in The Blue Ribbon Craft Beer Fest, a ticketed event on Oct. 5 to celebrate the state’s booming craft beer industry.

For ticket information and a fair schedule, visit StateFairVa.org.

VFBF AgPAC endorses 126 candidates for General Assembly seats

V

34th District – Kathleen J. Murphy* (D) 35th District – Mark L. Keam* (D) 36th District – Kenneth R. Plum* (D) 37th District – David L. Bulova* (D) 38th District – Kaye Kory* (D) 39th District – Vivian E. Watts* (D)

irginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC, Farm Bureau’s political action committee, announced in mid-August its endorsement of 39 candidates for the Virginia Senate and 87 candidates for the Virginia House of Delegates.

The endorsements are based on recommendations of local committees of farmers. “Candidates are evaluated through a grassroots process on their understanding of the needs and challenges that we as farmers face in today’s times,” said Wayne F. Pryor, VFBF president and chairman of the VFBF AgPAC board of trustees. “Those who have received the AgPAC endorsement have a history of supporting issues important to agriculture or have demonstrated their commitment through their participation in the evaluation process.

“We believe these candidates will help protect the agriculture and forestry industry and ensure that it remains the No. 1 industry in the commonwealth.”

The non-partisan VFBF AgPAC was created in 1999 and employs in-kind contributions and endorsements to support candidates who can best support agriculture and Farm Bureau issues.

The following candidates were endorsed (* indicates incumbent candidates):

40th District – Timothy D. Hugo* (R) 41st District – Eileen Filler-Corn* (D) 42nd District – Kathy K.L. Tran* (D) 43rd District – Mark D. Sickles* (D) 44th District – Paul E. Krizek* (D) 45th District – Mark H. Levine* (D) 46th District – Charniele L. Herring* (D) 47th District – Patrick A. Hope* (D) 48th District – Richard C. “Rip” Sullivan Jr.* (D) 49th District – Alfonso H. Lopez* (D) 50th District – Ian Lovejoy (R) 51st District – Richard L. Anderson (R) 52nd District – Luke E. Torian* (D) 53rd District – Marcus B. Simon* (D) 54th District – Robert D. Orrock Sr.* (R) 55th District – Hyland F. “Buddy” Fowler Jr.* (R) 56th District – John J. McGuire III* (R) 57th District – Sally Hudson (D) 58th District – Robert B. Bell* (R) 59th District – C. Matthew Fariss* (R)

Endorsed for Virginia Senate 1st District – T. Montgomery “Monty” Mason* (D) 2nd District – Mamie E. Locke* (D) 3rd District – Thomas K. Norment Jr.* (R) 4th District – Ryan T. McDougle* (R) 5th District – Lionell Spruill Sr.* (D) 6th District – Lynwood W. Lewis Jr.* (D) 8th District – William R. DeSteph Jr.* (R) 9th District – Jennifer L. McClellan* (D) 10th District – Glen H. Sturtevant Jr.* (R) 11th District – Amanda F. Chase* (R) 12th District – Siobhan S. Dunnavant* (R) 13th District – John Bell (D) 14th District – John A. Cosgrove Jr.* (R) 15th District – Frank M. Ruff Jr.* (R) 16th District – Joseph Morrissey (D) 17th District – Bryce E. Reeves* (R) 18th District – L. Louise Lucas* (D) 19th District – David R. Suetterlein* (R) 20th District – William M. Stanley Jr.* (R) 21st District – John S. Edwards* (D) 22nd District – Mark J. Peake* (R) 23rd District – Stephen D. Newman* (R) 24th District – Emmett W. Hanger Jr.* (R) 25th District – R. Creigh Deeds* (D) 26th District – Mark D. Obenshain* (R) 27th District – Jill Holtzman Vogel* (R) 28th District – Richard H. Stuart* (R) 29th District – Jeremy S. McPike* (D) 30th District – Adam P. Ebbin* (D) 31st District – Barbara A. Favola* (D) 32nd District – Janet D. Howell* (D) 33rd District – Jennifer B. Boysko* (D) 34th District – J. Chapman Petersen* (D)

35th District – Richard L. Saslaw* (D) 36th District – Scott A. Surovell* (D) 37th District – David W. Marsden* (D) 38th District – A. Benton Chafin Jr.* (R) 39th District – George L. Barker* (D) 40th District – Todd Pillion (R)

Endorsed for Virginia House of Delegates 1st District – Terry G. Kilgore* (R) 4th District – William C. “Will” Wampler III (R) 5th District – Israel D. O’Quinn* (R) 6th District – Jeffrey L. Campbell* (R) 7th District – L. Nick Rush* (R) 8th District – Joseph P. McNamara* (R) 9th District – Charles D. Poindexter* (R) 11th District – Sam Rasoul* (D) 12th District – Chris L. Hurst* (D) 13th District – Danica A. Roem* (D) 14th District – Daniel W. Marshall III* (R) 15th District – C. Todd Gilbert* (R) 16th District – Leslie R. “Les” Adams* (R) 17th District – Christopher T. Head* (R) 18th District – Michael J. Webert* (R) 19th District – Terry L. Austin* (R) 20th District – John Avoli (R) 22nd District – Kathy J. Byron* (R) 23rd District – Wendall Walker (R) 25th District – Chris Runion (R) 26th District – Tony O. Wilt* (R) 27th District – Roxann L. Robinson* (R) 29th District – Christopher E. Collins* (R) 32nd District – David A. Reid* (D) 33rd District – David A. LaRock* (R)

60th District – James E. Edmunds II* (R) 61st District – Thomas C. Wright Jr.* (R) 62nd District – Carrie Coyner (R) 63rd District – Lashrecse D. Aird* (D) 64th District –Emily M. Brewer* (R) 65th District – R. Lee Ware* (R) 66th District – M. Kirkland Cox* (R) 67th District – Karrie K. Delaney* (D) 68th District – Dawn M. Adams* (D) 69th District – Betsy B. Carr* (D) 70th District – Delores L. McQuinn* (D) 71st District – Jeffrey M. Bourne* (D) 74th District – Lamont Bagby* (D) 75th District – Roslyn C. Tyler* (D) 76th District – S. Chris Jones* (R) 77th District – C.E. “Cliff” Hayes Jr.* (D) 78th District – James A. “Jay” Leftwich Jr.* (R) 79th District – Stephen E. Heretick* (D) 80th District – Don Scott (D) 81st District – Barry D. Knight* (R) 82nd District – Jason S. Miyares* (R) 83rd District – Christopher P. Stolle* (R) 84th District – Glenn R. Davis Jr.* (R) 85th District – Alex Askew (D) 88th District – Mark L. Cole* (R) 89th District – Jerrauld C. “Jay” Jones* (D) 90th District – Joseph C. Lindsey* (D) 92nd District – Jeion A. Ward* (D) 93rd District – Michael P. Mullin* (D) 94th District – David E. Yancey* (R) 95th District – Marcia S. “Cia” Price* (D) 96th District – Amanda Batten (R) 97th District – Kevin D. Washington (D) 98th District – M. Keith Hodges* (R) 99th District – Margaret B. Ransone* (R) 100th District – Robert S. Bloxom Jr.* (R)

vafb.com /

SEPTEMBER 2019

9

VIRGINIA FARMER DEMOGRAPHICS

< 35

Young Farmers Farmers 35 and younger make up 8.5% of all producers; the 2017 census identified 5,996.

25,509 9,217

Women farmers The number of women farmers was up 18% from 2012, totaling 25,509.

27%

Military Thirteen percent of all farmers have served in the military, totaling 9,217.

New farmers New and beginning farmers—those with 10 years or less on any farm—totaled 18,957 or 27% of all producers.

58.5

Average age Farmers’ average age continues to increase— from 57.2 in 2012 to 58.5 in 2017.

On Real Virginia Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program, also recently examined 2017 Census of Agriculture findings. Learn more at bit.ly/rv19census.

43,225 FARMS 7.8 MILLION ACRES AVERAGE FARM SIZE: ACRES

180 10

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

AGRICULTURE BY THE NUMBERS The U.S. Census of Agriculture gives a snapshot of American agriculture at national, state and county levels

E

ver wondered how many farmers are in your county?

How much land is designated as farmland? How many cows moo near you?

The U.S. Census of Agriculture, which is taken once every five years, is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Even small plots of land— whether rural or urban—used to produce fruit, vegetables or food animals count as farms if $1,000 or more of such products were raised and sold, or would have been sold, during the census year.

The census also looks at land use and ownership, operator

characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures.

“The 2017 Census of Agriculture provides a wide range of demographic, economic, land, crop and livestock product information,” said Herman Ellison, state statistician for the National Agricultural Statistics Service. “Many of these data about Virginia and our counties are only collected and reported as part of the every-five-years census, so this information helps give an in-depth look into agriculture.”

Census findings, which were collected in early 2018 and released this spring, are available at nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.

Top 10 Virginia agricultural commodities 1. Poultry and eggs, 4,752 farms with $1.35 billion in cash receipts 2. Cattle and calves, 18,729 farms with $679 million in cash receipts 3. Grains and oilseeds, 4,329 farms with $509 million in cash receipts 4. Milk*, 624 dairies with $335 million in cash receipts 5. Nursery and greenhouse, 1,145 operations with $328 million in cash receipts 6. Other crops and hay, 14,200 acres with $155 million in cash receipts 7. Vegetables, melons, potatoes and sweet potatoes, 1,835 farms with $111.3 million in cash receipts 8. Tobacco, 306 farms with $107.6 million in cash receipts 9. Hogs and pigs, 1,244 farms with $96 million in cash receipts 10. Aquaculture, 274 operations with $90 million in cash receipts *Virginia’s dairy industry has seen dramatic changes since the 2017 census was taken, including a drop in the number of Grade A dairies. These numbers reflect dairy farms in operation at the end of 2017.

Did you know?

The first Census of Agriculture was conducted in 1840 in conjunction with the decennial Census. After 1920, the census happened every four to five years. By 1982, it was conducted regularly every five years. Today the National Agricultural Statistics Service sends questionnaires to nearly 3 million potential U.S. farms and ranches.

Participants can return completed questionnaires by mail or complete them online. Nearly 25% responded online last year.

ON-FARM READINESS REVIEWS Garner’s Produce, Westmoreland County

Program helping produce growers prepare for federal compliance

Bird-proofing buildings, washing fresh greens

Boyle said Garner’s includes about 100 acres of fruits and vegetables that are sold at the farm’s retail stand and at farmers markets in Washington and Northern Virginia. As VDACS and Extension staff referred to specific sections of an On-Farm Readiness Review manual, she shared details about her employee training procedures; sanitation practices; water sources; and on-farm restrooms, hand-washing stations and other areas accessible to customers.

She also talked about steps taken to keep wildlife away from food packing and sale surfaces. The retail stand has 12

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

PHOTOS BY PAM WILEY

D

ana Boyle welcomed the group of visitors to her family’s farm, adding, “I’m not nervous about this. I don’t know whether I should be.”

Boyle, whose family operates Garner’s Produce in Westmoreland County, took part in an On-Farm Readiness Review, offered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Virginia Cooperative Extension, this past April. The review program was developed by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture to help produce growers comply with the Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act’s Produce Safety Rule.

Adopted in 2017, the rule establishes science-based minimum standards for safe growing, harvesting, packing and holding of fresh fruits and vegetables grown for human consumption. As of May 1, it applies to Garner’s and other U.S. farms with annual sales of $500,000 or greater. Compliance dates for smaller-scale produce farms are staggered based on business size.

Producer Dana Boyle (center) outlined her employee training procedures, sanitation practices and other details about Garner’s Produce. Producer Anne Geyer (right) of Agriberry Farm in Hanover County observed the review process.

a ceiling to prevent birds from nesting under the roof, she explained, and she’d made arrangements with an animal rescue organization to re-locate stray cats that are drawn to the farm. “The cats are getting taken care of,” she emphasized, adding that cat-proofing a specific storage area had proved challenging.

“You want to try to figure out how to mitigate that,” said Alex Goodman, a VDACS produce safety specialist.

Boyle also took the opportunity to ask about approved procedures for washing greens after they are harvested. “I want to add that value for my customers,” she explained. Extension staff made plans to help her develop a standard washing procedure.

who have questions or concerns about compliance issues.

“Virginia farmers prefer having the state oversee produce safety regulations here,” explained Tony Banks, VFBF senior assistant director of agriculture, development and innovation. “Having local state enforcement staff makes it convenient for growers and Extension staff who may have regulatory questions or need help resolving an issue. Many growers feel like state staff are more accessible.”

Goodman said farmers for whom he has conducted reviews are taking a proactive approach to the rule. “They want to know, ‘What can we work on before this takes effect? What can we fix?’” he said.

“What can we fix?”

While the federal produce safety rule is overseen by the FDA, it will be administered in Virginia by VDACS, an arrangement approved by the General Assembly with encouragement from organizations like Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. Extension staff will serve as a resource for growers

Want to know more?

More information about the federal Produce Safety Rule and the On-Farm Readiness Review program is available at vaproducesafety.com.

Growers not yet subject to the rule can schedule a review by calling 804-786-4003.

Alex Goodman, a produce safety specialist with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, reviewed specifics of an On-Farm Readiness Review manual with Boyle. The review included a tour of key sites on her farm.

vafb.com /

SEPTEMBER 2019

13

Cattle producer Roy Boldridge of Culpeper County said rotational grazing helps him cut his winter feeding costs and “have the cows graze and do the work themselves.”

Program helps farmers graze livestock 300 days a year

BY SARA OWENS

W

PHOTOS BY EMILY MCCAUL

inter feeding expenses can add up to more than 50 percent of cattle and small ruminant production costs. They also make up a large portion of variable expenses for horse owners and horse boarding operations.

Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Graze 300 VA program aims to help farmers graze their livestock 300 days a year.

Its goal is to improve both farm profitability and water quality by converting livestock producers to winter feeding management that is reliant upon grazing instead of a fourmonth dependency on hay feeding.

Currently, only a small number of producers in Virginia’s Piedmont and Shenandoah Valley regularly approach or achieve a 300-day grazing season.

“It makes good economic sense.

By grazing more, you will be more profitable,” said Carl Stafford, a senior Extension agent and certified forage and grassland professional who has worked with farmers on Graze 300 VA. “We’ve seen profitability go up by five times.”

Stafford said most producers worry about snow, but animals are capable of digging through snow for the grasses.

“This can work well for sheep and horses too. Horses, they’re taller and have a natural shovel on their foot, so it would work well for them. It’s really about plowing the field and giving access to the grasses to your animals.”

Stafford said wet weather this past winter was a challenge. “It was an interesting winter to study the program, because really wet weather is an enemy of winter feeding. You have to be able to take care of the grass to take care of the animal.”

14

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

feed hay for 30 to 40 days if the grass is managed properly, versus feeding hay for four to five months.

Grazing benefits water quality Extending the grazing season also benefits water quality through improved water infiltration, improved nutrient use efficiency, fewer barren areas in fields created by winter feeding sites, and improved soil organic matter.

In addition, the Chesapeake Bay TMDL program gives nutrient and sediment credit for every acre of pasture converted into a grazing management system and every foot of stream from which livestock are excluded.

There are more than 96,000 beef cattle in the northern Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont, Graze 300 VA proponents note. If 20 percent of the farmers there—who own 19,000 animals—improve economics by $100 per head per year, the collective benefit would be $1.9 million.

When extended to 20 percent of the entire Virginia beef cattle herd, that creates an addition to participants’ bottom line of $13 million through savings.

For more information visit ext. vt.edu/agriculture/graze-300.html.

Short cutline XXX XXXXXXXXX

Culpeper farmer utilizes program Roy Boldridge of Culpeper County has been utilizing Graze 300 VA principles for his 150 cattle for 20 years.

“The biggest expense as a cattle farmer is winter feed,” Boldridge said.

“Being able to feed supplemental food for under two months is a huge savings.” He said one of his goals “is to not make hay and put it up, but to have the cows graze and do the work themselves and lower the winter food expense.”

Boldridge said fencing management is key. He uses electrified polywire in his fields.

“The polywire keeps the fields divided and is flexible and can go where you want the cows to go. It’s easy to take down and put up. I spend about five minutes a day moving polywire.“ With rotational grazing, he explained, if the grass is growing fast, he moves the cattle more frequently.

If the grass is growing more slowly, he moves the cattle less frequently. “I

What kind of grasses?

Culpeper County producer Roy Boldridge recommends looking at what’s in your own fields and what works for you. He noted that fescue will be available year-round, and he also recommended orchardgrass. vafb.com /

SEPTEMBER 2019

15

2019 WOMEN’S SPRING CONFERENCE

Conference attendees re-fueled before driving agriculture further forward

About 270 Farm Bureau Women’s Program participants from across the state attended the conference.

16

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

T

he conference was held near Bristol Motor Speedway and included a tour of the NASCAR short track venue.

Many county Farm Bureau women’s committees treated the weekend event like a pit stop before they continued Driving Agriculture into the Future.

That was the theme of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Spring Conference, held March 29-31 in Bristol. About 270 people attended the annual conference, which returned to Southwest Virginia after more than a decade.

“It was great to be in the southwest region of the state again after so many years,” said Susan Harrell, a VFBF Women’s Southeast District leader from Greensville County.

“The atmosphere was energetic, and I heard many positive comments” about the agenda. Participants, she said, “got to see a part of the state that otherwise they may never have gotten the opportunity to visit.”

Keynote speaker Bettina Ring, Virginia secretary of agriculture and forestry, concurred. “Too often people think the state ends in Roanoke,” the Craig County native said.

Other speakers included Brad Copenhaver, deputy

secretary of agriculture and forestry; and Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, state commissioner of agriculture.

In welcome remarks, VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor thanked Women’s Program participants for their support of Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom, their willingness to volunteer at the State Fair of Virginia, and their commitment to reading to children in their communities during Agriculture Literacy Week in March. Pryor noted that 87 out of 88 county Farm Bureaus purchased copies of the AITC Book of the Year to donate to schools and libraries, “and a great many of them came back and ordered more.”

He also thanked county Farm Bureau women’s committees for their work to promote agriculture and Virginia farm products in their communities. “We can raise it, we can keep it safe, … but if our consumers don’t use it, it’s all in vain,” he said.

Conference workshops focused on communication and leadership skills, wetlands regulations, farm transition planning and mental health concerns in the nation’s farming communities.

The next Women’s Spring Conference will be held March 20-22, 2020, in Harrisonburg.

Participants took part in a succulent-gardening activity (top left) and attended workshops on communication strategies, farm transition planning and wetlands regulations.

Dr. Amy Johnson, a nurse practitioner and president of Bedford County Farm Bureau, spoke on mental health concerns in farming communities.

County Farm Bureau committees recognized for work in 2018 Best in State (and Midwest District winner): Franklin County Women’s Committee Innovation Award, recognizing an exceptional activity that promotes agriculture: Campbell County Women’s Committee

Best Women’s Program by district: Capital District: Powhatan County Women’s Committee Central District: Fluvanna County Women’s Committee Eastern District: Essex County Women’s Committee Northern District: Prince William-Fairfax County Women’s Committee Southeast District: Greensville County Women’s Committee Southside District: Pittsylvania County Women’s Committee Southwest District: Tazewell County Women’s Committee PHOTOS COURTESY OF VFBF WOMEN’S PROGRAM

Conference participants learned about classroom activities that can be used to teach young children about agriculture.

Valley District: Bedford County Women’s Committee

Farm Bureau women raise more than $30,000 for AITC County Farm Bureau women’s committees were recognized at the Women’s Spring Conference for donating $26,154.50 to Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom.

Additionally, a bingo fundraiser and a silent auction at the conference raised $4,121.

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2019

17

2019 WOMEN’S SPRING CONFERENCE

Educator and producer named Outstanding Woman in Agriculture The VFBF Women’s Committee honored

Dr. Megan Seibel of Botetourt County

with its inaugural Outstanding Woman in Agriculture Award.

Seibel is a Virginia Cooperative Extension specialist in Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and inaugural director of the Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results Program. She also serves as associate director of the Center for Cooperative Problem Solving.

She previously served 18 months as deputy secretary of agriculture and forestry under former Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

Seibel has served on the Roanoke County Farm Bureau board for 12 years and is in her third term as that organization’s president. She is a graduate of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Partners in Advocacy Leadership program, and in 2012 she and her husband, Andy, were recognized with the VFBF Warren Beach Award for their support of young farmers. They manage their family farm in Botetourt, where they raise beef cattle and commercial wine grapes.

Seibel received a $500 cash award, courtesy of Colonial Farm Credit, as well as travel packages to the 2019 VFBF Annual Convention and 2020 VFBF Women’s Spring Conference, and a one-year paid county Farm Bureau membership.

18

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Pittsylvania producer named Distinguished Farm Bureau Woman

Louisa student named Farm Bureau Ambassador

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation honored Gayle Barts of Pittsylvania County as inaugural recipient of its Distinguished Farm Bureau Woman award. The award recognizes involvement in a farm or agricultural business, or an agricultural leadership role, as well as community activities. Recipients are nominated by their peers within Farm Bureau.

Barts has maintained 40 years’ worth of bookkeeping, tax records and payroll for her family’s farm. She is a past administrator for the Danville Science Center Foundation, a past legislative aide to former U.S. Rep. Robert Hurt when he was a state legislator, and to former Del. Donald Merricks (R-Danville) and Del. Les Adams (R-Chatham). In 2010 and 2015 she received gubernatorial appointments to the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, and she served on that body’s agribusiness, education and Southside economic development committees.

Additionally, she serves on the Virginia Natural History Museum advisory committee. She is an active member of the Pittsylvania County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee.

Barts received a $500 cash prize, courtesy of Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., as well as travel packages to the 2019 VFBF Annual Convention and 2020 AFBF Annual Convention.

Runner-up Cynthia Gregg, a Virginia Cooperative Extension agent and unit coordinator in Brunswick County, received a $250 cash award.

Chelsea Bickley of Louisa County has been named the 2019 Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador.

The Farm Bureau Ambassador program recognizes young adults for their interest and achievements in agriculture and provides an opportunity to serve as an ambassador for agriculture and Farm Bureau. Finalists are nominated by their county Farm Bureaus.

Bickley is the daughter of Cynthia Bickley and the late Robert Bickley. She grew up on her family’s farm, where they raise beef cattle, corn, soybeans, wheat, barley and hay. She has helped care for cattle, operated equipment and assisted with maintenance work. The former 4-H president and FFA chapter president is pursuing a degree in animal science at Virginia Tech. She is active in the university’s Block and Bridle Club, Beef Leadership Council and Collegiate Young Farmers chapter.

She hopes to earn a master’s degree in agricultural education and become an agriculture teacher.

Bickley received a $2,000 cash award and a travel package to the 2020 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention or the 2020 AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference. She will make public appearances representing Farm Bureau in the months ahead.

Runner-up Samantha-Ann Tatum of Franklin County, an agriculture major at Ferrum College, received a $500 cash award.

LEADERSHIP, LEARNING& LISTENING were part of Young Farmers event

PHOTOS BY KATHY DIXON

BY KATHY DIXON

Young Farmers Summer Expo participants toured farms, learned about the “I Farm I Vote” campaign and welcomed keynote speaker Jason Brown, who left an NFL career in 2012 to farm.

A

mong the questions overheard at this year’s Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Summer Expo: • “Is this your first expo?”

• “Are you competing in one of the contests?”

• “What kind of farming do you do?”

• “ What did you think of the Canadian speaker?”

Networking with fellow Young Farmers, learning about issues important to the agriculture industry and exercising leadership skills are all part of the biannual event.

This year’s summer expo was themed The Future of Agriculture’s Just Around the Bend. It took place July 26-28 in the Shenandoah Valley and drew nearly 200 full- and part-time farmers, college

and high school students, and industry representatives.

Jacob Burris was a first-time attendee. His Grayson County High School agriculture teacher shared an Outstanding Young Agriculturalist application with him, and he decided to enter the competition and attend the expo. During a tour of Woodbine Farms and Markets’ 3,000 acres of orchards and cropland, Burris asked lots of questions about what they grow, how they cultivate it and why they plant certain varieties.

“I like growing produce, and I wanted to learn all I could,” he said.

Tours on Friday and Saturday afternoons gave attendees the chance to learn about a variety of agricultural topics, including robotic dairy production, genetic livestock breeding, sustainable farming and agritourism.

Trade roundtable gets Young Farmers thinking globally

When they weren’t touring farms, Young Famers were participating in small group discussions about agricultural trade, listening to peers talk about poultry production in the Valley, or competing in annual contests.

Participants heard from Canadian and Japanese embassy representatives during an international trade panel discussion.

“Agriculture is big here in the Valley,” noted Amber Stephens who, with her husband, Josh, raises broiler chickens for George’s Inc. There are more than 277 million broilers in Virginia, “and most of them are in Augusta, Page, Rockingham and Shenandoah counties,” Stephens said. | LEADERSHIP cont'd on page 21 » vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2019

19

&

LEADERSHIP, LEARNING LISTENING Botetourt, Lee Young Farmers honored for accomplishments Jeter wins Excellence in Agriculture Award

JETER

Rose Jeter of Botetourt County was named this year’s Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Excellence in Agriculture Award winner.

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

Jeter is the sales and marketing manager for Homestead Creamery in Franklin County. For the past three years, she has been building and leading a sales team and has been in charge of creating the company website and leading digital marketing efforts.

Jeter said she became interested in promoting agriculture after attending her first Farm Bureau Young Farmers conference as a high school student. “It truly changed my life, because even though I grew up on a farm I wasn’t considering agriculture as a career field.

Since then, I have dedicated my career and volunteer efforts to agriculture, specifically helping farmers

20

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

to be more profitable.”

Jeter is a graduate of the American Farm Bureau Federation Partners in Advocacy Leadership program. She is a past Roanoke County Farm Bureau Young Farmers Committee chairman and a former Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador. She serves on the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom board.

She holds bachelor’s degrees in agricultural and applied economics and political science and a master’s degree in education, all from Virginia Tech.

She created the website for the beef cattle, hay, corn, wheat and produce farm that her husband, Ned Jeter II, and his family operate in Botetourt County.

“Farm Bureau has helped me to see that, through small or big ways, we can all be advocates for agriculture and make a positive difference,” she said.

Jeter will receive a Kubota utility vehicle, courtesy of Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Services, and a travel package to the 2020 AFBF Annual Convention in January. While at the convention, she will compete for the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award.

Jonathan and Kelsey Grimes of Wythe County were runners-up for the award and will receive a travel package to the AFBF

convention. Other finalists were Rachel Henley of Goochland County, Jack and Christy Kerr of Augusta County and Joy Powers of Roanoke County. Each finalist individual or couple will receive $500 courtesy of the VFBF Young Farmers Committee.

BURCHETT

Burchett named Outstanding Young Agriculturalist Robby Burchett of Lee County was named 2019 VFBF Outstanding Young Agriculturalist. He was recognized July 27 at the expo.

The recognition program is organized by the VFBF Young Farmers Committee and honors high school juniors and seniors for academic, community and agribusiness achievement.

Burchett is the son of Bobby and Connie Burchett of Jonesville and a rising senior at Lee County High School. He plans to pursue a degree in animal and poultry science.

He is responsible for the daily care of his family farm’s

cow-calf herd and noted that “I have to make sure all the animals are fed before I leave for school in the morning.”

Burchett is a member of the Virginia State 4-H Livestock Judging Team and recently was elected to serve as Western Area FFA vice president. He has been a member of the Lee County FFA since 2013 and has served as its secretary since 2017. He is a member of the Pennington Gap Lion’s Club and a junior board member for the Lee County Livestock Association.

He will receive a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Farm Credit, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. and the VFBF Women’s and Young Farmers committees.

First runner-up Megan Pollock of Pittsylvania County will receive $500 courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. Other finalists were Jacob Burris of Grayson County; Ashlyn Clemmer of Augusta County; Cyle DeHaven of Frederick County; Ryan Gobble of Washington County; Gunnar Jessee of Russell County; Avery Schaefer of Augusta County; Morgan Short of Washington County; Bailey Watson of Wythe County; and Jordan Winall of Powhatan County.

Each will receive a $250 prize, sponsored by Virginia Farm Credit Associations and Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co.

For Your Benefit

| LEADERSHIP cont'd from page 19 »

Canadian agriculture counselor Christine McKee said Canada and the U.S. share the largest agricultural bilateral trading relationship among countries with trade agreements.

But, she added, the United StatesMexico-Canada Agreement needs to be ratified to make both countries “more competitive in the global marketplace.”

Japanese agriculture counselor Tatsumasa Miyata said agreements with the U.S. under the Trans Pacific Partnership are still under negotiation.

“Japan feels that the U.S. should come back to (the Trans-Pacific Partnership,)” he said. “I hope our two countries will accelerate discussion.”

Inspiration, safety part of expo

Save wherever you go, with Member Deals Plus® Virginia Farm Bureau’s exclusive Member Deals Plus® benefit 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.

Members can enjoy Member Deals Plus savings at more than 100,000 locations nationwide.

How to get started To register as a Member Deals Plus user, visit vafb.com/benefits, and click the Member Deals Plus link near the top of the page. Then, on the Member Deals Plus website,

1 2

Click “Register” in the top right corner, and use your Farm Bureau membership number.

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

Then, to save with a mobile device,

1 2

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

Sign in with your email address and password you created on the website.

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.

Young Farmers listened to a keynote address from NFL player-turned-farmer Jason Brown who raises produce on his North Carolina First Fruits Farm and donates much of it to food pantries and churches.

Expo participants also had the opportunity to try a fire extinguisher simulator. “A lot of people have never used a fire extinguisher so we thought this would give them a good idea of how to use it if they ever had the need,” said Nathan Fox, a Tazewell County farmer who serves on the Young Farmers Safety Subcommittee.

To access this discount rate, call 800-258-2847 or visit choicehotels.com to make your reservation. Use the Virginia Farm Bureau identification number, available from your county Farm Bureau and in the “Membership at Work” section of vafb.com (Register as a member on the site, and log in first). You may need to present your Farm Bureau membership card when you check in.

Discussion Meet finalists to compete in December

John Deere equipment

.

The annual Young Farmers Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting, and participants are judged on their active participation, understanding of current agricultural issues and ability to build consensus on predetermined ag topics.

This year’s finalists, announced at the Young Farmers Summer Expo, are Thomas French of Shenandoah County, Jonathan Grimes of Wythe County, Brandy Puckett of Carroll County and Sarah Rudolph, also of Wythe County.

They will compete Dec. 3 at the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Norfolk.

Enjoy a vacation from full-price hotel stays The Choice Hotels International program offers a 20% discount off “best available rates” for Farm Bureau members at more than 5,000 locations. Choice is proud to help you find hotels that make it possible for you to connect with the people who matter most.

Members are eligible for John Deere’s Rewards program. That means savings on tractors, commercial and residential mowers, utility vehicles, excavators and more at John Deere dealerships.

Ford sweepstakes entries accepted through Sept. 30 Members have until Sept. 3 to enter the Built Ford Proud Sweepstakes for a chance to win a two-year lease on a new Ford vehicle.

Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com or text the word SWEEPS to 46786 to enter.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. MUST BE LEGAL U.S. RESIDENT OF US and D.C., 21 YEARS OR OLDER WITH VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE TO ENTER AND A CURRENT FARM BUREAU MEMBER AS OF 11/1/18. ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes ends 9/30/18. For entry and official rules with complete eligibility, prize description and other details, visit www.fordspecialoffer.com/farmbureau/sweeps.

Sponsored by Ford Motor Company, One American Road, Dearborn, MI 48126. vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2019

21

Accident forgiveness available for auto policies

W

e all want forgiveness.

If you’ve been in an accident—and you are at fault—it may be forgiven if you have Accident Forgiveness Protection on your personal auto insurance policy.

Virginia Farm Bureau Fire & Casualty personal auto policies are 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.

“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,” explained Barry Light, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. product development manager. “This means the forgiven at-fault accident will not cause any change to existing premium adjustments that otherwise would be affected by the accident.”

Forgiveness gives you an extra peace of mind that you don’t have to worry about rates if something unfortunate happens.”

For more information, contact your Farm Bureau insurance agent.

Fire extinguisher program protects equipment Accident Forgiveness Protection applies to all private passenger, farm and utility vehicles on a policy.

That can save a lot of money and peace of mind. And 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.

“I encourage adding Accident Forgiveness to personal auto policies,” said Rob Gillions, VFBMIC agency manager and insurance agent in Essex and Richmond counties. “No one intends to have an accident, and it can be a traumatic experience. Why worry about rates possibly going up? Accident

Temperature-sensitive farm personal property coverage available A recent addition to the Virginia Farm Bureau farmowner insurance program provides spoilage protection for perishable farm products and supplies when the spoilage is the result of a power interruption.

The Temperature Sensitive Farm Personal Property – Power Outage Coverage endorsement is available to insure farm products such as produce, processed meat and harvested tobacco that can spoil due to a change in temperature caused by disruption in electrical service.

“We are pleased to add this important coverage option to our farmowner portfolio,” said Scott DeNoon, farm product and 22

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “Spoilage is a big concern for many types of farm products and supplies and can negatively impact an operation. This endorsement can lessen the impact if the spoilage is caused by a power outage.”

The coverage can be written on a scheduled or unscheduled basis and is currently available for new farmowner policies. It also could be added to existing policies on their renewal dates.

For more information on this and other available coverages to address spoilage concerns, contact your Farm Bureau agent.

Virginia Farm Bureau’s fire extinguisher program assists producer members in protecting certain pieces of farm equipment from loss due to fire by providing—at no cost to members—one 10-pound fire extinguisher with a mount on eligible equipment insured by Farm Bureau.

Eligible equipment includes selfpropelled grain combines, haybines, forage harvesters, cotton pickers, peanut combines and track-type bulldozers. Also, should the extinguisher be used or leak, Farm Bureau will have it recharged at no cost.

For more information, contact your county Farm Bureau.

To prevent fires on equipment: • Complete an inspection of farm equipment before starting a job, using your eyes, ears and nose.

• Look for leaks, engine oil, hydraulic fluids, exhaust system leaks, worn belts and other problems that cause heat buildups that could start a fire.

Also check for worn or damaged electrical wiring.

• At the end of each day, use an air compressor or leaf blower to blow dry matter from equipment. Be sure to wear safety glasses.

• Keep a cell phone with you and know your local emergency services phone number in case something goes wrong.

• If you use a fire extinguisher, be sure to recharge it before returning to the job.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

BURN SAFELY

Original

MAX

XL

with the Stainless Steel

Portable BurnCage

Now Available in 3 Sizes!

PERFECT FOR: • Sensitive financial documents • All burnable household waste* • Old leaves and branches

™

PERFORATED LID and sidewalls maximize airflow and trap embers.

1600° TEMPERATURES mean more thorough burning with less ash. * Always check local ordinances before burning.

No more UNSAFE and UNSIGHTLY rusty barrel!

1A44CX © 2019

STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION is lightweight, durable, and portable (it folds for easy storage).

Go Online or Call for FREE Information Kit, Pricing, and Factory Direct Offer!

BurnCage.com TOLL FREE

877-201-5231 vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2019

23

Free Medicare educational seminars available

I

f you’re on or soon to be on disability, nearing retirement age, or aged 65 and still working, Medicare may be on your mind.

If you have questions about Medicare and want more information, whether you are currently enrolled or nearing enrollment, there may be a local Medicare educational seminar available, sponsored by your county Farm Bureau.

The following seminars have been scheduled, and will be held at the county Farm Bureau office unless otherwise noted: • Sept. 9, Charles City-James CityNew Kent-York County Farm Bureau at Heritage Public Library.

• Sept. 10, Richmond County Farm Bureau.

Health care open enrollment for 2020 The Affordable Care Act open enrollment period to purchase coverage either on or off the Federal Exchange for 2020 will run from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15.

If you don’t enroll in a 2020 plan by Dec. 15, you can’t enroll in a health insurance plan unless you qualify for a special enrollment period. Those include, but are not limited to, job changes or retirement; turning 26 and no longer being included on a parent’s policy; and the birth of a child. For a list of qualifying events, visit healthcare.gov and click on “See If I Can Enroll.”

Important dates for 2020 enrollment: • Nov. 1, 2019 – ACA open enrollment starts.

• Dec. 15, 2019 – ACA open enrollment ends.

• Jan. 1, 2020 – This is the first date 2020 ACA coverage can start.

Annual Medicare election period for 2020 The Medicare annual enrollment period for 2020 will run from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.

This is when you can make changes to Medicare health or prescription drug coverage. All changes will go into effect Jan. 1, 2020. Contact your county Farm Bureau representative for assistance.

• Sept. 10, Westmoreland County Farm Bureau at Montross Library.

• Sept. 11, Hanover County Farm Bureau (Ashland office).

• Sept. 11, Northumberland County Farm Bureau at Northumberland Public Library.

• Sept. 12, Essex County Farm Bureau.

Each seminar is available at no cost.

To register, call your county Farm Bureau office, even if the seminar is held at a neighboring office.

New this year:

The following seminars will be hosted by Virginia Farm Bureau Health Care Consultants. To register, contact Angela Windett at 804-290-1118 or angela.windett@vafb.com.

• Sept. 5, Central Virginia at Retail Merchants Association Headquarters (near Willow Lawn).

• Sept. 16, Greene County at Grace Health and Rehab Center of Greene County.

24

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

There are still a handful of free Farm Bureau-sponsored Medicare educational seminars available this fall.

Protect yourself from seasonal flu viruses When fall and winter roll around, so does the flu.

While seasonal flu viruses are detected year-round in the U.S., flu activity begins to increase in October.

Most of the time that activity peaks between December and February, although it can continue as late as May. When it comes to fighting the flu, the best defense is getting a flu shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended since February 2010 that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine every season.

It was during that winter that the committee voted for “universal” flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection to more people.

Most health insurance plans have 100% coverage for the flu vaccine.

Check with your health care provider or insurance company for more information.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu virus. That’s why, according to the CDC, it is best to get vaccinated by the end of October, before the flu season really gets underway.

Flu vaccines can reduce flu illnesses, doctor’s visits and missed days of work and school, as well as prevent flurelated hospitalizations. Flu vaccines also have been shown to significantly reduce a child’s risk of dying from the flu. There is data to suggest that even if someone gets sick after vaccination, their illness may be milder.

Flu activity in the U.S. accelerates in October and can continue as late as May.

Because flu and other germs aren’t for sharing: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer the following suggestions to prevent the spread of germs: • Avoid close contact with sick people.

• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible.

• If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

After using a tissue, throw it away and wash your hands.

• Wash your hands often, using soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.

For more information, visit cdc.gov/flu.

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2019

25

Farming advocates share stories with thousands of Virginia children

Initiative emphasizes school meals’ origins on farms

F

armers and friends of the agricultural community read to thousands of children during Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom program’s annual Agriculture Literacy Week, March 18-22.

“Right This Very Minute, by Lisl Detlefsen, the 2019 Virginia AITC Book of the Year, was popular among our readers and the children,” said Tammy Maxey, AITC senior education manager.

More than 1,500 volunteers read the book to 63,000 children in over 3,000 classes, in 500 schools.

Volunteer readers included Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring; Virginia Farm Bureau

VFBF Vice President Scott Sink was among volunteer readers.

Federation Vice President Scott Sink and other VFBF board members; staff from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Farm Credit and F&M Bank; various agritourism partners; and FFA and 4-H club members.

Many volunteer readers donated copies of Right This Very Minute to school and classroom libraries.

Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom has partnered with the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to create a Harvest of the Month initiative introducing children to foods grown in Virginia.

Each month highlights a fruit or vegetable produced in the commonwealth.

A Virginia Healthy Harvest map has been distributed to schools across the state to show the variety of foods grown in Virginia. View the map at agclassroom.org/va/teachers/ harvest.cfm.

Virginia AITC and Virginia Farm Bureau are making Who Grew My Food? poster sets available to schools across the state to display in cafeterias.

BANKING “The relationship that I’ve built with First Bank & Trust was the driving force behind where I am today.”

Bud Shaver, Lucky Charm Farm

First Bank

Technology is our driving force, but it’s our people that make the difference.

chnology,

& Trust Company

Agricultural Lending Division | www.FirstBank.com | Member FDIC

Where tradition meets technology, Your Bank for Business.

26

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

LOCAL SERVICE. FAST DECISIONS. RELATIONSHIP BANKING.

SM

Businesses, Farm Bureaus support AITC In addition to many individuals who contributed, numerous organizations made contributions to the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom between July 1, 2018 and June 30 of this year.

Steward Level ($50,000+) • Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Harvester Level ($10,000-$24,999) • Farm Credit • James River Equipment • Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. • Virginia Soybean Board Grower Level ($5,000-$9,999) • BB&T Charitable Foundation • Cargill Inc. • DuPont Pioneer • Farmers and Merchants Bank • Finys • Ford Motor Co. • National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization • Publix Charities • Rosemont of Virginia LLC • Titmus Foundation • Universal Leaf Foundation • Virginia Beef Industry Council • Virginia Corn Board • VFBF Women’s Program • VFBF Young Farmers Committee Cultivator Level ($1,000-$4,999) • Albemarle County Farm Bureau • American Agricultural Insurance Co. • Augusta Cooperative Farm Bureau Inc. • Augusta County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Ballyshannon Fund in the Charlottesville Area Community • Bank of America • Benchmark Tool & Supply Inc. • Birdsong Peanuts • Charles City-James City-New Kent-York Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Chesterfield County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • ColonialWebb Contractors • Culpeper Farmers’ Cooperative Inc. • Dairy Alliance • Dinwiddie County Farm Bureau • Enterprise Holdings Foundation

• Farm Bureau of Shenandoah County • FBAlliance • Floyd County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation Inc. • Greene County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Greensville County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Halifax County Farm Bureau • Hanover County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Holtzman Oil Corp.

• Houff Family Foundation • Houff’s Feed & Fertilizer • Hubner Seed • Huffman Trailer Sales • Hundley Farms Inc. • Hundley Seed Co. Inc. • Insurance Auto Auctions • Land O’Lakes Foundation • Lee County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • LexisNexis Risk Solutions • Madison Wood Preservers • Middlesex County Farm Bureau • Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative • Nutrien Ag Solutions • Orange County Farm Bureau • Powhatan County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Prince William-Fairfax County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Ricoh USA • Rockbridge County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Rockingham Cooperative • Rockingham Petroleum Cooperative • Southern States Cooperative Inc. • Tazewell County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • The Jane and Arthur Flippo Foundation • Virginia Apple Board • Virginia Cattlemen’s Association • Virginia Cotton Board

• Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services • Virginia Egg Board • Virginia Farm Bureau Membership and Field Services Department • Virginia Pork Council • Virginia Poultry Federation • Virginia Soybean Association • Washington County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee • Westmoreland County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee

Classroom volunteer wins national award Franklin County farmer Debbie Brubaker was honored with the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization’s Agriculture Advocate Award in BRUBAKER June at the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference.

Brubaker is a longtime volunteer for Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom and has shared the importance of agriculture with more than 60,000 children. She won the award for expanding her Dairy Day event to encompass 20 different commodities, as well as STEM activities.

“The impact in a small, rural community would be impressive in its own right, but it’s Debbie’s creativity in reaching children that makes her remarkable,” said Tammy Maxey, Virginia AITC senior manager. “Her off-the-farm work as a graphic designer has brought vivid displays to her volunteer projects.” vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2019

27

Heart of the Home

Popcorn’s popularity is popping

P

opcorn is a versatile, satisfying, low-calorie snack, and Americans eat 14 billion quarts of it each year, according to The Popcorn Board, a nonprofit checkoff organization funded by U.S. popcorn processors.

Of that amount, 70% is eaten at home, and the remainder is munched at entertainment venues.

Popcorn is a type of maize (or corn), but differs from other varieties in that it has a thicker hull. That hull allows pressure from the heated water inside to build, heating each kernel’s starch until it becomes gelatinous. When the hull bursts, the starch spills out and cools.

Popcorn’s agricultural history is long, but its commercial history is relatively short, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It was first mentioned in farm papers and seed trade catalogs around 1880, but its popularity quickly grew.

Nearly all of the world’s popcorn production is in the U.S., with 25 states growing the crop. Virginia has a handful of popcorn growers.

Bacon and Cheese Popcorn INGREDIENTS

4 quarts popped corn ⅓ cup butter or margarine ¼ teaspoon hickory smoke seasoning, such as Liquid Smoke ⅓ cup bacon bits or soy “bacon” bits ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon seasoned salt or kosher salt

28

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Popcorn pops up fluffy because kernels’ thick hulls hold in water while the corn is heated.

Heart of the Home

DIRECTIONS

Place popcorn in a large serving bowl.

In a small bowl, melt butter in microwave, about 20 seconds. Stir hickory smoke seasoning into butter.

Pour butter mixture over popcorn, and toss to distribute evenly. Sprinkle bacon bits, Parmesan cheese and salt over buttered popcorn.

Toss and serve immediately.

Source: The Popcorn Board

Mini Popcorn Balls INGREDIENTS

10 cups popped corn 1-pound bag miniature marshmallows Âź cup (half a stick) butter or margarine 1 cup diced dried fruit (papaya, mango or peaches) 1 cup butterscotch chips orange food coloring DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, combine popcorn, dried fruit and butterscotch chips; set aside.

In a large saucepan over low heat, melt marshmallows and butter, stirring until smooth. Stir in several drops of food coloring.

Mini Popcorn Balls (upper right) are a sweet fall treat for celebrations or simply snacking.

Pour marshmallow mixture over popcorn mixture, tossing to coat evenly. Cool 5 minutes. With greased hands, shape into 3â&#x20AC;? balls.

Source: The Popcorn Board

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2019

29

FARM BUREAU MEMBERS RECEIVE

500 BONUS CASH +$500 CONQUEST CASH $

*

Covering agriculture in VIRGINIA Maryland, Delaware and surrounding areas for more then 40 years!

*

FORD F-150

Call Megan to subscribe today!

Mention this ad and receive $5 OFF your subscription.

BUY NOW, SAVE NOW. FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com

* Farm Bureau Ford Bonus Cash $500 offer exclusively for active Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. Must be a Farm Bureau member for 30 consecutive days prior to purchase and take new retail delivery from dealer by January 2, 2020. Offer is valid through 1/2/2020 for the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2018/2019/2020 model year Ford vehicle. Program 37264: Additional $500 Conquest Bonus Cash offer exclusively for active Farm Bureau members valid for a purchase or lease from 7/2/19 through 9/30/19 of an eligible new 2018/2019/2020 model year Ford vehicle. Customer must have a registered 1995 or newer non-Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicle in their name for at least 30 days, to be eligible for this additional $500 incentive.

Not available on Shelby GT350ÂŽ, ShelbyÂŽ GT350R, Mustang BULLITT, Ford GT, Focus RS, and F-150 Raptor. This offer may not be used in conjunction with most other Ford Motor Company private incentives or AXZD-Plans. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply. Limit one Bonus Cash and Conquest offer per vehicle purchase or lease. Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com or see your authorized Ford Dealer for qualifications and complete details.

Ford Dealers please claim #36816 for Farm Bureau Program and #37264 for additional $500 Conquest Bonus Cash in Smart VINCENT.

30

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

24446_FD_FB_3.6875x4.8125_VA_Ad.indd 1

410.822.3965 | 800.634.5021 www.americanfarm.com

6/27/19 2:50 PM

Marketplace

2020 magazine classified ad schedule and policies

CROPS DEER AND RABBIT REPELLENT – $21.90, makes 10 gallons. Safe, effective, long lasting, guaranteed. 540-464-1969.

Members of Virginia Farm Bureau are eligible to place one free 15-word classified ad per membership per year in Virginia Farm Bureau News, which is mailed to producer members, or in Cultivate, which is mailed to associate members.

APPLE POLISHING/GRADING EQUIPMENT – Bin dumper. All in good condition. Come look and make offer. 540-309-3939.

Ads of 16 to 30 words must be accompanied by payment of $20.

FOR SALE – Plow, 3-gang, 8-ft. disc. 703-594-2441.

Any additional ads placed by members in the same calendar year must be accompanied by payment of $10 for 15 words or fewer, or $20 for 16 to 30 words. Ads submitted without payment will be returned. We do not invoice for classified ads or provide proofs or tearsheets.

Ads with more than 30 words and ads from nonmembers will not be accepted.

Use the online form at vafb.com/membership-at-work/ membership/benefits/marketplace to place your ad (You will need to register as a member and log in first). No ads or cancellations will be taken by phone. You also may use the classified ad form that will be in your November 2019 issue of Virginia Farm Bureau News. Ads will be accepted only from members whose membership is current.

FARM EQUIPMENT

FEEDTRAIN FEEDING SYSTEMS – Feedbunks, bulk bins, creep feeders, UTV/ATV feeders. feedtrain.com. Virginia dealer. 540-679-6567.

FOR SALE – PTO shaft, standard size fits 5000 Ford tractor. Call 540-894-4543.

FORD 800 – with front end loader, bush hog, Farmall-A with cultivator plow tiller.

804-633-6170.

TELESCOPIC FORKLIFTS FOR SALE – Many makes and models available. Free delivery in Virginia. 757-435-4951.

WANTED – 2-bottom plow, 3-point lift, excellent condition only. For use with 60HP tractor.

804-633-6331.

LIVESTOCK CHAROLAIS BULLS – High quality and easy calving. Veterinarian owned. $1,500 to $3,500.

Abingdon, 276-628-9543.

REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS – Calving ease, semen tested, excellent bloodlines. Reasonably priced, good selection. C-Stock Farm, Scottsville. 434-286-2423, 434-981-1397.

• Magazine classified ads can be placed in the following five categories only: • Crops; • Farm equipment; • Hay/Straw; • Livestock; and • Livestock equipment.

Classified ads will be published in the following issues: • April Virginia Farm Bureau News (mailed to producer members only); • May Cultivate (mailed to associate members only); • August Cultivate (mailed to associate members only); and • September Virginia Farm Bureau News (mailed to producer members only).

Finding your member number

When placing your ad, be sure to include your Farm Bureau member number, which can be found on your membership card and above your name on the mailing label of your copy of Virginia Farm Bureau News. All member numbers will be verified.

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2019

31