FBN April 2017

Farm Bureau News The Voice of Virginia’s Agricultural Producers

APRIL 2017

vafb.com

What Virginia farm products are in demand overseas?

Farm Bureau News

Volume 76, Number 2 April 2017

14

Features 14

What Virginia farm products are in demand overseas?

Nearly one-third of the agricultural products grown in Virginia are exported. Find out what’s in demand, and where it’s going.

6 Farmers turn out for Legislative Day, because “this is important”

County Farm Bureau leaders used Legislative Day

to help build and maintain relationships with their state senators and delegates.

12

Young Farmers take center stage at national convention

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers were on the national stage once again after an impressive showing at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention.

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE

Producer members will receive their next issue of Virginia Farm Bureau News in September. The magazine is published quarterly.

“Southeast Asia represents a significant emerging market for Virginia agriculture and forestry products.”

—DR. BASIL GOODEN, secretary of agriculture and forestry

Departments 26

For Your Benefit

29

Heart of the Home

31

Marketplace

ON THE COVER The majority of ag exports that pass through The Port of Virginia in Norfolk are grains, soybeans, starches, animal feed and wood products (Photo courtesy of The Port of Virginia).

THE PORT OF VIRGINIA

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 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 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

Together, we can grow an even stronger organization Just like a crop that is planted each spring, Farm Bureau’s membership efforts begin anew each year.

Ideally, everyone who was a member in 2016 will see sufficient value in that membership to renew it for 2017. But that’s not enough. For our organization to remain strong and relevant, we need to grow that membership every year.

WAYNE F. PRYOR

That has proven challenging in the past couple of years, for a variety of reasons, but I do feel like we are poised to build up our numbers and create an even more vital association.

What prompted you to join?

As a producer member, you are in a unique position to help with this effort—and I hope you’ll choose to do so.

Please think about what prompted you to become a Farm Bureau member—and whether you know anyone who might be similarly motivated.

Maybe you wanted to save money on baler twine, farm tires or replacement parts from the Farm Bureau warehouse. I hope you’ve also had an opportunity to use the Member Deals Plus® benefit to save on vehicle services, restaurant meals, Valentine’s Day flowers or other purchases. You also can enjoy savings on GM vehicles and travel expenses.

Maybe you were drawn in by county Farm Bureau volunteer and leadership opportunities. If that’s the case, I’d be remiss if I failed to thank you, as this is National Volunteer Month. We continue to look for ways

to engage our members and to utilize your time and talents efficiently and respectfully.

Maybe you were attracted by Farm Bureau’s reputation as a voice for all Virginia farmers. If you have participated in local or regional policy discussions this spring, I thank you for adding your voice to that collective one. This is our organization’s most important function, and member participation is essential.

Maybe you needed insurance for your home or farm or to protect other assets. If that is the case, I want to thank you for choosing Farm Bureau insurance. I know our agents in communities statewide are working hard to anticipate and exceed policyholder needs.

Top membership counties as of March 15

County Farm Bureau

Members

Washington 2,559 Franklin 2,185 Charles City – James City – New Kent - York

2,163

Hanover 2,133 Smyth 2,082 Augusta 1,801 Russell 1,737 Bedford 1,727 Rockingham 1,718 Tazewell 1,713

A new goal, and a challenge

Our membership total in late October 2016, the end of our membership year, was 126,353. 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.

This goal is, in my opinion, thoroughly attainable, and I hope you will help us reach and exceed it this year. Your annual membership dues are an investment in your industry and your community, and the future of both.

And, just as we need you, we need your friends and neighbors.

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

County Farm Bureau

Percentage of goal

Albemarle 82.66% Rappahannock 81.46% Charlotte 81.29% Smyth 81.17% Giles 81.12% Floyd 80.97% Buckingham 80.85% Franklin 80.48% Accomack 80.44% Lee 80.30%

vafb.com / APRIL 2017

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Save the Date!

1.52

million head

State estimate of cattle and calves in Virginia as of Jan. 1, according to annual livestock inventory by the Virginia field office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

That’s 30,000 more than in January 2016. Other inventory findings include: • 80,000 sheep; and • 45,000 goats.

Farm Bureau convention returning to Williamsburg The 2017 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention will take place Nov. 28-30 at a new venue, the Williamsburg Lodge. The annual event will include featured speakers, policy discussion, awards presentations and informative workshops.

Registration will open in early fall. The convention is open to county Farm Bureau delegates and other interested Farm Bureau members.

ELIZABETH NIXON

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 and at Amazon.com.

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

Virginia Farm Bureau 1982–2016

From the Ground Up: Growth of a Modern Farm Bureau Greg Hicks

events, listings of award winners, and many other highlights.

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

vafb.com / APRIL 2017

5

KATHY DIXON

Legislative Day is potential launching pad for building rapport with elected officials

BY KATHY DIXON

M

embers of Bedford County Farm Bureau who attended Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Legislative Day used the event to catch up with their elected officials.

“The more times you talk to the legislators, the more recognition you get,” noted Bedford Farm Bureau President W.P. Johnson, of the Jan. 25 event. All five are members of the Bedford Farm Bureau Young Farmers Committee, and three serve on the county Farm Bureau board. They were among 120 producer members who attended the event.

“Our legislators are generally very supportive of agriculture, but when bills come up, they are quick to contact us because we have developed relationships with them beyond one day in Richmond,” explained Dr. Amy Johnson.

The Bedford group’s rapport with Del. Terry Austin, R-Buchanan, was evident. Austin asked the Johnsons about grain prices and inquired about the health of Sam Gardner’s parents.

He then asked what the group wanted to emphasize.

When Amy Johnson told Austin about Farm Bureau’s push for restoration of state funding for wildlife damage control, she recounted how coyotes decimated her father’s lamb operation. Austin was sympathetic.

“I didn’t realize that,” he said. “But it really helps when you all come in and share this kind of information.

“The main thing is that you keep an open line of communication with me.

6

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Del. T. Scott Garrett, R-Lynchburg (left), was among state legislators visited by W.P. and Dr. Amy Johnson of Bedford County Farm Bureau. They talked with Garrett about the possibility of holding a farm tour for legislators.

If I don’t answer an email, email me again,” he asserted. “If I recognize your name, you’ll be a priority.”

Building rapport with legislators is one of Legislative Day’s goals.

Ronnie Forrester, a member of Northumberland-Lancaster County Farm Bureau and a regular Legislative Day participant, called the event “one of the better things Farm Bureau does for its members” and said he wished more farmers would participate. “I know they’re busy; I’m busy. I could be home farming, but this is important enough to take the time to do it.”

Farmers who met with legislators throughout the morning focused on three key issues. They asked for funding for the state’s ag best management practices cost share program, wildlife damage control, forestry programs and Virginia Cooperative Extension facilities and research. They also asked legislators to support HB 519, which would allow farmers to carry slightly heavier loads of farm product from the field to a storage location, helping Virginia be more competitive with North Carolina.

Additionally, Farm Bureau representatives asked for revisions to HB 2030, which, as introduced, would exempt producers of unpasteurized milk from regulations of the Board of

Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Before the bill’s defeat, Farm Bureau worked to ensure that any raw milk sold would be for personal consumption and not resale; that the milk would be produced and sold on the seller’s farm; that sellers comply with health and safety standards applicable to milk sold in Virginia, or with similar standards; that the milk be sold in containers labeled with the farm’s or producer’s name and address and “Not for Resale;” that the milk production area comply with sanitary standards applicable to Virginia dairies, or with similar standards; that milk testing and dairy inspection be identical to that used for a conventional dairy; that the producer have an ongoing relationship with a veterinarian; that the producer meet standards of financial assurance that may include a requirement of bonding on insurance; and that the practice of cow-sharing or goat-sharing address health and sanitary standards.

Because the above items were not included in the final bill, Farm Bureau opposed its final passage, and the bill was defeated.

The VFBF Women’s Committee exhibited a large display inside the General Assembly building and offered free BLT sandwiches and milk, all sourced from Farm Bureau members.

Members ensured that state legislators met Virginia agriculture

I

n this year’s 30-day session of the Virginia General Assembly, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation was successful on 28 out of 35 issues.

Farm Bureau kicked off a yearlong social media campaign titled “Meet Virginia Agriculture” during the session. A separate social media campaign related to the federal Produce Safety Rule bill was able to reach about 31,000 followers. “These campaigns are valuable tools that we will continue to utilize in communicating with legislators and their constituents to advocate for Farm Bureau’s positions,” noted Martha Moore, VFBF vice president of governmental relations.

Many county Farm Bureau leaders participated in Legislative Day, and members of the VFBF Young Farmers Committee visited with key legislators regarding budget issues and state administration of the federal Produce Safety Rule. Moore said their visits “were key in putting a face with policy positions for which Farm Bureau advocated.”

Some areas in which Farm Bureau policy prevailed: BUDGET— • Funding from the Water Quality Improvement Funding Reserve was appropriated, allocating an additional $6.7 million for the state Agriculture Best Management Practices Cost Share program, $993,000 for technical assistance and $500,000 for the state match needed to access funding from the federal Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. These dollars would leverage $1 million in federal funding. With the introduced budget, about $15 million will be available for cost share, $2 million in

CREP funding and $2.1 million for technical assistance.

• One hundred percent of state funding was restored for the Wildlife Damage Cooperative Program for both years of the biennium.

• Legislators restored $413,360 for a 100 percent match of private funds by the state Reforestation of Timberlands Incentive Program.

This means the program will be fully funded for Fiscal Year 2018.

• Legislators restored $2.04 million to Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Language was included to direct Virginia Tech and Virginia State University to develop solutions for addressing the state’s shortage of agriculture teachers.

EMINENT DOMAIN—Both houses passed a bill that aligns with Virginia’s property rights constitutional amendment and directs courts to reimburse a plaintiff for the costs of an inverse condemnation proceeding for “damaging” property if a judgment is entered for the plaintiff. Under current law, courts are directed to award costs only for the “taking” of property.

FOOD SAFETY—A bill authorizes the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to administer the federal Produce Safety Rule, which sets standards for safe growing and handling of fruits and vegetables for interstate commerce. The bill provides an opportunity for the large-scale farmers subject to the federal rule to work with a state regulatory agency rather than relying solely on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ensure compliance.

LABOR—Bills failed in committee that would have increased the minimum wage from its current federally

mandated $7.25 per hour to $8-$15, or established a “living wage.”

Additionally, a bill failed that would have prohibited employing someone under 18 to work in direct contact with tobacco plants or dried tobacco leaves unless the owner of the farm or other work site is the child’s parent, grandparent or legal guardian or has written consent from the child’s parent or legal guardian.

TRANSPORTATION—A bill passed that imposes a $250 fine for second and subsequent offenses of failing to comply with restrictions for the use of “Farm Use” vehicles on the highway.

Current law allows for a fine of up to $250.

Another Farm Bureau-supported bill passed that extends from 50 to 75 miles the maximum distance allowable for travel using a “Farm Use” vehicle.

It requires the operator to respond to questions from law enforcement regarding the location of the farm.

Farm Bureau also supported a transportation bill that authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue overweight permits that are valid statewide for vehicles hauling Virginia-grown farm produce up to 90,000 pounds. The legislation expands the current permit used on the Eastern Shore for use statewide.

Areas in which Farm Bureau policy did not prevail “Many of the issues that we did not prevail on were a result of budget cuts impacting programs that we had policy supporting,” Moore noted. “However, on critical budget issues some or all funding was restored.”

One such example was a loss of funding for the state beehive grant program. However, to help posture the program for future funding opportunities, language was included to request that VDACS evaluate its effectiveness in increasing Virginia’s bee population, and to make suggestions for improvement. vafb.com / APRIL 2017

7

Farm Bureau policy book available online The 2017 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Policy Book is available on the VFBF website at vafb.com/ membership-at-work/ farmers-in-action/legislative/ taking-positions-on-issues.

Current policies are the result of thorough consideration and recommendations by producer members. Each state-level VFBF policy gets its start at the county level and, over the course of a year, evolves through policy development channels intended to attain consensus among Farm Bureau producer members statewide. These policies are reassessed annually.

The VFBF president, board and staff are responsible for the interpretation of federation policies. Members with questions regarding specific policies or their implementation may contact the Governmental Relations Department.

Producer members statewide began discussing potential policy issues for 2018 in late February at regional policy development meetings.

Latest EPA ag pesticide safety manual available The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative offer a guide to help users of agricultural pesticides comply with the requirements of the 2015 revised federal Worker Protection Standard.

The manual How to Comply With the 2015 Revised Worker Protection Standard For Agricultural Pesticides—What Owners and Employers Need To Know, EPA 735-B-16-001, is recommended reading for those who employ agricultural workers or handlers; own or manage an agricultural establishment or a commercial pesticide handling establishment; or work as a crop advisor.

“The EPA’S latest revision to the Worker Protection Standards affects 8

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

individuals working with or near pesticides. Farmers need to be aware of the new annual training, recordkeeping and mandatory posting requirements,” said Tony Banks, a commodity marketing specialist for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

The updated 2016 manual supersedes the 2005 version, made obsolete by changes to the standard. The new manual includes: • details to help determine whether WPS requirements apply to you; • information on how to comply with the WPS requirements, including exceptions, restrictions, options and examples;

How to Comply With the 2015 Revised Worker Protection Standard For Agricultural Pesticides What Owners and Employers Need To Know

• a “Quick Reference Guide” to basic requirements; and • new or revised definitions that can affect your WPS responsibilities.

The PERC website also offers WPS booklets and handouts for quick reference, as well as videos for Englishand Spanish-speaking workers. The videos are available for download and also can be viewed on YouTube.

To access the manual and related materials, visit pesticideresources.org.

To request a printed copy of the manual, call 703-305-7666.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

SM

Caroline County educator named AITC Teacher of the Year Jessica Pittman, a first grade teacher in Caroline County, has been named Virginia’s Agriculture in the Classroom 2017 Teacher of the Year.

The award recognizes a Virginia educator for efforts in incorporating agriculture into his or her core curriculum.

Pittman also is a 2017 recipient of the National Excellence in PITTMAN Teaching about Agriculture Award.

“Jessica uses agricultural concepts daily in her classroom as the real-life examples to demonstrate required core curriculum,” said Tammy Maxey, senior education manager for Virginia AITC. “Through Jessica’s efforts, her students are gaining a greater appreciation for agriculture, as well as an improved understanding that food begins on the farm rather than at the grocery store.”

Pittman uses a multifaceted approach to incorporating agriculture into her classroom and school community at Bowling Green Elementary School. She uses an indoor tower garden to teach children plant science; organizes presentations by a local dairy cooperative to teach about animal agriculture; and occasionally brings her own livestock to school.

She and her husband, Ben, own and operate Hopeful Dreams Farm in Hanover County, and she is an active member of Hanover County Farm Bureau.

As Virginia AITC’s Teacher of the Year she will receive a scholarship to attend the 2017 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in June in Kansas City, Mo., and a $500 award.

Four finalists Virginia AITC also recognized four Teacher of the Year finalists. Each will receive complimentary registration to the National AITC Conference: • Karen Dash, Crestview Elementary School in Henrico County; • Jessica Drahms, Grange Hall Elementary School in Chesterfield County; • Susan Spranger, Patrick Henry Elementary School in Arlington County; and • Diana Webber, Albemarle High School in Charlottesville.

Support AITC at these upcoming events There are many opportunities throughout the year to support Agriculture in the Classroom while having fun with friends.

Golf tournament

The annual AITC Golf Tournament will be held May 22 at Hunting Hawk Golf Club in Hanover County.

Registration is open to teams and individuals.

Cornhole tournament

Want to toss beanbags for a good cause? There will be an AITC cornhole competition this summer. A date and location will be determined soon.

Clay shoots

A series of sporting clay shoots will take place Oct. 24 at Old Forge Sporting Clays in New Kent County, Oct. 25 at Flying Rabbit Sporting Clays in Rockingham County and Oct. 26 at Kettlefoot Gun Range in Bristol.

Red Barn Ball

Celebrate Agriculture in the Classroom’s 25th anniversary with friends old and new on Nov. 27 in Williamsburg, hosted in conjunction with the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention.

Visit AgInTheClass.org or follow “The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom” on Facebook for event details and registration information.

Jessica Pittman uses a tower garden at Bowling Green Elementary School to teach plant science.

vafb.com / APRIL 2017

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VFBF Young Farmers take center stage at national convention

BY KATHY DIXON

V

irginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers once again took the national stage when one was named a winner and three others became finalists in competitions at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in January in Phoenix.

“Each year our Young Farmers’ presence grows stronger at the national level,” said VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor. “We have been bringing home top awards for more than a decade, and if these young leaders represent the future of agriculture, then our future is in excellent hands.”

Excellence in Agriculture Award

Sarah Scyphers of Washington County won the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award. In July 2016 she captured the VFBF Young Farmers Excellence in Agriculture Award. The award program recognizes individuals for agriculture involvement, leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.

SCYPHERS

12

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Scyphers is an agriculture education instructor and FFA advisor at Holston High School in Damascus. She grew up on her family’s farm, and she, her husband and their two children raise sheep and cattle.

Scyphers noted that she had opportunities throughout the AFBF convention to talk with others and share ideas. “I hope my efforts will influence others to have ag education programs that meet the agricultural industry’s technological standards and to meet the industry’s need to prepare students for future agricultural jobs,” she said.

During the 2015-2016 school year, she was awarded a Models of Innovation Grant through the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Virginia Tech for developing an outdoor learning lab at her school.

Achievement Award

Chris and Dr. Patricia “Trish” Haskins of Pittsylvania County were runnersup in the AFBF YF&R Achievement Award competition. The couple won the VFBF Achievement Award in November 2016. The program honors young farmers who are successful in production agriculture and provide leadership on and off the farm.

Chris is a fourth-generation farmer who grows tobacco and manages an Angus/Hereford cow-calf operation.

Trish works part-time as a small animal veterinarian and with the cattle on the farm.

HASKINSES

“Our goal was to make it into the top 10 (finalists), so we were honored and blessed” to be one of three couples named runners-up, she explained.

State-level winners from across the nation compete for the Achievement Award, and judges choose 10 finalists who vie for the national title.

Discussion Meet

Dr. Jessica Jones, an agriculture education teacher and FFA advisor at Tunstall High School in Pittsylvania County, was one of three finalists in the AFBF YF&R Discussion Meet. Jones won the VFBF Discussion Meet in November 2016.

The Discussion Meet is designed to simulate a committee meeting in which discussion and active participation is expected from each contestant. Competitors are judged on their discussion skills, understanding of important agricultural issues and how well they build a consensus.

“It’s more than just a prize at the end; it’s about coming up with solutions to actual problems,” Jones remarked. This year’s national finalround topic was “American agriculture

Virginia programs recognized for excellence

JONES

depends on a foreign-born labor force. How would you draft a national immigration policy?”

Rockingham County Farm Bureau members Jesse and Paula Martin won an AFBF County Activities of Excellence Award for the Farming Leaders conference they conducted last March. CAE Awards celebrate unique, volunteer-driven programming at the local level in the areas of education and ag promotion; member services; public relations and information; leadership development; and policy implementation.

Farmers told to be transparent, build consumer trust

Delegates approve national policies

Fittingly, delegates to the 2017 convention reaffirmed support for flexibility in the H-2A program that would allow foreign workers to seek employment from more than one U.S. farmer. That was one of the solutions Jones and other finalists deliberated during the Discussion Meet.

Seven Virginia producers were among delegates who approved public policy measures designed to help ensure a prosperous future for farmers, ranchers and everyone who depends on them.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall said policies approved by the delegates provide a “roadmap for actions AFBF will take to implement our policies throughout this year.”

MARTINS

Additionally, Virginia Farm Bureau was recognized for earning AFBF Awards of Excellence in each of the awards’ six categories: education and outreach; leadership development; member benefits; membership initiatives; policy development and implementation; and public relations and communications.

Workshops address pressing topics

Virginia delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention included Hunter Richardson (right) of King & Queen County and Robert Harris of Pittsylvania County.

temporary agricultural worker program jumped from 42,000 in 2005 to 165,000 in 2016.

At the same time, the number of Mexican immigrants working in the U.S. has declined, he said.

That’s why immigration reform— including a viable guestworker program—is crucial, explained Mark Delich, director of congressional affairs for FWD.us, a bipartisan organization working toward immigration reform. “Fixing immigration isn’t just about border security,” he said.

The 5,000 farmers and guests at the convention had opportunities to attend workshops on topics such as crisis management, consumer engagement, antibiotics in animal agriculture, immigration and more.

In a workshop about immigration, Tom Hertz, a U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service economist, noted that authorizations for the H-2A

In a workshop titled “How Do We Close the Animal Ag Gap?” Charlie Arnot, chief executive officer for the Center for Food Integrity, said consumer skepticism is on the rise.

Over the past 45 years there has been more consolidation, integration and industrialization in agriculture, he explained. Consequently, “people now think we are an institution, and they don’t trust us.”

Arnot said farmers need to work on re-building consumer trust. “Shared values is 35 times more important to building trust than sharing facts or demonstrating technical skills.”

In peer-reviewed research involving 600 consumers over a three-year period, the CFI found that consumers make food choices that reflect their values.

“The larger you are, the more people believe you will put your interests above theirs,” Arnot said the research found. “Transparency is no longer optional; it’s a basic consumer expectation for the entire food system.”

vafb.com / APRIL 2017

13

THE SHIPPING NEWS:

More than 20 international shipping lines offer direct service to and from facilities of The Port of Virginia, with connections to more than 200 countries. That’s been advantageous for the export of Virginia farm and forest products.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE PORT OF VIRGINIA

VIRGINIA AGRICULTURAL TRADE UPDATE

Wood fuel

Soybeans led Virginia’s Top 12 farm and forest exports in 2016

BY CLAIRE MILLS

V

irginia boasts an outstanding transportation infrastructure for moving farm and forestry exports to The Port of Virginia, a major hub on the East Coast, where products are shipped to markets worldwide.

Nearly one-third of the agricultural products grown in Virginia are exported; however, not all products exported from Virginia originated here.

“The top Virginia agriculture and forestry exports include items that are processed in Virginia but not necessarily grown here,” explained Stephanie Agee, director of marketing and development for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

“They also include products that simply pass through Virginia from another state but are exported out of The Port of Virginia. While not produced here, these products are still important to the Virginia economy, as they support jobs in the transportation, storage and logistics industries, as well as at the port, a vital economic driver in the commonwealth.”

The value of the exports depends on market prices at the time each order is placed, so the top markets for each commodity can change annually.

Here are Virginia’s Top 12 farm and forestry exports in 2016.

Philip Morris International, was the top tobacco market in 2016.

Pork

Pork may be frozen or fresh when it is exported in the form of pork loins and other parts of the pig, including internal organs like brains, hearts and livers for food.

Soy meal

Most of the soy meal that is exported is first processed at Perdue Agribusiness Inc., which owns and operates a major deep-water export terminal in Chesapeake.

Processed food and beverages

Processed foods and beverages include soups, ice cream, condiments and soft drinks.

Poultry

Exports of poultry, especially dark meat, and poultry parts are shipped to other countries for use in food production.

Wood chips and wood pellets are exported as fuel for residential and industrial use. Rising demand for renewable energy in the United Kingdom is driving demand for wood pellets to produce heat and electricity.

Soybean oil

Soy oil, which is extracted from soybeans, is exported for use in cooking and in processing foods.

Animal feed

As the income level of populations in Southeast Asia rises, the demand for animal protein in people’s diets also is increasing. Virginia exports animal feed for the growing number of animals raised in those and other countries.

Corn

Corn is exported as unprocessed kernels.

Raw peanuts

Virginia exports both shelled and unshelled peanuts. They may have been grown elsewhere, but most of the peanuts are cleaned, shelled, sized and prepared for shipping at Birdsong Peanuts in Suffolk.

TOP 12

2016 Agricultural Exports Via Virginia PRODUCTS

VALUE IN 2016

TOP MARKETS

1

Soybeans

China, Tunisia, Russia

2

Wood products

3

Leaf tobacco

4

Pork

5

Soy meal

6

Processed foods and beverages

Wood exports include logs and lumber, as well as wood products such as veneer and flooring.

7

Poultry

8

Wood fuel

9

Soybean oil

Leaf tobacco

10 Animal feed

$701,677,734 $270,895,053 $264,159,138 $238,960,478 $176,266,358 $168,951,904 $151,811,501 $123,851,317 $112,757,620 $55,491,895 $51,553,524 $48,907,308

Soybeans

The No. 1 export from Virginia is whole soybeans.

Wood products

A good portion of leaf tobacco is exported to countries where it is used to make cigarettes. Switzerland, which is home to the operations center of

11

Corn

12

Peanuts (raw)

China, Vietnam, UK Switzerland, Russia, Mexico China, Mexico, Japan Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam Canada, Taiwan, Brazil Angola, Hong Kong, Mexico UK, Belgium, Denmark Venezuela, Colombia, Morocco Indonesia, China, Saudi Arabia Colombia, Jamaica, Senegal Canada, China, Germany

vafb.com / APRIL 2017

15

SHIPP I NG N E WS

Secretary: International offices, trade missions lead to increased ag exports

V

irginia’s proactive approach to international trade has landed the state $4.5 million in new export sales of soybean products to Southeast Asian markets.

Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Basil Gooden told attendees at the ninth annual Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade that “Southeast Asia represents a significant emerging market for Virginia agriculture and forestry products.” He explained that the presence of a new international trade office in Singapore and a reverse trade mission during which Southeast Asian buyers visited Virginia soybean farms helped facilitate the recent export deal.

“Our international agricultural trade offices are a critical resource for Virginia producers, as is our ability to bring overseas buyers here to Virginia to meet our producers face to face.”

Gooden noted that other international trade offices helped Virginia producers sell $1 million in forest products to the United Kingdom last year and $2.5 million worth of apples to India over the past two years.

Farm and forestry exports from Virginia were valued at $2.7 billion in 16

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

2016. The state’s exports to Southeast Asia last year reached $178.5 million, of which about $55.1 million were soybeans and soybean meal, the largest category of exports to the region.

China remains the No. 1 destination for the state’s agricultural and forestry exports, followed by Canada, Switzerland the United Kingdom and Tunisia in North Africa. Tunisia was ranked in the 30s in 2015, but in 2016 it purchased 765 percent more soybeans from Virginia.

The trade conference was co-hosted March 6 and 7 by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, the Virginia Port Authority and Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics.

Virginia’s agricultural trade with China shows promise

BY KATHY DIXON

China has the potential to be the No. 1 market for Virginia agriculture and forestry exports, but it will take some negotiating.

“There is a surge in demand for protein [in Asian countries], so we would like to take advantage of that,” Bill Westman, senior vice president of international affairs for the North American Meat Institute, told participants at the ninth annual Governor’s Conference on

Agricultural Trade.

But right now several obstacles prevent increased trade with China, Westman explained.

That country won’t buy U.S. beef or processed pork products like bacon.

There are duties in place on poultry exports to China, and all pork has to be ractopamine-free. Ractopamine is an FDA-approved feed additive used by pork producers in the U.S. but banned

by China and the European Union.

“The health of the U.S. meat industry is dependent on exports,” said Smithfield Foods CEO Ken Sullivan, who also spoke at the conference.

Not only are meat exports to China important; other Virginia agriculture and forestry products could benefit from increased trade there as well.

North American lumber exports to Asia have been on the rise since 2009, according to conference speaker Rocky Goodnow, vice president for the North American Timber Service of the Forest Economic Advisors LLC. Asia recently has emerged as the top soft wood lumber consumer, and China is becoming one of the top U.S. wood importers, Goodnow added.

“Chinese housing construction is experiencing a boom, and housing markets have the No. 1 effect on forestry sales,” Goodnow explained. “Hardwood lumber from the U.S. to China has increased, and I expect that to continue.”

Cuban trade creates opportunities for U.S. farmers

BY KATHY DIXON

Agricultural exports from the U.S. to Cuba have grown exponentially over the past 50 years.

Dr. Steven Zahniser, a U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service economist, reported that $220 million in agricultural

TOP 10

Top trading partners of The Port of Virginia EXPORTS

IMPORTS

1. China

1. China

2. Belgium

2. Germany

3. Netherlands

3. India

4. Germany

4. Vietnam

5. Indonesia

5. Italy

6. India

6. Brazil

7. Vietnam

7. Netherlands

8. Japan

8. Indonesia

BY PAM WILEY

9. Saudi Arabia

9. Spain

10. Brazil

10. Turkey

Agriculture officials from the Canadian and Mexican embassies detailed benefits of the North American Free Trade Agreement for their countries’ respective industries at the ninth annual Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade.

Michael Hawkins, counsellor for agriculture at the Canadian Embassy, and Carlos Vazquez, minister of agricultural affairs for the Mexico Embassy, were panelists for a presentation on “Partners’ View— Importance of NAFTA for North American Agriculture: Past Benefits, Future Opportunities.”

NAFTA is an agreement reached among Canada, Mexico and the U.S. in 1994, creating a trilateral trade bloc.

Its goal was to eliminate barriers to trade and investment among the three countries, and it eventually eliminated most tariffs on Mexico’s exports to the U.S. and U.S. exports to Mexico. Most U.S.-Canada trade was already duty-free.

Agriculture was a controversial topic during NAFTA negotiations, and agricultural trade was the only portion of the agreement not negotiated trilaterally. Instead, three separate agreements were signed between each pair of countries.

Since 1994, Vazquez said, Mexico has become the world’s 12th-largest

products from the U.S. are exported to Cuba annually, compared to $139 million between 1956 and 1958.

Zahniser spoke during a workshop titled “U.S.-Cuba Agricultural Trade: Past, Present and Possible Future” at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in January. He explained that the relaxation of a poultry embargo in 2000 allowed U.S. poultry exports to Cuba to resume but didn’t allow resumption of ag imports from Cuba into the U.S. Recently, authorization of imports of coffee and certain textiles from Cuba to the U.S. has contributed to the countries’ re-establishing diplomatic relations, Zahniser noted.

The USDA established a presence in Havana in 2016, and “ag exports to Cuba rebounded somewhat,” said Marri Carrow, Western Hemisphere regional director for the U.S. Grains Council, who also spoke at the AFBF workshop. The U.S. used to be a major supplier of ag exports to Cuba, but now “we are just one of many,” she remarked.

U.S. ag exports to Cuba dropped from

$685 million in 2008 to $149 million in 2015 but then rebounded to $195 million in 2016, Carrow said.

With more normal trade relations, Zahniser noted, “U.S. ag exports to Cuba would likely increase in size and diversity.”

Carrow said Cuba is the secondlargest commodity market in the Caribbean.

NAFTA trading partners recount gains since 1994

producer of food, and food products from Mexico can be found in 126 countries. Trade between Mexico and the U.S. in 2016 was valued at nearly $43 billion, which is 521 percent greater than in 1993.

More than 80 percent of Mexico’s agricultural exports go to the U.S., Vazquez explained, with many of them being transported between October and May. But the trade is truly bilateral, he noted. Beer is a major Mexican export, “but guess what? We buy the hops from Canada and the U.S.” and import barley as well.

And as far as Virginia agricultural exports, “we love your pork, and we love your peanuts.”

Hawkins said Canadian and U.S. products are entirely likely to cross the two countries’ border more than once.

He gave the hypothetical example of a Colorado cattle feed producer who exports feed to a farm in Alberta, which exports cattle to a feed lot in Nebraska, which then sells the cattle to a processor in Missouri. The resulting meat, he said, is sold in an Ontario supermarket.

“We don’t just trade things together, we really make things together,” he elaborated, noting that traded goods include plant varieties, animal genetics and livestock and meats, as well as supply products like fertilizer and farm machinery.

“It’s this interaction that really drives our mutual competitiveness,” Hawkins said.

He noted that 70 percent of Canada’s exports and 50 percent of its agricultural exports go to America.

Bilateral trade was valued at $545 billion in 2016, and bilateral ag trade was valued at $47 billion. vafb.com / APRIL 2017

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Young Farmers Winter Expo sends agriculturalists to Washington, Northern Virginia

PHOTOS BY SARA OWENS

BY SARA OWENS

Tour stops included Frying Pan Farm Park in Fairfax County, which features a working demonstration farm and equestrian facilities.

T

he Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Program is all about reaching farmers ages 18 to 35 and getting them involved with Farm Bureau and spreading agriculture awareness in their communities. One way to do that is through networking events like the VFBF Young Farmers Expos, held each summer and winter.

The most recent Young Farmers Winter Expo was held Feb. 24-26 in Northern Virginia and Washington.

On Feb. 24 participants toured Virginia Tech’s Marion duPont Scott

Equine Medical Center, a worldrenowned comprehensive equine hospital featuring some of the world’s leading specialists and equipment.

They also visited River Farm, which uses solar energy to offset nearly all of the electricity used by its large horsetraining operation.

A second day of tours included travel to Washington via the Metro system to see the American Farm Bureau Federation headquarters, the National Zoo and Common Good City Farm, a half-acre urban farm and education center.

“I think the biggest benefit of the expos is that it is a weekend where you can meet younger producers and people interested in agriculture from all around Virginia that you might otherwise never meet,” said Chris Van Vlack, a custom hay producer in Loudoun County, where much of the conference was held. He co-chaired the Young Farmers committee that planned the February event.

“It helps to hear that everyone faces some of the same challenges, and you realize that you aren’t alone, and there are other young people involved in the vafb.com / APRIL 2017

19

Starting, maintaining a Young Farmers committee

BY SARA OWENS

V

irginia is home to 54 local Farm Bureau Young Farmers groups—some that are larger and extremely active, and some that are newer and building membership and branching out into new programs.

“Setting the groundwork”

Young Farmers visited the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center (top photo) and River Farm (lower left photos) in Loudoun County and the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington.

industry,” Van Vlack said. “It also builds a support group that you can connect with and rely on going forward, when you have challenges or even successes you want to share.”

Van Vlack said the changing locations for the expos give participants an opportunity to see the different components that make up farming in 20

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

the commonwealth.

“I know that when I travel to other parts of the state, I love seeing the types of agriculture that we don’t have in Loudoun County, whether it is cotton, peanuts, tobacco or aquaculture,” he explained. “Hopefully people enjoyed seeing some things they don’t get to see at home.”

Producers in Accomack and Northampton counties joined together to form the Eastern Shore Young Farmers Committee four years ago. The group is made up of about 20 farmers— from college students to those in their early 30s.

Kyle Sturgis of Northampton County said having a larger, combined committee is helpful, because the group can share ideas between counties. “We all work well together because we know each other,” he explained. “Everyone is a friend of someone or a relative of someone on the Eastern Shore.”

Sturgis said they host a variety of activities to spread agriculture awareness and keep members involved, including a Run the Farm 5K with staff at Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center. “Participants run around plots in fields, and we have signs up with information about agriculture on the Eastern Shore,” Sturgis said. “It’s a great event.”

Last year, the group organized a county agriculture fair in conjunction with Extension staff and the Northampton Chamber of Commerce.

“We have a tractor-driving contest, antique tractor parade and agriculture displays. It’s a big county fair and a big part of the community,” Sturgis explained.

The committee also held a farm

transition education event and visited a local radio station to read agriculture facts for National Ag Day. Sturgis noted it can be challenging to keep committee members engaged and interested.

“You have 35-year-olds who are aging off, and then we’re trying to recruit people in college, and it’s hard because

involved, since they’re so busy, but we just try to have events throughout the year to keep everyone engaged,” McCroskey added.

Those activities include volunteering at the Farm Bureau booth during the county fair, visiting local farmers’ markets to promote Farm Bureau membership, coordinating farm tours

“ We have a tractor-driving contest, antique tractor parade and agriculture displays. It’s a big county fair and a big part of the community.” - KYLE STURGIS they don’t understand the importance of joining the committee. I feel like we’re setting the groundwork for future generations, and if it’s something you are passionate about, you need to get involved.”

Engaging participants year-round

The Tazewell County Farm Bureau Young Farmers Committee formed in 2014 and has 15 members, according to Chairman Taylor Estep. To help generate a continued interest, Estep said, she encourages members to invite guests to each meeting.

“We also have a Facebook page and advertise and promote activities on there in hopes of attracting new members.” The committee stays visible in the community by volunteering at an agriculture-related booth at the Tazewell County Fair children’s day and creating an agriculture float for the county’s annual Christmas parade.

Interviewed earlier this year, Estep added that the committee was planning an event at a local supermarket to mark National Ag Day and educate consumers.

Mindy McCroskey, who chairs the VFBF Young Farmers Committee and the Washington County Farm Bureau Young Farmers Committee, said the Washington committee is 15 members strong and many members are involved with other agricultural boards and committees.

“It’s a challenge to keep everyone

and membership appreciation events, and partnering with the Washington Farm Bureau Women’s Committee to read to schoolchildren during Agriculture Literacy Week.

Turning contacts into members

Newer Young Farmers committees are taking root in Chesterfield, Goochland and Powhatan counties.

Charley Maxwell, a Virginia Cooperative Extension associate agriculture and natural resources agent, was tasked with starting a new committee in Chesterfield County in 2016. She also helped start Powhatan’s and Goochland’s combined committee in 2015.

Maxwell noted that, while the Chesterfield committee got off to a slow start, a kick-off dinner in February 2016 was well-attended.

“We had more people come to the dinner than we expected, and we asked for feedback and thoughts that have helped us in planning future activities,” she said. She added that it has been a challenge to get participants to attend meetings, and they’re considering combining forces with the Young Farmers in Powhatan and Goochland.

“We hope to put on some events we can all do together and kind of hit the restart button. Now that it’s warmer, we’re hoping we can generate more interest and do another farm tour since that also was a large draw.”

County Young Farmers committee activities in the past year have included county fair involvement, family time at Farm Bureau Young Farmers expos and an educational 5K run. vafb.com / APRIL 2017

21

Spring Conference focused on agriculture communications

T

he Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Spring Conference, hosted by the VFBF Women’s Committee, was held March 17-19 in Williamsburg. More than 250 participants gathered to learn about engaging others in discussions about agriculture.

Sandy Adams, Virginia’s commissioner of agriculture and consumer services, delivered the keynote address, and Del. Keith Hodges, R-Urbanna, spoke about the importance of making connections with elected officials who may not be familiar with ag practices and issues. The closing speaker was Matt

Individuals and county women’s committees recognized

County Farm Bureau women’s committees showcased their outreach projects at the Spring Conference.

Lohr, director of Farm Credit of the Virginias’ Knowledge Center and a former commissioner of agriculture Farm Woman of the Year Dr. Mary Tomlinson, Grayson County

Virginia Farm Bureau Lady Leader – Proudly Promoting Agriculture Teresa Lindberg, Greensville County

and consumer services and member of the Virginia House of Delegates.

Conference participants attended workshops on using social media to communicate with the public; engaging neighbors and protecting farms from animal rights and environmental extremists; and keeping farm families healthy. An additional presentation focused on the grain marketing outlook for 2017.

Several county Farm Bureau women’s committees also shared their awardwinning outreach project ideas.

Participants enjoyed a free afternoon to explore Colonial Williamsburg or take part in a tea-tasting activity.

Outstanding Women’s Activity Award state and Southside District winner Mecklenburg County Women’s Committee Chairman’s Award and Southwest District winner Tazewell County Women’s Committee Capital District winner Powhatan County Women’s Committee Central District winner Spotsylvania County Women’s Committee Eastern District winner Westmoreland County Women’s Committee Midwest District winner Craig County Women’s Committee

Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador Chandler Vaughan, Charlotte County

Northern District winner Prince William-Fairfax County Women’s Committee Southeast District winner Greensville County Women’s Committee Valley District winner Bedford County Women’s Committee

22

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Collaboration paves the way for next chairman of VFBF Women’s Committee

BY CLAIRE MILLS

Women’s Committee chairman also serves on the VFBF board of directors.

Hundley was in her second term as Eastern District chairman on the committee and was its vice chairman when she was elected chairman.

“I’m super excited and honored to be elected to this position!” she exclaimed. “Only a few women have held this position in the past, so I hope I can bring energy, motivation and leadership to the program.”

Some eight years ago Hundley was instrumental in forming the Essex County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, which she has chaired ever since.

“I jumped in feet first and learned along the way,” she recalled. “My district was so supportive. The chapter just took off and flourished. We learned to work together.”

“ I would like for us to find ways to collaborate with other groups that have the same goals to promote agriculture.”

PHOTO BY PAM WILEY

- FAYE HUNDLEY

Women’s Committee Chairman Faye Hundley and her husband are thirdgeneration grain farmers in Essex County.

W

herever she goes, Faye Hundley wears her Farm Bureau hat proudly.

Hundley of Essex County was elected chairman of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Committee late last year and will continue to represent Farm Bureau with pride as she leads the committee for the next two years.

The VFBF Women’s Program, for which the Women’s Committee serves as a steering body, provides leadership and service opportunities for farm women and sponsors events that help educate the public about agriculture. The

Hundley noted that many farm women have off-farm jobs as well as farm-related responsibilities at home. That can cut down on the number of available volunteers.

“We found out that if (county Farm Bureau women’s committees) worked together, we could help each other and have enough people to get the job done,” she said.

As chairman of the state Women’s Committee, Hundley will encourage continued emphasis on relationship building.

“I would like for us to find ways to collaborate with other groups that have the same goals to promote agriculture,” she explained. “I would encourage our volunteers to get involved in Legislative Day, to connect with elected officials and to participate in projects that promote an understanding of agriculture.”

Hundley and her husband, Jay, are third-generation grain farmers. She was employed in banking and bookkeeping before she decided to put her financial skills to work on the growing family farm. She not only gets to spend more time with her husband but also has more time to dedicate to their son Travis, who has mild autism. The Hundleys work together to support their son in farm life. The 30-year-old enjoys being included in the farming community, and his jobs on the farm offer a sense of purpose and opportunities to be independent.

“We are so blessed to live and work on a farm,” Hundley acknowledged. “If we had other jobs, it wouldn’t give Travis the same quality of life.”

As Hundley begins her new role as the leader of the Women’s Committee, she is building on the foundation of those who have gone before.

“The VFBF Women's Program has been a leader and great role model to other Farm Bureau programs across the U.S., and I hope we will continue to do great things to advocate and promote agriculture in the future,” she said. vafb.com / APRIL 2017

23

BY PAM WILEY

D

uring Janice Burton’s first term as chairman of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Committee, the focus of the Women’s Program got laser-sharp: It specified that the program serves to promote agriculture and educate communities about its significance.

“That’s what we’re all about,” Burton explained.

The Halifax County native concluded her seventh two-year term as Women’s Committee chairman in November 2016 and chose not to seek re-election.

Her time as chairman of the Halifax County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee and as district chairman, vice chairman and chairman on the state level spans more than 30 years.

“I must say I missed the travel to meetings and seeing friends the first couple of months after I resigned, but it didn’t take me long to enjoy being at home and being with my family and taking care of projects that I’d put on the back burner,” Burton said.

She continues to serve on the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom board.

Chairmanship highlights Between 2002 and 2016, county Farm Bureau women’s committees and the VFBF Women’s Committee raised $530,828 to support Virginia’s Agriculture in the Classroom program.

Additionally, when AITC began sharing plans for building Learning Barns in 2006, participants in the Women’s Program embraced the barnshaped bookshelves and coordinated donations to local schools and libraries.

24

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

program, which has an emphasis on representing agriculture and Farm Bureau. In 2008 the program was made available to young men as well.

In 2014 the Women’s Committee introduced the Lady Leader recognition for a spokeswoman who wants to give presentations about ag

“ I hope we helped encourage some of our members to speak up.” -JANICE BURTON issues and the value of agriculture in today’s world.

Planning an active retirement Burton and her husband, Thomas, have been involved in tobacco, dairy, corn, small grain and hay production and were involved in the production of liquid fertilizer for 38 years. She was employed by Virginia Cooperative Extension for 30 years.

This spring, she noted, she hopes to pursue local volunteer opportunities and remain active with her county Farm Bureau Women’s Committee.

“I care about people, and I want to be there to help if I can,” she said. “I just like to stay involved.”

PHOTO BY SARA OWENS

Former chairman is pleased with program’s focus, accomplishments

County Farm Bureau women’s committees remain committed to reading to schoolchildren during AITC-coordinated Agriculture Literacy Week. And in 2013 they contributed recipes for a fundraiser cookbook that benefitted AITC. Legislative awareness has been another Women’s Committee focus.

In 2011, Burton challenged county women’s committees to make and track contacts with elected officials.

In 2013, a series of Capitol Coffee Hour training sessions was held to encourage Farm Bureau women and other leaders to follow and respond to VFBF legislative Action Alerts.

“We as a committee just felt people need to be involved and know what’s going on in this country” and in the industry, Burton recalled. “And, personally, I believe you need to stay in touch with the people who are elected to represent your interests. I hope we helped encourage some of our members to speak up.”

Spokesperson development has been at the heart of Women’s Committeesponsored recognition programs. In 2006, the Miss Virginia Farm Bureau program for young women became the Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador

Janice Burton, immediate past chairman of the Women’s Committee, attended the Spring Conference with her husband, Thomas. Women’s Program participants honored her at the event with a donation to the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom.

The importance of flood insurance— even if you’re not in a flood zone

T

here have been more cases of flooding in recent years, especially in areas that are not in a flood zone. Some business and homeowners in those areas did not have flood insurance, which can become a problem when it comes to repairing or replacing damaged buildings.

It takes just a few inches of floodwater to cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. From 2011 to 2015, the average residential flood claim amounted to nearly $43,000, according to the National Flood Insurance Program. In 2015, the average policy premium was nearly $700.

Flood insurance is the best way to protect yourself from devastating financial loss, because without flood insurance you are left to assume repair and replacement costs yourself.

“Some people assume that FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) or some entity will step in and cover the cleanup and repairs,” said Sam Rooks, vice president of underwriting and policy services for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “The reality is if you don’t have flood insurance, you will be faced with making the repairs out of your own pocket.”

Causes and risks

In general terms, a flood is a temporary condition where two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties—at least one of which is the policyholder’s property— are inundated by water or mudflow, explained Ted Joyce, director of Farm Bureau Insurance Agency Services. It could be caused by: • overflow of inland or tidal waters; • unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source;

Current weather patterns, changes in the environment and local development all contribute to a property’s risk of flooding.

• mudflow; or • collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or water currents exceeding anticipated cyclical levels.

“Your flood risk isn't just based on history. It’s based on many factors that include current weather patterns, natural changes in the environment and recent development in your community,” Joyce explained.

He said business and homeowners purchase flood insurance through an insurance agent; they cannot buy it directly from the NFIP, as it is an insurance policy and not an endorsement.

Flood insurance is available to homeowners, renters, condominium dwellers and commercial owners and renters. “You can insure both your buildings and the contents of them for flood coverage. Your business or home does not have to be located in a flood plain to purchase flood insurance,” Joyce added.

There typically is a 30-day waiting period between the date of a flood insurance purchase and the date the policy goes into effect.

No nearby water? Consider insurance anyway

If your home or business is within several miles of a large body of water, you may want to consider flood insurance.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve even seen people in the mountains who have had flooding and may not have been near any water,” Rooks said.

“It’s really important to discuss with your insurance agent the risks that may be present within your property.”

Joyce added that most insurance policies exclude flood insurance. “There are a few exceptions, so you must read your policy to be sure; however, it is safe to say that a very high percentage of policies do not cover flood damage.

“None of the Virginia Farm Bureau policies cover flood insurance, so you are not able to purchase an endorsement and add flood coverage to any of your policies; you would have to purchase a separate flood policy.”

Want to know more?

For more information on flood risks and flood insurance, visit floodsmart. gov/floodsmart and contact your county Farm Bureau insurance agent.

vafb.com / APRIL 2017

25

For Your Benefit

Making changes to your home or farm?

Q: I want to add on a garage. Can

I wait and notify my insurance company afterward, or should I do that before starting construction?

A: You should notify your insurance agent as soon as you know the approximate square footage of the garage you are attaching to your home, explained Lisa Whitus, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. underwriting manager. The addition will increase the total value of your dwelling, which affects reconstruction costs, built-in coverage amounts for items such as related private structures and additional living expense, as

well as policy pricing.

Q: If I plan to gut large parts of my

home and do major renovations, do I need to notify my agent?

A: Yes, because the agent will need to confirm the intended occupancy of the home during renovation, the extent of the renovations and an anticipated completion date, Whitus said. He or she will use this information to confirm that your home is insured in the right program.

Q: How will you determine the

increase to my policy, and how much will my policy increase?

A: Your agent will be able to obtain a premium quote for the change based

Save up to 30 percent at Grainger, get free shipping Farm Bureau members in Virginia can save up to 30 percent off the catalog price of equipment and supplies they use every day from Grainger, plus get free standard ground shipping on all standard Grainger products*.

To use your Farm Bureau discount, you’ll need your Farm Bureau membership number, which is on your membership card, and the Virginia Farm Bureau Grainger discount code, available from your county Farm Bureau.

Present the Virginia Farm Bureau account number at the time of purchase, establish a new grainger.com account using that account number or call 877-6202852 to update your existing Grainger account.

Grainger, the world’s largest industrial supplier, also sells products for home and office use. Save on brand-name hand and power tools from manufacturers like DeWalt and Stanley, safety items and select farm-duty motors. Same-day shipping is available for most in-stock items.

All Farm Bureau members in Virginia are eligible for Grainger benefits when they register as Farm Bureau members at grainger.com or at a local Grainger store.

Discounts cannot be applied to past purchases. *FREE standard shipping on all orders shipped ground transportation. Other freight charges will be incurred for services such as expedited delivery, special handling by the carrier, sourcing orders and shipments outside the continental United States.

Incentive knocks $500 off purchase or lease of GM vehicles Farm Bureau members in Virginia can receive a $500 incentive toward the purchase or lease of qualifying Chevrolet, GMC or Buick vehicles at participating dealerships.

The Farm Bureau GM $500 Vehicle Discount Program is available for members who are at least 18 and have been Farm Bureau members for at least 30 days. The offer can be combined with most other incentives.

For details on the member benefit, visit fbverify.com/GM. When you enter your membership number and ZIP code, you can print a Farm Bureau Membership Verification Certificate to take to your GM dealership.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

upon the revised construction cost of your home, including the addition.

Q: I’m going to add a stand-alone

garage or a new barn to my property. Should I notify my agent?

A: The homeowner insurance program automatically provides 10 percent of the residence value for related private structures such as garages, so this may necessitate adding an endorsement to ensure that there is an adequate value on it, Whitus explained. If you’re adding a barn to a homeowner location the agent will need to determine, in addition to the added value, whether there are any farming exposures and whether you are insured in the correct program.

Making travel plans?

Member benefit can save you money when you stay at a Wyndham location Your Farm Bureau membership gives you access to significant savings at thousands of hotels in North America.

The Wyndham Hotel Group discount program covers stays in over 7,200 Baymont Inn & Suites, Days Inn, Hawthorn Suites, Howard Johnson, Knights Inn, Microtel Inn & Suites, Ramada, Super 8 Motel, Travelodge, Wingate Inn and Wyndham hotel locations.

The discounted rate of up to 20 percent less than the “Best Available Rate” publicly available online is subject to availability at participating locations.

Simply call 877-670-7088 to make your reservation, and give your Virginia Farm Bureau ID number— available from your county Farm Bureau. Then be prepared to share your current Farm Bureau member card when you check in.

Advance reservations are required, and blackout dates may apply.

Farmowner Advantage endorsement now available

A

new endorsement option soon will be available as part of Virginia Farm Bureau’s farmowner insurance program. The Farmowner Advantage Endorsement contains 11 coverage benefits and will be available to farmowner policyholders for an additional $125 premium.

The new Farmowner Advantage Endorsement includes frequently-requested optional “We’ve taken seven of our more popular insurance coverage benefits. optional coverage benefits and combined them into a package with four coverage benefits that Virginia dryers, deep well pumps, irrigation systems, refrigeration Farm Bureau has never offered before,” said Scott DeNoon, units, ventilation equipment, generators and GPS systems. farm product and underwriting manager for Virginia “If the equipment breaks down or fails, the cost to repair Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “We are committed or replace it is insured by this coverage,” DeNoon said. “We to exceeding the needs of our policyholders, and the believe our policyholders will view this as a valued coverage Farmowner Advantage Endorsement provides value from enhancement.” The endorsement also provides similar both a coverage and a price perspective.” protection for home equipment and related systems such as The endorsement will provide increased coverage limits central air-conditioning units, furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, for the theft of jewelry and guns and an increased coverage appliances, security systems and emergency generators. limit for the spoilage of refrigerated foods. It also includes a Other new benefits associated with the endorsement are $5,000 coverage limit for water backup losses. lock replacement and a broadened deductible provision.

For farm exposures, coverage is included for borrowed “Lock replacement coverage provides a maximum of $250 or rented equipment, with a $3,000 limit, and property to replace locks in a dwelling when a policyholder’s keys in transit, with a $2,500 limit. In addition, coverage is are lost or stolen, “DeNoon said. “The deductible provision increased for glass breakage in equipment cabs. “Since these benefits farmers who insure property at multiple locations are some of our most-requested optional coverage benefits, since only one deductible will apply to a single loss event we bundled them for the convenience of our customers,” that affects those locations.”

DeNoon explained.

The Farmowner Advantage Endorsement can be added to Among the new benefits available with the endorsement is new farmowner policies effective on and after April 15 and to equipment breakdown coverage, which provides protection existing policies on their renewal date beginning April 15. for non-mobile mechanical and electronic farm equipment, Contact your Farm Bureau insurance agent for additional as well as home systems. Covered farm equipment includes information.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

State law is good incentive to put devices away

It’s a scary statistic—eight out of 10 traffic crashes in Virginia are related to a distracted driving incident.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month in Virginia and a good time to remember that when you are behind the wheel, driving should be your priority.

Virginia Farm Bureau has partnered with Drive Smart Virginia to bring awareness to the issue.

For more information and safety tips, visit drivesmartva. org/current-projects/distracted-driving.

Virginia has a primary texting-while-driving law.

Drivers who use their phone to manually enter multiple letters or text in an effort to communicate with another person are guilty of texting and driving.

It’s also illegal to read any email or text message while driving. The fine for a first offense is $125, and a second or subsequent offense carries a $250 fine.

vafb.com / APRIL 2017

27

Group, individual dental and vision insurance plans available through Farm Bureau Health insurance is a top priority for many individuals and families, but protecting your teeth and eyes is just as important in the prevention of health concerns.

“Dental insurance and vision insurance are separate types of insurance that are not covered under a standard health insurance policy, and are something that need be purchased separately to help give you the protection you need,” said Brett Denton, vice president of Experient Health, a subsidiary of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. Experient offers both individual and group vision and dental insurance plans.

Vision and dental insurance are similar to regular medical insurance and are among voluntary benefit

options commonly offered through employers. If an employer does not offer the plans, they can be purchased individually.

For employers, there are many benefits to adding such coverage for employees. Those who have vision and dental coverage often will schedule vision and dental checkups more often, which can help prevent other health problems.

Vision coverage With vision insurance, you pay a premium and the insurance company will cover part or all of the cost for vision care. Vision coverage is available in two basic types of plans: • Vision benefits plan: This type of plan is regular insurance coverage.

Depending on the specific plan, coverage differs between in- and out-of-network eye doctors, and you typically pay a portion of your eye care cost through a deductible and coinsurance or copayments.

• Discount vision plan: With this option you can choose to reduce vision costs without regular insurance coverage. You pay for all of your vision care, but at a reduced rate.

An appointment with an eye doctor can determine whether you need corrective lenses and, if so, the correct prescription. Other eye concerns addressed in an eye exam include conditions or diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts, which can lead to vision loss. | VISION cont’d on p. 30 »

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Heart of the Home

April is National Garlic Month.

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover loosely and boil gently for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes break apart easily when pierced with a fork. Drain well.

Add milk and sour cream to the saucepan, and mash the potatoes and garlic until no large lumps remain. Add salt and pepper, and continue mashing until potatoes are smooth.

Tasty Greens INGREDIENTS

1 pound collard, chard, kale or mustard greens 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Garlic delivers savory taste, sweet benefits

D

on’t turn up your nose at garlic, which is extremely low in calories and packed with vitamins and

nutrients!

Historically, garlic has been sought after for its health and medicinal benefits. It’s a member of the allium family, which includes onions, shallots and leeks. It grows in many parts of the world, and is a popular ingredient in cooking due to its aroma and taste.

The entire “head” is called a garlic bulb, while each segment is called a clove. There are about 10 to 20 cloves in a single bulb.

April is National Garlic Month and an ideal time to incorporate garlic into some of your favorite meals. Virginia Cooperative Extension provided two opportunities.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes INGREDIENTS

4 large cloves garlic 8 medium potatoes ⅓ cup skim milk

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ¼ teaspoon pepper ¼ teaspoon salt DIRECTIONS

Wash and chop, slice, or tear greens as you prefer. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil for about 1 minute.

Add greens to the pan, cover and cook until the greens are slightly wilted. If needed, add a tablespoon of water or broth. Toss the mixture with balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper and serve.

¼ cup light sour cream ½ teaspoon salt ⅛ teaspoon pepper DIRECTIONS

Place garlic cloves on a cutting board, and lay the flat part of a knife on top. Use the heel of your hand to slap the knife and break the tough skin of the cloves.

Peel off the skin, and set garlic cloves aside.

Wash the potatoes, and cut into uniform-size large pieces. In a medium saucepan, cover the potatoes and garlic with cool water. Bring to a boil. vafb.com / APRIL 2017

29

«

VISION cont’d from p. 28

Regular eye exams also can identify overall health concerns, such as diabetes, high cholesterol and risk of heart disease or stroke. Tracy Cornatzer, Experient sales manager, recalled a client who said getting a regular vision exam saved his life.

“He went in for an annual eye exam and discovered he had choroidal melanoma, which is a type of cancer in the eye. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body,” Cornatzer explained. “Most choroidal melanoma patients have no symptoms, and the melanoma is found on routine eye examination.”

Dental coverage

With dental insurance, you pay a

premium and your insurance will cover part or all of the cost of many dental services. Dental coverage is offered in several types of plans: • Dental health maintenance organization: Coverage is provided only when you visit dentists who are in-network with the insurance plan.

• Dental preferred provider organization: Coverage is provided with in- or out-of-network care providers, but you will pay less with an in-network dentist.

• Dental indemnity plan: Coverage is provided for any dentist you choose, with no difference in cost.

• Discount dental plan: This is a common option for reducing dental costs without regular insurance coverage. You pay for all your dental care at an agreed-upon,

discounted rate.

Professional dental care can diagnose or help prevent common problems including toothache, inflamed gums, tooth decay, bad breath and dry mouth. If such conditions remain untreated, they can worsen into painful and expensive problems.

According to the American Dental Association, more than 16 million children in the United States suffer from untreated tooth decay.

Regular dental exams not only treat dental problems but also can identify other serious health concerns, including some types of cancer.

For more information on dental and vision coverage, contact your county Farm Bureau office.

Stoneman named director of commodity marketing Wilmer N. Stoneman III was named director of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Commodity/Marketing Department on March 1. He replaces Spencer Neale, who retired in December 2016.

Stoneman brings his experience as a working farmer and more than three decades STONEMAN

CROPS DEER AND RABBIT REPELLENT – $13.95 makes 10 gallons.

Safe, effective, long lasting, guaranteed. 540-464-1969.

ORGANIC – Free farm supply catalog. Fertilizers, pest management, animal supplements, farming supplies. deer fencing. 800-540-9181.

FARM EQUIPMENT FORD TRACTOR – 6610 series parts: manual, oil, fuel filters, gaskets, more. $100+ value, $50. 434-263-5585.

JOHN DEERE – 2010 commercial parts. Backhoe attachment, $750. Brush guard, transmission oil cooler, radiator. 540-385-9582.

GENERATORS – on trailers, PTO, single phase 75KW, $3,500; 55KW, $2,500; 400 amp disconnect, $300. 757635-9122.

30

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

of environmental, agricultural and legislative expertise to his new position. He will oversee the department’s commodity issues, the grain marketing division and Farm Bureau’s involvement in the Virginia Foundation For Agriculture Innovation and Rural Sustainability.

He began his career at Farm Bureau in February 1995 as an assistant director in the Public Affairs Department and leaves that department as associate director of

governmental relations.

Stoneman previously worked for the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Division of Soil and Water Conservation as an environmental specialist, and as a water quality specialist with the Hanover-Caroline and Henricopolis soil and water conservation districts.

The Henrico County native is a general partner in his family’s historic 2,200-acre grain operation.

GRADER – McCormick Farmall International Trojan, 1947, M, 10-ft. blade, $4,750. Very good tires. 609-805-8427.

WANTED – Ford belly mower, model 914, 5-ft, any condition. 804-357-0165.

ALLIS-CHALMERS G – Extra front end rear rim tool bar, tworow cultivator. $2,000, 804-360-2240.

DISC – 6½-ft., 3-pt. hitch, nice condition, shed kept, $695 or trade for firearms. 540-672-2732.

PARTS – From John Deere 2010 commercial backhoe attachment, radiator, oil, cooler, brush guard, more. 540385-9582.

ANTIQUE – Large metal horse-drawn manure spreader.

Rusted. Great yard decoration. 434-248-5873.

HAYBINES – Hesston 1090, good condition, $975; New Holland 489, good condition, $675. 804-779-3219.

FARMALL – Tractors, not running. M, $700. B, $800.

Regular, $700. Other equipment. Make offer. 434-6362030.

HAY AND STRAW FOR SALE – 4x5 mixed orchard grass round bales, first cutting. $15 each. Toms Brook. 540-335-0511.

LIVESTOCK CHAROLAIS BULLS – High quality and easy calving.

Veterinarian owned, $1,500 to $3,500. Abingdon. 276-6289543 DONKEYS – For sale. All sizes, colors, spotted. Starting at $150. Call 540-875-7519.

REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS – Calving ease, semen tested, excellent bloodlines. Reasonably priced, good selection.

C-Stock Farm, Scottsville. 434-286-2743 or 434-981-1397.

Marketplace

How to place your classified ad STEP 1

Use the form below to provide contact information and the text for your ad.

• Ads will be accepted from Farm Bureau members only.

• Classified ads are not transferable.

• Please type or print.

• Classified ads will not be accepted or cancelled over the phone.

STEP 2

Indicate the issues in which you want your ad to run.

STEP 3

Select the category in which you want your ad to run (Pick one only).

STEP 4

Your first ad of 15 words or less is free with your membership.

Pricing for additional ads: 1–15 words $10/ad 16–30 words $20/ad Additional ads must be accompanied by a check (no cash) for each issue in which the ad is to appear.

• Make check payable to: Virginia Farm Bureau.

• Ads longer than 30 words will not be accepted.

• We do not invoice for classified ads or provide proofs or tearsheets.

• Ads submitted without payment will be returned.

STEP 5

Mail your ad (and payment) to: Virginia Farm Bureau News/Cultivate Classifieds P.O. Box 27552 Richmond, VA 23261-7552 Or place it via the Virginia Farm Bureau website at vafb.com.

Deadlines Ads and cancellations must be received (not mailed) by the following deadlines: ISSUE DEADLINE Mailed to producer members September August 4

Mailed to associate members August July 5

Important: We are not responsible

for typographical errors or errors due to illegible handwriting (No refunds available). Classified ads carried in Cultivate and Virginia Farm Bureau News do not constitute an endorsement by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and its affiliated companies and organizations.

We reserve the right to edit or reject ads, including ads that represent a business in competition with the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company or any of our affiliated or affinity partners. We reserve the right to edit or reject any advertisement that makes reference to any particular political party or group, religious belief or denomination, race, creed, color or national origin.

Moving? If your address or phone

number has changed—or is about to—don’t forget to contact your county Farm Bureau office to ensure that your membership and subscription information stays current!

One free 15-word ad per membership per year; dues must be paid before placing ad.

NAME:___________________________________________________________________________________________ MEMBER NO.:______________________________________________________________________________________ COUNTY:_________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS:________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY: __________________________________________

STATE:________________________

ZIP:______________

DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER: __________________________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS: ________________________ Ads will not be accepted without the information above

ADVERTISEMENT (one word per space; please type or print):

Category in which ad should run (select only one): q Crops q Farm Equipment q Hay/Straw q Livestock q Livestock Equipment No other categories available

1.________________________ 2.______________________ 3._________________________ 4.________________________ 5. _____________________________ 6._______________________ 7.______________________ 8._________________________ 9.________________________ 10.______________________________ ( ) 11._______________________ 12._____________________ 13.________________________ 14._______________________ 15. _____________________________ phone number

ISSUE IN WHICH AD SHOULD RUN:* q This is my one free 15-word ad for 2017 q August (mailed to associate members) q Payment enclosed: $ _____________ q S eptember (mailed to producer members) q Please place my ad in The Delmarva Farmer for 4 weeks at no additional cost to me.

Your ad will automatically be included in the online VFB Marketplace for free (Ads expire with membership).

* Ad placement available for these issues only

vafb.com / APRIL 2017

31

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