Cultivate Summer 2022

Cultivate

Lush Lavender

Farmers find success with aromatic herb

Virginia Farm Bureau

Cultivate

Volume 15, Number 3

Summer 2022

Cultivate (USPS 025051) (ISSN 19468121) is published four times a year. February, May, August, October. It is published by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Periodicals postage rate is paid at Richmond, VA and additional mailing offices. The annual Subscription Rate is $1.31 (included in membership dues).

Postmaster: Please send changes of address to, Cultivate, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, P.O. Box 27552, Richmond, VA 23261; fax 804-2901096. Editorial and business offices are located at 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Telephone 804-290-1000, fax 804-290-1096. Email address is Cultivate@vafb.com. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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

Member: Virginia Press Association

EDITORIAL TEAM

Pam Wiley Vice President, Communications

Kathy Dixon Managing Editor

Nicole Zema Staff Writer/Photographer

Adam Culler Staff Writer/Photographer

Patricia Hooten Graphic Designer

Maria La Lima Graphic Designer

Alice Kemp Staff Writer/Advertising Coordinator

VISIT US ONLINE vafb.com

WE’RE SOCIAL!

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

“Lavender is a beautiful herb, it’s very sensory.”

— BONNIE SWANSON , Evergreen Lavender Farm, Appomattox County

Did you know?

The only difference between a peach and a nectarine is hair. Peaches have fuzzy skin, and nectarines don’t.

That is just one peachy fact about the stone fruit that is celebrated during National Peach Month in August.

Peaches originated in China, and traders took them into temperate areas of Europe. Peach and nectarine varieties have either yellow or white flesh and are either clingstone or freestone. In clingstones, the flesh clings to the stone of the peach, making it difficult to separate. Clingstone peaches often are made into processed peach products. The pit of freestone peaches freely separates from the flesh, making those fruits ideal for fresh consumption.

In Virginia, different varieties ripen from early June through mid-September. According to Virginia Cooperative Extension, there are probably more than 4,000 peach and nectarine varieties, with more than 100 of them available from U.S. nurseries.

Not only are peaches tasty, they’re good for you, too. They contain vitamins A and C, and a large peach has fewer than 70 calories and contains 3 grams of fiber.

1,000 HAM

That’s how many hams are smoked each year at Darden’s Country Store & Smokehouse, one of many attractions on The Salty Southern Route—the state’s pork-and-peanut trail in Southeastern Virginia. See related story, page 20.

New law governing farm use tags explained on Real Virginia

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

• A new law governing farm use placards will help prevent misuse.

• Gleaning produce is one way farmers help those who are less fortunate.

• Mecklenburg County and tobacco, its top-ranking agricultural commodity, are featured on this month’s County Close-up

Real Virginia airs nationwide at 3:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month on RFD-TV on Dish Network and DirecTV, and on selected cable outlets around the state. It airs weekly on WBRA digital channel 15.2, WHRO Norfolk, WVVA Bluefield and WTKR Norfolk, and on the first and third weekends of each month on WVIR Charlottesville, WHSV Harrisonburg and WRLH Richmond.

Exclusive offers for Farm Bureau members

Healthy Living NEW! Discount prescription medications, delivered to your door

Prescription drug prices have skyrocketed over the last few years, but Farm Bureau members in Virginia are now eligible to receive free generic prescriptions delivered right to their door!

My Free Pharmacy is offering VFB members a special subscription rate for $17.96 a month for individuals or $26.96 monthly for families.

Members then receive free 21-day supplies of 125 generic acute medications at any pharmacy nationwide and 90-day supplies of chronic care generic medications, with free shipping to your door. Members also are eligible to purchase over-the-counter medications at a fraction of the price on chronic care generic medications.

Westmoreland County Farm Bureau member Summer Downs signed up for the program and said even with the monthly subscription fee, her family will save almost $200 a month. “They have 85% of the medications we need, and the website is easy to use.”

Access the pharmacy helpline at 800-257-8420, or visit myfreepharmacy.com/virginia.

Travel Services

Get comfy as you travel

Your Farm Bureau membership gives you access to two programs offering significant savings at thousands of hotel properties. Reservations are required, and blackout dates may apply.

Choice Hotels International

The Choice Hotels International program offers a 20% discount off “best available rates” for Farm Bureau members at more than 5,000 locations. To access this discount rate, call 800-258-2847 or visit choicehotels.com. Use the Virginia Farm Bureau identification number, available at vafb.com/ benefits and from your county Farm Bureau, when making a reservation. Present your membership card when you check in.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Whether you’re looking for an upscale hotel, an allinclusive resort or something in between, Wyndham Hotels

& Resorts has the right hotel for you! As a Virginia Farm Bureau member, you will save up to 20% off the “best available rate” at over 8,000 participating hotels worldwide. To take advantage of this discount rate, call 877-670-7088 or visit wyndhamhotels.com/farm-bureau. Use the Virginia Farm Bureau identification number, available at vafb.com/ benefits and from your county Farm Bureau, when making a reservation. Present your membership card when you check in.

Tried and true discounts help with summer travel

Hit the road and save

Save up to 30% off Avis base rates with Virginia Farm Bureau’s Avis Worldwide Discount number. In addition, enjoy extra offers like dollars off, a complimentary upgrade or a free weekend day.

Call 800-331-1212 or visit avis.com/vafb to make a reservation.

Save up to 30% off Budget base rates with Virginia Farm Bureau’s Budget Customer Discount number. Plus get other great offers like dollars off, a free upgrade or a free weekend day. Call 800-527-0700 or visit budget.com/vafb to make a reservation.

Your Virginia Farm Bureau Avis Worldwide Discount number and Budget Customer Discount number are 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).

Home/Business Savings

Save on John Deere equipment and parts

Current Virginia Farm Bureau members* are eligible for a complimentary John Deere Rewards upgrade to Platinum 1 status, which unlocks extra discounts on equipment, parts and merchandise.

You can save on the following equipment:

• $150 to $250 off tractors

• $550 to $1,400 off compact construction equipment

• $100 to $250 off utility vehicles

• $200 to $1,700 off commercial mowers

• $50 to $150 off residential mowers

Visit JohnDeere.com/FarmBureau, and have your membership number handy.

*Must be a member for at least 30 days to qualify.

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

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

Then, to save with a mobile device, 1 Download the “Member Deals Plus” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

2

Sign in with your email address and password you created on the website. For assistance, contact Member Deals Plus customer service at 888-275-9136.

Take advantage of your Farm Bureau membership to access exclusive discounts and free shipping on all standard orders.

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

State Fair of Virginia featuring expanded lineup of grounds attractions

This year’s State Fair of Virginia will host new acts and returning fan favorites, showcasing more grounds attractions than ever before!

The State Fair will be held Sept. 23 through Oct. 2 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. Featuring an exciting mix of fun, food and Virginia agriculture and forestry, the 10-day event has something for everyone.

Attractions include a new roving performer, The Funny Waiter, who will entertain guests with a variety of waiter-themed props, juggling acts and stunts. Also slated to perform is The FireGuy, who will light things up with fire breathing, fire juggling and other high-octane fire magic.

Three daily circus performances will feature five jaw-dropping aerial stunts, and fairgoers can visit the new Otter Adventure attraction, an interactive water show featuring curious, playful otters.

Returning crowd-pleasers include the racing pigs of Rosaire’s Royal Racers, master chainsaw carver Ben Risney and two nights of Revenge Roughstock Rodeo’s professional bull riding, bronc riding and barrel racing.

The fair will host a variety of live music on the main stage with new country, Motown and tribute bands representing the Eagles and Elton John. The Crooked Road series also returns for another year, featuring musicians from Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail in Southwest Virginia.

After taking a spin on carnival rides at the midway and kidway, hungry guests

can find refreshments that satisfy their fair food cravings like turkey legs, funnel cakes and cotton candy.

And, as always, what would be the fair without giant produce? Guests can feast their eyes on scale-busting pumpkins and watermelons carefully cultivated by Virginia growers who are competing for the heaviest weigh-in.

The annual State Fair showcases the best of Virginia, including awardwinning culinary delights, horticulture and arts and crafts created by

commonwealth residents. Virginia agriculture is highlighted through equine and livestock exhibits and competitions, as well as the popular Young MacDonald’s Farm in Harvest Landing, featuring the duck slide, chick incubator and Goat Mountain.

Stay tuned for more event details and Farm Bureau member ticket discount information at StateFairVa.org. You also can follow the fair on Facebook at Facebook.com/StateFairVa and Instagram at @statefairva.

Admire the quilts!

See giant pumpkins and watermelons!

Eat an exciting mix of food!

Sept. 23 through Oct. 2

What NOT to plant

BAMBOO: aggressive spreading growth habit; difficult to maintain or remove; can cause conflicts with neighbors

LELAND CYPRESS: several major pest problems

RED-TIP PHOTINIA: problems with Entomosporium leaf spot disease

Avoid plants on the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation invasive plants list: bit.ly/3awZ8Rl

Little Gem Magnolia grows up to 20'

Japanese Pittosporum grows up to 15'

American Holly grows up to 40'

LIVING SCREENS

Keep prying eyes out of your backyard, naturally

BY ALICE KEMP

Want to create a peaceful, private, backyard oasis?

Try using plants as natural barriers. Blending seamlessly into the landscape, plants can block out unwanted eyes while offering curb appeal and environmental benefits like noise reduction, erosion control and habitat for wildlife and pollinators.

Add year-round interest

“Most people, when they want some type of screening, they want something that is evergreen,” explained Laurie Fox, who has a doctorate in horticulture and is a Virginia Tech assistant professor at the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Virginia Beach.

Evergreens, like the versatile American holly and the fast-growing green giant arborvitae, provide yearround screening while being lowmaintenance, hardy and suitable for many landscapes. Holly bushes can be pruned into hedges or grow up to 40 feet tall, and their red berries shine festively during wintertime, and green giant arborvitaes’ feathery branches add unique texture to a landscape.

Little Gem magnolias add drama with large glossy leaves and white flowers and do well in full sun and well-draining soil. The Japanese Pittosporum shrub also is known for its fragrant flowers and dense branches that provide shelter for nesting birds. The bayberry—or wax myrtle—is a native, semi-evergreen

shrub with waxy silver-grey berries that add interest.

While evergreens are popular, homeowners also can “interplant deciduous trees if you’re not too concerned about privacy during the winter,” suggested Ed Olsen, a Virginia Cooperative Extension horticulture agent in Henrico County.

Creating a mixed plant screen by incorporating deciduous trees like dogwoods, redbuds and oakleaf hydrangeas as well as other plants creates a more natural, layered canopy look that blurs the edges of the property. A mixed screen also “increases wildlife biodiversity and can give your planting better resiliency when faced with environmental factors such as drought, excessive rains and cold,” Olsen noted.

Plan for the space available

“If you’ve got something like a large holly or one of the skip laurels, then you need 10 to 12 feet or more in width,” Fox advised. “If you’ve only got 3 feet, you may need to go with something that’s very narrow and doesn’t overgrow the space—like a vine on a trellis. You don’t want to be out there having to prune it back multiple times a year.”

As with any landscaping endeavor, consider how much room is available, the plant’s growth needs—both vertically and horizontally—mature size, and the site conditions, including moisture, drainage and light.

It’s also important to think about

maintenance. Planting trees and shrubs can cut down on lawn care, but some require pruning and tidying if they drop leaves, cones, fruits or berries. A more formal hedge will require frequent shearing compared to a natural or informal planting, Fox noted.

Additionally, “while it might be tempting to plant the plants close together for an instant screen, this can lead to problems in the future,” Olsen advised. “Instead of planting in one straight line, if space allows, plant two alternating rows.”

And of course, minding property lines will keep things in harmony with neighbors.

“There’s been many a neighbor-toneighbor conflict by having one person’s plants encroach on somebody else’s landscape,” Fox cautioned.

Endless screening options

“There’s a plant out there for every situation,” Fox said.

Virginia Cooperative Extension, botanical gardens and nurseries can advise home gardeners on hardiness zones, mature size, growth rate and habit, pest problems, cultivars and more for backyard privacy plants. Homeowners also can visit local gardens to look at plants up close before purchasing.

Forging ahead

Hobbyist blacksmiths are carrying centuries-old techniques and culture into the future.

For more than three millennia, blacksmiths were virtually indispensable.

As masters of fire, iron and steel, blacksmiths were responsible for crafting and repairing everyday items essential for life in ancient times through the Great Depression. These items included hand tools; bolts, nails and screws; household items such as cutlery, furniture, lighting fixtures and tableware; and agricultural tools such as axes, hoes and plows.

But, as is the case with many historical occupations, man was replaced by machine during the Industrial Revolution. With factories pumping out mass-produced ironand steel-based products midway through the 18th century, the need for blacksmiths virtually disappeared.

Modern metalworking

Today, blacksmiths in Virginia and across the U.S. primarily are hobbyists. Where the trade used to require blacksmiths to make a wide variety of goods, most full-time professionals now specialize in creating items within a single category. Farriers are the most common example of a modern specialist, using blacksmithing techniques to make horseshoes.

Other professional blacksmiths, explained Jay Hatfield and Kevin Clark, president and vice president

of the Old Dominion Blacksmithing Association, specialize in creating decorative and ornamental pieces or repairing them. Items in this category often include home decor and kitchenware, wares for Renaissance fairs and Revolutionary War and Civil War reenactments, and custom fencing and gates.

The number of professional smiths in Virginia is slight, and that is reflected in the ODBSA’s membership. Just 2% of the association’s members are professionals, and the remainder are hobbyists, including Hatfield and Clark.

Blacksmithing can be learned at trade schools, but associations and guilds also play a critical role in keeping the craft and its traditions alive.

The ODBSA emphasizes education, and members learn how to smith through monthly demonstrations and hands-on training events. The association also fosters collaboration, with members collectively sharing their knowledge to help others hone their skills.

Hatfield explained that blacksmithing skills combined with a do-it-yourself attitude are extremely valuable, especially in rural communities such as his own in Pittsylvania County.

He noted that as agricultural equipment and implements get older, parts become harder to find. Often blacksmiths are the only individuals skilled enough to repair the parts or make new ones.

“I think blacksmiths will always have a place in the future,” Hatfield added.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY ADAM CULLER

Blacksmith Jerry Darnell heats a piece of iron to make a rush lamp, a common lighting fixture from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Forging ahead

Forming a forge

With origins dating back to roughly 1500 B.C., the blacksmithing process can be made as easy as a smith wants it to be.

“There are many smiths around the world whose forges consist of a hole in the ground that contains their charcoal, and a tube that goes under the fire or to the side … and two rocks,” Clark said. “The rocks just have to be harder than the metal.”

To create a functional forge, blacksmiths simply need a fuel container and a way to cycle air into the bottom or sides of the container to produce a hotter flame. Smiths also need something to hammer on, something to hammer with and an instrument to hold hot metals.

Forges usually utilize coal, charcoal or propane, and since each produces carbon monoxide, forges should be set up in a well-ventilated area.

Beginner forge kits typically start around $100, while more sophisticated configurations can cost thousands.

THE SEVEN BASICS OF SMITHING

Of the many skills needed to be a blacksmith, Clark noted that there are seven basics:

Drawing — lengthening a piece of metal Flaring the process of drawing out the end of a piece of metal

Upsetting — makes metal thicker in one dimension while making it thinner in another

Punching — to punch a hole in metal Splitting to split metal Bending to heat metal and bend it to its desired shape Forge welding the process of joining two metal pieces together by heating and hammering them together.

“Once you master those seven skills, you can use them and put them together to do whatever it is you want to do,” Clark said. “Those are the building blocks.”

Clockwise from far left: Blacksmithing implements are housed at Otter Hill Forge in Bedford County; Blacksmith Jerry Darnell bends red-hot iron to create a loop; coal is stored by the forge; Kevin Clark, left, and Jay Hatfield serve as vice president and president of the Old Dominion Blacksmithing Association; and decorative ironworks are sold in LT Skinnell's workshop at Otter Hill.

‘A wall of spinning debris’

Recovery continues a year after unexpected Northern Neck tornado |

BY NICOLE ZEMA

Ashoe. A garden sprinkler. A broken coat hanger. A bottle of cleaning product.

Among the wind-blown items scattered in the Bryant family’s corn and canola fields, nail-studded planks of wooden siding still cause problems, puncturing tractor tires one year after an EF-2 tornado touched down in Northumberland County.

A neighbor’s property took a direct hit in the unexpected May 2021 storm, and the tornado blew the entire house and its contents across 60 acres of the Bryants’ fields. The neighbor was fortunately not home at the time, but Mike Bryant was.

Bryant had just fed their dog, Hattie, when he noticed the mesmerizing movement of the clouds. Severe weather had not been predicted.

“Suddenly it got bright, like a sunny day,” he recalled. “And then there was a wall of spinning debris coming right at us. I never heard the freight train or any noise. If I had not been looking at the sky, it would have been right on top of me.”

Bryant ran to the shed, got inside the wheel well of the combine and called his son, Seth, urging him to stay away from the tornado.

“I see it!” said Seth, who was driving nearby.

The storm passed just as quickly as it arrived, cutting a swath through their fields. Trees were bent or snapped. Patio furniture was swept into a knot.

Their roof was damaged.

Hattie was OK, “but I about cried when I saw my fields,” Bryant recalled. “Thank God for friends, family and Farm Bureau showing up to help.”

As emergency response began, Northumberland-Lancaster County Farm Bureau board members assembled a large team to clean up the fields. Twenty-three dump truck loads of debris were removed that first day.

The support was overwhelming, said Mike’s wife, Kristie.

“Almost 60 people showed up to help,” she said. “Many we didn’t even know.”

With winds up to 120 mph, the tornado was forceful enough to expose the neighbor’s septic tank.

“We found her family Bible and a photo album, somehow still intact, and got that back to her,” Kristie added.

Debris cleanup continues a year later. The neighbor is rebuilding, though small pieces of her property are still unearthed on the farm. Kristie drives their Gator ahead of the combine, collecting loads of sharp debris that could flatten equipment tires. The landscape aboveground has changed too. The tornado ripped a corridor through a tree line edging their field.

“I think we all have a much greater respect for Mother Nature,” Mike said. “There was no advance warning with this one, but when you do get a warning, take it seriously.”

Mike, Kristie and Seth Bryant are grateful no one was hurt when a tornado tore through their farm fields in May 2021.

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

Virginia Farm Bureau’s Hurricane Preparedness Central webpage is a storm safety and preparation resource with information that can help keep loved ones and property safe in storm events. Visit bit.ly/3yPi4VO to review a complete list of tips and available supplies.

Essential items:

• flashlights, extra batteries and portable, battery-operated radio

• first-aid kit and essential medicines

• emergency food and water (for pets too)

• manual can opener

• duct tape, tarps, cleaning supplies, insulated coolers, gasoline, generators, all-purpose extension cords and portable blowers, available to Virginia Farm Bureau members at a discount from  Grainger.com

During the storm:

• Monitor the news

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

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

• Charge your phone

• Use flashlights, not candles

After the storm:

•Listen to local news for emergency instructions

•Make contact with others

• Avoid walking or driving in floodwater

• Avoid drinking tap water, and check for food spoilage

• Take photos for insurance claims

• Be aware of natural gas leaks, and watch for sparks and broken or frayed wires

• Disinfect items that may have been contaminated

Seth Bryant holds a nail-studded piece of siding found on the farm—just one of many that are still being discovered over a year after the tornado touched down.

Trees lining a farm field were snapped and twisted during the EF-2 tornado that touched down in Northumberland County last year.

Just breathe.

Virginia’s lavender farms cultivate relaxing scents

Decorating the countryside with gorgeous hues, Virginia’s lavender growers provide elegant landscapes. These farmers are harnessing lavender and its essential oil to market value-added products, explore aromatherapy, and provide unique experiences for visitors who stroll the lush fields to relax and connect with nature.

Appomattox lavender farm inspired by Oregon fields

BY ALICE KEMP

On a 2008 trip to Oregon, Bonnie Swanson was enchanted by fragrant fields tinged with rippling rows of purple.

“I decided it was time to switch from cut flowers to lavender,” Swanson reminisced.

The following year she planted her first 200 lavender shrubs on the 10-acre property she owns with her husband, Ken, and Evergreen Lavender Farm in Appomattox County was born. Spurred by local interest, the farm quickly blossomed into a full-fledged operation with 850 shrubs, workshops, open-mike nights, and an annual lavender festival that hosts around 1,200 visitors.

“Lavender is a beautiful herb, it’s very sensory,” Swanson said. “People react so positively, and that’s a joy in itself.”

Selling homemade lotions, balms, soaps, eye pillows and lavender wreaths at the Lynchburg Community Market and her farm’s shop—housed in a 1925 Norfolk and Western caboose— Swanson’s lavender success began with some trial and error. Growing her two varieties, lavandula angustifolia and lavandula x-intermedia, required some workarounds.

“It’s a challenge due to Virginia’s clay soil composition and humidity, which lavender doesn’t like,” she explained. “The only thing we have that lavender does like is lots of sunshine.”

An unusually wet season can cause the arid-loving herb to develop fungal issues, so she doctors the soil with lime, gravel, compost and shredded leaves to increase drainage and “give it its best shot” in Virginia’s climate.

With lush gardens thriving in the prepared soil, Swanson welcomes visitors for U-pick lavender during the June to July harvest season. And while her customers enjoy the fragrant plant for its relaxing scent and aromatherapy, Swanson favors its culinary applications.

“It pairs well with citrus,” she said. “If you’re making an orange icing or something like that, you can add some lavender buds.”

Lavandula angustifolia is the variety best used for cooking, as it has less camphor and a sweeter, milder flavor. But even with its lighter flavor, too much can be overpowering.

Evergreen Lavender Farm in Appomattox County showcases a love for lavender and provides a beautiful, natural setting for events like weddings, paint nights, workshops and more.

Once lavender is dried, screens are used to de-stem and clean the plants.

Bonnie Swanson dries her lavender for bouquets, sachets and wreaths, and to extract the oil.

PHOTOS BY ALICE KEMP

“You really need to follow the recipe,” Swanson advised. “More is not better.”

Steeping it in water like tea, Swanson infuses lavender in lemonades, iced teas and mixed drinks. She uses a coffee grinder to make a fine powder that’s sprinkled into recipes for lemon pound cake, ham fried rice, chicken salad and ice cream.

And whether she’s giving farm tours or hosting workshops, Swanson said she enjoys sharing her love for lavender and teaching others about its many uses and benefits.

White Oak Lavender Farm’s interactive landscape is a tranquil sensory experience

BY NICOLE ZEMA

An ancient aromatic plant used to cleanse and calm is more relevant than ever.

Farmers are increasingly diversifying their farms with lavender. And for some, the humble plant is the main event.

“Our hope is that guests experience something that’s a little bit different, and they leave a little bit changed,” said Julie Haushalter, founder and operator of White Oak Lavender Farm and The Purple WOLF Vineyard in Rockingham County. The sprawling 10-acre site is an agritourism destination that soothes the senses.

“Lavender evokes memories,” she said, “and is connected to tension and stress relief.”

Within view of Massanutten Ridge, the farm provides a serene setting to savor a moment of quiet gratitude, build family memories, snap prom photos, shop for gifts, learn about the ecosystem or just bond with girlfriends over a flight of lavender-infused wines.

“It’s not just a regular retail gift shop or winery,” Haushalter continued. “It’s a message about how incredibly important it is to lower our anxiety in response to the stressors of the world, and I think that’s more important now than when we opened.”

The family’s first handcrafted lavender products were a sensation

at the local farmers market, and the business grew.

“People would flock the table, and then they flocked the farm,” Haushalter recalled. The site opened to the public in 2008. “It grew organically— literally—with public interest.”

The Purple WOLF tasting room, named with the farm’s acronym, opened in 2015. It offers tastings of classic wines ranging from dry to sweet, plus flavorful original blends of grapes and lavender.

The presence of honeybees in June indicates the plants are ready for U-pick, though the farm offers year-round agritourism experiences, including tours, wine tastings, lectures, a nature discovery area, farm animals, live music, mindfulness spaces and a gift shop with more than 100 handmade lavender products. In addition to culinary items, calming bath-and-body products and gentle cleaning solutions, guests can purchase cultivars of English and Lavandin species to create a fragrant garden of their own, which can thrive in dry conditions with low maintenance.

“I know those species are good and hearty for the Mid-Atlantic states,” said Haushalter. She is a charter member and board vice president for the U.S. Lavender Growers Association, which has grown from about 30 members in 2012 to more than 700 farm members today.

Former horse farm fields now blooming with lavender

BY ADAM CULLER

In the rolling hills of Orange County, Jennifer Harris’ new vision for Cornerstone Farm is steadily coming to fruition.

The farm, where Harris trained horses for more than two decades, implemented a lavender-growing element after her late husband, Richard “Rick” Harris III, passed in 2010. Harris explained that without her husband’s assistance in running the farm—and having lost the zeal to continue training horses by herself— Cornerstone needed to diversify to help

Enjoy a wine flight among the lavender plants in one of White Oak Lavender Farm's many peaceful gardens.

Unique bath and body items are included among 100-plus handmade lavender products at the farm's gift shop.

Julie Haushalter is founder and operator. Blushing Wolf sparkling wine is slightly sweet with a hint of lavender.

PHOTOS BY NICOLE ZEMA

make ends meet.

To pivot, Harris began raising and marketing grass-fed beef, as well as selling hay and farm-fresh eggs. Years later, after heeding advice from a close friend and drawing inspiration from White Oak Lavender Farm in Rockingham County, she planted lavender in the fall of 2017.

Harris’ first harvest the following spring didn’t go according to plan. The season was interrupted by 2018’s record-setting rainfall, which currently stands as Virginia’s wettest year on record.

She admitted that she considered throwing in the towel, but eventually decided to persevere.

Harris’ persistence paid off, and after replanting lavender that spring, she said she managed to harvest about two-thirds of the 300 plants she still cultivates today.

Her first harvest proved bountiful—if not initially overwhelming—to manage on her own. But Harris adapted, and now offers a wealth of lavender-based products at Cornerstone Farm.

Cornerstone’s products include soaps, lotions and sprays; culinary products such as lavender tea and lavender-infused sugar; lavender essential oils; and several craft items, including handmade diffuser bracelets.

Harris said she’s found success selling her items wholesale, and she has a loyal customer base that buys her products at craft fairs, local markets and through Facebook and Etsy.

Despite its modest size as a lavender farm, Cornerstone Farm’s location in Orange County’s picturesque countryside lends itself well as an agritourism destination. While her plans have been hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, Harris hopes to eventually bolster on-farm activities, and turn part of the horse barn into a retail space.

For now, she’s happy to see where her new adventure takes her.

“There are so many people who love lavender,” Harris said. “And to see customers be excited by my products— it’s so satisfying to know that I’m making things that people love and enjoy.”

Culinary lavender, left, and sachets are among products Jennifer Harris produces from her farm's 300 lavender plants.

Harris poses in Cornerstone Farms' shade garden, which she hopes to convert to a wedding venue.

Lavender attracts butterflies and other pollinators.

Lavender buds can be used for sachets, potpourri and other crafts.

The farm's roadside sign displays its heritage as a horse farm.

PHOTOS BY ADAM CULLER

The state’s pork-and-peanut heritage trail showcases iconic flavors, traditions of rural coastal Virginia

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY NICOLE ZEMA

Here’s one to write home about.

If you came for the pork and peanuts, you’ll stay for the authentic experiences along a thematic driving trail called The Salty Southern Route.

The state’s pork-andpeanut trail, established in 2018 by state and regional tourism groups, welcomes visitors to “ride the route from nuts to snout” through coastal Virginia. About 100 rural attractions and festivals dot the route from Surry to Sussex, Isle of Wight and Southampton counties and into the city of Suffolk. Each location— restaurants, taprooms, farms, country stores, museums, inns, smokehouses, peanut shops and more—shares an agricultural connection. But the cultural discoveries and genuine hospitality at every stop are entirely unique.

Greetings from coastal Virginia!

“In our localities, we play the hand we’re dealt,

and what we have is agritourism,” said Judy Winslow, director of tourism at Smithfield & Isle of Wight Convention & Tourism Bureau.

Inspired by Virginia’s Oyster Trail, Virginia Tourism Corp. and multiple rural entities gathered to discuss the cultural and culinary themes comprising their regional identity. Originally named the Burlap Trail, they settled on The Salty Southern Route.

“We all have pork and peanuts in common,” Winslow said. Locations on the route tie into that heritage.

“And the beauty of it— you can tailor your trip according to your interests.”

Route riders, including foodies, history buffs, ham fans and peanut connoisseurs, can follow daytrip or weekend itineraries.

“To experience the whole thing, we estimate it would take more than a week—if you really want to stop and smell the peanuts,” said Sandra Tanner, senior destination development specialist at VTC.

Virginia hams hang from the rafters at the Isle of Wight County Museum.

Taste of Smithfield's restaurant gift shop includes everything from bacon to baseball caps.

Darden Country Store and Smokehouse is a popular stop at the intersection of state Routes 644 and 654.

Smithfield's Porcine Parade features life-size pig statues reflecting town history, culture and recreation.

The Arts Center @ 319 in downtown Smithfield is a multifunctional welcome center, gallery and artisan shop.

Wish you were here

Mid-Atlantic visitors mostly travel from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. A short ferry ride from Williamsburg to Surry delivers guests from a broader radius. The friendly, flavorful experiences on the route appeal to those seeking a leisurely adventure.

“Driving more people to agritourism was exactly what this route was designed to do, and we’re pleased that younger generations like it!” Winslow said.

The route is an opportunity to learn where some beloved foods come from, and who grew them, added Ashley Covington, marketing and existing business manager for Franklin Southampton Economic Development.

“Ham Cam” at Hamcamva.com.

“There are eagle cams, giraffe cams; we needed a ham cam,” England said of P.D. Gwaltney Jr.'s 1902 cured ham. “Technically it’s the world’s oldest edible ham, but we don’t eat the artifacts here.”

Eight life-size statues of market hogs make up the Porcine Parade, painted by local artists, memorializing the agricultural roots of the “ham capital of the world.”

Work up an appetite and try the Redneck Pâté sandwich at Taste of Smithfield—two thick-cut slices of Smithfield bologna, crispy onions, pepper jack cheese and banana peppers, smeared with smoked tomato aioli. It pairs beautifully with the BEEnut Butter Nut Brown Ale, brewed with peanut butter and locally harvested honey by Nansemond Brewing Station in Suffolk.

The Darden family has been curing hams and making pork sausage since the early 1950s, sold through Darden’s Country Store & Smokehouse.

Smithfield and Isle of Wight County are long known for their worldfamous hams, rich history, charming main street vibe and lively arts scene.

“It’s a community that’s peaceful and traditional, yet eclectic and progressive,” said Terri Smith, volunteer at The Arts Center @ 319—a vibrant gallery, art boutique and visitor center.

J.L. England, director of Isle of Wight County Museum, encourages guests to view the world’s oldest peanut and ham, either in person or online via the

“We have a good local base who get their fix of ham biscuits and pimento cheese,” said Dee Dee Darden, co-owner with her husband, Tommy. The 1,000 hams smoked each year hang from the rafters of their smokehouse, curing about 40 days.

“Ham it up” with Southern culinary classics at Holland's Country Gourmet

Suffolk's Character Corner pays homage to Mr. Peanut. The statue was constructed in 1991, the 75th anniversary of the Planters Lifesavers Co.'s iconic character.

George Lundeen's bronze statue of George Washington is part of the Genuine Smithfield Walking Tour of the historic downtown district. A roasting machine from 1936 is still used at Planters Peanut Center in Suffolk.

Sample Taste of Smithfield's Redneck Pâté, which includes bologna, fried onions and peppers, and see various iterations of Mr. Peanut at Planters Peanut Center in Suffolk.

in downtown Suffolk, known locally as Holland’s Produce. Owner Jeanette Holland’s parents launched their produce stand in the early ‘60s. It has since become a popular daytime eatery, serving breakfast, lunch and to-go items made from scratch in a cozy restaurant setting, plus offsite catering. It gets busy.

“Some days it’s like Thanksgiving in here,” Holland said of their loyal clientele.

Walk a few blocks for a bag of freshly roasted peanuts and peruse bygone iterations of the iconic Mr. Peanut at Planters Peanut Center. Peanuts are roasted every morning in an original roasting machine from 1936.

Crack those shells in the shade at Suffolk’s Character Corner, where Mr. Peanut has been immortalized in statue form since 1991—the 75th anniversary of the Planters Lifesavers Co.’s trademark character.

inventory while warmly welcoming walk-ins to Gurganus Peanut Outlet on U.S. Route 58. Ricky and Dora have enjoyed a livelihood in farming, running their store for 31 years, selling a variety of cooked and raw peanut products, seasonal produce, Virginia hams, bacon and gifts.

“What makes our peanuts special is the larger gourmet quality, cooked in peanut oil,” she said. “To make them blistered, raw peanuts are blanched in water, drained and then dropped into the peanut oil, causing blisters.”

Produce, meat and eggs are grown at PandA Homestead just off U.S. 58. Stop for a quick photo-op at the farm’s sweetly painted LOVEwork sign, which honors homesteaders at home and abroad.

Hitch a ride west to Southampton County and learn about the legacy of Hubbard Peanut Co., cooking and selling peanuts since 1954. The Hubs Vine in Franklin opened in 2020—a sprawling community gathering place and venue that features a restaurant, retail store, coffee and ice cream shop, lounging areas and games. Enjoy a hand-steamed latte and a scoop of Hub’s peanut brittle ice cream.

Dora Gurganus restocks

Modern surroundings

and time-honored flavors collide at the famous Virginia Diner™ on U.S. Route 460, which started in a refurbished railroad car in 1929. The dining room grew over time to accommodate growing numbers of hungry locals and travelers alike. Billboards entice the road weary to stop for the world-famous peanut pie: Fresh Virginia Dinerbrand peanuts in a gooey, caramelized pie filling in a flaky crust. Try it with a fresh scoop of ice cream, paired with hot coffee, for a transcendent road reprieve.

The outlet also stocks Virginia ham products, gifts and seasonal produce.

The Hubs Vine is a one-stop shop for Virginia-grown products, and dozens of peanut styles are available at Gurganus Peanut Outlet.

Dora Gurganus restocks inventory at the Gurganus Peanut Outlet in Southampton County. In Franklin, The Hubs Vine serves Richlands ice cream with Hubs peanut brittle.

Hubbard Peanut Co. opened The Hubs Vine in Franklin in 2020, offering a restaurant, ice cream shop and lounging areas.

Meet the tribe of Nigerian Dwarf goats who play and sleep on the world’s tallest goat tower—a 34-foot architectural masterpiece adjacent to Hampton Roads Winery. Winemakers Dave and Diane Sheldon planted their first four varieties in 2008 and opened the winery in 2016. They now serve 12 wines in a spacious tasting room, plus slushies and gifts, and their red Angus beef

products, raised at White Oak Stock Farm.

Stray from the beaten path to an elegant 18th-century home called Lightwood House, surrounded by nature in an old beech forest. With 100 acres of woods, meadows and streams, the estate is part of the land given by Chief Powhatan to Pocahontas and John Rolfe as a wedding gift. Now the property is a unique vacation home, flaunting authentic historic features as well as modern conveniences.

Hit the road

Find a complete list of Salty Southern Route stops, plus events, itineraries, blog posts, videos and more at saltysouthernroute.com, or call the Smithfield Visitor Center at 757-357-5182.

Surry County's 18th-century Lightwood House is now a historic vacation home with modern amenities.

Hampton Roads Vineyard & Winery owner Dave Sheldon discusses how their grapes are grown, fermented and marketed.

The winery's tasting room shop offers Virginia-grown products and gifts for wine lovers, and families can meet the winery's goats.

Wind through Surry County and discover surprises at Hampton Roads Vineyard & Winery.

Sussex County is home to Virginia Diner and its world-famous peanut pie, loaded with nuts and warm caramel in a flaky crust.

Boost your enterprise’s cybersecurity with a customized business owner policy

BY ADAM CULLER

As a business owner, you need an insurance policy that caters specifically to your company’s needs. In a post-pandemic world, your policy should include coverage for virtual elements of your business.

Companies around the world have moved portions—if not the entirety—of their business dealings online to take advantage of remote work models. Doing so can help save on expenses related to office spaces and staff, but working in virtual settings can cause its own set of cybersecurity risks.

Like any risk associated with running a business, you can mitigate damaging losses from online security breaches by purchasing a business owner policy from Virginia Farm Bureau that is tailor-made for your company.

“As we continue to see, the internet can be difficult for businesses to navigate, given the amount of malware that is out there,” said Lisa Whitus, personal and commercial lines underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.

“Whether it’s ransomware or a simple virus, malware is specifically designed to attack your business and your assets,

and the damage can be devastating,” Whitus explained. “These attacks are becoming more common and more sophisticated, which is why it’s important to consider and address any cyber liability coverage needs, particularly if you’re operating any part of your business online.”

Business owner policies, commonly known as BOP, offer combined insurance coverage without the need to buy individual policies for business liability, lost income coverage and property coverage. Through BOP, these policies are combined into a single, comprehensive policy and often cost less than individual ones.

Policies can be customized according to your industry, and VFBMIC offers coverage to businesses with an e-commerce element.

Business owners who conduct transactions online or by email can add a cyber suite endorsement to their policies. This endorsement provides coverage for data compromise liability, network security liability, cyber extortion and malware and ransomware attacks, thus reducing some of the risks of working virtually.

Road safety starts with shared responsibility among drivers, pedestrians

QUICK QUESTION: What do

motorists, cyclists and pedestrians all have in common?

There are many answers to this seemingly simple question, but one that is often overlooked also is the most important—each has the right to use Virginia’s roadways. However, when doing so, all road users must remember to act in ways that ensure their own safety and that of others.

Bicyclist and Pedestrian Awareness Month is observed in Virginia each September and serves as a reminder to cyclists, pedestrians and motorists that roadway safety is a shared responsibility.

According to Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles crash data from 2021, there were 1,399 accidents involving pedestrians and 125 fatalities last year. Additionally, there were 544 bicyclist-involved accidents, resulting in 16 fatalities.

All were year-over-year increases

except bicyclist-involved accidents, which totaled 545 in 2020. In 2021, pedestrian fatalities rose by nearly 10%, and cyclist fatalities doubled.

David Tenembaum, senior actuarial manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. and a Drive Smart Virginia board member, noted the increases were consistent with recent trends.

“Creating a safe environment for bicyclists and pedestrians should be every motorist’s top priority throughout the year,” Tenembaum said. “However, Bicyclist and Pedestrian Awareness Month gives us a timely opportunity to raise awareness for an issue that is quickly becoming an epidemic.

“Fatalities from pedestrian-involved road accidents increased by 63% in Virginia between 2010 and 2020. With that in mind, we all need to make sure we’re aware of the laws that protect pedestrians, follow them and commit to

being safer drivers.”

Under Virginia law, drivers are required to maintain a 3-foot distance from pedestrians and bicyclists on the state’s roadways. When sharing the road with vehicles, cyclists should ride with traffic, and pedestrians should walk facing traffic.

Drivers also are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians at any clearly marked crosswalks and at intersections where the legal maximum speed doesn’t exceed 35 mph.

Motorists also must yield in extensions of sidewalk boundaries at the end of a block.

Drive Smart Virginia is reminding drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to share Virginia’s roadways safely through its “See and Be Seen” campaign.

The campaign advocates for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to avoid distractions on Virginia roadways and to be aware of other road users.

| BUSINESS OWNER POLICIES cont'd on page 30 »

‘Stay humble’ 2021 Ralph Stokes Honoree Jason Seward reflects on challenges and opportunities

BY NICOLE ZEMA

Though Jason Seward wasn’t born with a head start, his experiences navigating hardships as a youth became a mechanism to seize his destiny.

Recently named the 2021 Ralph Stokes Award Honoree for Virginia Farm Bureau, the 40-yearold Seward is one of the youngest recipients to earn this prestigious award and is an inspiration to others who have faced challenges. He serves as Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. agency manager in Surry County, employed with the company 16 years now.

Throughout Seward’s childhood, his father was often incarcerated, struggling with substance abuse, leaving Seward’s mother, Rita, to provide for their three young children. Most days she left home before dawn, working all day and studying at night pursuing a nursing degree.

“Those circumstances with my dad, and how she handled it—I owe everything to that,” Seward said. “It taught me how to be resilient. She did nothing for herself. The grind that she went through to keep us going, which we didn’t recognize then, means there is no stopping me from being successful.”

As a child, Seward had to grow up quickly, becoming the “man of the house” at age 10.

Those early experiences have helped keep life’s stressors in perspective.

Flexibility of sales was a good fit

Though Seward already had a good job at Dominion Energy’s Surry Power Station in 2006, Agency Manager John Drewry was unrelenting in recruiting the then 24-year-old to VFBMIC’s sales force. Since high school, Seward was known as a wellliked and motivated, yet humble, competitor—ideal salesmanship qualities.

Seward knew he’d be a family man someday, and the flexibility of sales was a good fit. He met his wife, Kati—a loving, supportive, grounding force in his life—a few months after joining Farm Bureau. They now have their own family, including Emma, 10, and JJ, 5.

The career is great, but family is everything to Seward.

“The rewards of this job have been unbelievable. I’ve been fortunate enough to win trips and bring our kids places I can’t image doing without Farm Bureau. Because of those privileges, I try to keep myself

reflecting. Stay humble and don’t get accustomed to it.”

Seward admits he’s not really a salesperson. A broad range of personal interests and infinite curiosity about others facilitates sincere connections. The business opportunities simply follow.

“My No. 1 goal is to earn their trust,” he said. “I want to come to your house, meet your kids and find things in common.

He reports to Regional Sales Manager Erwin Maitland, who said Seward gives 100% and is willing to share ideas. “Jason recognizes he stands on the shoulders of those who came before him and is laying a solid foundation for those coming after him.”

Mentoring new agents is his true calling. While Seward jokes that he’s a “wild thinker with some crazy ideas,” his proposal to implement a sales internship program was lauded by company leadership and started earlier this summer.

“Jason goes above and beyond to help and motivate

others, especially new agents,” said Ray Leonard, VFBMIC vice president of sales. “He is one of the most positive and optimistic people you will ever meet. He always thinks about what’s in the best interest of the members, company and employees.”

Seward shares a deep bond with one agent in particular—Nansemond County Farm Bureau agent and lifelong friend Jake Mintz. They grew up together and, as teens, operated J&J Lawn Service.

Mintz joined VFBMIC in 2015 after seeing his friend’s success. “And he’s crushing it,” Seward said of Mintz. “For him to come to this company is the highlight of my career.”

‘Laying a solid foundation’

Virginia Farm Bureau’s Region 2 Agency Manager Jason Seward of Surry County is 2021’s Ralph Stokes Honoree. He is pictured at Chippokes Plantation State Park with his mother, Rita, who raised him and his two siblings on her own.

Jason and Kati Seward are pictured at the VFBMIC Sales Conference awards ceremony with company leaders, from left, Executive Vice President and General Manager Bob Brown, Regional Sales Manager Erwin Maitland and Director of Sales Gerald Gardner.

FAMILY PHOTO

NICOLE ZEMA

Health savings accounts can be a tool to build retirement savings

BY NICOLE ZEMA

Tax-advantaged health savings accounts may be a little-known retirement life hack.

Anyone under 65 who is enrolled in a qualifying high-deductible health plan can open an HSA. Since highdeductible plans typically have lower premiums than traditional health insurance plans, those savings can be redirected into the HSA and used for deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, or as a retirement savings tool. Account funds are owned by the individual and never expire.

“It’s not like a flex spending account, where if you don’t use it, you lose it,” said Tracy Cornatzer, Health Care Consultants sales manager. “HSAs have the ability to grow, and you can use it year after year, as long as there’s money in it.”

HSA contributions can be ongoing until Medicare enrollment. After age 65, account owners can use their HSA like a 401(k) and withdraw funds for any purpose—not limited to medical expenses. But, Cornatzer cautioned, if not using the money for qualified medical expenses, “you’ll pay taxes, just not a penalty.”

HSA owners cannot have healthcare coverage beyond qualified health plans, including Medicare enrollment; be claimed as a dependent on someone’s tax returns; or received Veterans Affairs benefits in the past three months.

A portion of an HSA can be invested in a wide variety of mutual funds to enhance its tax-free growth potential for retirement. Tax-free interest can be

earned on an HSA balance when paying medical expenses out of pocket—just save your receipts and reimburse yourself later. HSA contributions and withdrawals used for qualified medical expenses also are tax-free.

Most routine preventive care is covered 100% by HSA-qualified health plans. The account is secure—even if changing jobs, insurance plans or entering retirement.

Virginia Farm Bureau’s health insurance agents can help members and potential customers find a qualifying insurance plan that works alongside an HSA.

It’s never too early to start building an HSA nest egg, Cornatzer concluded. “You’ll wish you’d done it years ago!”

Level-funded health plans offer flexibility, savings for group coverage

BY ADAM CULLER

Running a small business can be difficult, and finding a group health insurance policy that suits both your employees and your budget can make the task even more complicated.

However, if you’re interested in purchasing a group policy through a cost-effective package that provides health coverage catered to your team, a level-funded health insurance plan may be the right fit for your business.

With a level-funded health plan, employers pay an insurance carrier or third-party administrator a set premium each month to cover estimated claim costs, stop-loss insurance and administrative expenses. Stop-loss insurance covers health care costs that exceed a set amount on an employer’s health insurance plan. This coverage is a critical component of the level-funded model. It appeals to

business owners because it provides a limit to their financial responsibility in the event of catastrophic claim expenses. Employers also may be entitled to a refund at the end of the plan year if their claim amounts come in under the anticipated amount. These cost-saving features are considered a key benefit of levelfunded plans. Additionally, these health plans are exempt from some Affordable Care Act regulations, which provides greater flexibility in plan design and can help reduce the administrative responsibilities of small businesses.

Michelle Stinnett, an account executive for Experient Health, noted level-funded plans are a good fit for small businesses that employ between two and 250 employees. She also added that with a level-funded plan, businesses have more control over where their premium dollars are spent and have more insight into their

employees’ claims.

“With ACA group plans, you don’t have the capability to know which claims have been paid and how they’re affecting your overall rate increase,” Stinnett said. “You won’t know specifically who the claims were for, but with a level-funded plan, you do get a list of claims.

“Let’s say one month your claims were $5,000 and the next month they jumped to $25,000. That would be a good opportunity for a business to implement a wellness program to bring those claims down,” she said. “With these plans, you really have the ability to manage what your businesses’ needs may be throughout the year.”

To learn more about level-funded health plans or to discuss group insurance options with an agent, call 800-229-7779, contact healthsales@ experienthealth.com or visit vafb.com/health.

Level-funded health plans provide small businesses with costeffective insurance packages for their employees.

Yogurt: The delicious, not-so-sweet treat

Packed full of probiotics, rich in protein and beneficial nutrients like calcium, potassium and vitamin D, there’s a lot to appreciate about yogurt.

In existence since ancient times, yogurt has evolved into one of the most diverse dairy products available in grocery stores. A relatively simple food, yogurt has countless applications. It stands on its own, can be served with fruit or made into frozen yogurt bars, dips and sauces. It also can be an important supporting ingredient, providing a base for a flavorful marinade or adding richness and depth to a savory main meal.

Yogurt became popular in the U.S. during the ‘60s and ‘70s, when it was marketed as a health food. To combat its tart flavor and make it more appealing to a wider audience, sugar and fruit were added. These changes, combined with convenient, single-serve packaging, eventually led yogurt to become the American diet staple it is today—particularly for breakfast or as a quick, healthy snack.

Breakfast Yogurt and Berry Frozen Pops

INGREDIENTS

3 cups fresh or frozen fruit, roughly chopped (strawberries, blueberries,

Yogurt is a diverse dairy product that can be served with fruit, made into dips and sauces, or incorporated into a main meal.

Honey, vanilla and granola turn plain yogurt into a healthy, sweet treat.

blackberries, banana, mango, peaches or raspberries)

2-4 tablespoons honey, maple syrup or agave nectar, divided

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1½ cups plain Greek-style yogurt

¼ cup milk

⅔ cup prepared granola

ice pop molds and sticks

DIRECTIONS

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the fruit and 2 tablespoons of honey, maple syrup or agave nectar. Bring to a steady simmer, and let the mixture cook 8-10 minutes, until the fruit has a thick, jam-like consistency. Stir the fruit often to prevent burning. Remove the pan from the heat, then add the vanilla. Let the fruit cool to room temperature.

In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, milk and 1 tablespoon or more of honey or other sweetener. Taste the mixture, and add additional sweetener if desired. Transfer ¼ cup of yogurt to a small bowl, then add the granola and stir to coat. Coating the granola will help it soften and freeze properly with the frozen pops.

Lay out an ice pop mold on your work surface. Using a small spoon, add a large dollop of yogurt to the bottom of each. Next, add a small amount of the coated granola, then a spoonful of the cooked and cooled fruit. Gently tap the mold on the counter between each layer so that you remove any air pockets. Continue to layer the ingredients until the molds are filled. Tap the molds on the counter once more. Insert ice pop sticks, then freeze until the pops are solid, 6 hours or overnight.

To remove frozen pops, run the mold under hot water for a few seconds. Depending upon the temperature of

your freezer, you may need a little longer. Gently remove from the mold and enjoy.

—Recipe adapted from the American Dairy Association Mideast

DIRECTIONS

Using a clean and sanitized Instant Pot, pour the milk into the inner pot. Place the lid on the pot, and press the yogurt button until it says ”boil.” When it beeps, remove the lid, and check the milk temperature. It should be 180°. Take the inner pot out, and cool until the milk is 105°-111°.

Once it reaches the desired temperature range, skim off the skin that’s on the surface of the milk.

Mixing yogurt with southwestern flavors creates a savory dip for vegetables or chips.

Chipotle Pepper Dip

INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon adobo sauce

2 8-ounce containers of plain yogurt

½ cup chunky salsa

2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped ¼ cup cheddar cheese, shredded assorted cut vegetables or corn chips

DIRECTIONS

In a medium bowl, combine first four ingredients until well-blended, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, add shredded cheese, and serve with assorted cut vegetables or corn chips.

—Recipe adapted from The Dairy Alliance

Homemade Instant Pot Yogurt

INGREDIENTS

half gallon of milk

2 tablespoons plain yogurt with active cultures

vanilla or sweetener, if desired

Take out 1 cup of milk. Stir 2 tablespoons of yogurt into the cup of milk. Whisk it back into the inner pot of milk. If desired, add vanilla and/or sweetener.

Put the yogurt back into the Instant Pot, cover, and press the yogurt button until it says 8 hours.

After 8 hours, chill the yogurt in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. For Greek-style yogurt, strain the yogurt in the refrigerator through a cheesecloth for about 8 hours.

—Recipe adapted from The Dairy Alliance

INGREDIENTS

1 frozen banana, sliced

½ cup plain yogurt

½ cup orange juice

DIRECTIONS

Place banana slices into a blender with the yogurt and orange juice. Blend well, and serve chilled.

—Recipe adapted from Virginia CooperativeExtension

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BUSINESS OWNER

POLICIES cont'd from page 24 »

Additionally, those who run businesses from home also may need a business owner policy to provide coverage for in-home business property and liability coverage. A homeowner policy will not automatically provide coverage for either.

And, as more businesses become reliant on outside vendors to send and receive packages, Whitus suggested business owners consider adding an Employment Practices Liability Insurance endorsement.

EPLI coverage provides coverage for discrimination and harassment claims made by any third party, including the insured business’ customers, clients, tenants or vendors. It also provides coverage for claims stemming from adverse employment actions such as gender harassment; discrimination of age, disability, race and religion; and other wrongful acts.

To discuss your BOP needs or to learn more about coverage options, call your local Farm Bureau agent or visit vafb.com/business-insurance.

Protect your vehicle’s value with additional auto coverage

BY ADAM CULLER

No motorist wants to be involved in an accident that results in their vehicle being totaled. This is especially true for drivers who recently purchased a newmodel vehicle, and those who are still paying off an auto loan.

When purchasing an auto insurance policy, customers commonly opt for basic collision and comprehensive coverage to provide protection while keeping costs low. Despite the practicality of this strategy, buying minimal coverage can leave insured parties upside down on their loans in the event of a total loss.

By adding auto loan/lease payoff coverage or new vehicle replacement coverage endorsements to your Virginia Farm Bureau auto policy, it’s possible to secure coverage for unexpected out-of-pocket automobile expenses.

Auto loan/lease payoff coverage

If a person totals their vehicle, and they owe their lender more than what their car is worth, the driver is still on the hook to pay the remaining balance of the loan.

Incurring a sudden and sometimes exorbitant expense can be financially catastrophic, but by adding auto loan/lease payoff coverage, drivers can avoid sustaining such a loss. The endorsement is designed to cover the difference between the unpaid amount due on a vehicle’s loan or lease and the actual cash value of the insured

vehicle at the time of a covered total loss.

Auto loan/lease coverage often is referred to as “gap insurance.” The endorsement can be applied to any new, used or leased vehicle while a lien holder or leaseholder is listed on the auto policy. Vehicles must already be covered with collision and comprehensive coverages.

“What this endorsement really does is provide a safety net for drivers,” explained Laurie Gannon, vice president of claims for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.

“Say a vehicle’s loan payoff is set at $25,000, but the actual cash value of the vehicle at the time of the accident is $22,000. The auto loan/lease payoff coverage would provide that additional $3,000 to pay off your loan.”

New vehicle replacement coverage

Purchasing new vehicles often requires a large financial investment, and wrecking a shiny, new car can be devastating.

However, policyholders can relieve some of the stress of losing a brand-new vehicle in an accident by purchasing new vehicle replacement coverage.

With this auto policy addition, customers who own vehicles two model years or less in age can have their vehicles replaced in the event of a covered total loss. When that occurs, the endorsement pays the difference between the car’s value at the time of the loss and what it costs to purchase a new vehicle of the same make and model.

To qualify for the

endorsement, vehicles already must be covered with collision and comprehensive coverages and may not be previously owned or titled by another party. Additionally, the endorsement only pertains to a vehicle’s model year, not length of ownership.

Coverage is available to any new passenger, farm or utilitytype vehicles listed on the insured’s auto policy.

“These endorsements give you peace of mind knowing that you’re not going to be left paying money outof-pocket to replace your vehicle,” Gannon added. “Nowadays, with vehicles being so expensive, it’s nice to know with your coverage you’ll have the additional money to apply to a new vehicle.”

Adding auto loan/lease coverage to auto insurance policies helps cover unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.