FBN Sept 2021 by Virginia Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau News The Voice of Virginia’s Agricultural Producers

SEPTEMBER 2021

Balancing Act Farm youth strive to blend chores, school and fun

Farm Bureau News

Volume 80, Number 3 September 2021

NICOLE ZEMA

Virginia Farm Bureau News (USPS 017763) (ISSN 1525-528X) is published four times a year. January, April, September, November. It is published by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238. Periodicals postage rate is paid at Richmond, VA and additional mailing offices. The annual Subscription Rate is $1.13 (included in membership dues).

Features 5

“I'd like to be a vet at a farm.”

AgPAC endorsements

Virginia Farm Bureau’s political action committee supported candidates and made changes to reach urban legislators.

– LONDON PIERCE Pierce Farms LLC, Surry County

Young Farmers host candidates

VFBF Young Farmers hosted gubernatorial candidates during their summer expo in Warrenton.

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 assumes no liability for products or services advertised. The publisher maintains the right to cancel advertising for nonpayment or reader complaints about services or products. Member: Virginia Press Association

EDITORIAL TEAM Pam Wiley Vice President of Communications Kathy Dixon Managing Editor

Agriculture teachers educate next generation

Ag education varies from teacher to teacher, but what doesn’t change is their commitment to educating students about the state’s No. 1 industry. 16

CONTINUING SERIES: Diversity in agriculture

While the average age of a U.S. farmer is 57.5, there is a generation of youth working toward agricultural careers.

Nicole Zema Staff Writer/Photographer

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE

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

Departments 12 28

For Your Benefit Heart of the Home

WE’RE SOCIAL!

ON THE COVER Bryson Funk carries feed for the goats on his family's Rockingham County farm (Photo by Adam Culler).

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Adam Culler Staff Writer/Photographer Patricia Hooten Graphic Designer Maria La Lima Graphic Designer Alice Kemp Staff Writer/Advertising Coordinator

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

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

Board of Directors DIRECTOR

DISTRICT COUNTY

Emily F. Edmondson 1 Tazewell Richard L. Sutherland 2 Grayson Bruce N. Stanger 3 Montgomery Jeannie L. Dudding 4 Craig 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 J. Barry Bates 12 Essex M. L. Everett Jr. 13 Southampton David L. Hickman 14 Accomack A. Faye Hundley * Essex Lindy Tucker Fimon ** Lunenburg *Women’s Committee Chairman **Young Farmers Committee Chairman

President’s Message

95th year of service to members marked this year

e may not be blowing out candles due to pandemic precautions, but we will be celebrating 95 years of serving agriculture during our annual convention. “95 Years and Still Growing” is the theme of this year’s gathering, which will be held Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 in Williamsburg. As we meet to reflect on our accomplishments over the last WAYNE F. PRYOR nine-and-a-half decades and make important policy decisions, it’s important to mark this milestone. Celebrating our anniversary enables us to note how far we’ve come. Virginia Farm Bureau Federation was established in 1926 with an eye toward serving the agricultural community, and that is what our organization has continued to do for the past 95 years. The first edition of Virginia Farm Bureau News, published in 1941, said VFBF had set its membership quota at 8,000. Fast-forward 80 years, and we are just shy of 130,000 members. Those members continue to contribute to our grassroots success in the political arena. Thanks to their phone calls, emails and visits, we have successfully helped reform eminent domain laws, secured funding for agricultural best management practices and helped garner money to support vital agricultural Extension positions. We have a great working relationship with the General Assembly, no matter which party is in power. And over the years, Farm Bureau’s name has become well-known and respected at our state capitol. To strengthen its legislative voice, Virginia Farm Bureau approved a political action committee at its annual convention in 1999, and the nonpartisan Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC trustees began meeting in 2000. AgPAC gives Farm Bureau the ability to advocate for candidates who support its policies. Recommendations on which candidates to consider come from local evaluation committees within county Farm Bureaus. This year, our Young Farmers once again hosted a gubernatorial candidates’ forum during their summer expo in August. The next day they took part in roundtable discussions with urban candidates. AgPAC members and governmental relations staff have worked tirelessly to form connections with urban legislators, who are sometimes far-removed from agriculture and policies that affect farmers. Last year they began roundtable discussions with urban legislators in Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads area so those lawmakers could connect with agriculture and farmers. Connections are what Farm Bureau is about. From the beginning, the organization was a way for farmers to connect to farm supplies, insurance and representation in the halls of government. Those connections have continued and include linking children and educators with free resources through Agriculture in the Classroom; providing young farmers with mentorships through the Young Farmers Program; offering female farmers networking opportunities through the Women’s Leadership Program; connecting crop farmers with buyers through Farm Bureau’s Grain Marketing division; and linking legislators to farmers through grassroots engagement. We think that is something worth celebrating. Here’s to 95 years, and many, many more years of service to our members. Wayne F. Pryor, a Goochland County hay and grain producer, is president of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

Top membership counties for 2021 as of August 16*

County Farm Bureau

Members

Washington 2,888 Bedford 2,761 Charles City-James City-

2,729

New Kent-York Hanover

2,569

Franklin

2,430

Tazewell

2,421

Augusta

2,299

Henrico

2,231

Smyth

2,223

Russell

2,209

County Farm Bureau

Percentage of goal

Bedford 96.88 Nansemond 96.71 Spotsylvania 96.29 Amelia 95.33 Halifax 95.22 Albemarle 95.21 Warren 94.91 Lee 94.69 Patrick 94.57 Isle of Wight County Farm Bureau

94.51 Member retention rate

Charlotte 91.13 Lunenburg 90.67 Buckingham 89.81 Patrick 89.39 Southampton 89.39 Floyd 89.25 Amelia 89.14 Brunswick 88.81 Greensville 88.72 Franklin 88.57 *Final 2021 membership totals will be published in your January 2022 magazine.

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2021

WATCH US

This month on Real Virginia:

AFBF president visits Virginia

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

• American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall toured Virginia farms and met with county leaders.

• A new association is forming to help syrup producers network and market their products.

Find It and Win! Virginia Farm Bureau News is offering a new contest for its readers. In each issue, search for a farming icon, and enter to win. This month’s icon is a chicken. Contest rules are as follows: Find the chicken inside this publication. Once you’ve located it, send an email to membershipbenefits@vafb.com with the subject line “Found It.” The body of the email must contain the following: • Your name • Your mailing address • The membership benefit advertisement located nearest the image • The page number where the icon is located The first 15 members who submit correct entries will win a 20-ounce stainless steel Virginia Farm Bureau logo tumbler. Readers are eligible to win only one tumbler during the contest period, January through December 2021. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery. Winners will be contacted by email. *Virginia Farm Bureau and Countryway employees are not eligible to win.

YOUTH IN AG

• Learn how to make Chef Tammy Brawley’s apple crumb pie in this month’s Heart of the Home segment.

5,430

Real Virginia airs nationwide at 3:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month on RFD-TV on Dish Network and DirecTV, and on selected cable outlets around the state. It airs weekly on WBRA Roanoke, WHRO Norfolk, WVVA Bluefield and WTKR Norfolk, and on the first and third weekends of each month on WVIR Charlottesville and WRLH Richmond. Watch Real Virginia anytime online at youtube.com/user/ VirginiaFarmBureau.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

20-OZ. STAINLESS STEEL VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU LOGO TUMBLER!

That’s how many farmers under age 35 were counted in Virginia, according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Read more about youth who contribute to their families’ farms on page 16.

AgPAC changes create new opportunities to build relationships with legislators | BY NICOLE ZEMA

hanges to Farm Bureau’s procedure for determining political endorsements are expected to build better relationships with legislators— especially urban ones.

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC, the organization’s nonpartisan political action committee, traditionally endorses candidates for the Virginia House of Delegates or remains neutral. These backings work well in rural areas, where they are based on recommendations of local farmer committees. However, there are challenges for members evaluating urban races, because in the past these farmer evaluation committees had to determine designations for unknown candidates or those representing nonagricultural districts. “We noticed two years ago, our members struggled with how to issue endorsements for someone we don’t really have a track record for,” explained Martha Moore, vice president of VFBF governmental relations. “This time, for legislators in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, we’ll do an endorsement, an open-door designation and a no-position. If a candidate has a great interview, and we believe this candidate has an open door and is willing to listen to us, we can give them an open-door designation. It falls short of an endorsement, but it allows us to build that relationship.”

Urban relationship building is a priority

Since the founding of Farm Bureau’s AgPAC in 1999, the state’s largest industry has benefited from working relationships with lawmakers representing agricultural districts. But

NICOLE ZEMA

Urban Endorsement designations have changed

Young Farmers held roundtable discussions with urban legislators during their summer expo in August.

cultivating relationships with urban candidates requires more work. The new model allows farmers to educate urban candidates on agricultural issues at a series of in-person roundtable events. “Our main goal is establishing relationships, but if an urban candidate doesn’t have farm constituencies, they might not know anything about agriculture,” Moore said. In previous years, if urban candidates participated, they were interviewed by volunteer Farm Bureau members. “There was no discussion,” Moore said. So AgPAC arranged roundtable discussions with urban lawmakers and candidates in July. “We looked at their committees and picked issues they could influence— agriculture, appropriations, natural resources,” Moore said. “Farmers had an opportunity to explain why we care about those issues.” Following the roundtables, farmers were asked if they felt the candidates supported Farm Bureau’s positions. Should they be designated with an endorsement, an open-door designation or a no-position? “From that information, we made recommendations regarding urban

endorsements,” Moore explained. There were four separate roundtable events for Democrat and Republican candidates in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia in 2021. Young farmers joined the dialogue at another roundtable for urban legislators at the VFBF Young Farmers Summer Expo in Fauquier County.

Agricultural platforms summarized for top seats

Also new this year, endorsements will not be not issued for individual candidates for the top spots in state leadership. Members of the AgPAC board briefed the candidates for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general on important agricultural and forestry topics, and candidates were then given the opportunity to present their agriculture and forestry platforms to the full AgPAC board of trustees. Candidates were offered in-kind contributions to promote the specific agriculture and forestry issues aligned with Farm Bureau policy that they presented to the AgPAC board. Ultimately, members can endorse their chosen statewide candidate personally, with a vote on Election Day, Nov. 2. vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2021

Statewide candidates share positions on agriculture, forestry issues Virginia Farm Bureau Federation did not issue endorsements for individual candidates for the top spots in state leadership this year. Instead, members of the VFBF AgPAC board of trustees briefed the candidates for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general on important agricultural and forestry topics, and candidates were then given the opportunity

Terry McAuliffe, Democratic candidate for governor • Secure full funding for the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program to ensure the commonwealth meets our conservation goals while supporting our farmers’ efforts. • Deliver universal broadband in Virginia so agricultural and forestry businesses can utilize new technologies to improve efficiency and increase production and profits. • Grow domestic markets and international trade opportunities for Virginia products, and establish Virginia as a major supplier of specialty crops, particularly specialty grains used in craft beverage production. • Increase investments in the Governor’s Agriculture Forestry Industries Development Fund to support new business ventures and innovative new agricultural and forestry practices to grow demand for Virginia products. • Build a highly specialized agriculture and forestry workforce through partnerships with institutions of higher education and community colleges.

Glenn Youngkin, Republican candidate for governor

• Fully fund the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program, or refrain from mandating practices if full funding is not available. • Revitalize the agricultural processing industry and attract more food and product processors into the state, creating a new source of exports that stimulate our economy and create new jobs. • Maintain Virginia’s farmworker exemption from minimum wage increases in order to not negatively impact the federal requirements for the H-2A program and hurt our agriculture businesses. • Support a tax system that helps family farms continue to thrive from one generation to the next by maintaining land-use assessment and exemptions from estate taxes. • Resist efforts from activist groups to follow the California model, and oppose regulatory mandates that prevent farmers from using normal livestock production methods.

Mark Herring, Democratic candidate for attorney general

• Provide full funding for the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program to allow the state to be a full partner with farmers in achieving Virginia’s water quality goals. • Utilize science-based animal husbandry practices when caring for livestock, and recognize the current distinction in the Code of Virginia between companion animals and livestock. • Evaluate the presence of utility-scale solar facilities to minimize the impact on prime agricultural lands, and provide guidance to localities in making siting decisions.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

to present their related platforms to the full AgPAC board. Candidates were offered in-kind contributions to promote the specific agriculture and forestry issues aligned with Farm Bureau policy that they presented to the AgPAC board. The following is a summary of platforms from the candidates who chose to share one with the AgPAC board.

Winsome Sears, Republican candidate for lieutenant governor

• Fully fund the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program, or refrain from mandating practices if full funding is not available. • Increase funding for Virginia’s land grant universities to prepare the next generation of farmers and support existing farmers with research to improve profitability. • Support a tax system that helps family farms continue to thrive from one generation to the next by maintaining land-use assessment and exemptions from estate taxes.

For more information about VFBF AgPAC and the candidates’ position on agriculture and forestry, scan this QR code!

Jason Miyares, Republican candidate for attorney general • Defend farmers in court against a federal or state regulatory framework that enacts water quality requirements making it unfeasible for farmers to operate. • Defend against changes to the Code of Virginia that would undo the current distinction between companion animals and livestock. • Support executive oversight and restricting the expansion of regulatory agencies’ power to develop regulations outside of the scope of legislative authority.

VFBF AgPAC endorses 81 candidates for House of Delegates

andidate endorsement designations have changed in 2021, but the commitment to building relationships within the General Assembly remains the same for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC—Farm Bureau’s nonpartisan political action committee. AgPAC announced in mid-August its endorsement of 81 candidates for the Virginia House of Delegates. “This grassroots evaluation gives us a sense of candidates’ comprehension of the needs and challenges facing Virginia farmers,” said Wayne F. Pryor, VFBF president and chairman of the VFBF AgPAC board of trustees. “Our updated endorsement-designation process is a fresh opportunity to establish deeper connections with both supportive incumbents and urban candidates alike.” Pryor said AgPAC trustees believe the following candidates are committed to helping protect agriculture and forestry in Virginia, ensuring it remains the No. 1 industry in the state. The VFBF AgPAC was created in 1999 and employs in-kind contributions and endorsements to support candidates who can best support agriculture and Farm Bureau issues.

59th District – Matt Fariss* (R) 60th District – James Edmunds* (R) 61st District – Tommy Wright* (R) 62nd District – Carrie Coyner* (R) 63rd District – Lashrecse Aird* (D) 64th District –Emily Brewer* (R) 65th District – Lee Ware* (R) 66th District – Mike Cherry (R) 67th District – Karrie Delaney* (D) 69th District – Betsy Carr* (D) 70th District – Delores McQuinn*(D) 71st District – Jeffrey Bourne* (D) 73rd District – Rodney Willett (D) 74th District – Lamont Bagby* (D) 75th District – Roslyn Tyler* (D) 76th District – Clint Jenkins* (D) 77th District – Cliff Hayes* (D)

The following candidates were endorsed (* indicates incumbent candidates): 21st District – Tanya Gould (R)

44th District – Paul Krizek* (D)

Endorsed for Virginia House of Delegates

22nd District – Kathy Byron* (R)

45th District – Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D)

1st District – Terry Kilgore* (R)

25th District – Chris Runion* (R)

3rd District – Will Morefield* (R)

26th District – Tony Wilt* (R)

4th District – Will Wampler* (R)

27th District – Roxann Robinson* (R)

5th District – Israel O'Quinn* (R)

28th District – Joshua Cole* (D)

6th District – Jeff Campbell* (R)

29th District – Bill Wiley* (R)

7th District – Marie March (R)

30th District – Nick Freitas* (R)

8th District – Joe McNamara* (R)

23rd District – Wendell Walker (R)

46th District – Charniele Herring* (D) 47th District – Patrick Hope* (D) 48th District – Rip Sullivan* (D) 49th District – Alfonso Lopez* (D)

80th District – Don Scott* (D) 81st District – Barry Knight* (R) 84th District – Glenn Davis* (R) 88th District – Phillip Scott (R) 89th District – Jay Jones* (D) 91st District – Martha Mugler* (D)

50th District – Michelle Maldonado (D)

94th District – Shelly Simonds* (D)

52nd District – Luke Torian* (D)

96th District – Amanda Batten* (R)

54th District – Bobby Orrock* (R)

97th District – Scott Wyatt* (R)

55th District – Buddy Fowler* (R)

98th District – Keith Hodges* (R) 99th District – Margaret Ransone* (R) 100th District – Rob Bloxom* (R)

31st District – Ben Baldwin (R)

56th District – John McGuire* (R)

9th District – Wren Williams (R)

32nd District – David Reid* (D)

58th District – Rob Bell* (R)

10th District – Wendy Gooditis* (D)

33rd District – David LaRock* (R)

11th District – Sam Rasoul* (D)

34th District – Kathleen Murphy* (D)

12th District – Jason Ballard (R)

35th District – Mark Keam* (D)

14th District – Danny Marshall* (R)

36th District – Ken Plum* (D)

15th District – Todd Gilbert* (R)

37th District – David Bulova* (D)

16th District – Les Adams* (R)

38th District – Kaye Kory* (D)

17th District – Christopher Head* (R)

39th District – Vivian Watts* (D)

18th District – Michael Webert* (R)

41st District – Eileen Filler-Corn* (D)

19th District – Terry Austin* (R)

42nd District – Kathy Tran* (D)

20th District – John Avoli* (R)

43rd District – Mark Sickles* (D)

78th District – Jay Leftwich* (R)

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2021

Young farmers interact with state leaders during forum and roundtable ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY NICOLE ZEMA

irginia’s young farmers represent a constituency driving the state’s largest industry toward a prosperous future, and lawmakers want to familiarize themselves with agricultural issues important to them. Young farmers and advocates from nine industry groups engaged in dialogue with lawmakers and gubernatorial candidates at the 2021 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Summer Expo July 30 and 31 in Fauquier County. A sense of unity underscored both the Agriculture and Forestry Gubernatorial Forum and roundtable event with urban legislators. Candidates agreed that farmers need support—through expansion of rural broadband infrastructure, funding for implementation of best management practices and addressing labor issues.

Candidates share stance on agricultural issues at forum

A crowd gathered under the pavilion at the Fauquier County Fairgrounds to hear presentations by gubernatorial candidates Terry McAuliffe of Fairfax County and Glenn Youngkin of Falls Church. Youngkin, the Republican candidate, said he understands the “extraordinary expense” regulatory guidelines impose on farmers to meet environmental objectives for the Chesapeake Bay. The regulations to implement best management practices force change too quickly and without funding, he said. “I love and cherish the Chesapeake Bay,” Youngkin said. “But when we press forward and use best management practices as a tool to meet regulatory guidelines set for the Chesapeake Bay, we either have 8

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Virginia gubernatorial candidates shared their agriculture and forestry platforms during the Young Farmers Summer Expo in August.

to back off the regulations or fully fund them, because what was done is unfair.” BMPs are backed by technical support from soil and water conservation districts and require a dedicated stream of funding. “There are no better stewards of the earth than our farmers—it’s their livelihood,” said McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate. “We need to put legislation together to have dedicated funding every single year going forward, because if you know it’s there, you can think five or 10 years ahead, and make strong decisions to protect our beautiful earth.” Every dollar invested in Chesapeake Bay restoration returns $4 in revenue to the state, he added. Youngkin said the H-2A programs supplying agricultural labor must remain functional. But access to industry training and education should be a priority for Virginia’s workforce. McAuliffe echoed those comments, saying the educational system must be redesigned to teach skills for jobs that will exist in the future. But that’s tough when 14% of Virginia students

don’t have reliable internet access. “And I promise, you will get broadband,” McAuliffe said, referencing incoming federal funds to expand broadband infrastructure. Bridging that digital divide is No. 1 on the agenda, Youngkin said, to invigorate rural economies statewide. “About 250,000 homes and small business across Virginia, in rural environments mostly, are being left out of educational and business development opportunities,” he stated. As governor, Youngkin said he would not make political appointments to key positions. “I look forward to working with all associations representing agriculture… to put experts in these jobs so there is representation for you,” he said. McAuliffe, who served as 72nd governor of Virginia, discussed his track record of supporting Virginia agriculture and forestry. During his tenure, he noted, the industry saw a 30% uptick in exports. “We did $3 billion in exports for first time in Virginia history,” he said. “I was the most traveled governor in U.S. history, with 35 trade missions to five >> CONT’D ON P. 10

Wiser and stronger in 2021, Young Farmers converge at summer expo | BY NICOLE ZEMA

hen 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic brought global commerce to its knees, the younger generation of farmers became innovative. How they adapted was part of the conversation at the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Summer Expo. This year’s expo, themed Farming on the Edge, was held July 30-Aug. 1 in Fauquier County. During the event, full- and part-time farmers, college and high school students, gubernatorial candidates, rural and urban lawmakers and industry representatives networked and discussed timely issues and cuttingedge developments in agriculture and forestry. About 150 young farmers from across the state viewed bison at Cibola Farms in Culpeper and met the cows milked for Moo Thru Ice Cream at Cool Lawn Dairy in Remington. At the general session, Young Farmers heard from panelists about direct marketing, creating one-stop shops for farm products and finding international markets.

Northampton County agribusiness professional wins Excellence in Agriculture Award

Kyle Sturgis of Northampton County was named this year’s Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Excellence in Agriculture Award winner. The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes individuals for involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations. Sturgis is a fifth-generation farmer and manager of Shore Breeze Farms in Cape Charles, where he oversees the hydroponic greenhouse facility, field

crop operation and the farm market. Sturgis is past chair of VFBF Young Farmers Committee and current chair of the VFBF Aquaculture Advisory Committee, and he serves on the organization’s legislative and national affairs committees. Sturgis holds a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and environmental science from Ferrum College. As Excellence in Agriculture Award winner, Sturgis will receive a Kubota utility vehicle courtesy of Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Services, $500 courtesy of Montgomery County Farm Bureau, and a travel package to the 2022 AFBF Annual Convention in Atlanta in January. Rachel Henley of Goochland County was runner-up for the VFBF award and will receive $500 and a travel package to the AFBF convention. Other finalists were Ivan and Casey Davis of Buckingham County and Hunter Johnson of Pittsylvania County. Each finalist individual or couple will receive $500.

Pittsylvania County student named Outstanding Young Agriculturalist

Jack Frazier Hammock of Pittsylvania County was named the 2021 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Outstanding Young Agriculturalist. The recognition program is organized by the VFBF Young Farmers Committee and honors high school juniors and seniors for academic, community and agribusiness achievement. Hammock is the son of Nathan and Jackie Hammock. He was 2021 valedictorian of Gretna High School and plans to pursue a degree in dairy

science at Virginia Tech. He hopes to eventually join his family’s multigeneration farm partnership at Hammock Dairy Inc. in Chatham. Competition scoring is based on academics, general leadership, farm or agriculture experience, and an oral presentation. Hammock was a participant in his school FFA chapter’s livestock judging, forestry contests and fundraising efforts. He also was the 2021 valedictorian of Piedmont Governor’s School for Mathematics, Science, and Technology; 2021 Pinnacle Award recipient of the Graduate of Merit Program for Pittsylvania County Schools; and Eastern States Division Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen of the Year. For his OYA win, Hammock will receive a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by Farm Credit, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. and Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. First runner-up Regan Jackson of Clarke County will receive $500 courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. Other finalists were Carrie Barker, Pittsylvania County; Jenna Beville, Sussex County; Rachel Craun, Rockingham County; Ava Genho, Rappahannock County; Olivia Gibson, Rappahannock County; Savannah Goodwin, Louisa County; Sammy Leach, Fauquier County; Charlie Moser, Bedford County; Austin Presley, Pittsylvania County; Jill Reiter, Dinwiddie County; Lauren Rhodes, Augusta County; Ann Rae Sisson, Montgomery County; Ellie Vance, Augusta County; Ellie Vincent, Clarke County; and Tanner Wise, Buckingham County. All finalists will receive $250. >> CONT’D ON P. 10 vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2021

>> CONT’D FROM P. 8

continents and dozens of countries, selling our Virginia ag and forestry products all over the globe.”

Farmers discuss issues with urban legislators

The following day, young farmers led the dialogue at a roundtable event for incumbent urban legislators. Since the founding of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC, a nonpartisan political action committee, Farm Bureau members have advocated for their industry through working relationships with lawmakers representing agricultural districts. A series of in-person roundtable events with urban candidates is AgPAC’s new model to build relationships and educate legislators about agricultural issues. Attending the expo roundtable were Sen. Chap Petersen, D-Fairfax; Del. David Bulova, D-Fairfax Station; Del. Patrick Hope, D-Arlington; Del. Mark Keam, D-Vienna; Del. Kenneth Plum, D-Reston; Del. David Reid, D-Ashburn; Del. Michael Webert, R-Marshall; and Virginia House of Delegates candidate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, D-Alexandria. >> CONT’D FROM P. 9

Discussion Meet finalists to compete in December

The annual Young Farmers Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting, and participants are judged on their active participation, understanding of agricultural issues and ability to build consensus on predetermined topics. This year’s finalists, announced at the Young Farmers Summer Expo, are Jonathan Grimes of Wythe County; Rachel Henley of Goochland County; Morgan Messer of Augusta County; and Dr. Amanda Weakley-Scott of Madison County. They will compete Nov. 30 at the 2021 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Williamsburg. 10

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

New membership category created for Collegiate Young Farmers BY NICOLE ZEMA

A new membership category for collegiate agriculturalists is intended to prepare young adults for industry careers and also encourage their involvement with Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. VFBF’s board of directors recently approved free Farm Bureau memberships to any college students who participate in the organization’s collegiate Young Farmers chapters. William “Bear” Lloyd of Washington County has been involved with VFBF Young Farmers for about 13 years, and now chairs the program’s collegiate subcommittee. He proposed the new membership category because he thought it would increase college students’ participation in Farm Bureau. “There was already a lot of excitement and support for agriculture amongst this group, but we needed to take this step so they understand what Farm Bureau does for agriculture, and keep them engaged in the organization with us,” Lloyd said. A mentorship program is being developed to connect collegiate members with existing Young Farmers. “We could meet at expos or conventions, and if they have similar career interests, we could do some job shadowing, career mentoring and networking within our organization,” Lloyd explained. “If 15 Young Farmers would be willing to mentor 15 collegiate members, we could build some pretty good relationships. We can talk to them about the programs and activities Farm Bureau offers, further incorporating the collegiate members into our organization.” Lloyd said this new venture is a big step for the Young Farmers Program. “My personal hope is one day we have 50 or 60 Young Farmers paired with 50 or 60 collegiate members, talking on a regular basis, offering insight into agriculture and careers, and watching those relationships grow,” Lloyd said. Potential collegiate members can learn more through their university, college or regional Young Farmers chapter, or contact Ron Saacke, vice president of special programs, at ron.saacke@vafb.com or 804-514-4202. For more information, visit vafb.com/membership-at-work/farmers-in-action/young-farmers.

Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador application deadline is Dec. 31 Young adults interested in serving as an ambassador for agriculture and Virginia Farm Bureau can apply for the Virginia Farm Bureau Ambassador program. This year’s application deadline is Dec. 31. The winner and runners-up are eligible for cash awards, announced at the annual Women’s Leadership Conference in August 2022. Eligible applicants between the ages of 18 and 24 can see the rules and apply online at vafb.formstack.com/ forms/farm_bureau_ambassador.

Members can save 10% during warehouse appreciation week Farm Bureau members in Virginia are invited to attend a member appreciation week at the VFBF products warehouse, 1541 Mary Street, Sandston, Sept. 20-24. On Sept. 24, barbecue, hot dogs and other refreshments will be available for members who visit the warehouse. All week long, members who visit the warehouse between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. can save 10% on products. You can view all products on the warehouse’s informational website: products.vafb.com.

Save the Date!

State Fair of Virginia returns Sept. 24-Oct. 3

Historic Colonial Williamsburg provides a fitting backdrop for the 2021 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention, which will be held Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 at The Williamsburg Lodge. Virginia Farm Bureau has been an important voice advocating for the state’s farmers since 1926. This year’s convention, themed “95 Years and Still Growing,” will celebrate the organization’s 95th anniversary by highlighting its longevity and impact. The convention agenda includes important legislative updates and policy discussion. It is during the convention that delegates from each county Farm Bureau help shape VFBF state and federal policies for the coming year. There also will be elections for directors to represent Districts 2, 5, 8, 11 and 14. Judging will take place for the Young Farmers Achievement Award, and finalists will compete in the annual Young Farmers Discussion Meet. Winners for both will be announced during the convention. The event also will include presentations of the VFBF Distinguished Service Award and county Farm Bureau Award of Excellence. And during the opening lunch, winners of the 2021 Journalism Awards will be recognized for their thorough, fair and balanced agricultural news coverage. The convention is open to voting delegates and other interested Farm Bureau members. Members can register through their county Farm Bureau offices later this month. Sights to see Colonial Williamsburg offers numerous attractions, tours and seasonal performances for visitors. This year, convention participants can extend their stay and take advantage of the Grand Illumination, which has marked the start of the holiday season in Colonial Williamsburg for more than 70 years. Filled with colonial-themed holiday lights, decorations, fireworks and musical performances, this year’s iconic event takes place the weekends of Dec. 3-4, Dec. 10-11 and Dec. 17-18. For more information on tourist attractions, visit colonialwilliamsburg.com. Please note many events are dependent on health protocols and guidelines. Stay updated by checking event websites closer to your visit.

KIERAN WAGNER

Virginians are fine-tuning their grandma’s best apple butter recipe and youth are getting their livestock showready for the return of the State Fair of Virginia, to be held Sept. 24 through Oct. 3 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. Following the cancellation of last year’s State Fair amid the COVID-19 pandemic, guests are likely ready for the classic fair experience with rides, agricultural exhibits, competitions, food, live entertainment and more. A complete list of attractions, events, performers and other details can be found at StateFairVa.org. The best option is to purchase tickets online, but they also can be purchased at the gate. Farm Bureau members will be treated to a discount—$5 off the regular gate admission price on any day of the fair, using a coupon available at your county Farm Bureau office. The limit is two discount coupons per transaction per membership card. While no official social-distancing or masking mandates were anticipated at press time, fair organizers have planned a layout that allows guests more physical space to spread out.

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2021

For Your Benefit

Home/Business/Farm Savings

Travel Services

Have fun and save funds with exclusive Virginia Farm Bureau benefits!

NEW! VFB members get a $250 rebate on select Yamaha vehicles Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., designs, engineers and tests its allterrain and side-by-side vehicles in the real world. Their products are assembled in America at a state-ofthe-art facility in Newnan, Georgia. And now Farm Bureau members in Virginia are eligible to receive $250 Factory Direct Cash on the purchase of select new Yamaha 4WD ATV and SXS vehicles, excluding youth models under 350cc. Yamaha vehicles feature the durability, reliability and quality that Yamaha customers—both on and off the farm—have come to expect. To claim your rebate: Members have up to 30 days after purchase to apply for the $250 rebate*, and there is no waiting period for new members to use the Yamaha discount. Go to vafb.com/membership-atwork/membership/benefits, and search for Yamaha. Click on the link, select your state, and enter your Farm Bureau membership number and other required information. Click submit, and Yamaha will send a $250 rebate check within 6-8 weeks of submitting the request. * Limit one Factory Direct Cash serialized coupon per eligible VIN, and multiple qualified purchases per household are allowed.

Get out, and save on your stay 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 all-inclusive 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.

Drive away with savings on Avis, Budget rental cars

• Save up to 30% off Avis base rates with Virginia Farm Bureau’s Avis Worldwide Discount number. In addition, enjoy additional 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 eservation.

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). 12

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

For Your Benefit

Get significant savings on goods and services 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. 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, Click “Register” in the top right corner, and use your Farm Bureau membership number. Once you’re registered, you can start saving immediately.

Dig into substantial savings at participating Case IH dealers Members can save $300 to $500 on qualifying products from participating Case IH dealers. You can generate a certificate to present at your local dealership at vafb.com/benefits; have your membership number at hand. Eligible individual, family or business members receive the following manufacturer discount on purchases of the listed products: Tractors: $300 off Farmall Compact tractors, A, C and C CVT series; $500 off Farmall Utilities, C and U series; $500 off Maxxum Series and Farmlall 100 A series Balers: $300 off Round balers; $300 off Small square balers; $500 off Large square balers Mowers & Utility Vehicles: $300 off Disc mower conditioners; $300 off Sickle mower conditioners; $500 off Self-propelled windrowers; $300 off Scout utility vehicles

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

500

Farm Bureau members receive

BONUS CASH *

ON ELIGIBLE NEW MAVERICK, RANGER, F-150 OR SUPER DUTY

FORD SUPER DUTY ®

FORD F-150

We are proud to offer exclusive ® savings to Farm Bureau members and be the official truck of the Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers.

FORD RANGER ®

FORD MAVERICK

Computer-generated image with available features shown.

Don’t miss out on this offer. Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com today! *Farm Bureau Bonus Cash is exclusively for active Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. $500 Bonus Cash on the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2020/2021/2022 Ford Maverick, Ranger, F-150 or Super Duty.® This incentive is not available on F-150 Lightning, F-150 Raptor, F-600, F-650 and F-750 Super Duty®. This offer may not be used in conjunction with most other Ford Motor Company private incentives or AXZD-Plans. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply. Must be a Farm Bureau member for 30 consecutive days prior to purchase or lease and take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by January 3, 2022. Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com or see your authorized Ford Dealer for qualifications and complete details. Note to dealer: Claim in VINCENT using #37860.

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2021 2021-FD_FB-Q3-VA-3.6875x4.8125-Ad.indd 1

13 6/29/21 4:01 PM

Ag educators use variety of methods to teach about farming Prince William teacher cultivates ag experiences for suburban students BY ADAM CULLER

eaching agriculture to Brentsville District High School students who know little about farming is a challenge Amy Beard is happy to undertake. Located in the suburban sprawl of Northern Virginia, the Prince William County school has few students with traditional farming backgrounds. Among those with some agricultural experience, the extent typically is raising backyard chickens or growing a small vegetable garden. Beard, a Manassas native, grew up working on her grandparents’ farm in Highland County and continues to work on her family’s Dusty Lane Farm in Nokesville. As the high school horticulture instructor, she’s using those experiences to connect students to agriculture in a community where farming activities are a rarity. “We have a lot of students who don’t have any experience at all,” Beard said. “It’s a good challenge, because we’re able to open these kids’ minds to all the possibilities agriculture holds,” she explained. “It’s amazing when they see those possibilities and realize they can do something in agriculture even if they never thought in a million years they could.” Horticulture classes are an elective available to all students at Brentsville, which also offers turfgrass management classes. Beard’s students are responsible for everything grown in the school’s greenhouse and raised beds, learning primarily about plant science and small-scale farming. Beard said she wants students to learn how to grow food for their own families on small plots, so she teaches them vertical gardening and companion planting techniques. Her main goal, she said, is to help students understand the importance of agriculture and recognize that even the smallest operations play a crucial role. “We don’t all have 100 acres at home,” Beard said. “If we only have half an acre, it’s all about what we can do with that half-acre. It’s definitely important— especially in our area where available land is starting to get smaller and smaller— to realize all the ways we can contribute in our community.”

Amy Beard's students are responsible for the school's greenhouse and raised bed gardens.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Agriculture class provides crosscurriculum connections BY ALICE KEMP

hen students enter Jennifer Bowry’s agriculture class at Powhatan County Middle School, she typically hears, “Oh, this is the class with rabbits,” or “Oh, so we’re just going to grow stuff and look at a chicken.” But it’s so much more. Under a well-rounded agriscience curriculum, Bowry’s seventh and eighth graders learn real-life applications of what they’re taught in school. These include exercising math skills for woodshop projects, and learning about cellular respiration and photosynthesis while growing plants. “They’ll start telling me, ‘Wow we just did that in math class’ or ‘Hey, we’re doing that in science.’ It’s really important to me that they find that connection with the other things they’re doing,” Bowry explained. While the Powhatan native has taught agriculture for over 10 years, Bowry didn’t grow up with a farming background. Her family had a garden, but she wasn’t immersed in agriculture until she took her first agriculture class in high school. “I was hooked,” she reminisced. “I took ag my entire high school career. If it was available, and it fit in my schedule, I took it.”

Jennifer Bowry's agriscience students learn about raising trout and growing plants.

Washington County horticulture instructor champions agricultural literacy BY NICOLE ZEMA

CHARLIE ATKINS

Teaching students in a rural-suburban area, she tailors her class so everyone gets to experience something new no matter their agricultural background, touching on subjects including animal science, poultry production, forestry, soils, horticulture and landscape management. “We teach a little of a lot,” she chuckled. They even raise fish through a program called Trout in the Classroom. The class is given trout eggs to raise to maturity—feeding them, and monitoring the tank for ammonia, nitrates, nitrites and pH levels. “While the students haven’t fished or spent a lot of time outside, they’re checking on the fish, they’re wanting to feed them, they’re taking out the bad eggs, and they’re watching eggs hatch,” she explained. “It gives them a little bit of wildlife, fisheries management, recordkeeping, along with the science side.” She also has students explore future career options in agriculture that go beyond their preconceived notions. “I like them to understand there are a lot of occupations in the ag industry,” she said. “There really is something for everybody.”

he historically agricultural backdrop of Southwest Virginia has shifted to a more suburban landscape in recent decades. So, when Holston High School freshmen meet horticulture instructor Lawrence Cox, his curriculum and greenhouse projects are often their first exposure to agriculture. “Even my stepdaughter Jaycie is from Bristol—not exposed to agriculture at all until I married her mom,” said Cox, who grew up on a Washington County beef cattle farm. “If students pursue a career in agriculture, that’s fantastic, but it’s usually because someone before me planted that seed.” Agricultural literacy is Cox’s main educational objective. “I just want them to understand what it takes to be a farmer—it’s not for everybody,” he said. “And my goal, from a horticulture perspective, is that they understand how to take care of plants. They’ll become homeowners someday, wanting to raise their own garden, remember what they learned, and maybe get their kids involved earlier.” Critical thinking is essential to Cox’s agricultural-literacy approach. “There’s a lot of false information on the internet about horticulture,” he said. “So being able to know how to find credible literature, and recognize misinformation, is another goal.” Cox is only the third horticulture teacher at Holston since 1964, and he’s not going anywhere, he said. The school’s agriculture program is strong, and its FFA chapter is competitive. The organization produced two state officers in recent years, and several students have earned American and State FFA degrees. “We have somewhere between 80 to 100 FFA members—about 33% of the school,” Cox said. “Eight of the 10 years I’ve been here, I’ve had a valedictorian as a student.” Students cultivate ornamentals and vegetables for an annual plant sale, where they learn skills associated with public relations, marketing and business. They determine their best sellers, costs and how to set prices. “We have a lot of community support,” Cox said. “To be able to come into the program is a dream come true. Teaching is where I want to be, and teaching horticulture is my passion.”

Holston High School horticulture teacher Lawrence Cox is pictured with student Billy Trivett for dress-like-a-student day; Cox and his stepdaughter Jaycie Perry, an incoming freshman, work on summer tasks in the school’s greenhouse facilities where they grow plants for the annual FFA sale.

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2021

ADAM CULLER

ALICE KEMP

NICOLE ZEMA

Clockwise from top: Bryson Funk feeds goats on his family’s Rockingham County farm. Ryann Bradshaw works with one of her sheep in Fauquier County. Breyon Pierce helps his son, Landon, pick vegetables on the family’s Surry County property.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

DIVERSITY IN AG

Farm lifestyle creates options, opportunities for Virginia youth

ALICE KEMP

he average age of the American farmer is now 57.5, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2017 Census of Agriculture. That’s 1.2 years older on average than in 2012, continuing a long-term aging trend. But that’s a fuzzy snapshot, because the USDA only recently began allowing children to be listed as operators with parents.

Fauquier County teen learns life lessons on the farm BY ALICE KEMP

Ryann Bradshaw’s chore list is vastly different from other 17-yearolds. While many of her peers empty the dishwasher or mow the lawn, she helps her mom, Helen Whitney, and stepdad, Tim Mize, maintain

The 2017 Virginia profile reported the state has 5,430 farmers under age 35. Sustaining the future of food and fiber will be the innovative young farmers comprising the next generation of agriculture. They’re young and yet to be counted, but take note of these up-and-coming Virginia agriculturalists bringing fresh perspectives and contemporary values to a changing industry.

three small farms scattered around Northern Virginia. On any given day, she’s washing water buckets, cleaning the barn and checking on their cattle. “With my personal animals, I’m in charge of buying the feed and making sure they’re wormed and clipped,” she said. Bradshaw enjoys working with animals, showing her sheep for 4-H, and serving on the Fauquier County Livestock Show and Sale Committee. But staying busy with her animals means she had to make some big decisions early on. When she was 10, she had to choose between sports or committing to agriculture. “I completely gave up on the idea of sports,” Bradshaw admitted. “I really wanted to play a sport, but it was not going to fit in my schedule unless I gave up ag, and I just wasn’t willing to do that. “Ag is mostly my life,” she added. “I don’t have many extracurriculars.” Bradshaw is well-versed in the demands and commitment needed to keep things running on the farm.

She’s had to learn how to manage her time—balancing a social life, school and farm chores. “It’s harder after school because you have homework you need to do, but your animals are your No. 1 priority,” she said. “I’ve had to make sure that I can get chores done quickly and efficiently and then go focus on homework.” Farm life also taught her about finances and being aware of her spending. Instead of buying a pair of pricey new shoes, “I’m spending $30 a week making sure I can feed my animals and get them what they need.” Farm chores might keep her busy, there’s time for fun too. Pushing round haybales off a trailer and watching them careen down a hill and topple over in a field is one of Bradshaw’s favorite tasks, and something she does with her mother. “My mom is like ‘Hey, I’m going to go put hay out, you going to come?’ and I’d be like, ‘Heck yeah, I’m going to come!’ It’s our special thing—it’s really fun and pretty comical.”

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2021

Raising animals is a lesson in patience, responsibility for Rockingham teen BY ADAM CULLER

When the afternoon bell rings to dismiss students at Broadway High School in Rockingham County, 15-year-old Bryson Funk is only halfway done with his day. His weekdays start at 6 a.m. when he catches the school bus, driven by his dad, J.J. And, with evening chores at the family’s commercial goat operation, there’s not much time for rest after school. “On a normal day, I’ll go to school and do all of my classes,” Funk said. “Then, I’ll come home and head down to look after the goats to see if anything is wrong. Sometimes we’ll check on them at 10 or 11 p.m. if something that day went wrong.” Amy and J.J. Funk, Bryson’s parents, started Brock Gap Boer Goats in 2018. The family raises show goats, most of which are shown by local high school and middle school students. Funk’s normal farm duties include feeding the goats and administering medicine, which frees up J.J. to oversee the operation and manage the herd’s health. Bryson also spends 30 minutes each day training his goats—he competes with two each year—for show.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

“It’s taught me patience,” he said. “When I first started, I didn’t have any patience, and I’d just get frustrated,” Funk continued. “Now when I’m doing things, I’ll just say, ‘It’ll get there,’ and it eventually does. Showing goats has really taught me how to be patient, and it’s also taught me a little responsibility.” Funk admitted working on the farm sometimes cuts into his social life, but said the work is just part of “the way of life” when raising animals. Still, he finds time to participate in activities such as FFA, which he enjoys for its contests and opportunities to meet others involved in agriculture. As a sophomore, Funk said he isn’t sure what he wants do in the future. He’s thought about careers in forestry and mechanics, but he’s happy to see where his ag education classes take him. “I’ve still got a while,” he said. “But I love agriculture, and it’s something I think I’d like to do when I get older.”

NICOLE ZEMA

ADAM CULLER

DIVERSITY IN AG

Pierce twins raised with agribusiness savvy BY NICOLE ZEMA

The Pierce twins are being raised with a sense of agency in agriculture, to create opportunities for themselves. The 700-plus acres of row crop and vegetable production at Pierce

Farms LLC in Surry County are intrinsic to the family’s identity. Nine-year-old twins Landon and London Pierce represent the seventh generation of family farmers—an ancestral tradition their dad Breyon Pierce traced back to his great-great-great grandfather Alexander Gilchrist. “He was freed in Prince George County when slavery was abolished in 1865, and that’s where he started a farm,” Pierce said. “We try to keep the heritage—all this land—in the family as long as we can. Even if Landon and London don’t go into farming, I want them to know the opportunity they have when it comes to agriculture.” The twins learn how to grow their own food and care for animals. And they develop agribusiness acumen assisting their dad at the farmers market. “I make sure the produce is kept in stock, so I can tell people when something’s about to run out,” Landon said. “We have tomatoes, zucchini, squash, cucumbers, corn, potatoes, and we’ve got cantaloupes too.” London added that “the peaches, tomatoes and peanuts are the most popular. And the pet stuff.” Value-added inventory includes peanut butter dog biscuits and a homemade wildlife mix using farmgrown peanuts, sunflower seeds and field corn. “We have a grinder to make fresh peanut butter, which we use to make dog biscuits,” London said. Agriculture is a family lifestyle, and Pierce said he wants his twins to be business-minded and use the resources around them. London hopes to stay in the industry like her dad. “I’d like to be a vet at a farm because I don’t want to stay at an office; I like to travel,” she said. But Landon sees a different kind of field for himself. “I want to be a football player.”

Floyd County master agent Ed Terry receives Ralph Stokes Award BY NICOLE ZEMA

strong desire to help people protect their standard of living drove Floyd County master agent Ed Terry to be a consistently high performer for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. He was honored for his 31 years of service and received the Ralph Stokes Award at this year’s annual sales conference in March. This is the highest award for career achievement, celebrating a sales agent who supports company policies, is respected by peers, and represents the values of Virginia Farm Bureau throughout their community. Terry started his insurance sales career in Carroll County in 1990, demonstrating immediate success. He was recognized as the State New Agent of the Year and has maintained that level of achievement, winning numerous contests and incentives and

frequently being recognized as one of the company’s top producing agents. Terry tries to sell the value of working with an agent, even though insurance products are sold online. “When I started, if you wanted insurance, you’d call an agent,” he said. “Now an individual you know and trust has to tell you about a positive experience with a Farm Bureau agent. But once people have a face-to-face conversation, it’s not a tough sell.” Terry grew up on his family’s beef cattle farm in Meadows of Dan. He developed leadership skills in FFA beginning in eighth grade, eventually earning the FFA American Farmer Degree. He graduated from Virginia Tech, having paid his own tuition by building houses with his uncle. Now Terry revels in the fruits of his hard work and dedication. When not at home in Hillsville, he is relaxing at a cabin he built by hand in Carroll

NICOLE ZEMA

Ralph Stokes winner, Ed Terry, stands in front of the hand-built cabin in Carroll County where he relaxes when not serving Farm Bureau members.

County. Char-tinged pine beams from an old tobacco barn and discarded doors from long-shuttered community facilities were repurposed in the cabin he enjoys with his wife, Lora. They relish spending time with their three adult children and two grandsons, with a granddaughter on the way. Farming, missions work, church activities and town council leadership keep him otherwise occupied. VFBMIC established the Ralph Stokes Award in 1986, the same year Stokes retired after selling Farm Bureau insurance for 32 years. Though he used a wheelchair, Stokes’ physical limitations did not deter him from faithfully serving policyholders in remote areas. “I only met him a couple times,” Terry said. “But there was humility with which he went about things that is an example to us all.”

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2021

Hay Bale Decorating Contest entries being accepted

Botetourt County 4-H Livestock Club won for its cow display last year, and Louisa County 4-H Livestock Club took top honors for its scarecrow display.

elebrating imagination, creativity and agriculture, the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Committee is accepting entries in its annual Hay Bale Decorating Contest through Nov. 1. In its seventh year, the competition is open to anyone, including county Farm Bureaus, farmers markets, farm supply businesses, student groups and community associations. Guidelines and an entry form are available at bit. ly/3icRJqx. Decorators can use round or square bales and other agriculture items to create various scenes— animals, structures, shapes and farmscapes. Participants are asked to submit photos of their displays with an application.

Three Rivers Soil and Water Conservation District created this winning “Bee a friend to agriculture” hay bale display in 2020.

Winners will be selected and receive a cash award in five categories: best promotional display for agriculture business or commodity; best promotional display for community spirit; most creative; best agricultural theme; and best agribusiness, FFA, 4-H or school display. Winners will be notified by mail. Hay bale photo entries will be displayed at the 2021 VFBF Annual Convention in Williamsburg.

Promoted field staff to provide enhanced member services

irginia Farm Bureau is committed to offering premium benefits and providing quality service to its members. The following Membership & Field Services Department promotions will enable the company to improve those experiences. Daryl Butler has been named director of products services and market development. Butler has worked as a district field services director Butler for 10 years, serving members in the eastern part of the state. Prior to his career with Farm Bureau, he was a manufacturing 20

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

supervisor. Dennis Jones has been named director of field services. Jones has been with Farm Bureau 47 years, and previously Jones served as assistant director of field services and as a senior district field services director. Mark Dawson has been named assistant director of member benefits. Dawson has been with Farm Bureau 22 years and most recently served as member benefits coordinator and a senior district field services director. “These three employees will continue their dedicated service to our

members, and their collective expertise will further enhance the service we provide to our farmer members,” said Clay Francis, vice president Dawson of membership and field services. “Dennis brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our county leadership; Daryl will be working to move our products division to new heights with innovative new ideas and systems; and Mark has developed working relationships with our benefit partners to help build one of the most value-added programs in the industry.”

Avoid costly farm equipment claims

BY ADAM CULLER

“If you see any issues that could add fuel to a fire, you need to make sure those problems are addressed before you start your day,” DeNoon said. “You also need to make sure you have fire extinguishers that are easily accessible on your equipment. That way, if a fire does occur, you at least have an extinguisher to put it out, if possible.” While regular maintenance can help prevent loss claims, farmers also should be aware of equipment hazards that could result in a liability claim. Those who plan on taking farm equipment onto public roads should equip their vehicles with slow-moving

vehicle emblems and flashing lights. These practices will help ensure equipment can be seen by other drivers and help avoid collisions. “We’ve seen a number of claims with vehicles colliding with farm equipment because they’re not able to see it in time to stop,” DeNoon said. “If a driver rear-ends you, one of the first things law enforcement will look for is whether an SMV emblem was properly displayed and is in good condition. That’s why it’s important that you make sure your equipment and those emblems are clearly visible to everyone on the road.”

Farmer David Black makes repairs to a combine at Heritage Farms in Charles City County.

RICKY GIBSON

hen it comes to protecting farm equipment from losses caused by fire and mechanical breakdowns, the best way to prevent expensive setbacks is to perform preventive maintenance. Simple tasks such as cleaning machinery, replacing worn parts and adhering to a regular repair schedule can improve equipment’s durability and help save money when losses occur. “You’ve got to be really diligent with maintaining your equipment—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” said Scott DeNoon, farm product and underwriting manager for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “The challenges of farming are tough enough without having to worry about whether your equipment is going to break down and delay your planting or harvests,” he explained. “Because if that equipment is out of service, you’re either going to have to rent or borrow equipment to get that work done. That’s only going to add to the headache and overall expense.” A strong maintenance program is key to avoiding costly insurance claims, DeNoon said. He noted farmers should conduct routine maintenance when required, and should regularly inspect equipment for loose parts, bad bearings and disconnected hoses to mitigate the risk of fire. Farmers also can prevent fires by checking their equipment each morning to make sure it’s in proper working order before it’s used. Any accumulated debris should be removed from the equipment, and any fuel or oil leaks should immediately be repaired. It’s also important to ensure safety guards and shields that assist with safe operation and worker safety are in place.

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2021

Fire extinguisher access can save farm equipment BY NICOLE ZEMA

“Do you smell smoke?”

Those four words are a combine operator’s biggest nightmare, said Appomattox County farmer Glenn Dye,

A combine fire burned a wire harness and soldered wires together.

Virginia Farm Bureau members are eligible for a free fire extinguisher for equipment insured by the company.

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

The fire burned inside the bearing housing, which was obscured from sight.

PHOTOS BY GLENN DYE

a member of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s Farm Safety Advisory Committee. Dye was harvesting soybeans last fall and had just unloaded when he smelled smoke. His dad was there and confirmed he smelled it too. “Then we’ve got a problem,” Dye recalled saying. “I started pulling shields off the combine, because we keep everything covered up so well. I didn’t see anything immediately. But when I climbed up to go in the cab, I could see the glow of the flames because it was dark out.” Dye kept a fire extinguisher in the cab for easy access. It had been provided free by Virginia Farm Bureau’s fire extinguisher program. “I’d never used a fire extinguisher before,” Dye confessed. “And I hoped I’d

Heat from a dead bearing burned chaff and caught on fire.

watched enough movies to do this right, because it was now or never! One quick burst, and the fire was out. Fortunately, it was a small, localized fire.” A bearing had gone out, and the heat caused chaff that was stuck in the combine to burn. “Thankfully I blow the combine off every single night, so it didn’t have much to burn,” Dye said. “I’m very fortunate, because it could have been so much worse. It’s a true Farm Bureau safety success story!” Equipping farm machinery with an extinguisher could help save equipment and keep equipment insurance rates low. Free for members, Farm Bureau will provide one 10-pound fire extinguisher to mount on eligible equipment insured by the company. Eligible equipment includes self-propelled grain combines, haybines, forage harvesters, cotton pickers, peanut combines and track-type bulldozers, loaders and excavators. If the extinguisher is used or develops a leak, Farm Bureau will have it recharged at no cost. For more information on the fire extinguisher program, contact your county Farm Bureau office or visit vafb.com/ membership-at-work/ benefits/fire-extinguisherprogram.

Use caution when working with power takeoffs

BY ADAM CULLER

pinning between 540 and 1,000 revolutions per minute, a tractor’s power takeoff is the last thing in which farmers want to find themselves tangled up. Equating to 17 revolutions per second, the PTO’s high speeds can be perilous to those who happen to get caught in an exposed stub or driveline. PTO-driven equipment comes standard with safety shields that cover rotating parts inside a stationary enclosure, but it’s not uncommon for farmers to modify or remove them, said Appomattox County farmer Glenn Dye. The shields obscure moving parts that farmers often need to service or repair, leading some to make alterations that expose parts of the drive shaft. Another frequent modification allows the enclosure to spin along with the power takeoff. And, because the shields typically are made of easily damageable plastic, it’s common that a farmer may not replace one after it breaks, out of choice or forgetfulness. Whatever the case, failing to replace a PTO shield comes with a deadly risk. “Whenever you remove a PTO shield, you’re exposing a shaft that’s rotating at a very high speed,” said Dye, who serves on the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Farm Safety Advisory Committee. “You think because it’s a smooth surface that it won’t grab you, but it’ll grab a hold of a lot of things. And once you’re wrapped up in one, you usually don’t walk away from it.” Incidents involving a tractor’s power takeoff typically are the result of farmers crossing an unguarded stub shaft or driveline, which can catch

PTO shields, pictured in black, protect farm equipment users from becoming entangled in power takeoff drivelines that revolve up to 1,000 revolutions per minute. Three-sided PTO master shields, pictured with a yellow warning sticker, protect users from the revolving power takeoff stub.

“Whenever you remove a PTO shield, you’re exposing a shaft that’s rotating at a very high speed.”

— GLENN DYE

loose clothing or long hair. Once a person is caught in the rotating PTO, there’s nearly no time to react or escape. The results of these accidents often include broken bones, severe neck and spinal injuries, and even death. To avoid such incidents, farmers should keep away from spinning shafts. They also should not wear loose-fitting clothing when working with PTO-

driven equipment, and long hair should be tied back or tucked under a hat. PTO stub and driveline shields should be equipped at all times, and damaged guards should be replaced immediately. The power takeoff also should be disengaged when the tractor is not in use. “It doesn’t take many Google searches to find enough reasons to stay away from running power takeoffs and to leave the shields alone,” Dye said. “Too many farmers, including myself, get complacent and think we can reach over these moving shafts to grab or move something. These shafts don’t give, and a split second is all it takes to get caught in one. “And they’re going to win every time.” vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2021

Volunteers employed creativity, technology during Ag Literacy Week BY ALICE KEMP

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

SPECIAL PHOTOS

A Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative employee read to elementary school students during Agriculture Literacy Week.

SPECIAL PHOTO

hile Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom’s volunteer reading program was different this year, it was no less successful. Virginia AITC celebrated Agriculture Literacy Week March 15-19 with volunteers reading to students in socially-distanced settings and online. AITC distributed 2,085 agriculturethemed books to schools, preschools and daycare centers in Virginia, and an estimated 500 volunteers participated in the event. “Each year, this is truly an opportunity for a child to meet someone involved in agriculture,” said Tammy Maxey, Virginia AITC programs director. “Volunteers often get many questions from children who are inquisitive about how the reader is involved in agriculture, from living on a farm to working in a government or corporate office.” Volunteers read the 2021 AITC Book of the Year, How Did That Get in My Lunchbox? by Chris Butterworth. The book gives children a unique peek inside a student’s lunchbox and shares a farm-to-table journey, visiting farms throughout the country to learn the source of some of their favorite foods. Using imagination and unique approaches, volunteers made virtual readings fun and engaging for students. “The most original virtual event was Farm Credit of the Virginias’ reading adventure,” Maxey explained. “Children and classrooms registered for the event and received a link to the book reading. A different volunteer from Farm Credit read each page, often with their own family or dressed in costume.” Volunteers also brought visuals like lunchboxes filled with food to coincide with the book’s theme. One volunteer read aloud in a barn full of cattle.

Some readings were done virtually, like this one in Louisa County, and other in-person readers masked up, like Christy Archer in Isle of Wight County.

“The true storytellers among our volunteers shined as they used facial expressions and intonation to bring the story to life right through the screen,” Maxey said. Local Farm Bureaus and FFA chapters also partnered to organize in-person readings, as FFA already had students in school who could provide these experiences. “It’s inspiring to see the entire farming community joining forces to provide children with agriculture’s

story during 2021,” Maxey said. “This is an example of how working together teaches valuable lessons of caring and sharing, along with growing food for our community.” Volunteer readers included Virginia’s first lady, Pamela Northam; Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring; county Farm Bureau leaders, employees of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Farm Credit and F&M Bank; and FFA and 4-H club members.

AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM

Businesses, Farm Bureaus support AITC

n addition to many individuals who contributed, numerous organizations made contributions to the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021. Steward Level ($50,000+) Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Shepherd Level ($25,000-$49,999) Cargill Inc. Harvester Level ($10,000-$24,999) Finys James River Equipment Inc. National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization Virginia Corn Board Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. VFBF Young Farmers Committee Virginia Pork Council Grower Level ($5,000-$9,999) Colonial Farm Credit Corteva Agriscience Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement LexisNexis Publix Charities The Titmus Foundation Inc. Universal Leaf Foundation Virginia Beef Council Virginia Cotton Board Virginia Soybean Board Weyerhaeuser Company Cultivator Level ($1,000-$4,999) Accomack County Farm Bureau Albemarle County Farm Bureau American Agricultural Insurance Company American Farmland Trust Amherst County Farm Bureau Augusta County Farm Bureau Augusta County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee Ballyshannon Fund at the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation

Donors help make AITC programs—like class gardening projects—possible.

Birdsong Peanuts Botetourt County Farm Bureau Botetourt County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee Buckingham County Farm Bureau Campbell County Farm Bureau Caroline County Farm Bureau Chesterfield County Farm Bureau Culpeper County Farm Bureau Dinwiddie County Farm Bureau Farm Credit of the Virginias, Staunton branch FBAlliance Insurance Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation Inc. Halifax County Farm Bureau Hanover County Farm Bureau Henrico County Farm Bureau Hoober Inc. Houff Family Foundation

Houff’s Feed & Fertilizer Co. Hubner Seed Huffman Trailer Sales Hundley Farms Inc. Hunters Helping Kids Inc., New River Valley chapter Insurance Auto Auctions Island Sunrise Foundation Lee County Farm Bureau Mecklenburg County Farm Bureau Middlesex County Farm Bureau Montgomery County Farm Bureau Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative Nutrien Ag Solutions One Inc. Prince George County Farm Bureau Prince William-Fairfax County Farm Bureau Ricoh USA Rockbridge County Farm Bureau Rockingham County Farm Bureau Rockingham County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee Shenandoah County Farm Bureau Smyth County Farm Bureau Tazewell County Farm Bureau The Dairy Alliance The Jane and Arthur Flippo Foundation The William F. & Helen C. Sutton Fund Virginia Apple Board Virginia Egg Council Virginia Farm Bureau Membership and Field Services Department Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth Virginia Grain Producers Association Virginia Peanut Growers Association Inc. Virginia Poultry Federation Virginia Soybean Association Virginia State Feed Association Westmoreland County Farm Bureau Winchester Equipment Co. World Wide Technology

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2021

Group insurance benefits employees, employers

or business owners expecting to land top-level talent, offering a robust benefits package can help attract quality employees. Today, job seekers expect to receive quality benefits from their employers, and offering those individuals an attractive combination of insurance benefits can help boost employee retention and job satisfaction. Experient Health—a subsidiary of Virginia Farm Bureau’s health insurance division—can assist employers’ recruiting efforts by helping business owners purchase group insurance policies that appeal to prospective employees. “We typically work with businesses who have between two and 100 employees. We focus on the business owners’ needs and assist with

setting the business up with a package of insurance coverages that benefit their employees,” said Dawn Simmons, an Experient Health account executive. Simmons explained that most group insurance plans offered by businesses include employee coverage for medical, dental, vision, life and disability. Experient Health offers multiple options for each coverage type. Experient Health sells products from multiple carriers such as Aetna, Anthem, Optima Health, Piedmont Community Health Plan and United Healthcare. The location of a business ultimately will determine which insurance carriers and products are available. For a business to qualify for group insurance, it must have corporation status. Under the Affordable Care Act, companies that have 50 or more

full-time employees are required to offer group health insurance to their employees or pay a penalty. By offering coverage to a large group of individuals, business owners generally will have access to a broader range of coverage options than what’s available at the individual level. In most cases, the premium costs for subscribers are cheaper through group insurance, and the plans often offer better coverage and more cost-effective services. Corporations with only one employee—or sole proprietors—also can qualify for group coverage if certain criteria are met. For more information about group insurance, call 800-229-7779, contact healthsales@experienthealth.com or visit vafb.com/health.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Medicare users benefit by learning the ins and outs of the plans before open enrollment begins Oct. 15.

Medicare beneficiaries: Time to prepare for open enrollment BY ADAM CULLER

he Medicare Annual Election Period begins soon, which means it’s time for Medicare beneficiaries to start considering their 2022 coverage needs. Medicare’s open enrollment period runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 and generally is the only time subscribers can change their Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage for the upcoming year. During this time, beneficiaries can enroll in, withdraw from or switch Part D prescription coverage or Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C. Any policy changes made during the Annual Election Period go into effect Jan. 1, 2022. Gina Gentilini, senior individual account executive for Virginia Farm Bureau’s Health Insurance division, said customers should use the election period to determine whether their current coverage matches their medical needs. When shopping for new Medicare Advantage or Part D plans, Gentilini

noted customers should keep a few key factors in mind. Subscribers should evaluate the potential use of the Medicare Advantage Plan they intend to enroll in, which will dictate their total out-of-pocket expenses for medical services. Customers also are urged to consider the total cost of their prescription drugs through Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. “The most important thing is to look at the overall picture of what that plan offers, and not so much what the premiums are and what the plan will cost you upfront,” Gentilini said. “Just because something may be cheaper premium-wise out of your pocket, it doesn’t mean it’s going to be cheaper overall when you’re using it.” Those who turn 65 after the Medicare Annual Election Period still can obtain Medicare coverage for 2022. New beneficiaries can enroll during their Initial Medicare Enrollment Period, which starts three months

before an individual’s 65th birthday, and concludes three months after. To learn more about Medicare enrollment options, Virginia Farm Bureau members are encouraged to attend free virtual Medicare 101 seminars being offered by the VFB Health Insurance division. The last seminar for 2021 will be held at 6 p.m. on Sept. 23. The session lasts an hour, and Farm Bureau health insurance representatives will explain how Medicare and related plans work, as well as cover enrollment periods and plan timelines. To RSVP, email your name, county, email address, and the date of the seminar to MedicareSeminar@vafb. com or contact your local Farm Bureau office. Participants will be sent a Webex link to join that meeting virtually. If you cannot attend the seminar, contact your local Farm Bureau office or call 800-229-7779 to discuss Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans with an agent. vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2021

Heart of the Home

Shallots—the gourmet onion

he unassuming shallot often goes unnoticed in the grocery store, but with its delicate, sweet flavor and fragrant aroma, it deserves a place on the plate. In the same allium family as chives, garlic, leeks and onions, shallots come in different varieties. The most common shallots are the French red, which are sold commercially and can be found in most grocery stores. These shallots are recognizable by their distinct pear-shaped bulbs, brownishred skin and purple-hued flesh. Shallots, like garlic cloves, are comprised of multiple small bulbs. Planted in the spring or fall, they prefer moderate temperatures of 55 to 75 degrees. Grown throughout Virginia, shallots thrive in gardens with well-

drained, rich, loose soil. Shallots are sweeter and lighter than regular onions and scallions, and are typically used as a support ingredient. In fact, a shallot can be substituted for an onion in many recipes, elevating the dish for a more gourmet experience.

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Steaks with Mushrooms, Blue Cheese and Frizzled Shallots

2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon salt, divided ½ teaspoon pepper, divided 2 small shallots, thinly sliced, separated into rings 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, diced ¼ cup whipping cream ½ cup crumbled blue cheese ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped

INGREDIENTS

4 beef sirloin steaks, cut 1" thick (about 8 ounces each)

DIRECTIONS

In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook bacon. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and place onto paper towels, reserving 2-3 tablespoons of the drippings. Set aside.

4 thick slices of bacon, cut into ½" pieces

NATIONAL CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

In a small bowl, combine flour, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add shallots, and toss to coat. Heat bacon drippings over mediumhigh heat until hot. Add shallots, and cook 2-3 minutes or until well browned, stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet with slotted spoon onto paper towels. Set aside.

Seasoned, browned shallots add a fragrant boost to a sirloin steak. 28

VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

Reduce heat to medium. Season steaks evenly with remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper. Place steaks in the same skillet, and cook 14-15 minutes for medium rare (145°), turning occasionally. Do not overcook. Remove to a serving platter and season with remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Keep warm. Add mushrooms and water to the skillet. Cook, and stir 3-5 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. Add

cream, and cook 1-2 minutes or until cream is almost absorbed. Stir in cheese and bacon.

DIRECTIONS

Spoon mushroom mixture over steaks. Top with shallots, and sprinkle with parsley. —Recipe adapted from National Cattlemen’s Association

VIRGINIA MARINE PRODUCTS BOARD

—Recipe adapted from Virginia Seafood and the Virginia Marine Products Board

Shallots and walnuts transform scallops into a delectable dinner.

Virginia Sea Scallops with Shallots and Walnuts

Four-onion Scalloped Potatoes INGREDIENTS

6 russet potatoes ¼ leek, thoroughly washed 1 pint heavy cream 2 large eggs, beaten ¼ large white onion, julienne cut ¼ large red onion, julienne cut 2 shallots, finely chopped 4 ounces shredded Gruyere cheese 4 ounces shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

INGREDIENTS

4 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons light olive oil

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

2 pounds sea scallops, patted dry

3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or other herbs for garnish

4 teaspoons pared, finely chopped shallots ¾ cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped

PREPARATION Heat oven to 325°.

4 teaspoons chives, finely chopped

Peel potatoes and place them in water. Cut the white part of the leek into a

salt & white pepper to taste

NATIONAL ONION ASSOCIATION

In a pan over medium heat, melt butter and oil until hot. Add scallops, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, then add shallots, and stir. Add walnuts and chives, and cook for 1 minute, draining off excess fat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide onto four warm serving plates. Layers of potatoes and onions, including shallots, add complexity to a simple dish.

julienne, and cut the potatoes into thin slices. In a large bowl, combine potato slices, leek, cream, eggs, red and white onion, shallots and three ounces of each cheese. Stir in the salt and pepper. There should be enough liquid to almost cover the potatoes. Spray a 10”x10”x 2½” baking pan with olive oil spray. Pour the potato mixture into the dish, packing and spreading the ingredients evenly. Cover with foil, and bake approximately one hour, or until potatoes are easily pierced with a small knife. Uncover, and sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the top. Turn the oven up to 400°, and bake uncovered for 5-10 minutes until golden. Remove from the oven, and let cool. Refrigerate overnight. Prior to serving, cut into squares, remove from the baking dish, and arrange on another baking dish coated with olive oil spray. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes, until heated through. Place a square on each plate, and garnish with chopped herbs. —Recipe adapted from the National Onion Association

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2021

IN MEMORIUM

Harry Mitchell Robey Campbell County

arry Robey, president of Campbell County Farm Bureau, died July 14. Mr. Robey, who was 77, lived in Brookneal and had served as his county Farm Bureau’s president since 2018. He previously served as vice president from 2006 to 2017 and was chair of the organization’s Resolutions Committee. A Campbell Farm Bureau member since 1989, Mr. Robey served on the county Farm Bureau board of directors for many years. Past ROBEY President Brian Bennett said he was known for building relationships and for his involvement in county Farm Bureau legislative activities. “Harry was just so personable. He could talk to anybody,” Bennett said. “We would meet with our county board of supervisors, and Harry would always be involved. He kept communication open with the board and advocated

for the needs of our county and agricultural community.” Mr. Robey raised beef cattle, grains, hay and, at one time, tobacco. He had a passion for farming and agriculture and participated in local festivals, including the Campbell County Heritage Festival, where he demonstrated how to twist dark tobacco. “He wanted to keep the heritage of agriculture alive,” Bennett said. “It’s a loss to the Campbell County agricultural community and certainly to the Farm Bureau. He was a committed, dedicated leader, and he will be missed.” Outside of farming and agribusiness, Mr. Robey was employed by BWX Technologies before retiring, and was a member and deacon at Evergreen Baptist Church. Mr. Robey is survived by his wife, Joyce; one son; a brother; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

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VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS

‘Like a freight train coming through the pasture’ Are you prepared for hurricane-related storm events? BY NICOLE ZEMA

Bob and Kathy Copeland with the horses that survived the Southampton County tornado caused by Tropical Storm Isaias in August 2020.

NICOLE ZEMA

ob and Kathy Copeland had just celebrated one month in their Courtland home in August 2020 when they were jarred awake by severe weather alerts on their phones just before 3 a.m. An EF2 tornado with wind speeds up to 125 mph, produced by Tropical Storm Isaias, dragged through Southampton County, aiming right at their property. “I got up and put the TV on, and then the power went out,” Bob recalled. “It was a heck of a noise around here, like a freight train coming through the pasture.” Hail smacked against the windows, and Kathy said she was terrified. They took shelter in an interior hallway. “They told me this house is wellbuilt, but we’re going to find out,” Bob remembered thinking. Then a tree crashed into the house’s back corner. “We got dressed real fast, because we have horses and didn’t know what happened outside,” Kathy said. The pasture fence was destroyed, and the frightened horses were huddled under a broken tree branch. The Copelands’ vehicles sustained some body damage, but their threehorse gooseneck horse trailer was a total loss—crumpled and tossed like a piece of paper. The garage was torn 4 feet off its foundation, the greenhouse was on the ground, and a 100-gallon water tank ended up across the street. “It was like a bomb went off,” Kathy recalled. Later that morning, Bob called their Southampton County Farm Bureau agent John Drewry, whose team had set up a field office outside to serve customers affected by the storm and power outage. “It wasn’t 30 minutes until he was here taking notes and pictures,” Bob said. Damage to the Copelands’ property has been repaired almost a year later,

From left, the Copeland's roof was damaged by a tree crashing into the back corner of their house, their garage was torn off its foundation and their horse trailer was a total loss.

but the memory is still fresh. “It was his mother’s birthday, so we named it ‘Tornado Marion,’” Kathy quipped. After that storm, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. processed more than 500 property and auto claims. Last year brought a historic level of storm activity—the most active and fifth costliest Atlantic hurricane season on record. Of the 30 named storms in 2020, 14 developed into hurricanes, and seven intensified into major hurricanes. The 2021 season also is expected to be active, with a likely range of 13 to 20 named storms, of which six to 10 could become hurricanes, including three to five major hurricanes.

Prepare for the worst, hope for the best

A hurricane warning can give homeowners advance time to plan for its landfall, and a preplanned storm plan can give Virginians peace of mind as they prepare to weather the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30. Resources can be accessed through vafb.com to help determine your risk, devise a plan and build an emergency kit.

vafb.com / SEPTEMBER 2021

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