Vol. 25, No. 1
Delaware
November/December 2017
Farm Bureau News Local Farmers Feeding Your Family
AFBF President addresses DFB annual meeting
Delaware Farm Bureau 3457 S. Dupont Highway Camden, DE 19934
Special guest speaker at the Delaware Farm Bureau annual meeting held Nov. 28 at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover was American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall, who has held the position since January 2016. Don Parrish, AFBF senior director of congressional relations, introduced Duvall as “a passionate advocate for farmers.” Duvall got his start in the organization in the Young Farmers and Ranchers program, Parrish said, which was “a springboard into a position to help us as lobbyists deliver your message. He is clearly the kind of advocate and spokesman you can appreciate, one with dirt under his fingernails.” In his after lunch speech to the delegates, Duvall said, “When I was elected, I’d been in agriculture all my life. I thought I knew ag, but realized I just knew my own little world.” Now he has vis- American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall visits with Delaware Farm Bureau President Kitty Holtz as ited all 50 states as well as Puer- delegates reconvene for the annual meeting on Nov. 30 at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover. to Rico, and he has been amazed to see how different agriculture is All across the country, howev- of farmers. “Every time you move AFBF has done “a ton of work” from one region to another. er, the biggest issue common to in the field, you feel you have to on the next farm bill, Duvall said. most farmers is ag labor. “It is the look — are you breaking a regu- “Crop insurance is the cornerstone hardest issue to bring attention to,” lation? There are a lot of people of the farm bill. We’ve been givDuvall said, “because the subject watching, especially regulations en a rich management tool. Let’s always veers off to immigration or around water control.” make sure Congress keeps support border control.” The third major issue is trade. of it. You can’t get an operating The second biggest issue is reg- “Poultry companies carry more of loan in most of the country withulatory reform and regulations. a burden than we do. If you take out proof of crop insurance, and Farmers are complaining, “If you away exports, that’s a big deal.” without the subsidy, the insurance don’t take the regulations off me, Discussions about trade “went is not affordable.” I don’t know how I can do this.” south” during the election, Duvall Duvall was adamant that “the Duvall, who is a third-genera- noted, lost in the rhetoric of politi- farm bill is not a safety net for tion farmer from Georgia, has a cians trying to get voters’ support. farmers. It’s a food security act… 400-head beef cow herd for which “One third of ag income depends It keeps America strong…. The he grows his own hay. He and his on foreign trade… If we don’t do first thing that happens when peowife, Bonnie, also grow more than bilateral trade, we’ll get behind ple can’t feed themselves is that 750,000 broilers per year. He un- more and more, and other coun- people get mad against countries derstands the enormity of all the tries will jump in (and supply the that can… regulations hanging over the heads needs).” CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
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Delaware Farm Bureau News, November/December 2017
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From the President's desk ... As committee members from the U.S. House and Senate confer on how to reform the federal tax code, Delaware are Delaware Farm Bureau farmers President Kitty Holtz looking for a simplified, transparent and fair tax system that encourages success, savings, investment and entrepreneurship. Additionally, we are concerned how pass-through business in-
come will be treated, requirements on how income will be reported for those who file under sole proprietorships, partnerships and S-corporation. As Farm Bureau members well know, agriculture is a high-risk, high in-put, capital-intensive business, with many factors beyond our control, including unpredictable weather, volatile commodity prices and fluctuating trade policies. American Farm Bureau Federation has been carefully monitoring tax plan details in both the House and Senate on behalf of all farm
families across the nation. As I said at our recent annual meeting, Delaware is a small state, and our Farm Bureau does not have the resources to have individuals over in D.C. on a regular basis working on our behalf. I cannot say enough for the work that is being done on our behalf by the staff at AFBF — like the work of Senior Congressional Relations Director Pat Wolff regarding tax issues and Clean water Act Implementation and WOTUS by Don Parrish, who addressed our delegates at the annual meeting. AFBF President Zippy Duvall,
AFBF President addresses DFB meeting ... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “It is our moral responsibility to keep our country fed — and to think of hungry children all over the world.” As he has traveled across the nation, Duvall said he has been talking about unity. “The folks on Capitol Hill said they need us to bring them one voice. One solution. ‘We don’t want to pick winners and loser among ag,’ they said. “We need to be the vehicle that brings that one voice to Washington.” Duvall added AFBF has built a lot of coalitions and relationships, which will be used to try to move its policy forward. In his second year as AFBF president, Duvall has been talking about engagement. “We’ve got to make sure farmers stay engaged,” he said. “When you voted, you may have thought your job was done. It was not. If you think, ‘I’m
just going to farm. Leave me alone to do my thing’ … You can’t do that. You’ve got to stay engaged. “When we send a call to action, we need every farmer to stop for a second and send an email to his Congressman or Senator —to be a part of one voice.” Duvall spoke highly of Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue, a good friend, veterinarian and scientist. “This man eats, sleeps and breathes science,” he said. Perdue “understands trade and running budgets. He’s a good Christian man. You’ll feel the old country boy in him. He has the credentials to be one of the best secretaries of ag this country has ever had.” The EPA administration got a standing ovation at an AFBF meeting. “I thought, ‘They can’t be that good.’ But they’re trying to be. They’re trying to take the regs off so we can go about our business.” As for the Secretary of the Interior, Duvall said he thinks Ryan Zin-
If you have deer damage... • Provide information on amount of damage to the Delaware Farm Bureau in preparation of package for legislators. Anonymity assured. Email data and photos to carol.kinsley@defb.org. • Learn about the Severe Deer Damage Assistance Program at www.de.gov/fw or contact Delaware's Division of Fish & Wildlife at 302-735-3600. • For assistance with harvesting deer, contact Chris McKinley at the Delaware Master Hunter Program, 302-293-0064 or chrisdu850@gmail.com.
ke “is going to be a good fighter for us.” Duvall closed by quoting Romans 5:3-4, “but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” He added, “If there’s one thing that farmers have, it is eternal hope that next season will be better. “United, engaged, persevering, with a belief that things will be better… Ag is strong, tough. We always find a way through. If we can do these three things, we will lay the groundwork for a bright future for agriculture and for America.”
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Local Farmers Feeding Your Family
who also took time to address our state meeting, said of the tax reform bills: “Farmers and ranchers have long called for a fair tax code that recognizes our hard work as well as the unique challenges we face in growing our nation’s food, fiber and fuel. The Senate’s passage of tax reform legislation puts us within reach of that goal”. The Senate’s version addresses our concerns regarding business interest deduction and cash accounting and the House’s version does repeal the estate taxes. We have pressed Congress for this repeal for many years to allow us to pass our farms to our children and grandchildren. Unfortunately, the repeal is not expected to be included in the final bill. Now is the time for grassroots action — please contact Senators Carper and Coons and Congresswoman Rochester and urge them to make sure the final version of the tax reform legislation gives us the freedom to reinvest in our farm operations and keep the number one industry in Delaware, Agriculture, sustainable. Senator Carper’s office: 302- 674-3309 Senator Coon’s office: 302-736-5601 Congresswoman Rochester's office: 302-510-4405 Delaware Farm Bureau News Editor Carol Kinsley carol.kinsley@defb.org Graphics/Production Designer Heather Kline heather.kline@defb.org 302-697-3183 Delaware Farm Bureau News (ISSN 10770798), published in Camden, DE, bimonthly, by Delaware Farm Bureau. Production by Delaware Printing Company. Periodicals postage paid at Camden, DE and additional offices. Business and Editorial Offices: 3457 S. DuPont Highway, Camden, DE 19934, 302-697-3183. Any editorial material may be reproduced with credit to this publication. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Delaware Farm Bureau News at the office above. Subscription price to members (paid as part of Farm Bureau membership dues) is $1.60. All other subscriptions are $6.50 per year.
Delaware Farm Bureau News, November/December 2017
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Delegates at annual meeting discuss concerns with AFBF’s Parrish The annual meeting of Delaware State Farm Bureau started promptly at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover. A quorum of delegates was reached, reported Steve Breeding on behalf of the credentials committee. An independent auditors’ financial report by Jonathan Moll, CPA at Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, showed “no internal control problems,” Moll said. Elected as delegat to represent DFB at the national convention in Tennessee was President Kitty Holtz, with First Vice President Laura Hill as alternate. The Women’s Committee will be represented by Committee Chair Mary Bea Gooden, with June Unruh as alternate. Delegates unanimously passed a resolution resolving that Delaware Farm Bureau supports changing the Delaware Code regarding farmland preservation license plates to include a category specifying “a trailer may apply” and allowing “any vehicle” to apply for the farmland preservation plate. Bob Garey, chair of the farmland preservation program, said he welcomed any effort to put money into the program. A resolution that would protect agritourism ventures from frivolous lawsuits was introduced, but not voted upon since it duplicated an existing DFB policy. There were no changes to the bylaws. Don Parrish, senior director of Congressional relations at American Farm Bureau Federation was guest speaker. Parrish decried the political climate in Washington. “We’re pretty frustrated. (Congress) is
not coming together but moving farther apart.” The Senate has approved few of President Trump’s appointments for positions under the secretaries, he continued. “Even in the ag arena, which usually operates bipartisan, we can’t get people approved. We will watch and see how the Administration finishes the farm bill, but without appointees, it will be difficult.” Parrish enumerated issues on which Farm Bureau is focusing, including taxes, trade agreements, labor, electronic logging devices for truck drivers, endangered species and nutrients. Many issues involving nutrients are interrelated and also antagonistic to one another, Parrish said. “There are conservation issues addressing nitrogen that accentuate phosphorus issues.” Farmers are at a level of efficiency never seen before when it comes to handling nutrients, yet agriculture still being fingered as the cause of nutrient problems, Parrish said. “You (in the Chesapeake Bay area) are first and foremost on nutrients. I’m trying to work with outside groups, such as drinking water, wastewater, and local county commissioners who have authority on septic systems.” He encouraged DFB to work with similar groups at the local and state level. “We will have a hard time changing the culture in Washington without changing the culture at home.” Parrish also encouraged Delaware farmers, when they visit Washington, to “call Secretary Perdue’s people. They need to hear about the costs you face in dealing with these problems… The more we can make compliance as streamlined and cost-effective as possible, we want to do that.”
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A lively question and answer period followed Parrish’s speech, with farmers and Parrish himself airing concern about the way things are being done — or not being done — in Washington. Farmers expressed concern about whether and when they would have to report ammonia emissions from poultry houses, and what privacy issues might be wrapped up in that reporting. Parrish agreed that there was not an easy or clear way of how to deal with EPCRA (the Emergency Planning & Community Right-to-Know Act) and CERCLA (the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act). “Hopefully we will figure a path forward. We have been able to win on some kinds of info reporting. We’re being very sensitive to reporting private information, about where your homes are, so it’s not available to individuals and groups that have a huge bias against agriculture. Security in general and bio-security specifically are critical to our families, farms and our food supply.”
Don Parrish, AFBF senior director of Congressional Relations
One poultry farmer asked, “That sounds like we are going to be reporting?” Parrish responded, “There’s better than a 50 percent chance you will be reporting, because we haven’t found a solution.” He added, “We are not in a place … to give you legal advice. The law is what it is, but we’re going to CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
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Delaware Farm Bureau News, November/December 2017
Cannons/Knutsens, Ross receive top honors at state FB banquet At Delaware Farm Bureau’s annual banquet held Nov. 30 at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover, the honor of being named DFB 2017 Farm Family of the Year was shared by James H. Cannon Jr. of Andrewville and his wife, Patricia, with their daughter, Stephanie, and her husband, Gregory W. Knutsen. In October, Bill and Susan Alfree of Deer Crossing Farm in Middletown were honored as New Castle County Farm Family of the Year. Alvin Conaway, his two children, four grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren were honored as Sussex County Farm Family of the Year. Jim Cannon and Greg Knutsen farm together almost 500 acres combined, growing grain and hay. Jim still owns the original farm of his great-grandfather, now designated a Century Farm. Jim and Pat live on a farm nearby which was purchased by Jim’s dad in 1941. Jim returned to the farm to help his father in the 1980s and later was joined in the operation by his sonin-law. The Knutsens also own G&S Dairy, which boasts 50 to 60 Jersey and Holsteins, with a few Brown Swiss to keep Stephanie happy. As dairy project group leaders for 4-H, they have been running a successful lease program for 4-Hers for the last eight years. They lease to a dozen or more 4-Hers per year and teach them about the dairy industry and all aspects of caring for,
Kitty Holtz congratulates DFB's 2017-18 State Youth Ambassador, Blair Hill.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 The Cannon/Knutsen family of Andrewville, Del., was honored as Delaware Farm Bureau’s Farm Family of the Year for 2017. From left are Bethany, Stephanie, Evan and Gregg Knutsen and Stephanie’s parents, Pat and Jim Cannon, holding granddaughter Emmie Knutsen. feeding and showing dairy cows. The couple also own and operate Knutsen Crop Insurance, founded nearly 20 years ago. Stephanie is also Maryland Nutrient Management certified and works for Maryland Department of Agriculture in soil conservation. Their home was built by Stephanie’s great-great grandfather on a farm originally owned by another of Jim’s great-grandfathers. Jim and Gregg are past recipients of Kent Conservation District’s “Cooperator of the Year.” For two years, they hosted the Farm to Fork Dinner. They love giving farm tours and enjoy educating the public about misconceptions delivered via social media and other means. Speaking for her family, Stephanie said farming “is not just about crops and livestock, but about character and legacy…. To think that we’re on anyone’s radar is amazing.” Marty Ross, farmer and chairman of Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission, was hon-
ored as recipient of the DFB 2017 Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award. Ross is co-owner of Ross Bros., a grain and poultry farm near Delmar. Other recipients of the Distinguished Service Award at the county level this year were former New Castle County Executive Tom Gordon and the late George Dunning of Kent County, whose career at Farm Credit spanned a quarter century. First Vice President Laura Hill introduced Ross. A lifelong resident of Sussex County, Ross and his wife of 30 years, Chris, have one son, Michael is a commercial diver in Thailand. Ross has served on the Governor’s Advisory Council for State Planning Coordination since its inception, and was a member of former Gov. Ruth Ann Minner’s Delaware Energy Task Force. He has represented Mid-Atlantic soybean producers on the National Biodiesel Board and as a director of the U.S. Soybean Board.
Hill said, “Marty is well known for his support of agriculture, his respect for rural property and his thorough understanding of land use issues. He has represented Delaware Farm Bureau on several land use and wetlands committees for legislators and the governor.” Ross commented, “I work to preserve our property rights.” He added that while some say the days of farming in Delaware are numbered, such things as value-added production can preserve agriculture in the state. “One person can do a little; a lot of people can do a lot,” he said. During the introductions that kicked off the banquet, Gov. John Carney took a few moments to say that his favorite part of Farm Bureau dinners was the presentation of the Farm Family of the Year and the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Awards. “Thank you for what you do,” he told the farmers gathered for the event. Carney also let them know he had heard about CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
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Delaware Farm Bureau News, November/December 2017
Banquet... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 the deer problems in the state and they would be addressed. The Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee recognized the King sisters — Jackie, Nancy, Donna and Bonnie, whose parents started King Crop Insurance Agency in Georgetown 50 years ago — as YF&R Supporter of the Year. Teddy Bobola was honored as YF&R Member of the Year. Presenting the award, Jacob Urian noted Bobola was someone the organization could call on at any time to help, to open up the farm for an event, or lend a hay wagon. The YF&R raised $1,200 at the banquet in a silent auction of donated items. With Rep. Dave Wilson as auctioneer, the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation brought in $3,950 by auctioning off a bi-plane ride, vehicle tag FV10 and an antique metal Farm Bureau sign. Stephen Hirsch, Nationwide Board Director and a past president of Ohio Farm Bureau, told attendees he had not wanted to farm when he finished high school, so he got a business degree. Twenty-five years later, however, he went back to the farm to grow fruits and vegetables ad now produces 36 different products. He was recruited into Farm Bureau by the YF&R. “My dad said we had to support orga-
nizations that support what we’re doing, and Farm Bureau is the group that does that.” Nationwide has responded quickly to natural disasters across the nation, Hirsch said. The company’s commitment to agriculture goes beyond insurance, he said, citing as examples the Land is Your Legacy program and the grain bin rescue tube competition in which equipment and training were awarded to 10 fire departments this year, including Bridgeville (Del.) Fire Company. Nationwide also is a partner and sponsor of the Grow by FarmHer Tour, a series of events to inspire, educate and empower young women in agriculture, ages 16-22, to take an active role in ag leadership. “We are dedicated to agriculture and to Delaware Farm Bureau,” Hirsch added. “Nationwide was started by farmers. It’s part of our DNA.” Hirsh helped DFB President Kitty Holtz present awards to two Nationwide agencies. The Lisa Broadbent-DiOssi Agency was recognized “in appreciation of service to the DFB” for recruiting the highest number of new Farm Bureau members in 2017, garnering 96 new members. The agency has been providing auto, home, commercial and life insurance to Delawareans for more than 71 years. Lisa followed her grandfather, father, uncle and cousin’s career path by becoming a third-generation Nationwide agent.
The King sisters, whose parents started King Crop Insurance Inc., were honored as Young Farmer and Rancher Supporters of the Year. From left are Teddy Bobola, Nancy, Donna and Jackie King, and Jacob Urian. Bonnie King was unable to attend.
First Vice President Laura Hill introduced Marty Ross as winner of the Delaware Farm Bureau's Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award. The Roy Crow Agency, based in Middletown, earned the Top Farm Policy Writer Award in appreciation for service to DFB members for securing the future of their farms. The agency sold nearly $169,000 in farm policies in 2017.
Holtz presented awards to retiring Board Members Jonathan Thompson and Mike Everett. Crystal Whaley was not able to attend. DFB’s Promotion and Education CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
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Delaware Farm Bureau News, November/December 2017
Jesse Vanderwende to compete for AFBF’s YF&R Achievement Award Jesse Vanderwende will represent Delaware Farm Bureau in American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2018 AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Acheivement Award Competition, sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance in Jackson, Miss.; Farm Bureau Financial Services, located in West Des Moines, Iowa; Country Financial of Bloomington, Ill.; Case IH, based in Racine, Wisc.; and Stanley Black & Decker of New Britain, Conn. Jesse is well-known to Delaware Farm Bureau members. He is current president of the Sussex County Farm Bureau and serves on the Delaware State Farm Bureau Board. He served for six years as president of Delaware Soybean Board. He is a member and served as president in 2014 of Bridgeville Kiwanis. He also serves on the Delaware State Fair Board of Directors, is manager on the Iron Mine Ditch System and is president of the Short & Hall
Branch Tax Ditch Committee. He also has served on the nominating committee of Farm Credit and has been a member of the Woodbridge Ag Advisory Council for nearly 10 years. Son of James and Donna Vanderwende, Jesse was born in 1987. He and his brothers, Cody, 25 and Will, 17, grew up in Bridgeville. At the age of 10, Jesse began working on the family dairy and grain farm which his grandfather purchased in 1957. He started out raking hay, mowing grass, and completing barnyard chores as directed by his father and grandfather. He fed calves, rounded up cattle for milking, and bedded the calves. Jesse saved every cent he was paid and at 14 was able to purchase four cows of his own. Over time, he expanded his herd to 40 head which he houses with his family's 250 Holstein cows on the family farm. He served as president of the FFA
organization during his senior year at Woodbridge High School. That same year, he leased two chicken houses with a 40,000 bird capacity. He tended the chickens before and after school. In his first year of college, he built two more chicken houses with a 60,000 bird capacity on 10 acres of land owned by his grandfather. As promised, when he received his associate's degree in ag business from Delaware Technical and Community College in 2009, he was awarded the land from his grandfather. That year, he rented two farms for cropland production and the next year further diversified by planting watermelons. In 2013, he partnered with D. C. Farms Inc. to expand and better
manage 240 acres of watermelons annually. Also in 2013, Jesse moved into the home he had lived in until he was 6 years old on his family's farm property in Bridgeville. His bride, Taylor, joined him there after their marriage in 2015. Jesse hired his first employee in 2014 and hired two more the next year to run the chicken house operations. His first stop of the day is a 5:30 a.m. meeting with these employees to manage and oversee all operations pertaining to the chicken houses. He further expanded his chicken house production in 2015, adding his fifth and sixth houses with a 67,000 bird capacity. Jesse has been a contract grower with Perdue from the start. CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
DFB, John Deere announce new discount partnership Delaware Farm Bureau and John Deere have announced a new partnership that will give Farm Bureau members special access to the John Deere’s GreenFleet™ Loyalty Rewards program, providing members with a free two-year Platinum 2 membership. This new member discount program will strengthen the existing partnership between John Deere and Farm Bureau, and continue to grow John Deere’s dedication to strengthening their support of America’s farmers and ranchers. "John Deere is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land. Together with Farm Bureau, we are strengthening our agricultural communities and building for the future." said Steve Geick, John Deere Director Ag Industry Relations US/Canada. "The GreenFleet Loyalty Rewards program for Farm Bureau members is John Deere's way of rewarding those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land." Along with valuable equipment discounts, GreenFleet Loyalty Rewards Platinum members are eligible for special parts savings, Home & Workshop Products discounts, and other members-only promotions. Normally, a customer must initially purchase two pieces of qualifying equipment within 12 months to reach Platinum status. Farm Bureau members will au-
tomatically qualify by signing up through JohnDeere.com/FarmBureau for these benefits: • Equipment Discounts – Savings on everything from mowers to tractors to Gator™ Utility Vehicles purchased at your authorized John Deere dealer • Special Parts Savings – Money-saving parts coupons and offers to help keep your equipment at its best • Home & Workshop Product Discounts – A 10 percent discount off MSRP on eligible John Deere tools and workshop equipment – air compressors, generators, pressure washers and more • Exclusive Member Promotions – new exclusive offers and promotions delivered to your inbox – along with insider tips and great ideas for enhancing your equipment experience Farm Bureau members in participating states are eligible. To participate, Farm Bureau members can visit their state Farm Bureau website or JohnDeere.com/FarmBureau. Once the registration is complete, the member will receive a GreenFleet member number and can instantly access program benefits. Members can simply purchase online at JohnDeere.com/BuyOnline or by visiting a local John Deere dealer. To find out more about GreenFleet Loyalty Rewards, visit JohnDeere.com/GreenFleet.
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Delaware Farm Bureau News, November/December 2017
Delegates at annual meeting discuss concerns ... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 do our best to change it within the appropriations process.” Again Parrish lamented lack of action in Congress. “We can’t get things fixed because people are not working together. We can’t get stupid things fixed! “We are looking at every option, but I don’t see a solution, so you have to get ready (to report).” In her report, DFB President Kitty Holtz said, “It is imperative that we all work together to protect agriculture in this nation. As a small state, we do not have the resources to have individuals over in D.C. on a regular basis working on our behalf. I cannot say enough for the work that is being done on our behalf by the staff at AFBF. AFBF has some of the most qualified and highly trained individuals in D.C. working for all of you.” She noted that AFBF would increase its dues from $4 to $5, a move she would support. Holtz outlined some of her activities on behalf of the organization in the last year, including testifying before the Senate Ag Committee on three occasions and before the House Ag Committee twice. She has served and is serving on task forces at the state level. “I am bringing these up because we as an industry are being recognized as having an important seat at the table for these discussions. Without that recognition and ability to have input, many regulations could be created that have a negative impact on how we farm in Delaware. Quite often those individuals that are seated around the table have no knowledge of the impact that various regulations could have on agriculture — Delaware’s number one industry. I view my role on the various task forces as one that works to protect agriculture and property rights in Delaware for all our members.” One important issue faced by Delaware farmers, particularly in Sussex County, is damage from deer. “We have heard your desperation,” Holtz said. “We responded by getting meetings set up with the Department of Ag and DNREC to discuss possible resolutions. Through meetings set up with the governor in attendance, he also heard the desperation. We are currently working on an
agreed resolution.” During the fair at the FFA Awards Breakfast, DFB was presented with an award from the Delaware Association of Agriscience Educators for “Outstanding Cooperation.” Holtz said, “It was nice to be recognized for our support of our youth groups. Our continued support of the FFA and 4-H groups is shown through our annual donations, livestock auction purchase of animals at the fair and the Blue Jacket Bonanza Program.” Holtz thanked all of the county and state directors “for their time, dedication and input to help make this organization what it is. Farm Bureau is truly a grassroots organization and without all of your thoughts and direction, we would not be as strong or have the influence we do here in Delaware. Looking forward through your direction, we are working on a five year strategic plan to keep Delaware Farm Bureau strong going forward in the future.” In her Executive Director’s report, Pam Bakerian reported DFB had finished the fiscal year with 7,827 members. All of the organization’s committees had a full year. In its safety campaign, the Promotion and Education Committee aired Harvest Safety commercials, published farm safety opinion pieces and held the inaugural Farm Safety Conference. The Ag in the Classroom Essay contest was expanded to include 9th and 10th grades; four book barns were placed in elementary school with 20 more placements planned, thanks in part to a $500 AFBF Mini-grant for book barn materials. A grant made possible weekly radio commercials and print ads which ran from May until December, promoting local specialty crops The legislative committee opposed Minimum Wage; exempted farms from Water Well Legislation; hosted a Legislative Breakfast; initiated deer damage meetings; and supported various coalition letters regarding national issues such as WOTUS and regulatory reform. Social media and public relations campaigns have kept the public informed of Farm Bureau activities. Six hundred members enrolled in the 1st State Savers
membership benefit program. DFB donated more than $9,000 to groups such as 4-H, FFA, Envirothon, Livestock auction and FFA Blue Jacket Bonanza. The Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation sponsored with New Castle Farm Bureau the 5th Annual 5K Milk Run/Walk, was awarded $2,000 from Mid Del Foundation for Ag Education; attended Trap Pond State Park Healthy Kids Day (reached 1,350 children); and sponsored an inaugural Mad Bull Mud Run. The Ag Lab now takes the farm to schools, visiting several elementary schools in its first year. The Women’s Committee has had a busy year, reported Mary Bea Gooden, chairman. They purchased food for the Ronald McDonald Room at BayHealth in the spring, had a successful 10 days at the state fair food booth, helped pack Thanksgiving boxes at Mountaire and collected toys for patients and siblings at A.I. Dupont. Jacob Urian reported on activities of the Young Farmers and Ranchers, which included a strawberry
festival, purchase of animals at the State Fair’s livestock auction, a tractor pull with a record number of hooks, a recruitment picnic at Killen’s Pond in September, presentation of two scholarships and help with the King Crop Insurance Agency’s 50th anniversary dinner. Deputy Delaware Ag Secretary Austin Short presented information on the Young Farmers Loan Program which helps farmers ages 18 to 40 with three years ag experience purchase property under a 30-year, no-interest loan. “It was Ed Kee’s idea,” Short said. “We need to do a better job of preserving farmers, the next generation coming foward.” The program has made 30 loans to date, totaling $7 million. At the same time, 2,500 acres of farmland has been preserved, since there is also a requirement that the young farmers put the land in permanent farmland preservation. Interested young farmers may contact Short at DDA. The meeting was adjourned after a speech by AFBF President Zippy Duvall.
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Delaware Farm Bureau News, November/December 2017
Raceway's Mid-Del Foundation gives to DFB Foundation The Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation was one of 30 organizations to receive grants from the Mid-Del Foundation, the charitable arm for Harrington Raceway and Casino. Presentations were made at Mid-Del Foundation’s annual grant luncheon held Nov.13 in the casino’s gold room. The foundation was established to consolidate the charitable undertakings of Harrington Raceway Inc. and supports organizations and activities involving
agricultural, civic and social needs existing in Delaware. “These organizations work diligently throughout the year to reach countless people in our community,” said Howell Wallace, Mid-Del Foundation president. “We are happy to support their efforts and hope that our grants aid in achieving their goals. We earnestly appreciate their work and are thankful to be able to contribute to their continued success.”
Mad Bull Mud Run a success! Held Aug. 19 at Harrington Fairgrounds, the inaugural Mad Bull Mud Run raised more than $12,000, with profits going to the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation. Forty-five runners completed the 2-mile course complicated by obstacles within one hour and eight minutes. First-place finisher, Jessica Moyer of Magnolia, finished in under 22 minutes. Close behind her was Erick Carlson of Felton. Both won an iPad.
First college student over the line, 18-year-old Nhaighere Wills of Dover, won a $500 scholarship. Laura Simpson, foundation manager, expressed appreciation to all the sponsors: I.G. Burton, Farm Credit, 94.7 WDSD, Delaware Electric Cooperative, Dover Federal Credit Union, King Crop Insurance, Hoober, Ramsey's Farm, M. Davis Farms, LLC, BLS CPA, Chick's, Mountaire and ServPro.
Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation manager Laura Simpson receives a check from the Mid-Del Foundation, the charitable arm for Harrington Raceway and Casino. From left to right are Howell F. Wallace, chairman of the Mid-Del Foundation; Laura Simpson, and board members Josef. A. Burger and William. H Willis Jr..
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Delaware Farm Bureau News, November/December 2017
but 9th and 10th graders. Winners were Aaron Jeffery, 9th grade student of Mrs. Karen Ferrucci at CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 William Penn High School, and Committee expanded its Ag in the Alexia Inhof, 7th grade student of Classroom essay contest this year Mrs. Stephanie Freimuth at Smyrto include not just middle school na Middle School. Both students and their teachers received prizes for their efforts. The winning students read their essays at the banquet. DFB President Kitty Holtz said choosing a single 2017-2018 State Youth Ambassador from two well qualified county ambassadors — Blair Hill from Sussex County and Helena Kirk from New Castle County — was a difficult task. The winner was Blair Hill, but both young ladies will be called upon to represent Farm Bureau in the coming year. In her presidential comments, Gov. John Carney, left, visited Holtz reported that DFB leaders before the banquet with Second had met with Delaware DepartVice President Jim Mitchell and ment of Agriculture and the Dehis wife, Janet. partment of Natural Resources and
Banquet ...
Environmental Control, as well as the governor himself, regarding the problem of deer damage. “We are currently working on a resolution,” she said. Data on damage to crops are being collected by DFB
in a survey of members. Holtz concluded her remarks, “I urge you to get involved. Let your voice be heard. Our nation and our world cannot survive without agriculture.”
Jesse Vanderwende to compete for AFBF’s YF&R Achievement Award ... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 He has continued to rent and purchase cropland for vegetable and grain production in both irrigated and dry land. In November 2017, he purchased another farm, one that he had been previously renting. Today he owns and/or leases more than 700 tillable acres, producing corn, soybeans, wheat, peas, sweet corn and watermelons. In 2012, Jesse’s family started Vanderwendes Farm Creamery, selling from the farm which is on the main beach route to the Delaware beaches. Taylor was instrumental in the opening of this facility and has learned all aspects of production of the ice cream for this endeavor. In 2015, Jesse and Taylor decided to open Vanderwendes at Dewey LLC in the heart of Dewey Beach, Del. Jesse and other national competitors will be recognized at the 2018 AFBF Annual Convention held in Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 5 through10. Values used in judging the appli-
cations will be: farm operation and growth; financial progress of operation; Farm Bureau leadership and other leadership. First place winner receives a new Ford truck valued at approximately $35,000 and paid registration to the AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference in Reno, Nev., on Feb. 16 through 18, 2018. Second place winner receives a Case IH Farmall 50A valued at $23,840. Third place receives a Case IH 40-inch Combination Roll Cabinet and Top Chest and a $500 Case IH parts card, as well as $2,000 in Stanley Black & Decker merchandise. Fourth place receives a Case IH 40-inch Combination Roll Cabinet and Top Chest and a $500 Case IH parts card. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35, and must be actively engaged in farming and/ or ranching with the majority of income coming fro production ag.
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Delaware Farm Bureau News, November/December 2017
DFB Women’s Committee provides toys for Ronald McDonald House Eight representatives of the Delaware Farm Bureau Women’s Committee traveled on Dec. 7 to the Ronald McDonald House across from the world-renowned children's hospital A.I.DuPont in Wilmington. The ladies had added to donated toys with a shopping spree at Walmart & Toys R Us where they purchased $1,000 worth of toys and supplies. The hospital staff was excited to get much-needed toys for Christmas to give to patients and their siblings, and to be able to provide for parents also. The Women's committee gathered and placed the toys around the Christmas Tree before being treated to a tour around the facility.
... and packed boxes of food for thousands
Providing Christmas for patients at A. I. DuPont were, from left, JoAnne Shmitt, Kay Betts, Debbie Kenton, Mary Gooden, Connie Fox, Sandy Virdin, June Unruh and Jan Cartanza.
For more than 20 years, Mountaire Farms has been feeding families on Delmarva at Thanksgiving and throughout the year. The annual “Thanksgiving for Thousands Food Drive” has become a story unto itself – one that is making a positive difference along the Eastern Shore. The Delaware Farm Bureau Women’s Committee was thankful to be a part of the drive. On Nov. 20, several members of the committee met with dozens of other volunteers, including Sussex Tech’s football team and members of Indian River FFA, at the Mountaire warehouse in Selbyville to pack the donated food and organize boxes for distribution. During the packing, WGMD broadcast remotely.
Boxes were filled with a Mountaire chicken roaster, a box of stuffing, canned yams, corn, beans, cranberry sauce, gravy and a box of brownie mix. It took nearly all day to pack 8,500 meals.
On hand for packing boxes of food at the Thanksgiving for Thousands Food Drive were, from left, Women's Committee chairperson Mary Bea Gooden, First Vice President Laura Hill, Barbara Sapp, Delaware Farm Bureau President Kitty Holtz, Kay Betts, JoAnne Shmitt and Jan Cartanza.
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Delaware Farm Bureau News, November/December 2017
Severe weather emergency safety tips for your farm
Margie Chase, Nationwide Senior Business Consultant
Severe weather brings a host of potential challenges for farmers and ranchers. Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and high volumes of chemicals on hand are just a few hazards that they face.
Emergency preparedness Nationwide is passionate about emergency preparedness. We help our members deal with accidents, crises and disasters every day. We see firsthand the effects of these incidents on farm owners, their families, employees, customers, bottom lines, and often on their futures. Over the past 100 years, we’ve learned that most accidents are preventable. When disasters happen, damage can be minimized in many cases. Having a farm emergency plan isn’t just smart, it can directly affect
your farm’s profitability and longterm growth. We recommend you prepare for tornadoes, hurricanes, floods or other natural disasters by having an active, up-to-date emergency action plan. In an emergency, it can provide a clear path through the chaos. It can also save precious time when minutes count. Basic elements of a farm emergency plan As farmers and ranchers know all too well: Mother Nature is unpredictable. But being prepared with an emergency action plan is a great investment in helping preserve what you’ve worked so hard to build. Here are some tips for what to include in your farm or ranch emergency plan: • Include a map of your farm or ranch with all buildings and contents. Document emergency escape routes and procedures for each building on your property.
At the Delaware Farm Bureau Banquet held Nov. 30, DFB President Kitty Holtz, left, and Nationwide Board Director Stephen Hirsh, right, congratulated Roy Crow, whose agency in Middletown, Del., earned the Top Farm Policy Writer Award. The agency sold $168,943 in farm policies this year, helping secure the future for Delaware Farm Bureau members.
• List who will be responsible for what, and how they’ll report fire and other emergencies. Identify procedures to be followed by the people who remain to handle critical operations before they evacuate. • Document procedures to account for all people and employees after an emergency evacuation. Have contingency plans for where you’ll house livestock if barns or dairy parlors are damaged or destroyed. • Pre-plan salvage operations and include a method of debris disposal. Be aware of what materials the landfill nearest your farm or ranch will accept and establish alternatives if needed. Follow any specific procedures for disposal of chemicals or other hazardous materials to meet EPA requirements. • Develop and maintain a list of all people connected with your farm or ranch who should be contacted in an emergency. Be sure to include names and all pertinent contact information. This can include owners, family
members, employees, employee family members, suppliers and anyone else who is on your farm or ranch on a regular basis. • Develop and maintain a list of emergency contacts. Include local law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical responders, gas and electric providers, hospitals and insurance companies. Keep copies of your emergency contact list in your home, your office, your glove compartment, with all family members, any key employees and in additional buildings. The key is to always have them close at hand. • Establish an inventory system. Know exactly what’s on your farm or ranch at all times. • Designate a location for offsite storage of important documents and records. Talk to a Nationwide farm certified agent about preparing an emergency action plan for your farm or ranch. Find one by visiting farmagentfinder. com.
The Lisa Broadbent-DiOssi agency received an award at the annual banquet in appreciation of service to the Delaware Farm Bureau for recruiting the highest number of new Farm Bureau members in 2017. The agency brought in 96 new members. Accepting the award are Julia Wang, left, Scott Wilson and Selina Heazlit. Stephen Hirsch, Nationwide Board Director, right, helped Kitty Holtz present the award.
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Delaware Farm Bureau News, November/December 2017