West Virginia poultry grower's environmental award makes 5 in a row
for Mountain State

ATLANTA, GA – Pine Draft Farm in Augusta, WV was one of six farms across the United States to receive the Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award during the 2012 International Poultry Expo in Atlanta. Pine Draft Farm is owned and operated by Brian and Kelli Eglinger. They make the fifth West Virginia farm in a row to bring home honors in the northeast region competition.

“This is truly an honor for the Eglingers and for West Virginia agriculture in general,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. “This award should go a long way in diminishing criticism aimed at farmers who are working every day to protect the environment they rely upon to make a living.”

The Eglingers are third-generation farmers. They raise cows and fruit and have one chicken house with a 7,800-bird capacity on their 162 acres. They operate a broiler house for Pilgrim’s Corporation. Pine Draft Farm utilizes a nutrient management plan for applying litter to their land, along with a composter for chicken mortality.

The poultry house, manure, and composting facilities were purposely built with grassy banks and ditches that spread out into wooded or grassy areas to buffer any possible runoff. To help enhance wildlife, Pine Draft Farm employs grazing management, has retrofitted watering facilities for wildlife escape, provides nesting structures, and has an established pollinator plot.

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association sponsors the annual awards in recognition of exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production, and names one winner in each of six regions in the country. The Eglingers have placed Pine Draft Farm in a permanent conservation easement, in which the property can never be developed and must remain as a farm or wildlife habitat in perpetuity.

Applicants were rated in several categories, including dry litter or liquid manure management, nutrient management planning, community involvement, wildlife enhancement techniques, innovative nutrient management techniques, and participation in education or outreach programs. Applications were reviewed and farm visits conducted by a team of environmental professionals from universities, regulatory agencies and state trade associations in selecting national winners in
six regions.

Previous West Virginia winners are Shoemaker Farm, Evans Poultry, Arthur Halterman and Cottage Hill Farm.

Cattlemen: President's budget threatens to tax agriculture out of business

Washington, DC - President Barack Obama recently proposed a multi-trillion-dollar-budget saying it is designed to spur job creation and impose higher taxes on the rich.

National Cattlemen's Beef Association President J.D. Alexander said, however, the president's take on the estate tax threatens job creation and punishes the producers of food and fiber.

"President Obama has much to learn about the realities of small businesses and production agriculture. Most of these farm and ranch families are not wealthy. Instead, their value is tied up in the land they work and the equipment they use to provide a safe and affordable food supply for a growing population," said Alexander.

"The President's war against the rich will negatively impact farmers and ranchers who are simply trying to feed their neighbors. Increasing land values and the rising costs of equipment drive up the value of farm and ranch estates. If allowed to continue, the estate tax will continue to break up farms and ranches across America and will make it much more difficult to meet the increasing demand for food around the world."

The president's budget proposes an estate tax at a $3.5 million exemption level with a maximum tax rate of 45 percent. As a result of a last-minute fix passed through Congress in December 2010, the
current estate tax exemption level is $5 million per individual and $10 million per couple with a maximum tax rate of 35 percent.

Alexander said the president's proposed fix is not a solution but rather a continuation of unnecessary and outdated tax burdens on farmers and ranchers.

"Farmers and ranchers are asset rich and cash poor. Land and machinery does not equate to cash unless it is sold. When families are forced to sell off property to pay for the estate tax, the land seldom remains in production," he said. "This outdated tax is escalating the depopulation of rural America."

Alexander said people need to be aware that Obama's budget is only a suggestion and the actual budget will be determined by Congress.

"The details are in Congress. We will be engaging members of Congress over the next several months to ensure a permanent fix to the estate tax is achieved," Alexander said.

FFA members in 12 states continue push to connect with local farmers

INDIANAPOLIS - It’s no secret that networking is a pivotal step toward a bright career in any industry. With that in mind – and a chance to win some substantial prizes for their FFA chapter – FFA members in 12 states are producing new connections with local farmers at an incredible rate.

Just over a month after the 2012 FFA Chapter Challenge launched, 12,695 people have logged-in to http://www.FFAChapterChallenge.com to register a vote for one of 809 FFA chapters. The individual FFA chapters are competing for some considerable prizes totaling $300,000 – with the chapter receiving the most overall votes receiving an expenses-paid trip to October’s 85th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.

Sponsored by Monsanto as a special project of the National FFA Foundation, the premise of the 2012 FFA Chapter Challenge is simple: members from local FFA chapters build relationships with local farmers. The opportunity gives FFA members a chance to learn about different aspects of agricultural careers while building community awareness of their FFA chapter. Afterward, the FFA members ask the farmer to vote for their chapter to increase their chance to win.

Randy Kramer, of Bird Island, Minn., is a one of the farmers who has voted for a local FFA chapter. A former FFA member himself, Kramer still serves on the chapter’s advisory committee.

“FFA had a great impact on my life, especially the parliamentary procedure, which I have used in my board activities from local to state levels,” said Kramer. “We help the advisor and students as needed, and we advocate for keeping agriculture in the classroom and promoting leadership activities.”

More stories about farmers who have voted in the 2012 FFA Chapter Challenge are available at
http://www.FFAChapterChallenge.com/featured_farmers/.

Farmers to discuss higher value for feeder calves

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Two farmer panels will discuss ways to increase the value of feeder cattle in Pennsylvania at the Cattleman's College program, March 10 at the Pennsylvania Livestock Evaluation Center.

Cow-calf producers Warren Dick and Ralph Nevala will explain their experiences with cooperative feeder calf marketing pools.

"Both farmers have sold their calves through cooperative sales for many years," said John Comerford, Penn State beef specialist and conference coordinator. "The pools have included designated health and management programs prior to the sale of the cattle by tele-auction."

Cattle feeders Darwin Nissley and Nelson Beam will discuss the kind of feeder cattle they want to buy, including weight, health programs and background.

"The feeders from southeastern Pennsylvania purchase cattle from a number of sources," said Comerford. "And they will relate what they consider when pricing the cattle they buy."

In addition to the farmer panels, the program will include a sire-selection workshop, animal health and reproduction information, a beef quality-assurance recertification opportunity, and a special address by Chandler Keys from JBS USA LLC.

The program is sponsored by Penn State Extension, Pfizer Animal Health and the Pennsylvania Cattleman's Association. A complete program and registration information is available online at
http://www.das.psu.edu/research-extension/beef.

Tobacco growers will have to weigh options in light of closing

ROSE HILL, VA - Smaller-scale burley tobacco growers in Southwest Virginia will have to consider their next move in light of the closing of a Philip Morris USA receiving station.

Philip Morris announced to growers on Jan. 13 that it planned to close its Tennessee Valley Tobacco Services facility in Midway, Tenn. The station receives 6 million pounds of burley tobacco a year and brings in roughly $10.5 million to the economies of upper East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

Burley is a light, air-cured tobacco used primarily for cigarette production.

Lee County, Virginia grower Jonathan Cavin said Philip Morris has told growers it no longer needs as many burley receiving stations as it once did and hopes to cut operating expenses while still receiving burley at its remaining stations.

Cavin, who grows 85 acres of tobacco annually, is concerned about the potential economic loss for his region and the impact on the 138 Southwest Virginia burley growers who contract with Philip Morris parent company Altria. While he and other larger-scale growers should be fine, Cavin said, growers with only a few acres of tobacco will have to weigh their options.

“They’ll be traveling farther, spending more on fuel, and to make the trip worthwhile they’ll need a full load of tobacco,” he said. “The cost of fuel has already increased, and for farmers in this area their trip will be doubled from two hours to four hours. Is it still cost-effective for them to grow tobacco? That’s something they’ll have to decide.”

Al Glass, vice president of commodity marketing for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, said tobacco farmers have not lost their contracts with Altria, but they will need to decide if it is still feasible for them to sell their tobacco under the new circumstances.

“This is a risk of doing business,” Glass said. “Farmers need to decide how they can best exist under these circumstances, but the outlook for small growers is still good, as they have other options.”

Danny Peek, tobacco specialist at the Southwest Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Washington County, said he doesn’t think small-scale growers will sell to Altria.

“If they have to travel to Kentucky or farther, they will try to get a contract with someone closer to them, like Burley Stabilization Corp. or R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.,” Peek said. “Both companies have stations that are interested in buying the tobacco.”

Peek said market conditions tend to change from year to year, and it is hard for growers to make long-term plans, but that tobacco is in high demand.

“Any time someone pulls out, it is scary for growers,” he said. “But no one that grows high-quality tobacco will have a hard time finding someone to buy it. I don’t see anyone turning a grower away.”

Small-scale growers who are interested in selling to Altria could pool their tobacco and then sell it individually at the receiving station to save money, Peek said.

“I’ve seen an interest with growers that got out of tobacco (in) getting back in it,” he noted. “We’ll have to see how it goes, but tobacco is now in demand.”

Sale of tractor raises $500,000 to support veterans and their families

Taking the wheel of his New Holland Boomer compact tractor for the last time, Jay Leno recently drove the tractor nicknamed the "Lil Tug" onto the auction block at the 41st Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. In a matter of minutes, he raised over a half million dollars to support veterans and their families.

Officials say 100% of the winning bid of $535,000 will benefit the Fisher House Foundation, which constructs comfort homes to provide free temporary housing to the families of service members receiving medical care at V.A. and military hospitals around the world.

The 'Lil Tug is no ordinary tractor. Not only did it work in Jay Leno's Garage for nearly five years, pulling and positioning Leno's array of collector vehicles, it also bore the signature of George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States of America and a staunch supporter of America's military and their families.

"We owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have sacrificed to serve our country," says New Holland Vice President Abe Hughes, "and we're honored to play a part in this effort to support veterans and their families."

"This is one of the greatest charities because 100% of the money goes to helping veterans," said Jay Leno. "I've visited a Fisher House in California, and I can tell you they make the families really feel special. That's why I'm donating my tractor. It's a small price to pay. If I can give back by doing something like this, it makes me feel great."

"We're so grateful to Jay Leno for donating his prized tractor, and to President Bush for his support to benefit the men and women who serve our great nation selflessly, as well as their families who support them and give them the strength to do a terrifically difficult job," said Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House.

"'Lil Tug was part of the Jay Leno family, and we know how important family is, especially when a loved one is recovering from injuries suffered on the battlefield. We salute Jay, Barrett-Jackson and all those who support our military families."

"Charity work is part of our business philosophy and helping the Fisher House Foundation to raise funds for their charity is something we are happy to do," said Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson Auction Company.

Agritourism to be focus of NC conference March 8-9

RALEIGH — The sixth-annual Agritourism Networking Association Conference will be held March 8 and 9 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Asheville. The two-day event will feature informative speakers, workshops and networking opportunities for agritourism entrepreneurs and those interested in rural tourism in North Carolina.

“There’s a nearly endless amount of agritourism possibilities out there for farmers to try on their farms, but the amount of choices can be overwhelming,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Events such as this conference give folks an opportunity to learn more about the different types of agritourism from people who have applied it on their own farms.”

Optional mid-afternoon farm tours will be held March 8, with a reception to follow. On March 9, workshops will cover topics such as keeping your farm successful in today’s economy, using social media to expand your customer base, using mediation for farm problems, hospitality success and customer service, and maintaining the success curve after year one.

Early registration by March 1 is $75 for ANA members, $85 for non-members and $35 for cooperative extension staff. The registration fee increases to $100 after March 1.

For more information or a registration form, go to www.ncagr.gov/agritourism, or call agritourism manager Martha Glass at 919-707-3120.

Maryland brothers inducted into Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame

GLEN BURNIE - Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance recently inducted Bob and Drew Stabler of Montgomery County into the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame, making the farming brothers the 43rd recipients of the prestigious recognition. The induction was made before more than 700 agricultural leaders and legislators from across the State during the annual “Taste of Maryland” agriculture event at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie.

“No matter what, our support of our family farms will always remain strong,” said Governor O’Malley. “Maryland’s economy depends on Maryland agriculture. We must therefore protect the profitability of Maryland’s family farms – and farming jobs.”

During his remarks, Governor O’Malley focused on the outstanding leadership, stewardship and accomplishments of the agricultural community. He commended farmers for setting an all-time record by planting more than 429,000 acres of cover crops this year. The Governor announced he will be creating a new Governor’s Master Farmer program to recognize outstanding stewardship efforts. He also reiterated his support for the agricultural community through personal involvement and policy initiatives as well as his belief in the vital necessity of having a thriving agricultural industry to the health of the State, its citizens, the economy and the environment.

“It is my honor to stand beside the Stabler brothers tonight to recognize their outstanding accomplishments, commitment and contributions to agriculture, family, resource conservation and community,” said Secretary Hance. “They represent, not just the best in agriculture and environmental stewardship, but also in business innovation. In honoring the Stabler brothers, we honor the dedication and hard work of every farmer in this state.”

The Stabler brothers began farming with their father in 1958, building their grain and cattle farm into a 4,000 acre operation. In 2001, to simplify estate planning, Drew retired from Pleasant Valley and began Sunny Ridge, which grows corn, wheat, soybeans and cattle. Bob continues to run Pleasant Valley. The brothers still share knowledge and work together for the betterment of both farms. The Stablers have consistently embraced new technology and best management practices. They were among the earliest adopters of no-tillage technology in the 1970s; they installed critical areas and waterways when needed; and they have constructed fertilizer and pesticide loading and containment structures as well as animal waste systems on both farms.

A brief slideshow featuring the new Agriculture Hall of Fame family is available: http://youtu.be/8MsF-ylKgjI

Cattle inventory at lowest in 60 years

Washington, DC - All cattle and calves in the United States as of January 1, 2012 totaled 90.8 million head, 2 percent below the 92.7 million on January 1, 2011. This is the lowest January 1 inventory of all cattle and calves since the 88.1 million on hand in 1952. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 39.1 million, were down 2 percent from the 40.0 million on January 1, 2011.

Comparing January 1, 2012, to January 1, 2011: Beef cows totaled 29.9 million head, down 3 percent; milk cows totaled 9.2 million, up 1 percent; all heifers 500 pounds and over totaled 19.4 million, down 1 percent; beef replacement heifers, 5.2 million, up 1 percent; milk replacement heifers, 4.5 million, down 1 percent; other heifers, 9.6 million, down 2 percent; steers 500 pounds and over totaled 16.1 million, down 2 percent; bulls 500 pounds and over totaled 2.1 million, down 5 percent; calves less than 500 pounds totaled 14.1 million, down 3 percent.

Cattle inventory in West Virginia as of January 1, 2012 totaled 390,000
head, up 20,000 head from the January 1, 2011 inventory.

In Virginia, cattle inventory as of January 1, 2012 totaled 1.54 million head, down 50,000 head from the previous year.

North Carolina cattle inventory on January 1, 2012 totaled 810,000 head, up 10,000 head from the January 1, 2011 inventory.

Cattle inventory in Maryland as of January 1, 2012 totaled 200,000 head, up 5,000 head from the January 1, 2011 inventory.

In Pennsylvania, cattle inventory as of January 1, 2012 totaled 1.61 million head, unchanged from the previous year.

Wine industry impacting Virginia economy

RICHMOND – Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell recently announced that a newly released economic impact study shows that Virginia’s burgeoning wine industry contributes almost three-quarters of a billion dollars – or $747 million – annually to Virginia’s economy, an increase of 106 percent over the figures from the last economic impact study conducted in 2005. All major economic drivers examined in the comprehensive study showed significant double-digit percentage growth.

“The Virginia wine industry has seen tremendous growth over last few years,” said Governor McDonnell. “From beautiful new wineries starting up to more and more retail outlets and restaurants adding our wines to their shelves and menus, the growth has been very evident even to the casual observer. However, this study clearly quantifies that growth with empirical data and shows the significant economic impact that the industry is having across the Commonwealth. I congratulate our winery owners and grape growers for these achievements, and I look forward to working with them as we continue our efforts to make Virginia the preeminent East Coast destination for wine and winery tourism.”

The 2010 Economic Impact Study of Wine and Wine Grapes on the Commonwealth of Virginia, which was completed by Frank, Rimmerman + Co., a nationally recognized accounting and consulting firm that specializes in the wine industry studies, was commissioned by the Virginia Wine Board (VWB) and completed in January 2011. It is the first economic impact study of the Virginia wine industry since 2005. That report showed that the Virginia wine industry employed just over 3,100 people and contributed more than $360 million to the Virginia economy on an annual basis. The study reflected the impact of approximately 130 wineries in 2005.

In comparing the figures from 2005 and 2010, the full economic impact of wine and wine grapes on the Virginia economy has more than doubled, from $362 million to $747 million, a 106 percent increase. The number of wineries increased from 129 in 2005 to 193 in 2010, a 49 percent increase. The number of full-time equivalent jobs at wineries and vineyards rose from 3,162 to 4,753, a 50 percent increase, and wages from jobs at wineries and vineyards increased from $84 million to $156 million, an 86 percent increase, during the same time period.

The report showed significant growth during the five-year period examined in the number of grape growers and grape bearing acreage as well as taxes generated for state and local governments. For example, the number of grape growers climbed from 262 to 386, a 47 percent rise over the same period. The number of grape bearing acres increased from 2000 in 2005 to 2,700 in 2010, a 35 percent climb. The amount of taxes paid to the state and to local governments grew from $21 million to $43 million, a 105 percent increase.

New web site encourages cattle herd expansion

Drovers/CattleNetwork recently announced the launch of MoreCowsNow.com, "Building America's Beef Future," a microsite designed to assist beef producers expand their herds to ensure sufficient supplies, infrastructure stability, long-term industry profitability and growing beef demand.

"Cattle feeders, beef packers and industry analysts are concerned about the declining number of cattle in the U.S. herd," says Drovers/CattleNetwork editor and associate publisher Greg Henderson.

"Specifically, they warn that historically low cattle supplies threaten our industry's infrastructure - feedyards and packers - and that smaller supplies will lead to lower beef consumption and create an advantage for pork and poultry over beef."

Noting the Beef Industry's Long Range Plan calls for increasing beef heifer retention to 18 percent by 2014 and stabilizing annual beef production at a minimum of 26 billion pounds, Henderson says MoreCowsNow.com will help provide timely and useful information for producers who are planning to expand their herds.

"Cattle and beef prices are at historic high levels," Henderson says. "That's good for producers who have cattle to sell, but wholesalers and retailers indicate constantly rising beef prices are finding consumer resistance. There are those in the industry who are concerned beef may price itself out of the market."

MoreCowsNow.com will provide a variety of online information and resources to beef producers. The site will feature news and management information for cost effective herd expansion; genetic and selection information; tools and calculators to help evaluate expansion decisions; links to research and resources; and an "ask the expert" section.

Drovers/CattleNetwork, "America's Beef Business Source," includes a comprehensive website for cattlemen and a monthly magazine owned by Vance Publishing Corporation. As the business leader, Drovers/CattleNetwork provides concise, cutting-edge business information and editorial leadership to stakeholders within the cattle food system while enhancing the industry's profitability, viability and tradition.

Virginia farm exports Holstein bulls to Russia

RICHMOND – Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell recently announced that the first ever direct export of Virginia Holstein bulls to Russia has been completed. Vistar Farms of Mechanicsville, working in partnership with Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services international marketing staff, arranged the export shipment to the Russian port city of Novorossiysk. Financial details of the initial sale were private, but the export deal is significant as it marks Virginia’s entry into Russia’s growing market for cattle and genetics imports.

“I have made increasing agricultural exports from Virginia a key component of my administration’s overall economic development and job creation plans,” said McDonnell, who has included an amendment to his proposed budget to the General Assembly that provides additional funds to market and promote Virginia agricultural products in the global marketplace. “Opening new markets for our high quality and diversified portfolio of agricultural products is important for current farm profitability and future growth and prosperity. I’m pleased that Virginia’s dairy cattle industry has finally entered Russia, already one of Virginia’s top agricultural export markets.”

Despite the lack of cattle exports, Russia was Virginia’s ninth largest agricultural export customer in 2010 with just under $60 million in products. Russia has allowed the importation of U.S. cattle since 2008 when the two countries reached an import protocol agreement. In addition to Vistar’s and VDACS’ work with the Russian importer, the initial shipment from Virginia took the combined effort of other state and federal partners to ensure that the transaction was completed successfully. The Animal Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture helped expedite export documents. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality managed the certification process that allowed the bulls to be quarantined before shipment per protocol specifications.

Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd P. Haymore added, "This deal is a good match for Virginia dairy cattle exporters and Russian importers. Virginia’s dairy industry is known internationally for producing high quality genetics, and Russia is rapidly becoming one of the most active markets for live cattle exports. We expect additional export sales to Russia in the coming months, further building relationships between Virginia exporters and Russia importers and solidifying what we hope becomes a new and successful long-term export market.”

The Russian market for live animal imports is growing, and is currently valued at more than $300 million annually. In 2009, Russia imported 35,000 live cattle and in 2010 the number rose to 38,000. Last year, Russia imported approximately 55,000 live cattle, with Russian buyers finding quality animals being offered from new U.S. suppliers. After the protocol was established to begin exporting live cattle to Russia in 2008, the U.S. now accounts for approximately $10 million of live cattle business in Russia.

Agriculture and forestry are Virginia's largest industries, with a combined economic impact of $79 billion annually: $55 billion from agriculture and $24 billion from forestry. The industries also provide approximately 500,000 jobs in the Commonwealth according to the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia.

USDA Announces Business Assistance Grants to assist agricultural
producers and cooperatives throughout North Carolina

CHAPEL HILL - Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager recently announced that 10 small businesses in North Carolina have been selected to receive business development assistance through the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. Tonsager made the announcement while visiting Chapel Hill Creamery, one of the recipients.

“In his State of the Union address the President was clear that we need to do more to create jobs and help economic growth. These VAPG funds will improve financial returns and help create jobs for agricultural producers, businesses and families across North Carolina.” Tonsager said.

For example, Chapel Hill Creamery, LLC, an independent producer, processes cheese on the farm for sale by area farmers' markets, and to restaurants and retail stores. The operation was founded in 2001 by Portia McKnight and Florence Hawley who purchased land near Chapel Hill, constructed a 2,400 square foot milking bam and processing facility, and began milking cows and processing cheese. Since then, the business has realized steady growth.

In Faison, Cottle Strawberry Nursery has developed a method to transform the muscadine grape into a healthy value-added smoothie to be marketed in three varieties to health conscience consumers. Cottle Farm has been selected to receive a Value-added producer grant to be used as working capital to research, create, and implement a complete three year marketing strategy for this product.

Bobcat Farms is an independent producer that raises and processes genetically superior Black Angus beef in Central North Carolina. USDA Rural Development has approved a value-added producer grant to be used as working capital. The funds will be used to grow direct sales to customers through their new marketing plan and to develop new opportunities in food service and retail sales channels.

The Value-Added Producer Grants announced in North Carolina total more than $1.33 million. Funds may be used for feasibility studies or business plans, working capital for marketing value-added agricultural products and for farm-based renewable energy projects. Eligible applicants include independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives, agricultural producer groups, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures. Value-added products are created when a producer increases the consumer value of an agricultural commodity in the production or processing stage.

A list of recipients receiving grants is shown below. Funding of individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the conditions of the grant agreement.

•Sunburst Trout Company, LLC; Canton; $283,884
•Chapel Hill Creamery, LLC; Chapel Hill $180,000
•Nooherooka Natural, LLC; Snow Hill $130,000
•Honey Mountain Farm LLC - Chuck Moore; Mt. Ulla $120,000
•Bobcat Farms, LLC; Clinton $140,000
•Cottle Strawberry Nursery; Faison $300,000
•Sleepy Goat Cheese LLC; Pelham $22,500
•Smoky Mountain Native Plant Association, Inc.; Robbinsville $20,000
•Yamco LLC; Snow Hill $100,000
•Sullivan Estate Vineyard & Winery, L.L.C.; Hudson $37,148

Maryland promotes local produce through Community Supported Agriculture farms

ANNAPOLIS - The Maryland Department of Agriculture is encouraging residents to consider joining a community supported agriculture (CSA) farm to support local farmers while receiving healthful, fresh produce all summer long. CSA members pay an upfront subscription fee to farmers in return for a share of the season’s harvest, which is usually provided weekly. For convenience, many CSAs deliver to central locations for pick up closer to subscriber’s home or work on a certain day of the week. Still others have special rates if the subscriber helps with the harvest on the farm.

“CSAs are another way for residents to buy fresh, nutritious food directly from a local farmer and to better understand how our food is grown,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “This is the time of year to join a CSA and enjoy the fruits of local farms all summer. By purchasing local food, consumers reduce the carbon footprint of food transportation and protect the environment by keeping land in farming rather than development. It’s also another great way to support our family farmers and local economy.”

According to the most recent agricultural census completed in 2007 by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, there were 12,549 farms in the US marketing their products through Community Supported Agriculture. In Maryland, there were 161 CSAs.

Officials say CSA memberships typically fill up fast. The Maryland’s Best web site currently contains 84 farms that offer CSA programs. To find a CSA farm near you, visit www.MarylandsBest.net.

FFA shares input with USDA on upcoming Farm Bill

INDIANAPOLIS - With more than 100,000 new farmers needed over the next few years, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack issued the young leaders of the National FFA Organization a challenge in 2011. “I would like you to with your fellow students and the adult leadership of the organization to develop a series of recommendations around the upcoming Farm Bill that will encourage more young people to pursue careers in farming,” Vilsack said.

It was a challenge that the national FFA officer team for 2010-11 took seriously. The students immediately began work- framing key questions, consulting FFA members, engaging leaders in agriculture, compiling input and formulating recommendations.

“Never before had we been invited to submit direct input to the Secretary of Agriculture that could enhance the ability of agricultural education and FFA to help students succeed and strengthen American agriculture,” said Riley Pagett, national FFA President, 2010-11. “We were honored to be invited to be a part of this process.”

In December 2011, the 2010-11 national officer team met with Sec. Vilsack to share their recommendations which fell under four main categories. Those are: Getting started in production agriculture; creating vibrant rural communities; who should care about agriculture and why; planning for the future.

Items that were recommended were as follows: USDA and other agencies should encourage and assist beginning farmers to start or continue in production agriculture; USDA should help transition farms from older related and non-related farmers to younger of beginner farmers who may not come from a farm; USDA should help keep young people in rural communities and make rural communities an even more important part of our nation’s economy and society; USDA should support efforts to increase the public’s knowledge of agricultural literacy; USDA should strengthen the capacity of agricultural education o produce more students that pursue production agriculture and other agriculturally related careers and the USDA should provide authority, responsibility and support for school-based agricultural education and FFA.

“We believe it is in the best interest of the nation for the department of agriculture to affirm its commitment to develop strong, experience leadership for agricultural education,” Kent Schescke, director of strategic partnerships, said. “FFA is prepared to assist in every way possible to this end. We believe with the significant challenges facing American and global systems of agriculture an investment must be made and we believe the farm bill provides the department an opportunity to demonstrate it believes in the future of agriculture.”

2011 crop stats published; corn yields mostly up in Mid-Atlantic region

Washington, DC - The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service recently released final crop production estimates for 2011. U.S. corn acreage decreased slightly from last year, while soybean production was the sixth largest on record. Winter wheat seedings for 2012 also increased on the national level by 3 percent.

In Virginia, corn for grain yields averaged 118 bushels per acre, up 51 bushels from the previous year’s yield. Production is estimated at 40.1 million bushels, 93 percent above the 2010 production. Corn for grain harvested area was 340,000 acres, up 30,000 acres from last year. Corn silage harvested acreage totaled 130,000 acres, with an average yield of 16.5 tons per acre.

Soybean yields in Virginia averaged 39 bushels per acre, up 13.0 bushels from last year. A total of 550,000 acres were harvested for grain, an increase of 10,000 from last year’s soybean acreage. Soybean production is estimated at 21.5 million bushels, 53 percent more than last year’s production.

Virginia’s peanut producers harvested 16,000 acres, down 2,000 acres from 2010. Peanut yields averaged 3,800 pounds per acre, up 1,920 pounds per acre from last year. This is a record yield surpassing the previous record of 3,700 pounds in 2009. Peanut production is estimated at 60.8 million pounds, up 80 percent from the 2010 production.

Cotton production in Virginia is estimated at 165,000 bales, up 32 percent from 2010. The cotton yield forecast is 689 pounds per acre, down 43 pounds from last year’s yield. Producers harvested 115,000 acres in 2011, an increase of 33,000 acres from last year.

In North Carolina, corn for grain yield in 2011 was 84 bushels per acre, down 7 bushels per acre from 2010. Total production came in at 68.5 million bushels, 10% less than last year. Harvested acres totaled 815,000 acres, down 25,000 acres from 2010.

North Carolina soybean yield averaged 30 bushels per acre, up 4 bushels per acre from last year. Production totaled 40.8 million bushels, up 1% from last year. Harvested acres, at 1.36 million, were down 190,000 acres from 2010.

In Maryland and Delaware both corn and soybean crops experienced volatile weather which included a hurricane, tropical storm, and dry conditions throughout the growing season. Despite unpredictable weather patterns both crops produced better than predicted yields.

Maryland: Maryland farmers planted 500,000 acres of corn in 2011, unchanged from 2010. Of the 500,000 acres planted, 430,000 acres were harvested for grain, 60,000 acres were cut for silage, and the remaining 10,000 acres were abandoned. Yield for grain averaged 109 bushels per acre, up 3 bushels from last year’s low of 106 bushels per acre. Production totaled 46.9 million bushels, a
2.8 percent increase from 2010. Silage yield is estimated at 16 tons per acre, up 23 percent from last year. Increased silage acres as a result of dry growing conditions and storm damage resulted in a total production of 960,000 tons of silage.

Maryland farmers planted 470,000 acres of soybeans in 2011, unchanged from 2010. From the 470,000 acres of soybeans planted, 465,000 acres were harvested for beans, also unchanged from 2010. Soybean yields averaged 38.5 bushels per acre, up 4.5 bushels from the 2010 average yield of 34 bushels an acre. Production of soybeans is estimated at 17.9 million bushels.

Hay production in Maryland was up 20 percent from 2010 to 584,000 tons in 2011. Alfalfa production is estimated at 140,000 tons, at an average yield of 4.0 tons per acre, and the production of all other types of hay is estimated at 444,000 tons of hay, at an average yield of 2.4 tons per acre.

USDA also released the first forecast of 2012 winter wheat plantings. Winter wheat planted acres in Maryland for 2012 is forecast at 290,000 acres, up 30,000 acres from 2011. If realized the estimate of 290,000 planted acres will be the largest planted acreage since 1950 when winter wheat planted was 292,000 acres.

Delaware farmers planted 190,000 acres of corn in 2011, up 5.5 percent from 2010. A total of 182,000 acres were harvested for grain and 6,000 acres were harvested for silage. Yield for grain is estimated at 130 bushels per acre, up 15 bushels from last year, for a total production of 23.7 million bushels. As a result of the dry weather and storm damage silage acreage also increased, resulting in a silage production increase of 14,000 tons from 2010 for a total production of 84,000 tons, an average 14 tons per acre.

Delaware farmers planted 170,000 acres of soybeans in 2011, 5,000 acres less than last year. A total of 168,000 acres were harvested for beans at an average yield of 39 bushels per acre, up 7 bushels from 2010. Total production of soybeans is estimated at 6.6 million bushels.

Hay in Delaware was harvested on 15,000 acres, including 5,000 acres of alfalfa and 10,000 acres of all other types of hay, unchanged from 2010. Growers reported an average yield of 3.0 tons per acre for alfalfa hay, as compared with 3.4 tons per acre in 2010, and an average 2.3 tons per acre for all other types of hay, down from 2.9 tons per acre last year. This resulted in 38,000 tons of hay produced, a 21 percent decrease from 2010.

Young farmers seeking seasoned mentors

MONETA—The good news is there are plenty of eager young farmers ready and willing to take a stab at making a living in agriculture. The bad news is that land is limited and expensive, and opportunities to learn alongside a successful farmer are few and far between. The Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Committee would like to change that this year.

“I’m lucky; I started with my father. He basically took over from my grandfather, and that was a very abrupt change, because granddaddy kept all the reins,” said W.P. Johnson, a VFBF young farmer in Bedford County. “Dad has relinquished all but the financial side in our operation, but that’s OK with me, because I’m learning all the decisions on when to and when not to do something. That’s been a good mentoring situation for me,” said the hay, soybean and wheat producer.

The Virginia Farm Link program is designed to help connect would-be farmers with would-be partners and mentors. But a decade after it was established it’s seen few success stories, Johnson said. A large barrier is that many ideal candidates for farm operation mentors are still unaware of the program, he said.

“This calls for someone with the willingness and openness to take on somebody to mentor to make a seamless transition to a new owner for their farm,” Johnson said. “The young farmer could just be on the payroll at first and take on responsibilities gradually. This way they can actually learn the ins and outs of how to run the business.

“The one key aspect we’re looking at is we’re looking for somebody who’ll take the time to teach his successor over 10 or 12 years, not just someone looking to sell out and move on with their lives,” he added.

The biggest challenge faced by most young farmers is learning how to manage their income and build up reserves to survive in a business with extremely low cash flow and weather uncertainties, Johnson said. That experience and specialized knowledge usually is best passed on by a seasoned farmer.

“You pretty much look at whether a farming practice or equipment will pay for itself over a decade, not just three or five years, because out of those 10 years, only a few will be good. The rest will be mediocre and some will be real flops. You have to learn to survive those agriculture disaster years. That’s probably the hardest part of working in agriculture.”

The Virginia Farm Link program is sponsoring a series of farm transition workshops around the state. The next workshop is set for Feb. 11 at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex in Pittsylvania County, with another planned this summer in the Shenandoah Valley. Information about farm transitions and the current Farm Link database of would-be farmers and possible mentors is also available at vdacs.virginia.gov/preservation/program.shtml.

Another possible contact for young farmers and farm mentors is the Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Project, housed at Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The project leaders have spent the past year building coalitions among various groups like the VFBF Young Farmers. More information on that program is available at vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2011/01/011211-cals-beginningfarmer.html.

“We want to see successful transitions, where young farmers learn the ebbs and flows of farming, not just make a big crop one year and the bank forecloses the next year,” Johnson said. “That’s the challenge for all farmers, but it’s particularly tough on beginning farmers. That’s why we want to urge anyone interested in this program to get involved right away.”

For the first time in memory, farming in America is "cool."

by Steve Baragona, VOA

DURHAM, NC -  A nationwide movement, fueled by disdain for industrial-scale agriculture, is inspiring many young people with no farming experience to get into agriculture - especially the small-scale, local, organic kind.

But the question for this budding movement is whether it can survive the harsh realities of the business world.

Duke University’s new campus farm in Durham, North Carolina celebrated its first-ever harvest festival recently. The farm's manager, Emily Sloss, graduated from Duke last year with a degree in public policy - not agriculture. She expected to go to graduate school to study urban planning. “Now I’m a farmer," she said. "Yeah. Believe it or not.”

This accidental farmer turned a senior-year class project exploring the idea of a campus farm into a reality. In just its first year, the farm has provided the campus dining halls with more than two tons of fresh produce. “It’s phenomenal," said Duke dining halls manager Nate Peterson with food service company Cafe Bon Appetit. "The produce that is coming out of the Duke Farm and coming into our cafes is excellent quality.”

Sloss credits that senior-year class in food and energy policy for inspiring her to make a career change from budding urban planner to full-time farmer. “It just became really apparent that we had to do something - or I had to do something - about the way I ate," said Sloss. "And then this project came into my life and kind of demanded my attention.”

“A lot of people that are becoming farmers now are not the people you would traditionally think of as farmers," said Maureen Moody, farm director at the not-for-profit Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture outside Washington, DC. "Me and a lot of the people I know, we didn’t grow up on farms. We didn’t go to ag school, even.”

Accurate data are hard to come by, but a recent survey by organic farm networks found 78 percent of new farmers were not raised on farms. Moody knows the story well. She left her doctoral program in cultural anthropology studying what motivates young farmers to become a farmer herself.

Popular movies and widely read books criticizing large-scale American food production for its damaging health and environmental impacts are helping spur young people into agriculture. Demand for locally raised food is growing as well, into a business that is now worth at least $5 billion, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture data.

It's still a drop in the bucket in the U.S. food supply. And many who venture into farming find the business realities are tougher than they thought. Maureen Moody says many burn out after a couple years and look for jobs with health benefits and retirement plans. “It’s really hard to stick with," she said. "Some do, and they figure out a way to make it work. But it’s really hard to make any money and to make a living.”

The Arcadia Center is a non-profit, so it doesn’t face quite the same pressures. And the Duke Campus Farm has advantages that most small enterprises do not: Students who will work for free, and a university that supports it.

But Emily Sloss says the farmers here wants to prove they can make it as a business. “Because we really believe if Duke University, a farm that has land that’s rent-free, that has a huge pool of free labor, if we can’t be financially sustainable, then the local food movement isn’t a reality," she said.

Making that movement a reality will not be easy. But Maureen Moody says they have just begun. “I think it takes people who are willing to be the first wave, if you will," she said. "Like any social movement, it takes people who are willing to go through the growing pains of figuring out how to make it work.”

The Duke Campus Farm is celebrating its first season in business. Many of its growing pains lie ahead. The same can be said for the movement it represents. These are exciting but difficult times for young farmers getting their first taste of farming life.

Trivia Question: Which of these foods is NOT considered a whole grain?

A. Oats
B. White Rice
C. Brown Rice
D. Popcorn

Answer - B.  White rice is not a whole grain, as it has been stripped of its bran and germ.

Maryland announces new cost-share assistance for manure injection/incorporation

ANNAPOLIS - The Maryland Department of Agriculture recently announced that cost-share assistance is now available to dairy, beef or swine farmers who incorporate manure into their crop fields using manure injection and incorporation equipment designed to conserve the soil and reduce nitrogen and phosphorus losses to the environment.

“We are extremely excited to offer this new conservation tool to farmers,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “In the past, manure has been typically applied to the soil’s surface. The only way to get it below the surface was to till it into the soil, which can promote soil erosion. Since many Maryland farmers use no-till cultivation, manure incorporation has become more challenging.

Today, there are several new technologies that allow farmers to partially incorporate or directly inject manure below the surface. These techniques have been scientifically proven to reduce ammonia nitrogen losses to the environment from the manure and minimize soil erosion. It’s a win-win for farmers and the environment.”

According to MDA officials, $85,000 has been earmarked for manure injection/incorporation. Qualifying farmers will be reimbursed between $10 and $45 an acre to rent manure injection and incorporation equipment or hire contractors to perform the work for them. Eligible equipment includes no-till manure injectors and vertical tillage equipment such as the Turbo-Till and AerWay. In addition, other brands of vertical tillage equipment may be eligible for this cost share program. Minimum tillage equipment such as a chisel plow and disk harrow do not qualify for financial assistance.

Under the program, liquid, slurry, semi-solid and solid dairy, beef and swine manures are eligible to be injected or incorporated into the soil. Incorporation must be performed within 24 hours of surface application. Manure application and injection/incorporation may only occur during spring, summer or fall under certain conditions. For more information, farmers should contact their local soil conservation district or the MACS program at 410-841-5864.

The manure injection/incorporation program is administered by the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program and available to farmers statewide on a first come basis. All participants must have a current nutrient management plan and be in full compliance with all nutrient management regulations.

Eminent domain constitutional amendment passes in Virginia

RICHMOND—A proposed constitutional amendment that would help protect private property rights cleared its next-to-last hurdle when it was passed by the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates. Now it awaits approval by Virginia voters in November.

The Senate version of the bill, SJ 3, passed 23-17, and HJ 3, the House version, was approved 80-18.

“We can’t begin to say how pleased we are that this bill has passed the House and Senate for the second year in a row,” said Trey Davis, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation assistant director of governmental relations. “We are looking forward to putting this before the state’s voters in November.”

Farm Bureau, the state’s largest farm advocacy organization, has been supporting a constitutional amendment for eminent domain reform for the past several years.

For a constitutional amendment to be enacted, it must pass in the General Assembly two years in a row with the exact same wording before it goes before voters in a general election.

The bill, sponsored by Del. Robert Bell, R-Charlottesville, and Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, tightens the definition of public use and requires just compensation for owners whose property has been taken using eminent domain.

“It hasn’t been easy getting to this point, and I appreciate the bipartisan support that this constitutional amendment has seen,” Davis said. “We are confident that Virginians will recognize this as a way to protect all citizens’ private property rights from unfair takings under the guise of eminent domain.”

The amendment has three key parts: Public entities can take private property for public use only; the entities cannot take more land than is necessary for that public use; and landowners must be justly compensated. It has been supported by the state attorney general’s office, as well as by a coalition of agriculture, forestry and business groups.

The state constitution currently recognizes that some takings are necessary for public use. However, Davis said, public use needs to be narrowly defined and just compensation ensured.

In last year’s General Assembly, Del. Johnny Joannou, D-Portsmouth, introduced the bill that would amend the Virginia Constitution to mirror 2007 statutory changes that strictly defined public use.
Those changes were made as a result of the 2005 Kelo et al v. City of New London, Conn., et al decision in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that private land justifiably can be transferred to another private party for economic development purposes.

NC to help local farmers' markets with advertising costs

RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services will begin accepting applications March 1 from local farmers' markets interested in grants for cooperative advertising assistance. The funding is made possible through a $125,000 grant from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

“The state operates five farmers' markets, but there are more than 200 farmers' markets in North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This cost-share program will help our smaller markets spread the word about the locally grown products available in their own backyard.”

Funding is available for cooperative advertising projects that promote North Carolina’s farmers' markets across the state. The department will pay half of the total cost of advertising, up to $2,500.

Farmers' markets wishing to apply must meet the following requirements:

-Must be located in North Carolina.
-More than 50 percent of vendors must be N.C. residents.
-Must complete a pre-project and post-project survey.
-Must complete a pre-approval form.
-Must use the “Got to Be NC Agriculture” and “N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission” logos in any sponsored advertising.
-May use any type of media to promote markets except website design.

Funds are limited and will be allocated based on the order applications are received. For more information or to apply, contact NCDA&CS marketing specialist Kevin Hardison at 919-707-3123.

Which farmer feeds you? Virginia Agriculture Week is March 4 – 10

RICHMOND - At the American Farm Bureau convention in January 2012, Dave Barry told the assembled crowd that food does NOT come from the supermarket. “That’s so stupid,” he said. “It comes from the trucks parked behind the supermarket. Even I know that.”

Just a few years ago, he would have touched a nerve with such a statement; most Americans had little or no concept of how and where their food originated. But today, more and more consumers are quite informed about, and interested in, where their food starts out. They want to know which farmers feed them.

Many shop at farmers’ markets or buy their food through Community Supported Agriculture subscriptions just so they know the farmers who grow their food. They take advantage of every opportunity to buy directly from farmers themselves, or failing that, to purchase food that is produced locally, whether that means in their county or anywhere in Virginia.

“When we say locally grown, we mean grown in Virginia,” says Matt Lohr, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “We encourage consumers to look for Virginia Grown or Virginia’s Finest products whenever possible. A great place for them to begin is VirginiaGrown.com.”

Lohr says that Virginia Agriculture Week, March 4 – 10, 2012, is the perfect time for people to learn which farmers feed them. For the second year, Agriculture Week is coupled with Virginia Agriculture Literacy Week. “I have two young children,” he says, “and I know first-hand that if you want to reach the parents, reach the kids. That’s why I’ll be reading the Ag Literacy book From Our Fields . . . to You to my son’s first grade class at Lacey Spring Elementary school and why Sandy Adams, our Deputy Commissioner, and I will read to a Keister Elementary class in Harrisonburg. Other employees of VDACS will do the same. Our Cabinet Secretary, State Veterinarian, State Apiarist, Marketing Director, Budget Director and many other VDACS employees will read to groups around the state. Employees and members of Virginia Farm Bureau are reading in every part of the state, too.”

Agriculture Week is an important celebration in Virginia because agriculture is the state’s largest industry and contributes $55 billion to the state’s economy each year. Agricultural exports add a very positive note to the state’s economy, with $2.26 billion in exports in 2010 and probably more in 2011. And agriculture is the one thing we all have in common; we all need food to fuel our bodies and beverages to quench our thirst.

“We will talk to students about our farms and our farmers,” Lohr said. “We’ll tell them that agriculture isn’t just corn and tomatoes. It includes livestock and seafood as well as crops, manufactured products as well as fresh-from-the-field products. It even includes tourism.”

He will encourage students and teachers to go to VirginiaGrown.com to find a farm near them where they can pick strawberries or pumpkins, ride a pony, get lost in a corn maze or ride a barrel train.

“Agritourism is a growing industry in Virginia,” he said, “and each year we have more farms that invite people to come and experience life on a farm first-hand.”

WV encourages growers to sign up for specialty crop grants

CHARLESTON - The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has announced publication of its Request for Proposals for the Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) Program. Over the past five years, WVDA has distributed approximately $1.2 million in funding to 151 projects throughout the state through a competitive grant awards program. The SCBG is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the WVDA. Funding for 2012 is expected to be approximately $170,000.

The grant program encourages cooperative efforts to integrate technology at the farm level, improve marketing and promotion of locally-grown specialty crops, and increase production efficiency through research projects. Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, herbs, horticulture goods, nursery stock and value-added products. Projects that encourage youth agriculture entrepreneurship, beginning/young farmer initiatives and farm to school concepts are also encouraged.

“The diversity of projects and the issues that have been addressed throughout the state in the last five years have stressed the importance of specialty crops in West Virginia,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. “We have funded research work in fruit pest issues, marketing programs for startup and expanding farmers’ markets focusing on specialty crop sales, youth projects with research and marketing components, expanded the agriculture and garden curriculums in three county schools, and increased awareness of West Virginia value-added specialty crops in regional marketplaces.”

Program guidelines and applicant materials are posted on the WVDA website www.wvagriculture.org. WVDA staff will be available to discuss specific projects and answer questions about the program during the 2012 Agritourism Workshop (February 29) and the 2012 Small Farm Conference (March 1-3), held in Morgantown, W.Va. Deadline for application is Friday, March 16, 2012.

For a hard copy of the application form and additional program information, contact Marketing Specialist Melissa Hudson at 304-558-2210.

Center for Private Forests created by Penn State

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Nearly two-thirds of Pennsylvania is covered by forests, with more than 70 percent of those woodlands privately owned. Recent estimates indicate Pennsylvania has more than 600,000 private forest landowners, representing about one out of every nine households.

To better serve these landowners and advise them about forest conservation, Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has created the Center for Private Forests. The focus of the center will be applied research, education and outreach to students, forest landowners, the forest-products industry, loggers, conservation districts, agencies, land trusts, nongovernmental organizations and the public.

Housed in the college's School of Forest Resources, the center will foster the retention, stewardship and management of private forests, according to center director James Finley, Ibberson Professor of Forest Resources. "We intend to focus outreach and research on the stewardship of private forests and, through this process, to create collaborative learning opportunities for students and stakeholders."

Forests dominate the land cover in Pennsylvania, Finley explained, covering 17 million of the state's 28 million acres. Private forests -- those owned by individuals, families, nonforestry corporations and organizations -- account for 12 million of these forested acres, or 71 percent.

These owners represent an important constituency, Finley noted. Small parcels of 1 to 10 acres account for 25 percent, or 3 million acres, of private forestland. Only 3.5 percent of the state's private forest landowners control parcels of more than 100 acres.

"Both the many small tracts and bigger parcels are extremely important to conservation efforts, to the forest industry and for providing many social and ecological values," he said.

Finley cited critical challenges that the center will help address: forest parcelization, estate planning, sustainable forest management and regeneration, cross-boundary cooperation, taxation, ecosystem services and community support for retaining working forest landscapes.

"Failure to build a commitment for addressing these and other issues will certainly reduce the flow of benefits and values from private forests," he said.

Maryland to Host Farm to School Workshop on Feb. 22

ANNAPOLIS - The Maryland Department of Agriculture and Maryland State Department of Education will host a Maryland Farm to School Workshop: Growing Connections on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at the Eastern Shore Hospital Center – English Hall in Cambridge. Advance registration is requested by Friday, Feb. 17. There is no cost to attend and lunch will be provided.

The workshop is designed for Maryland growers and school food and nutrition service (FNS) directors and staff to learn about opportunities to work with one another. The workshop is focused on producers and mid-shore and lower shore school systems.

Public schools are looking to buy a wide variety of fruits and vegetables from Maryland's farms such as asparagus, cantaloupes, green beans, green peppers, collards, spinach, kale, edamame, soybeans, cauliflower, lima beans, parsnips, peaches, watermelon, sweet potatoes to name a few. Some schools systems are also looking to buy milk, yogurt, cheese, flounder, beef, and poultry.

This interactive workshop is designed to:

* Teach strategies on how to incorporate more Maryland farm products into school meals;
* Understand the USDA geographic preference rule and why this rule is important for producers to know;
* Learn more about Maryland Good Agricultural Practices (MD GAP) and understand food safety concerns;
* Build connections for food and nutrition service staff, local producers and area nutrition and agricultural groups; and
* Explore options to overcome distribution challenges.

Register online at www.marylandfarmtoschool.org.

NC offers risk management workshops across the Tarheel State

RALEIGH -- The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Marketing Division will host a series of risk management workshops for farmers on Managing Price Volatility and Identifying Macro Indicators. Workshops are free, and the following topics will be covered: Introduction to Grain Hedging, Basis Trading, Cost of Carry, Cotton Futures, Option Trading on Futures and Equities, and Macro Forces Impacting the Hedger.

There will be an emphasis on the principles of options, spreading strategies and using options to manage financial risk. Energy derivatives will be explained, as well as trading strategies to manage your exposure to energy.

Following are dates, times and locations of workshops:

* Feb. 28, 6-9 p.m. -- Pitt County Cooperative Extension Center, Greenville, 252-902-1704;
* March 6, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. -- Carolina Farm Credit, Statesville, 800-521-9952;
* March 8, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. -- Stanly Community College, Crutchfield Campus, Locust, 704-991-0251.

Farm Credit campaign focused on excellence

At a time when consumers are craving information about how their food gets from the farm to the table, Farm Credit, a national provider of financing and related services to agriculture and rural America, continues its 95th anniversary celebration by educating consumers about the diversity of agriculture and food production through informative customer stories.

The online series, called Producing Excellence, highlights the strength, ingenuity and contributions of America's agricultural producers, including producers' essential role in the economy.

Farm Credit has featured dozens of individuals and families who represent excellence in agriculture and rural America. These profiles also offer a glimpse into four key industry trends for 2012:

*A growing connection between consumers and producers

*Agriculture careers offer a bright spot in the U.S. economy

*Strong consumer and producer interest in locally grown food

*An increasing number of female farm operators

Reconnecting Consumers and Producers

Consumers have grown increasingly disconnected from their food supply, yet clearly want to reengage. Research from the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) shows that 72 percent of consumers know nothing or very little about farming or ranching, but nearly the same number say that their purchase decisions are impacted by how food is grown and raised.

Producing Excellence features the stories of Fred Fleming co-owner of Shepherd's Grain in Wash. and Jimmy Carter of Southern Belle Farm in Ga. who understand the importance of sharing the story of agriculture, and are doing their part to raise awareness aboutAmerican agriculture among consumers.

Careers in Agriculture

Agriculture is attracting the next generation of farmers from diverse backgrounds, including James and Sandy Stepp, who left the IT world to establish the Wichita Buffalo Company in Okla., and Joe Freeman, who retired from his corporate career to set up a small cattle operation in Miss. Farm Credit organizations support this trend through programs focused on assisting young and beginning farmers, and those running smaller operations, with financing options and business planning skills.

Both on and off the farm, agriculture is a bright spot in the U.S. employment market, with hiring trending upward in both urban and rural areas. According to the USDA, one in 12 American jobs is agriculture-related. Farm Credit is currently recruiting for nearly 200 positions in dozens of markets nationwide, and expects to continue hiring throughout 2012.

Local Food Movement Gaining Support from Consumers and Farmers

Consumers and farmers across the U.S. are embracing locally grown, farm-to-table food. Organic grower Scott Edwards of Fertile Crescent Farm in Ga. sells the majority of his produce at the local farmer's market, and says, "I know that as much as we can grow, we can sell."

The local food movement isn't limited to rural areas: College-professor-turned-producer Dennis Derryck set out to improve the poor nutritional prospects of a South Bronx community by organizing a small team of N.Y. vegetable growers to deliver on a unique distribution model. The process led Derryck to establish his own Corbin Hill Road Farm.

More Women are Shaping Agriculture

For centuries, women have played important, but often unsung, roles on the farm; today, an increasing number of women are taking on leadership roles.

In fact, more than 1 million women operate farms in the U.S. - a 22 percent increase since 1997 - and are principal operators of more than 14 percent of the nation's farms. Third-generation farmer Mary Alice Garay owns and operates a large N.M. chile farm, and also serves on the Ag New Mexico board of directors.

Mary Fritz is a fourth-generation rancher who owns and operates a dry land grain and cow/calf operation in Mont. Fritz brings her insight to leadership roles within agriculture, serving on several boards of directors including her current roles with the Farm Credit Council and CoBank.

Farm Credit has a 95-year history of supporting the farmers and ranchers who are growing the industry with their innovation, passion and commitment to feeding the world. View these and many more stories at www.FarmCredit.com/ProducingExcellence.

Pennsylvania sheep inventory down 9 percent

HARRISBURG - All sheep and lamb inventory in Pennsylvania on January 1, 2012 totaled 89,000, down 9 percent from the previous year according to the Pennsylvania field office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Total inventory included 56,000 breeding ewes one year old and older, down 10 percent from January 1, 2011. Rams one year old and older were at 6,000 head, the same as the previous year’s inventory. There were 13,000 replacement lambs, 3,000 less than a year ago.

Market sheep and lambs totaled 14,000 on January 1, 2012, the same as the 2011 estimate. Of this total, 11,000 were market lambs and 3,000 were market sheep. The 2011 lamb crop of 64,000 head was down 9 percent from 2010. The 2010 lambing rate was 103 lambs per 100 ewes one year old and older on hand January 1, 2011, a decrease of 8 lambs from the 2010 lambing rate.

Biodiesel production breaks 1 billion gallon mark

WASHINGTON, DC -The U.S. biodiesel industry reached a key milestone by producing more than 1 billion gallons of fuel in 2011, according to year-end numbers released by the EPA.

The total volume of nearly 1.1 billion gallons is by far a record for the industry and easily exceeded the 800 million gallon target required under the EPA's Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The previous record for biodiesel production was about 690 million gallons in 2008.

"We've been seeing a lot of stories about setbacks in the renewable energy sector recently, and I think our success in 2011 reflects the bigger picture reality, which is that strong energy policy is working to stimulate production of clean, American-made energy," said Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs for the National Biodiesel Board (NBB).

A recent economic study commissioned by NBB found that biodiesel production of 1 billion gallons supports 39,027 jobs across the country and more than $2.1 billion in household income. An additional 11,698 jobs could be added between 2012 and 2013 alone under continued growth in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and with an extension of the biodiesel tax incentive.

The latest EPA numbers show that a record 160 million gallons of Biomass-based Diesel were produced in December alone.

Vegetable production generally down in Pennsylvania in 2011

HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania's vegetable growers harvested 13,000 acres of sweet corn for fresh market in 2011 with production totaling 819,000 cwt. or 63 cwt. per acre, according to the Pennsylvania field office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This is 13 percent less than 2010.

Fresh market tomato production was estimated at 173,000 cwt., down 32 percent from 2010. Area harvested was 1,900 acres, 400 acres less than a year ago, and yield was 91cwt. per acre, compared to 110 cwt. per acre last year. The average value was $68.50 per cwt.

Acreage for snap beans was up in Pennsylvania last year with 15,400 acres of beans harvested for processing. This was 4,000 acres more than a year ago, and 8,400 acres more than 2009. Total production was 43,580 tons with an average value of $292.00 per ton, compared with an average value of $272.00 per ton last year.

Pennsylvania’s 2011 strawberry production, harvested from 990 acres for fresh market and processing was 40,000 cwt., down 29 percent from 2010. Average value per cwt. was $212.00, compared with $207.00 per cwt. in 2010.

Fresh market cabbage production in the Keystone State was estimated at 155,000 cwt., down from the 396,000 cwt. produced the previous year. Area harvested was 1,000 acres, down 200 acres from both 2009 and 2010. The average yield was 155 cwt. per acre, down from the average yield of 330 cwt. per acre last year. The average value was $20.60 per cwt., compared to $15.00 per cwt. in 2010.

Pennsylvania's 2011 fresh market and processed pumpkin production was estimated at 1,026,000 cwt., up from 972,000 cwt. in 2010. Area harvested was 5,700 acres, down 1,000 acres from a year ago. The average value was $14.20 per cwt., down from the $17.00 per cwt. average in 2010.

WV announces ag-related job openings

Charleston - The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is seeking a number of individuals for seasonal job openings throughout the state this summer.

One position is associated with the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Program’s pest survey season (mid-May through August 31, 2012). The position will be headquartered at the Gus R. Douglass Agricultural Center at Guthrie, near Charleston, and will perform laboratory work with some limited field work away from the office.

The applicant for these positions should be able to read county highway, farm and topographical maps, and be able to interact with private landowners and the general public in a professional manner.

College students with backgrounds in agriculture, entomology, biology, zoology, plant sciences, botany, plant pathology, weed science or equivalent experience are preferred. The position might require overnight travel and use of a personal vehicle with travel expenses reimbursed.

Other positions associated with the Cooperative Forest Health Protection (CFHP) Program will be headquartered at the Agricultural Center at Guthrie, but require travel throughout the state. These individuals will conduct insect and disease survey work along with associated laboratory work from mid-May through August 31, 2012.

There will be several seasonal employees needed to work throughout the state in the Gypsy Moth trapping program (April through August 31, 2012). These positions are associated with the Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread Program that is cooperative with the USDA Forest Service and will be located in the central and southern counties of the state.

For the gypsy moth trapping and forest survey work, the WVDA prefers college students with studies in entomology, plant pathology, forestry or other biological science, or equivalent experience, who can be trained to read topographic maps, a compass and GPS units.

Pay ranges from $11-$13.60 per hour, depending on previous employment with WVDA seasonal programs or equivalent experience. Employees are required to use their own vehicles in some instances, but will be reimbursed for mileage.

For more information and/or applications, contact Kelly Riffe, WVDA Plant Industries Division, 1900 Kanawha Blvd., E., Charleston, WV 25305-0191; 304-558-2212 or email to kriffe@wvda.us. Application deadline is Monday, February 27. WVDA is an equal opportunity employer.

Students encouraged to apply for New Century Farmer annual conference

The National FFA Organization is now accepting applications for its 2012 New Century Farmer conference.

This exclusive, highly competitive conference is open to college of agriculture students who intend to pursue careers in production agriculture after college. Those selected to attend the conference will be among the first in the nation to learn about the latest technological developments in the agriculture industry, and they will receive business management advice from top industry leaders.

The program will also help students develop a nationwide network of industry professionals and colleagues.

The conference is free to those students who are selected and will take place July 8-14 in Johnstown, Iowa. The deadline for applications is March15. Only the top applicants will be selected to participate. Potential participants can learn more about the program and download an application at www.ffa.org/collegiate.

The conference is sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business; Case IH; CSX Corporation; and Farm Credit as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. Successful Farming is a media partner of the conference.

Poll: Farmers prefer to be called farmers

According to a recent story in BrownfieldAgNews, many different terms are used to refer to people who farm.

The terms "grower", "producer" and "farmer" are used interchangeably by the ag media, agribusiness professionals, extension personnel and others.

But what do the people who produce food, feed, fiber and fuel prefer to be called? Iowa State University rural sociologist J. Arbuckle asked them that very question in this year's Iowa Farm Poll.

"We gave them a list of five terms-farmer, producer, farm operator, grower and rancher-and asked them to select the one that they felt best describes them," Arbuckle says, "and 'farmer' came out on top-60 percent of farmers would prefer to be called 'farmers'."

Tied for second on that list were "producer" and "farm operator", both with 18 percent.

Only three percent of those who responded to the Iowa poll preferred the title of "grower", and only one percent considered themselves "ranchers".

"Gaining Ground" videos now available free

New videos about No-till Crop Production and Managed Grazing Systems are now available. These videos are entitled "Gaining Ground and were filmed in Virginia. They highlight several Virginia farmers who are successfully carrying out these practices on their farms.

The benefits they gain from using these management practices are explained. In the No-till Farming video several farmers from the Shenandoah Valley who use no-till cropping systems on their farms are interviewed. Both videos are short and to the point while providing valuable information. They feature real farmers telling their stories and the successes that they have experienced using these systems.

The videos can be viewed online at http://www.gaininggroundvirginia.org/ .Your local NRCS or Virginia Cooperative Extension office can provide a free DVD.

Penn State students receive Pa. Farm Show Foundation scholarships

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Ten Penn State students, including eight enrolled in the College of Agricultural Sciences, were among 26 who were awarded scholarships by the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation during the 96th Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg.

The students were recognized before the show's Junior Livestock Auction and Sale of Champions on Jan. 10.

The foundation awards scholarships to young people who are registered in a post-secondary educational institution and who have exhibited livestock at the Farm Show. To be chosen, students must exhibit leadership qualities and excellent academic performance, according to the foundation.

Since 2005, the College of Agricultural Sciences has contributed additional scholarship money to students enrolled in good standing in the college who receive Farm Show scholarships. The amount of this year's scholarship is $3,500, and the college will add $2,000, bringing the total to $5,500.

"As Farm Show livestock exhibitors, these students have demonstrated a high level of achievement and an incredible work ethic," said Tracy Hoover, the college's interim associate dean for undergraduate education. "We're pleased to be able support them as they continue developing the skills and knowledge that will help ensure their success as future professionals and leaders."

Following are the eight College of Agricultural Sciences recipients of 2012 Farm Show scholarships:

--Clarissa Barton, of Bedford, Bedford County, a freshman at Penn State Altoona studying animal sciences.
--Kristen Hayman, of Genesee, Potter County, a junior at University Park majoring in animal sciences.
--Danielle Lehman, of Bloomsburg, Columbia County, a sophomore at University Park majoring in animal sciences.
--Kate Livingston, of Dover, York County, a sophomore at Penn State York studying agricultural education and animal sciences.
--Michelle Morelli, of Rydal, Montgomery County, a freshman at University Park studying veterinary and biomedical sciences.
--Nathaniel Stas, of Latrobe, Westmoreland County, a junior at University Park majoring in animal sciences.
--Kristen Stufft, of Lewistown, Mifflin County, a senior at University Park majoring in animal sciences.
--Wesley Wright, of Sycamore, Greene County, a sophomore at Penn State Fayette studying agriculture.

Other Penn State students awarded Farm Show scholarships were:
--Jacob Diamond, of Smithfield, Fayette County, a biology major at Penn State Fayette.
--Abby Finkenbinder, of Newville, Cumberland County, a nursing major at Penn State Mont Alto.

Agritourism to be focus of WV workshop

Charleston - The West Virginia Department of Agriculture will sponsor an all-day Agritourism Workshop at the Waterfront Hotel in Morgantown Wednesday, February 29, 2012, as a preface to the WVU Extension Service’s Small Farms Conference in the same location March 1-3.

Although related, the Agritourism Workshop and Small Farms Conference are separate and require separate registrations.

“Agritourism is a growing niche market that can help farm owners add another income stream to their farm operations,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. “Besides being an income opportunity, agritourism helps connect the public with the source of their food, which creates a greater awareness of the good work done by farmers everywhere.”

Among the featured speakers are Hugh McPherson, owner of Maize Quest, and Donna Alt of Brookdale Farms in Mineral County, West Virginia. McPherson is well-known throughout the eastern United States for his energetic and motivational presentations – and for franchising his Maize Quest product to more than 70 farms in the U.S., U.K. and Canada. Brookdale is a successful, diversified venture that features an annual corn maze, animal interaction and a working farm.

“The Agritourism Workshop may be of interest to anyone involved in farming, but we’re tailoring it to current or prospective agritourism business owners, fairs and festivals representatives, convention and visitors bureaus, chamber of commerce, and other local officials,” said WVDA Marketing and Development Division Director Jean Smith.

Agenda items include training and managing employees, connecting agriculture and tourism in West Virginia, fee fishing operations, educational programs, effective advertising, developing regional agritourism itineraries and event planning.

Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass and Tourism Commissioner Betty Carver are scheduled to present the 2012 West Virginia Agritourism Awards following lunch. A full agenda is available at http://www.wvagriculture.org/images/marketing/ConferenceAgenda-1-2-12.pdf.

Cost for the Agritourism Workshop is $65 and includes breakfast and lunch. To register, contact Melissa Hudson-Beller at 304-558-2210, or e-mail to mhudson@wvda.us. WVDA cannot accept credit cards or cash. Checks can be mailed ahead of time and will be accepted the morning of the workshop.

Funding for this event is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crops Block Grant Program. 

Mammoth radish sets new record in West Virginia

Charleston - Michael R. Tolley of Hico, W.Va. has set a state record with a radish that tipped the scales at 13.27 pounds.

“We’re seeing more and more entries every year,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. “It’s clear that people are taking a greater interest in home gardening these days. And why not? It’s a great way to have fresh, healthful food on your plate, a rewarding way to get some exercise – and you might even get recognized with a state record citation.”

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has kept records of the largest fruits, vegetables and other plants since 1996.

Entries for next year are open to any fruit or vegetable grown in West Virginia during 2012. Entrants should send photos of their prize plants and documentation to verify their sizes and/or weights to WVDA, Marketing and Development Division, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East, Charleston, WV 25305.

Virginia breaks into Top 10 List for winter farmers’ markets

Richmond - The USDA recently announced that the number of winter farmers’ markets is increasing and that Virginia ranks ninth among all states in the number of such markets. Virginia now has at least 40 winter markets and is adding more throughout the season. In 2010, the Commonwealth had 21 winter markets.

"Consumers want to buy locally-grown food throughout the year," said Matthew J. Lohr, VDACS Commissioner. "Winter or year-round markets are able to meet this need and bring in additional income to support farm families."

According to the updated National Farmers’ Market Directory, since 2010 the number of winter markets has increased 38 percent, from 886 to 1,225. These winter markets also account for nearly 17 percent of the nation's 7,222 operating farmers markets.

In addition to the jams, jellies, honey, milk, eggs, cheese and meat products, consumers can find a variety of fresh Virginia Grown produce during the winter months, including apples, greens/spinach, herbs and sweet potatoes. Many winter markets also feature Virginia Grown flowers, plants and even Christmas trees.

A list of winter markets is available on the VDACS website, www.vdacs.virginia.gov, and also on VirginiaGrown.com. Lohr encourages any markets that operate at least one winter or holiday market in November or December to contact VDACS to add their market to the list. Market Managers should call VDACS’s Division of Marketing at 804.225.3663.

Additional 1,034 acres of farmland to be protected in Maryland

ANNAPOLIS - Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley recently announced that the Board of Public Works approved the purchase of eight easements protecting 1,034 acres of prime Maryland farmland in four counties for approximately $4.5 million in State and local funding. This approval brings the total farmland protected in perpetuity by the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) in Maryland to 287,694 acres.

“Maryland has one of the strongest agricultural land preservation records in the nation. Each easement purchase proves our commitment to keep farming a viable and sustainable industry in our state,” said Governor O'Malley. “By working with our local partners through the MALPF program, we will keep Maryland's future smart, green and growing by helping farmers stay on their land, preserving open space, protecting our environment, and maintaining the rich agricultural heritage of our State.”

Created by the General Assembly in 1977, MALPF purchases agricultural preservation easements that forever restrict development on prime farmland and woodland and has permanently preserved land in each of Maryland’s 23 counties, representing a public investment of over $605 million. With county and other state preservation programs, nearly 558,914 acres of farmland are protected in Maryland. This is the greatest ratio of farmland preserved to total landmass of any state.

Animal agriculture advocacy group formed in North Carolina

The Tarheel State's leading livestock organizations recently joined forces to establish the new North Carolina Animal Agriculture Coalition, which is designed to impact public opinion.

According to a statement by the North Carolina Farm Bureau, the NCAAC’s goal is to lead the discussion about how decades of change on livestock farms are benefitting the state’s animals, environment, consumers and communities.

North Carolina Farm Bureau is a founding member of the NCAAC, along with the following livestock organizations and their leadership: Bryan Blinson, North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association; Deborah Johnson, North Carolina Pork Council; Bob Ford, North Carolina Poultry Federation; and, Charles Hall, North Carolina Soybean Association.

The North Carolina Animal Agriculture Coalition intends to seek opportunities to connect with key stakeholders and opinion leaders through a variety of activities and educational efforts, such as the following:

•Provide educational resources and information through its website at www.NCAnimalAg.com
•Create a dialogue with consumers and opinion leaders about food system issues like food safety and animal care.
•Engage in proactive media outreach to lead the public discussion about today’s farms and food.
•Bring together different voices to discuss our food and farms.
•Provide transparency in what we do and why we do it by answering questions, sharing pictures and video and opening our farms when possible for visits.
•Listen to public concerns and engage in a positive public discussion about our farms and our food.
•Help farmers share their stories with the opinion leaders in their counties.
•Work with customers and key stakeholders to understand concerns and answer questions.

As consumers become increasingly interested in how food is produced, organizers say it is vital to seek new avenues to build relationships and help educate people about the industry's commitment to producing safe and wholesome food.

Officials say even though farms have changed, North Carolina farmers still share the values that have guided them for generations.