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Local and Regional Farm News for the Shenandoah Valley

    

New weather forecast published

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Virginia fertilizer sales decline

RICHMOND—State data for the 2008-2009 fiscal year indicates less fertilizer was sold for use on Virginia farms and in Virginia in general.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Product and Industry Standards reports that 692,033 tons of fertilizer products were reported sold between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009. That’s 110,290 tons or 16 percent less than products sold between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008.

Farm use tonnage for 2008-2009 was 407,402 tons, 22 percent less than in the previous fiscal year. Non-farm use tonnage was 284,631, or 6 percent less than in the previous fiscal year.

Cost was a major factor in the farm-use decrease, said Jonah Bowles, market analyst for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. "The fertilizer index of prices in August 2008 was five times the price in November of 2006," Bowles said. "Farmers stopped buying fertilizer if they could help it."

Some of them could help it, according to Tony Banks, a VFBF commodity marketing specialist. "Farmers are employing management practices and technology that continually increase fertilizer use efficiency, which results in some reduction of fertilizer purchases," he said.

Still, "the farm economy played a major role in reducing farm fertilizer purchases in 2008-2009. Last year fertilizer prices were still very high, and in some instances supply problems limited fertilizer purchases by farmers. Falling crop prices resulted in less farm income, and in many cases credit became tight. So farmers were looking for ways to cut costs to pay for other necessities, like fuel and seed."

Demand could pick up in the coming year, Bowles said, because some crops that went without fertilizer last growing season will need to "catch up" this year. Prices have dropped some, he added.

"The bottom line, as I see it, is that maybe fertilizer prices are not bad right now, and it may be to the advantage of the producer to lock in the supply and price."

The top 10 localities for fertilizer sales in 2008-2009 were King William County (42,493 tons), Caroline County (28,883 tons), Rockingham County (22,988 tons), Fairfax County (22,574 tons), Accomack County (22,164 tons), Essex County (21,095 tons), Southampton County (17,322 tons), Dinwiddie County (15,839 tons), the city of Suffolk (14,805 tons) and Sussex County (14,361 tons).

Rockingham and Southampton are among the 10 Virginia counties with the most farm acreage. Rockingham and Accomack are among the 10 Virginia counties with the most farm income.
 

 

Local Extension Agent honored

Bobby Clark, Crop and Soil Sciences Extension Agent for the Northern Shenandoah Valley, was recently named Lord Fairfax Soil and Water Conservation District Conservation Educator of the Year for 2009. Clark was recognized for his conservation efforts related to no-till farming, nitrogen fertilization, large animal mortality composting, innovative production techniques, and nutrient management. His work has helped farmers maximize their yields and lower their input costs, while ensuring environmentally sound farming practices.

Clark has conducted demonstration projects on the effectiveness of slug bait. Slugs are a major impediment to no-till farming. He has also has worked to improve nutrient management through soil nitrate testing and stem testing to pinpoint how much nitrogen is effectively used by the corn. Through his work farmers saved over $100,000 in nitrogen fertilization cost. These savings are also a great benefit to water quality. Another of Clark’s demonstration projects has focused on composting large animal mortalities. Reports from this work are available at his website: http://offices.ext.vt.edu/shenandoah/programs/anr/index.html.

Also through his efforts, several farmers adopted innovative production techniques that improved soil quality, eliminated tillage, and saved fuel. These techniques are in turn being shared with the larger farming community through educational meetings that can help them increase their overall profitability. Through these research projects and educational programs, Bobby Clark has significantly improved both the farm profitability and conservation efforts of farmers in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, resulting in his selection for this prestigious award.
 

 

 

Virginia couple wins "Excellence in Agriculture" Award from American Farm Bureau

Jan. 13 - Scott and Mendy Sink have won American Farm Bureau’s Excellence in Agriculture Award. They competed at the recent American Farm Bureau Convention held in Seattle. Scott and Mendy will receive a 2010 Dodge Ram pickup, courtesy of Dodge.

The Sinks operate SES Agricultural Enterprises, which encompasses beef cattle, hay, agritourism and agricultural services and a concessions operation. The couple also are partners in Little River Produce, which raises sweet corn, pumpkins and other seasonal products.

Officials say the Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award Program is designed as an opportunity for young farmers and ranchers, while actively contributing and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture, to earn recognition. Participants were judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations (i.e., civic, service and community)

 

 

Organic growers may be reimbursed for certification costs

Jan. 21 - The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has announced that funds are now available for organic growers in Virginia to apply for partial reimbursement to offset their organic certification costs. Organic growers who were certified between October 1, 2009 and September 30, 2010 are eligible to apply for cost share funds through a program offered by VDACS.

The 2008 Federal Farm Bill allows for reimbursement of 75 percent of the cost of organic certification, up to a total of $750 per applicant. Reimbursement funds were issued in 2009 and are again available on a first come, first served basis.

To apply, growers must complete the Virginia Organic Certification Cost Share Application Form available at www.virgniagrown.com. Click on the USDA Organic Cost Share Program to get to the application. The form must accompany a current copy of the producer’s organic certificate from a USDA accredited Certifying Agency, a copy of the dated, paid invoice form the certifier showing the total cost of services rendered and a W-9 form, a copy of which is available on the VDACS organic site. The form and documents should be returned to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by November 1, 2010. VDACS encourages producers to apply early while funds are available.

Producers with questions should contact Kent Lewis at 804.786.3951.

 

 

USDA releases Mid-Atlantic region corn production data for 2009

Jan. 13 - Corn for grain production was highly variable last year in the Mid-Atlantic farming region. That's according to a new report from USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

In Pennsylvania, corn for grain production totaled 131.56 million bushels, up 12 percent from last year's production. Corn acres harvested for grain was estimated at 920,000 and the average yield was 143 bushels per acre, up 10 bushels from 2008. Corn for silage production at 8.19 million tons, was down 2 percent from production in 2008. Acres harvested for silage totaled 420,000, down 7 percent from 2008. Silage yield was 19.5 tons per acre, up 1.0 ton per acre from the 2008 yield.

In Maryland, farmers planted 470,000 acres of corn in 2009, up 2 percent from 2008. Of the acreage planted, 425,000 acres were harvested for grain, 40,000 acres were cut for silage, and the remaining 5,000 acres were abandoned. Yield for grain averaged 145 bushels per acre, up 24 bushels from last year and the highest yield per acre since 2004. Production totaled 61.6 million bushels, up 27 percent from 2008, when 48.4 million bushels of corn were produced from 400,000 acres. Silage yield is estimated at 19 tons per acre, up 27 percent from last year, for a total production of 760,000 tons of silage.

In Virginia, corn for grain yields averaged 131 bushels per acre, up 23 bushels from the previous year’s yield. Production is estimated at 43.2 million bushels, 18 percent above the 2008 production. Corn for grain harvested area was 330,000 acres, down 10,000 acres from last year. Corn silage harvested acreage totaled 135,000 acres, with an average yield of 18.5 tons per acre.

North Carolina corn for grain yield is estimated at 117 bushels per acre, up 39 bushels from last year. Production is estimated to total 93.6 million bushels, 45 percent more than 2008. Total harvested acres in North Carolina are estimated at 800,000 acres, down 30,000 acres from 2008.

West Virginia acreage planted to corn for all purposes in 2009 totaled 47,000 acres, up 4,000 acres from 2008. Harvested area for grain totaled 30,000 acres, up 4,000 acres from 2008. The average yield of 126.0 bushels per acre was down 4 bushels per acre from 2008. Production was 3.8 million bushels, up 12 percent from 2008.

Delaware farmers planted 170,000 acres of corn in 2009, up 6 percent from 2008. A total of 163,000 acres were harvested for grain and 5,000 acres were harvested for silage. Heavy rain and snow delayed harvest; however average yields were not adversely affected. Yield for grain is estimated at 145 bushels per acre, for a total production of 23.6 million bushels. Silage production decreased marginally to 75,000 tons from 78,000 tons produced in 2008, an average 15 tons per acre. The increase in corn acreage was
matched by a decrease in soybean acreage.

 

 

 

Farmland preservation funded in Virginia

Dec. 30 - Governor Timothy M. Kaine recently announced the distribution of $635,973 to nine Virginia localities to preserve farmland within their boundaries through local Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) programs. Of this total amount, $400,000 is from new FY 2010 funding, and $235,973 is available from previous fiscal years. PDR programs compensate landowners who permanently preserve their land by voluntarily placing a perpetual conservation easement on it.

“Virginians have long-valued the natural beauty of our Commonwealth -- that's why we have made it a priority to preserve open space across the state,” Governor Kaine said. “Thanks to the contributions of countless citizens -- including the many landowners who've committed to preserving working farmland -- we are on pace to permanently protect 400,000 acres of open space during my administration."

Twenty-one local PDR programs exist in Virginia, sixteen of which have some level of local funding currently available. This is the third time that the Commonwealth of Virginia has provided state matching funds for certified local PDR programs. A total of $5.15 million has been allocated since February 2008. To date, 1,522 acres on nine farms have been permanently protected in part with these funds. Another 781 acres on five farms currently are awaiting closing. Additional easements are expected to close using these funds over the next two years.

For the FY 2010 allocation round, five localities received $93,932.19 each: the counties of Albemarle, Fauquier, Isle of Wight and James City plus the City of Virginia Beach. The City of Chesapeake received $93,765.52, Spotsylvania County $54,770, Franklin County $13,385.31 and Northampton County $4,391.22. Grant applicants had to report how much funding was available for their local PDR programs as of October 23, 2009, and the state funds matched that amount up to $93,932.19 per locality.

 

 

John Deere seeks multi-generational farms for 2011 calendar

WATERLOO, Iowa - If your farm has been in the family for generations, it could be featured on the Official 2011 John Deere Calendar.

The theme for the 2011 calendar is "Generations to Come." It will feature John Deere customers who have kept their farms—and John Deere equipment—in their families for multiple generations. For more information, visit www.GenerationsCalendar.com or call 866-736-6556.

 

 

Dairy farmers may be eligible for financial relief

Richmond - Virginia State Executive Director, Michael Wooden recently announced the implementation of the new Dairy Economic Loss Assistance Payment (DELAP) program. The 2010 Agricultural Appropriations Bill authorized $290 million for loss assistance payments to eligible dairy producers.

“This funding will provide eligible dairy producers economic assistance to help stabilize their operation. Low prices and high input costs over the past year has been the culprit of many dairy producers’ sleepless nights." said Wooden. "Dairy farmers across the state are struggling to stay in business. They have been making less money than their costs to produce the milk.”

Milk prices declined substantially through early-to-mid-2009, with the national price for milk averaging $16.80 per hundredweight (cwt.) in the fourth quarter of 2008 and averaging $12.23 per cwt. in the first quarter of 2009, a 27-percent decline. On average, the price U.S. dairy producers received for milk marketed in the summer of 2009 was about half of what it cost them to produce milk.

Eligible producers will receive a one-time direct payment based on the amount of milk both produced and commercially marketed by their operation during the months of February through July 2009. Production information from these months will be used to estimate a full year's production for an operation to calculate the payments, using a 6-million pound per dairy operation limit.

Dairy producers who have production records at the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office because they participated in another FSA dairy program do not need to apply for the program. FSA will use existing production records for February through July 2009 to calculate and issue their payments.

Producers who have not provided production data for those months to FSA, and have not already been contacted by FSA to provide such data, have 30 days, until Jan. 19, 2010, to apply. FSA officials estimate that more than 95 percent of eligible producers will receive benefits without having to fill out a new application.

A national per hundred weight payment rate will be determined by dividing the available funding of $290 million, less a reserve established by FSA, divided by the total pounds of eligible milk production approved for payment. Based on current information, FSA estimates that 875 million cwt. of milk production will be eligible for payment. The reserve will cover new applicants and appeals. The expected payment rate is approximately $0.32 per cwt.

To be eligible for DELAP, the dairy producer and the dairy operation in which the producer has a share:

• Must have produced milk in the United States and marketed milk commercially at any time from February through July 2009;
• Must have milk production data for those months;
• Must certify to all milk production produced and marketed by the dairy operation during that time.

Also, any dairy producer who has an annual average adjusted gross nonfarm income of more than $500,000 for calendar years 2006 through 2008 is not eligible for DELAP. For more information and eligibility requirements on the new DELAP program, please visit your local FSA county office or www.fsa.usda.gov.
 

 

 

Custom-rate guide published for the Shenandoah Valley

Custom rates listed for making hay, plowing, planting and harvesting crops, shearing sheep, hauling livestock, spreading manure, applying fertilizer, building fence, and more.

click here for complete guide (pdf file) >>

 

 

 

VT Dairy Judging Team wins again

Blacksburg - The Virginia Tech Dairy Cattle Judging Team “B” won the collegiate contest at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky., on Nov. 8. This is Virginia Tech’s third straight victory this year.

Members of the “B” team, who train with the rest of the Dairy Cattle Judging Team but typically compete in separate contests, include Dana Gochenour from Woodstock, Va., a junior dairy science major; Rosemary Liskey from Harrisonburg, Va., a senior dairy science major; Caitlin Patrick from Woodbine, Md., a sophomore dairy science major; and Parker Welch from Chestertown, Md., a junior dairy science major.

The coaches are Michael Barnes, professor of dairy science, and Katharine Knowlton, associate professor of dairy science, in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

The team placed first overall and second in oral reasons out of 16 collegiate teams. For the breed-specific competitions, it scored first in Holsteins and Guernseys, second in Jerseys, and third in Ayrshires. In addition, Patrick earned high individual overall, first in Guernseys, and second in oral reasons. Gochenour ranked second high individual overall, third in oral reasons, and first in Holsteins.

“We are very excited that both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams have returned to Blacksburg with their heads held high,” said Barnes, who has been one of the team’s coaches since 1981. “The dairy, horse, and livestock judging teams at Virginia Tech give our students valuable out-of-classroom experiences that they will take with them when they graduate and enter the agricultural industry.”

The Dairy Cattle Judging Team also ranked first at the North American International Livestock Exposition in 2007. This September, the “A” team won the Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis., and the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass., as well.

 

 

Goats control weeds at museum

Staunton - The Shenandoah Resource Conservation and Development Council announces a new project taking place at the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton: goats eating invasive species to help reclaim pastures.

In conjunction with partners the Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District and Autumn Olive Farms, this pilot land reclamation project involves South African Boer Bok goats browsing down Autumn Olive, vine and bush honeysuckle, multi-flora rose, oriental bittersweet and more. The goats must browse the invasive vegetation down several times in order to kill it.

Biological control of invasive species represents a viable alternative to the use of herbicides and their effects on streams and watersheds. While devouring the invasive plants, the goats are building soil and putting on weight to also create a healthy meat product.

The goats are fenced in with a special fence and protected by guardian dogs, specifically bred as working dogs to protect the goats from predators. The goats are moved from pasture to pasture and will come back next spring and summer to continue to browse down and ultimately eliminate invasive species from the grounds of the Frontier Culture Museum.

 

 

 

 

Shenandoah Valley Buy Fresh/Buy Local Directory available now.

Click logo below for the PDF version.

Virginia Tech publishes study on direct-marketing beef - The Extension Publication "A Characterization of Direct-Marketed Beef Production in Virginia" (VCE Pub 448-124) is now available online. You may also contact your local Virginia Cooperative Extension Office for a hardcopy of this publication.

Ag Calendar

Feb. 5-12: North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Convention; Lancaster, PA; Farm direct marketers and agritourism operators from Pennsylvania, throughout the mid-Atlantic region, across North America, and even other continents will join together. Some presenters from outside the industry will add to the mix. Everyone will come away with a new blend of energy and strategy to motivate another successful year on the farm in 2010. Location - Lancaster County Convention Center. Phone: 413-529-0386 or see www.nafdma.com.

Feb. 9: Second annual Virginia No-Tillage Alliance (VANTAGE) Conference. The theme of this year’s conference is “Advancing the Technology” and will focus on optimizing efficiencies in this challenging farming climate. The conference will feature Phil Needham, widely known researcher, author and speaker on all areas of no-till production. This conference will also feature Steve Groff, developer of the Tillage Radish and proponent of cover crops. Time: 8:30 - 3:30. Location: Rockingham County Fairgrounds, 4808 S. Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, Virginia. Call 540-245-5750.

Feb.17-19: Virginia State Feed Association Conference and Nutritional Management Cow College; Roanoke, VA; The program will be held at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center located at 110 Shenandoah Avenue in Roanoke, Virginia. This conference is unique in that it has broad appeal to those involved in animal agriculture as well as those with specific interests in dairy cattle nutrition. The focus will be on global, national and local issues facing the financial well being of agriculture, as well as timely information to enable progressive nutritionists and dairy producers to better manage feeding programs. Please register by calling (540) 231-5182 by January 22. See web site here: www.cpe.vt.edu/vsfa/

March 3-4: International Trade Workshop; Norfolk, VA; The theme for the event is Agricultural Trade: From Farm, to Port, to the Global Marketplace. The workshop is designed to provide farmers, private sector businesses, industry officials and policymakers a forum to discuss export opportunities for U.S. and Virginia agriculture, federal and state programs to promote agricultural exports and specific opportunities and obstacles to agricultural and food exports. Location: Sheraton Waterside, Norfolk, VA; Registration is limited. For more information and to register call Spencer Neale at 804.290.1153. See web site www.vavarmbureau.org/trade/welcome.htm.

 

 

 

West Virginia farmers reminded of AGR-LITE deadline

Charleston - West Virginia farmers interested in protecting against a significant decline in income have until March 15 to apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Risk Management Agency’s Adjusted Gross Revenue Lite (AGR-Lite) program. Current AGR-Lite policyholders have until February 1 to make any changes to existing contracts.

Unlike traditional crop insurance, which is based on yields, AGR-Lite provides a guarantee against a significant decline in overall farm income from the average of the most recent five-year period.

The program is limited to $1 million in coverage and covers livestock as well as crops. More information is available from local crop insurance agents, or from local Farm Service Agency offices. A list of agents is available at http://www3.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents/.

 

 

Corn growers focus on ethanol policy

Jan. 21 - With a record corn crop under their belts despite challenging weather conditions in 2009, corn growers are continuing to develop the production and use of ethanol for America’s energy future.

National Corn Growers Association Ethanol Committee chairman Jon Holzfaster, a grower from Nebraska, says they are focused on increasing the domestic market and overcoming the blend wall in 2010.

“We will increase the market for ethanol and overcome the blend wall if we achieve a blend up to E-15,” said Holzfaster. “The EPA made some favorable moves last year. They are taking a closer look at E-15 right now, but I am excited about what we might see in the future in terms of a move from an E-10 to a higher blend.”

Holzfaster is also excited about moving ethanol into other racing venues. “NASCAR is excited about a future partnership with the ethanol industry to not only help promote the fact that they are becoming more environmentally friendly, but also to help the ethanol industry promote their product,” said Holzfaster.

With the nation’s corn growers producing record and near-record crops, Holzfaster says growing the domestic ethanol market will remain a top priority for NCGA.
 

 

Agriculture groups band together for animal welfare

RICHMOND—Virginia Farm Bureau has united with other organizations to tell animal agriculture’s story.

Farm Bureau and 11 other agriculture-related industry groups have formed the Virginia Alliance for Animal Agriculture to support the state’s animal agriculture industry and inform the public about how farmers care for their livestock.

The average American is now at least three generations removed from the farm. "Unfortunately, consumers don’t know much about farming and only see headlines about agriculture when it’s negative news," said Lindsay Reames, assistant director of governmental relations for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

"Animal agriculture often finds itself on the defensive, but we need to tell Virginians the good news of how our producers take care of their animals in order to produce a safe, plentiful food supply for everyone."

Alliance members are the Virginia Agribusiness Council, the Virginia Cattleman’s Association, Farm Bureau, the Virginia Horse Council, the Virginia Livestock Marketing Association, the Virginia Pork Industry Association, the Virginia Poultry Federation, the Virginia Sheep Producers Association, the Virginia State Dairymen’s Association, the Virginia Thoroughbred Association and the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association.

"We plan to provide a unified voice on animal care and want to serve as a body of knowledge for policy-makers," Reames said.
 

 

 

Banding together seen as way to strengthen agriculture

KERNSTOWN—Shenandoah Valley farmers learned how their counterparts in New York’s Hudson Valley are working together to help agriculture prosper.

"I think it can work here in the Shenandoah Valley," said cattleman David Weiss, a member of the Clarke County Board of Supervisors and Clarke County Farm Bureau.

The Hudson Valley and Shenandoah Valley are similar in that both have fertile soil, rolling hills, rivers, streams and easy access to metropolitan markets. In both locations, development pressures are challenging agriculture’s future.

At two recent meetings Todd Erling, executive director of the Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corp., told Virginia farmers how his nonprofit group is assisting New York farmers.

Established in 2007, HVADC promotes the Hudson Valley as an attractive, viable region for agriculture through technical assistance, business development services and the coordination of financial and other resources.

"Farmers have never been excellent marketers," said Weiss, who attended one of the meetings, which was held in Kernstown in Frederick County. "We’re good at production but not marketing, so we need someone who can help find new outlets for us."

Weiss said that other industries have had similar ventures, and agriculture should too.

"The business of agriculture does not end at the county line," said Philip Shenk, senior district field services director for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

Joan Comanor, vice chairman of the Shenandoah Resource Conservation and Development Council, said that, in exploring ways to increase agriculture in the seven counties the council serves, Augusta and Shenandoah counties have identified a need for an agriculture economic development officer to increase and expand agribusiness opportunities.

A year ago Comanor heard Erling speaking about how the HVADC hired him to develop, promote and enhance the agriculture industry in a four-county area. She asked him to come to Virginia and explain how the development corporation was formed.

Afterward, an ad hoc group of county government and county Farm Bureau representatives and others was formed to consider doing the same thing in the valley.

"We have had five county governments pass resolutions saying that they would support this," Comanor said.
 

 

 

Virginia Farm Bureau introduces ‘Real Dirt’ video blog

RICHMOND—As part of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s effort to voice legislative concerns, the state’s largest farm organization has launched its first-ever video blog.

Titled "The Real Dirt," the site went live Oct. 20 on YouTube and VaFarmBureau.org. The weekly blog will contain one-minute video commentaries from some of Farm Bureau’s 36,000 producer members, as well as from staff who work in relevant specialty areas.

"The primary purpose is to afford us quicker reaction time to criticism or misinformation about the agriculture industry, but it also will allow us to be more proactive about many other important issues," explained VFBF Communications Director Greg Hicks.

Topics will include both state and national legislation and proposed legislation, as well as educational information.

The first segment explains Farm Bureau’s stance on the Cap and Trade issue. The U.S. House of Representatives has passed an energy tax bill commonly called "cap and trade" because it sets federal limits on carbon emissions and would establish a trading system for energy.

Farm Bureau members in Virginia and nationwide object to the plan, believing it will harm their businesses, increase the cost of energy and food for all Americans, and be ineffective in influencing climate change.

The bill is being debated in the Senate, and Farm Bureau members are contacting members of Congress through the "Don’t Cap our Future" campaign.

The next blog entry will focus on the animal welfare issue where critics of animal agriculture believe farm animals should be treated more like pets. Farm Bureau contends that proven animal husbandry practices and animal welfare regulations already in place are sufficient to keep farm animals comfortable and healthy.

Later, the organization will cover the financial problems facing the dairy industry. Other topics to be addressed include proposed new Chesapeake Bay regulations and the federal deficit.

"Farm Bureau is facing perhaps more critical issues than at any time in our 83-year history," Hicks said. "We need to be out there on all fronts, utilizing blogs and social media as well as the more traditional means of communication like TV, newspapers and magazines."

 

 

Bay organization works with farmers on water quality issues

RICHMOND, VA. -- The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is partnering in a $100,000 grant project aimed at reducing pollution in Lower Dry River, Muddy Creek, and Cooks Creek in Rockingham County.

CBF, working with local Natural Resources Conservation Service and Soil and Water Conservation District staff and Water Stewardship Inc., a private farm consultant, will use the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant to work with farmers in the three watersheds to dramatically accelerate the use of farm conservation practices that reduce water pollution. Targeted practices will include fencing livestock out of streams, planting streamside tree and grass buffers, and restoring wetlands.

Lower Dry River, Muddy Creek, and Cooks Creek are all officially impaired, or polluted, by bacteria or nutrients, or both. All three watersheds are home to numerous cattle, dairy, and poultry farms.

The grant project will seek to engage and educate farmers and expand their participation in the many federal, state, and private cost-share programs available to help pay for conservation practices, or best management practices (BMPs). The ultimate goal of the project is to fence out livestock along the entire lengths of the three creeks and reduce pollution sufficiently to remove the streams from polluted status.

Runoff of farm fertilizers, manure, and soil are factors in the pollution of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams, and reduction of agricultural runoff is a key goal of the federal-state Bay cleanup effort. Nutrient and sediment pollution can cloud the water in streams, rivers, and the Bay, spawn damaging algal blooms, and create "dead zones" of oxygen-starved water.

"The grant partnership hopes to take advantage of the increase in conservation funding from the U.S. Farm Bill, as well as the heightened interest among farmers in conservation programs," said Libby Norris, CBF Virginia watershed restoration scientist. "There is more conservation money available now, and we want to be sure farmers know about it and have the tools and opportunity to use it."

The grant project will offer technical assistance, outreach, education, and innovative financing to farmers in the targeted watersheds, Norris said. "CBF and our partners hope to demonstrate the importance and effectiveness of these conservation practices on water quality, habitat restoration, and farm bottom lines."

 

The latest hay price report is available here>>

 

 

2009 Land Rental Guide published for the Shenandoah Valley

Interested in local farmland rental rates? Virginia Cooperative Extension recently published the new Land Rental Guide available here (PDF file).

 

 

Livestock Indemnity Program accepting applications

Washington, DC - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that eligible ranchers and livestock producers can now apply for benefits under the provisions of the Livestock Indemnity Program in the 2008 Farm Bill.

"This program will provide livestock producers with a vital safety net to help them overcome the damaging financial impact of natural disasters," said Vilsack.

The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides assistance to producers for livestock deaths that result from disaster. Using funds from the Agricultural Disaster Relief Trust Fund established under section 902 of the Trade Act of 1974, the program is administered by the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). LIP compensates livestock owners and contract growers for livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to adverse weather, including losses due to hurricanes, floods, blizzards, disease, wildfires, extreme heat and extreme cold. Eligible losses must have occurred on or after Jan. 1, 2008, and before Oct. 1, 2011.

Specific provisions for the other supplemental agricultural disaster assistance programs authorized by the 2008 Act - the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE), the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP) and the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) - will be implemented through separate rulemakings and announced at a later date.

For more information on available supplemental disaster assistance programs, please visit your FSA county office or
http://www.fsa.usda.gov

 

 


 


 

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