WSVA Agribusiness

New weather forecast published

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.