Editor’s note: This week, several articles appeared in newspapers across the state blaming farmers for allowing tons of poultry waste and liquid manure into the Shenandoah River. Below is a response from cattle and grains farmer Nathaniel Dirting of Shenandoah County:
A lot of things come to mind when I think of challenges on the farm. I think about fighting the weather – constantly worrying if the crops will have enough rain water – worrying about the possibility of hail or severe winds – worrying if a late frost could kill the early corn we were so fortunate to get planted. I think about fighting diseases in our crops and sickness in our cattle. I think about fighting the markets as prices for our commodities constantly change due to circumstances beyond my control.
But one very real fight I have come to realize is one I never thought I would have to put up – having to fight negative public perception.
I read an article earlier today in the Washington Post (and also published in the Northern Virginia Daily) titled “Nearly 200 million chickens, turkeys and cows are making a mess of the Shenandoah River”.
During a meeting with farmers and ranchers, President Donald Trump pledged today that his administration, including newly installed Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, would work to address critical challenges faced by agriculture, according to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall.
President Donald Trump has signed more than 30 executive orders during his first 100 days, and he hasn’t forgotten to get the agriculture industry and rural America involved. Earlier Tuesday, Trump signed the executive order, titled Promoting Agriculture and Rural Prosperity in America, in front of newly installed Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, a 14-member farmer roundtable and others.
Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced that a new economic impact study, conducted by the Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business, shows that Virginia’s agritourism industry accounts for $2.2 billion in economic activity. The report also shows that the economic activity attributed to the Commonwealth’s 1,400 agritourism businesses supports 22,000 jobs, contributes $840 million in income, and injects $135 million in state and local taxes. The study is the first statewide benchmark report to measure the economic and fiscal impacts of Virginia’s agritourism sector.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just released information on Regulatory Reform. The release follows EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s launch of his “Back to Basics” agenda to refocus the agency’s core mission that also includes returning power to the states and an environment where jobs can grow. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with state, local and tribal partners to create sensible regulations that enhance economic growth. See press release below:
The American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee is offering up to five $550 competitive grants to county or state Farm Bureaus to assist in “Our Food Link” projects. The deadline for applications is May 15. OFL is a year-round program that county and state Farm Bureaus can use to innovatively reach consumers of all ages and backgrounds with information on food production. 
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Plows and Politics 