The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its 2016 Certified Organic Production Report today from the survey conducted earlier this year. The survey queried all known USDA-certified organic farms across Virginia.

“Production of organic crops and livestock continues to grow in Virginia,” said Herman Ellison, Virginia state statistician. “The number of certified organic farms increased 19 percent, with 26 more farms than in 2015. Virginia now ranks 22^nd in the U.S. in total value of sales of certified organically produced commodities, moving up from 24^th in 2015.”

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The goal of the Virginia Agricultural Labor Forum is to give attendees the opportunity to hear from experts in agricultural labor who can provide guidance on the often confusing laws and regulations of farm labor programs. The event is sponsored by Farm Bureau, the Virginia Agribusiness Council, and Labor Services International.  Continue reading →

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) September Crop Production report shows large increases in projected yields for cotton and peanuts.

“Scattered rains in August provided enough moisture to improve yield prospects,” said Herman Ellison, Virginia state statistician with NASS. “Cotton, peanut and soybean yield forecasts all increased from last month.” Continue reading →

U.S. farm profits are expected to increase in 2017 following three years of decline, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If projections hold true, Virginia farmers stand to benefit.

Net cash farm income for 2017 is forecast at $100 billion, up 12.6 percent from 2016. Net farm income is forecast at $63 billion, a 3 percent increase from last year, according to USDA numbers released Aug. 30.

Rising production and higher livestock prices are driving the expected increases. Forecasts for both livestock and crop cash receipts are favorable.

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In the market for a new car or truck?

Farm Bureau members in Virginia are eligible for the following offers through Jan. 2, 2018:

• $500 in Bonus Cash toward purchase or lease of an eligible new 2017 or 2018 Ford vehicle; or
• $750 in Bonus Cash toward the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2017 or 2018 Lincoln vehicle.

Both offers are available to current members who have maintained a Farm Bureau membership for at least 30 consecutive days. The offers may not be used in conjunction with most other Ford Motor Co. or Lincoln Motor Co. private incentives or AXZD-Plans. Some customer eligibility restrictions apply.

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FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., has outlined a number of immediate next steps in a comprehensive approach to ensuring successful implementation of the Produce Safety Rule established by the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

In a speech in New Orleans at the annual conference of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), Dr. Gottlieb announced that the agency has recognized a need for additional efforts to educate the produce industry and state regulatory partners on the new produce safety requirements, and will continue its focus on training, guidance development, and outreach over the next year. This is particularly important since the nation’s farming community has not previously been subject to this kind of oversight. Continue reading →

Farm Bureau and John Deere are excited to announce a new partnership that will give Farm Bureau members in participating states special access to John Deere’s GreenFleet Loyalty Rewards program, providing members with a free two-year Platinum membership. This new member discount program will strengthen the existing partnership between John Deere and Farm Bureau, and continue to grow John Deere’s dedication to strengthening their support of America’s farmers and ranchers.

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As a Virginia Farm Bureau member, you get deep discounts on all equipment and supplies from Grainger, PLUS get free standard ground shipping on all standard Grainger products*, including all the necessities in preparing for a hurricane from generators to batteries.

Grainger also has some helpful tips when preparing for a hurricane that may affect your area.

Safety First.

As hurricane season is upon you and your family make sure you take the necessary steps in order to protect them by preparing with Grainger. Continue reading →

We are pleased to announce that Stefanie Kitchen has joined the Governmental Relations Team.  Stefanie’s family has a farming operation and have been very involved in Southampton County Farm Bureau.  She interned with two Farm Bureau departments,  was a program coordinator with the VFBF Young Farmers Certified Farm Seekers program, worked as a legislative aide at the Virginia General Assembly and most recently served as the South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture’s Office Director.

Welcome, Stefanie!

Texas Farm Bureau has established a relief fund to address the agricultural losses inflicted by Hurricane Harvey. The category four storm struck Texas with a vengeance, flooding Texas farm communities, small towns and major cities.

Those farm and ranch families are now left facing overwhelming odds following high winds and unprecedented rainfall.

“It’s an historic storm and a disaster for many farmers and ranchers. The torrential rainfall wreaked havoc on Texas agriculture at the worst possible time—harvest season,” Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening said. “Hurricane Harvey struck an area of the state known for cattle, cotton, rice and other row crops.”

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