Robert Harper with Virginia Farm Bureau’s grain division provides this week’s market updates.
#merchandiserminute #grainfuture #virginiafarmbureau
Merchandiser Minute: Excellent U.S. Ethanol Exports
Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC endorses 85 candidates for House seats
Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC, Farm Bureau’s political action committee, has announced its endorsement of 85 candidates for seats in the Virginia House of Delegates. Endorsements are based on recommendations by local farmer committees and approved by the AgPAC board.
“The mission of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC is to support candidates who recognize the vital role agriculture and forestry play in Virginia’s economy and communities,” said Scott Sink, VFBF president and chair of the VFBF AgPAC Board of Trustees. “We evaluate their understanding through their voting records in the General Assembly and their willingness to engage directly with farmers to grasp the real-world impact of these industries.”
Throughout the year, VFBF members actively connect with legislators from both urban and rural areas. These efforts foster collaborative relationships that support the long-term viability of Virginia’s leading industry. By engaging directly with members of the General Assembly through farm tours, legislative roundtables and in-person meetings, members have gained more opportunities to advocate for agriculture and offer valuable insights to policymakers.
Endorsement decisions are based solely on candidates’ positions related to agriculture and forestry, without consideration of unrelated policy views.
“We look forward to working with these candidates to help protect the agriculture and forestry industries and ensure that they remain the No. 1 industries in the commonwealth,” Sink continued.
Martha Moore, senior vice president of VFBF governmental relations, noted that friendly incumbents have a track record of working with farmers in their districts.
“The new candidates endorsed for the House have demonstrated an understanding about specific challenges facing Virginia’s farmers and foresters,” she explained.
The nonpartisan VFBF AgPAC was created in 1999 and employs in-kind contributions and endorsements to back candidates who can best support agriculture and Farm Bureau issues.
Although not formally endorsed, additional candidates were recognized as open-door candidates. VFBF will continue to engage with these individuals, fostering relationships and sharing key agricultural policy priorities.
The following candidates were endorsed (* indicates incumbent candidates):
Endorsed for Virginia House of Delegates
| House District | Candidate |
|---|---|
| HD1 | Patrick Hope* (D) |
| HD3 | Alfonso Lopez* (D) |
| HD4 | Charniele Herring* (D) |
| HD5 | Elizabeth Bennett-Parker* (D) |
| HD6 | Rip Sullivan* (D) |
| HD8 | Irene Shin* (D) |
| HD9 | Karrie Delaney* (D) |
| HD10 | Dan Helmer* (D) |
| HD11 | David Bulova* (D) |
| HD12 | Holly Seibold* (D) |
| HD14 | Vivian Watts* (D) |
| HD16 | Paul Krizek* (D) |
| HD17 | Mark Sickles* (D) |
| HD18 | Kathy Tran* (D) |
| HD20 | Michelle Maldonado* (D) |
| HD21 | Josh Thomas* (D) |
| HD22 | Ian Lovejoy* (R) |
| HD24 | Luke Torian*, (D) |
| HD25 | Briana Sewell* (D) |
| HD27 | Atoosa Reaser* (D) |
| HD28 | David Reid* (D) |
| HD29 | Fernando Martinez* (D) |
| HD31 | Delores Oates (R) |
| HD32 | Bill Wiley* (R) |
| HD33 | Justin Pence, (R) |
| HD34 | Tony Wilt* (R) |
| HD35 | Chris Runion* (R) |
| HD36 | Ellen Campbell* (R) |
| HD37 | Terry Austin* (R) |
| HD38 | Sam Rasoul* (D) |
| HD39 | Will Davis (R) |
| HD40 | Joe McNamara* (R) |
| HD41 | Chris Obenshain* (R) |
| HD42 | Jason Ballard* (R) |
| HD43 | Will Morefield* (R) |
| HD44 | Israel O’Quinn* (R) |
| HD45 | Terry Kilgore* (R) |
| HD46 | Mitchell Cornett (R) |
| HD47 | Wren Williams* (R) |
| HD48 | Eric Phillips* (R) |
| HD49 | Madison Whittle (R) |
| HD50 | Tommy Wright* (R) |
| HD51 | Eric Zehr* (R) |
| HD52 | Wendell Walker* (R) |
| HD53 | Tim Griffin (R) |
| HD54 | Katrina Callsen* (D) |
| HD55 | Amy Laufer* (D) |
| HD56 | Tom Garrett* (R) |
| HD57 | David Owen* (R) |
| HD58 | Rodney Willett* (D) |
| HD59 | Buddy Fowler* (R) |
| HD60 | Scott Wyatt* (R) |
| HD61 | Michael Webert* (R) |
| HD63 | Phillip Scott* (R) |
| HD64 | Paul Milde* (R) |
| HD66 | Bobby Orrock* (R) |
| HD67 | Hillary Pugh Kent* (R) |
| HD68 | Keith Hodges* (R) |
| HD69 | Chad Green* (R) |
| HD70 | Shelly Simonds* (D) |
| HD71 | Amanda Batten* (R) |
| HD72 | Lee Ware* (R) |
| HD73 | Mark Earley Jr.* (R) |
| HD74 | Mike Cherry* (R) |
| HD75 | Carrie Coyner* (R) |
| HD78 | Betsy Carr* (D) |
| HD79 | Rae Cousins* (D) |
| HD80 | Destiny Bolling* (D) |
| HD81 | Delores McQuinn* (D) |
| HD82 | Kim Taylor* (R) |
| HD83 | Otto Wachsmann* (R) |
| HD86 | A.C. Cordoza* (R) |
| HD88 | Don Scott* (D) |
| HD89 | Mike Lamonea (R) |
| HD90 | Jay Leftwich* (R) |
| HD91 | Cliff Hayes* (D) |
| HD92 | Bonita Anthony* (D) |
| HD93 | Jackie Glass* (D) |
| HD94 | Phil Hernandez* (D) |
| HD95 | Alex Askew* (D) |
| HD98 | Barry Knight* (R) |
| HD99 | Anne Ferrell Tata* (R) |
| HD100 | Rob Bloxom Jr.* (R) |
Merchandiser Minute: August Crop Report
Robert Harper with Virginia Farm Bureau’s grain division provides this week’s market updates.
#merchandiserminute #grainfuture #virginiafarmbureau
Cattle Pulse: Cattle Counts and Market Moves
CattlePulse is a monthly update from Virginia Farm Bureau on the Virginia feeder cattle markets, the national trends that affect them and stories of cattle producers across the commonwealth.
In this month’s episode of CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles sits down with Dr. Josh Maples from Mississippi State University to unpack the July Cattle Inventory report and explore what it means for producers. With feeder cattle futures hitting all-time highs, Elijah and Dr. Maples discuss actionable strategies cow-calf producers can consider to manage price risk.
Want to get in touch? Contact Elijah at 804-290-1713 or elijah.griles@vafb.com.
Listen to the latest episode
'Tis the Season for Seasonal Trends? – CattlePulse
In this month’s episode of CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles unpacks the implications of the late arriving Cattle on Feed report and the effects of Tyson's packing plant closure announcement. He also explores how Virginia cash markets follow seasonal trends.We want to hear from you!Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.
Merchandiser Minute: NDVI Greenest Ever
Robert Harper with Virginia Farm Bureau’s grain division provides this week’s market updates.
#merchandiserminute #grainfuture #virginiafarmbureau
Merchandiser Minute: Lots of Fed Data
Robert Harper with Virginia Farm Bureau’s grain division provides this week’s market updates.
#merchandiserminute #grainfuture #virginiafarmbureau
Virginia Hurricane Helene Recovery Program for Farms and Forests
Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced the launch of the Virginia Farm Recovery Block Grant Program, a new federal partnership designed to help agricultural and forestry operations recover from Hurricane Helene’s devastation in September 2024.
Program Overview
The program, funded through a USDA block grant authorized by the American Relief Act 2025, targets farmers and forestland owners who sustained damage not covered by other federal disaster assistance programs. The Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (VDACS) will administer direct payments once federal funding is allocated and the state workplan receives USDA approval.
Eligible Areas
The program covers 27 designated localities in Southwest and Southside Virginia, including:
Counties: Bedford, Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe
Independent Cities: Bristol, Covington, Danville, Galax, Norton, and Radford
Required Documentation
Farmers and forestland owners should begin gathering these documents now:
Basic Information:
- W-9 Form
- Federal Tax ID information for all owners/shareholders
- Tax Parcel ID and Parcel Map
- FSA Farm Number and FSA 578 Form
- Schedule F tax documentation showing farming income
Damage Documentation:
- Photos of damaged farm infrastructure (greenhouses, barns, silos, packing houses)
- Photos of damaged commercial aquaculture infrastructure
- Photos of damaged farm roads, bridges, or culverts providing crop/livestock access
- Evidence of destroyed harvested crops or unharvested crops due to market loss
- Documentation of timberland ownership (minimum 10 contiguous acres) with storm damage
Financial Records:
- Insurance adjustment reports and proof of payments
- Invoices for replacement costs or repair estimates
- Documentation of other USDA program applications or payments
- Records of salvage payments or tax deductions from agricultural damage
Important Requirements
Producers receiving funding for market loss, economic loss, plasticulture, and aquaculture claims must maintain USDA Risk Management coverage for two crop years.
Application Process
VDACS is developing an online application portal at https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/about-farm-recovery-block-grant.shtml. The registration and application periods will be announced once the USDA workplan is approved.
Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and Department of Forestry representatives will provide technical assistance and help publicize the program. For those without computer access, local VCE offices will be available during the application window.
Next Steps
Eligible producers should begin collecting required documentation now. VDACS will launch a promotional campaign announcing specific registration and application dates once federal approval is received.
For updates and program details, visit the VDACS website at the link above.
Merchandiser Minute: Amazing U.S. Crop Progress
Robert Harper with Virginia Farm Bureau’s grain division provides this week’s market updates.
#merchandiserminute #grainfuture #virginiafarmbureau
Cattle Pulse: Virginia Verified Beef Goes Live
CattlePulse is a monthly update from Virginia Farm Bureau on the Virginia feeder cattle markets, the national trends that affect them and stories of cattle producers across the commonwealth.
In this month’s episode, host Elijah Griles unpacks the factors fueling the feeder cattle futures rally. He also shares positive developments in the battle against the New World Screwworm fly. Plus, Franklin County cattle producer and meat processor Chase Scott shares his motivation to use the new Virginia Verified Beef label.
Want to get in touch? Contact Elijah at 804-290-1713 or elijah.griles@vafb.com.
Listen to the latest episode
'Tis the Season for Seasonal Trends? – CattlePulse
In this month’s episode of CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles unpacks the implications of the late arriving Cattle on Feed report and the effects of Tyson's packing plant closure announcement. He also explores how Virginia cash markets follow seasonal trends.We want to hear from you!Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.
Free Pesticide Disposal Available This Summer in Southeastern Virginia
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is hosting its 2025 Pesticide Collection Program in Southeastern Virginia, offering farmers, dealers, and homeowners a free and safe way to dispose of unwanted pesticides.
Who Can Participate
The program is open to:
- Farmers and pesticide dealers
- Pest control firms and certified applicators
- Homeowners and golf course operators
- Anyone with unwanted, outdated, or banned pesticides
Collection Dates and Locations
All collection sites operate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.:
August 2025:
- Aug. 5 – Chesapeake Mosquito Control Commission, 332 Saint Bride’s Rd. E., Chesapeake
- Aug. 6 – Prince George County Extension, 6380 Scott Memorial Park Rd., Prince George
- Aug. 7 – Courthouse Convenience Center, 7232 Courtland Farm Rd., Hanover
- Aug. 19 – Nutrien Ag Solutions, 18432 Wachapreague Rd., Melfa
- Aug. 20 – Indika Farms Buying Station, 12249 Shiloh Dr., Windsor
- Aug. 21 – SVCC Truck Driving School, 1112 Courtland Rd., Emporia
September 2025:
- Sept. 10 – Southampton County Fairgrounds, 25374 New Market Rd., Courtland
What’s Accepted
The program accepts pesticides only. Items NOT accepted include:
- Motor oil, paint, or fuel
- Fertilizer (including pesticide-contaminated fertilizer)
- Other chemicals
How to Participate
Participants must transport their own pesticides to collection sites. For those unable to safely containerize pesticides for transport, VDACS may provide assistance on a case-by-case basis.
Pre-registration recommended: Complete the pesticide collection registration form available at http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/pesticide-disposal-registration.pdf and email to marlene.larios@vdacs.virginia.gov or mail to Office of Pesticide Services, VDACS, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, Virginia 23218.
Program Impact
Since 1997, Virginia’s Pesticide Collection Program has safely collected and destroyed more than 1.9 million pounds of outdated and unwanted pesticides. The program rotates through Virginia’s five regions annually and is funded through pesticide fees collected by VDACS.
Questions?
Contact your local Virginia Cooperative Extension agent or the VDACS Office of Pesticide Services at marlene.larios@vdacs.virginia.gov or 804.371.6561.
For more information, visit www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pesticide-collection.shtml.
Plows and Politics 