Virginia’s farmers have a vested interest in being good stewards of the land and water. And they want to partner with the commonwealth to meet its water quality goals.

Agricultural best management practices are a means to that end, but they’re not inexpensive.

That’s why Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, the state’s largest agricultural organization, is asking that full funding for Virginia’s agricultural BMP cost-share program be included in the governor’s proposed biennial budget.

BMPs include a variety of farm installations and farming techniques that are proven to protect water quality. Farm Bureau is urging lawmakers to include funding for the cost-share program administered by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and distributed through local soil and water conservation districts. The organization also wants to ensure that full funding is provided for technical assistance to local soil and water conservation districts to help farmers meet specifications for conservation practices.

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The increased visibility and availability of Virginia’s Cooperative Wildlife Damage Management Program has led to an increased dependence on the program among farmers.

With $180,000 of funding standing to be eliminated from the program for fiscal 2021 and 2022, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation is encouraging lawmakers to help keep the program intact. It is critical, Farm Bureau leaders say, for producers who struggle with coyote and black vulture predation.

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Through federal investment and state-awarded grants, almost 60,000 rural Virginia households are expected to get broadband internet services.

On Jan. 9 the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it invested $48 million in broadband infrastructure that will encompass a service area of 1,847 miles in Virginia. On Jan. 22 Gov. Ralph Northam announced $18.3 million in grants to 12 projects aimed at expanding services to currently unserved areas across the state. Both deals are viewed as significant wins for local farmers.

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Four Virginia young farmers took top honors in the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers competitions at the organization’s annual convention Jan. 18-20.

Sarah Rudolph of Wythe County won the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet; Glenn and Amanda Dye of Stafford County were runners-up in the Achievement Award competition; and Rose Jeter of Botetourt County was named a Top 10 finalist for the Excellence in Agriculture Award.

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Farmer delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 101st Annual Convention today adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2020 on key topics ranging from dairy to labor and climate change to conservation compliance.

“Delegates from across the nation came together today to look ahead at issues and opportunities facing farms, ranches and rural communities,” said American Farm Bureau Federation Vice President Scott VanderWal. “The 2020 policies ensure we are able to continue producing safe and healthy food, fiber and renewable fuel for our nation and the world.”

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The final day of workshops at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention put a focus on the role farmers will play in connecting with consumers on sustainability in agriculture and new technologies like gene editing.

President Donald Trump keynoted the Convention yesterday. Watch his full remarks HERE.

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The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 101st Annual Convention and Trade Show got underway in Austin on Saturday. In keeping with the theme of this year’s convention, “Sustaining America’s Agriculture,” workshops focused on steps farmers can take to enhance soil health and improve water quality. Many other workshops featured precision agriculture technology’s role in helping with labor shortages; increasing competition; mitigating risk and protecting food safety.

Here are the highlights from the first day of AFBF 2020: Continue reading →

Virginia Farm Bureau received the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Pinnacle Award, the highest honor a state can be awarded for program and membership achievement, at the AFBF  Convention in Austin, TX this week. Other winners included Arizona, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Texas, and Utah.

Virginia Farm Bureau also received the Awards of Excellence, which recognize state Farm Bureaus that demonstrated outstanding achievements in four program areas: Advocacy; Engagement & Outreach; Leadership and Business Development; and Membership Value.

On Saturday, Bonnie Duvall, wife of American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall, lost her courageous battle with cancer. The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Vice President Scott VanderWal.

“It is with deep sadness that I share the news of Bonnie Duvall’s passing after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a special member of the Farm Bureau family, from being chosen for the 1982 National Young Farmer and Rancher Award with Zippy, to her travels with him 33 years later when he was elected president of American Farm Bureau.

“Zippy and Bonnie were partners in every respect for all of their 40 years together. She put her business degree to work keeping the books on their Georgia farm, enabling Zippy to turn his attention to serving his fellow farmers at the county, state and national levels.

“At moments like this our faith consoles us, knowing her soul is at peace, having gone on to our heavenly Father. We will forever be inspired by her sense of humor, love of farming and optimism in the face of adversity. She taught us all what it means to make every moment count.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Duvall family, including the four children Zippy and Bonnie have always been so proud of, Vince, Corrie, Zeb and Zellie, their dear son- and daughters-in-law, and their five beautiful grandchildren.”