Thanksgiving

 

A little Humor

 

Update - Virginia Food Access Investment Fund (VFAIF) program

 

Second round of the Virginia Food Access Investment Fund (VFAIF) program will open on December 1, 2021

Please share with your networks.

 

The Virginia Food Access Investment Fund (VFAIF) is a statewide program that focuses on equity and justice in local food systems by investing in new or expanding food retailers that address food access issues in the Commonwealth. VFAIF offers grants and loans to fund the business development, construction, rehabilitation, equipment upgrades and expansion of grocery stores, small food retailers, and innovative food retail projects in historically marginalized communities.

 

Food acts as a common thread between history and culture, neighborhood empowerment and economic sustainability, and healthier lifestyles. The VFAIF program has been developed using the Equitable Food-Oriented Development model, a development strategy that uses food and agriculture to create economic opportunities and healthy neighborhoods and that explicitly seeks to build community assets, pride, and power by and with historically marginalized communities.

 

For the purposes of this program, historically marginalized communities are defined as minority or underserved, as well as those experiencing low food access. In these communities, the objectives of this program are to:

·         improve access to fresh foods and reduce food deserts across the Commonwealth;

·         create wealth, support leadership, and improve access to capital in historically marginalized communities;

·         assess, support and transform existing or potential businesses into sustainable community-owned businesses;

·         foster innovative solutions that uplift and share successful food business models; and

·         reduce food insecurity, strengthen food systems and improve health outcomes for historically marginalized communities.

 

The next VFAIF round is open from December 1st, 2021 to February 22nd, 2022. Grant documents are posted on VDACS website: Virginia Food Access Investment Fund Grants

Please review the first round of funded projects and the Equitable Food Oriented Development Brown Paper. 

·         Learn more about the awardees of the inaugural 2021 VFAIF grant cycle

·         2021 Virginia Food Access Investment Fund Awardees Map

To learn more, please reach out to Sara Santa Cruz, Coordinator, Virginia Food Access Investment Fund:

 

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

102 Governor Street

Richmond, VA  23219

Office: 804-786-1495

Cell: 804-398-0382

sara.santacruz@vdacs.virginia.gov

Preferred pronouns: she/her

Upcoming Programs

 

A Message from VBFRC Partner Highlights Newsblast November 8, 2021 Greetings! We hope you, your farm, family, and community first frosts begin to descend on us.  The Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition is a state-wide and coalition-based Extension program, housed in Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education. Funding is sponsored by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) of the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Award #2020-49400-32326. This funding is led by VSU’s Small Farm Outreach Program.

https://www.vabeginningfarmer.alce.vt.edu/TasteofFarming.html

Virginia Farm Bureau Young Farmers hosts a Youth Conversations in Agriculture Series About Agritourism

Virginia Farm Bureau Young Farmers hosts a Youth Conversations in Agriculture Series About Agritourism

Thursday, November 11^th at 7:30 PM on Zoom! 

Topic:  Agritourism Enhanced! Fall Colors and Apples Bring People to the Farm…

Register for the Zoom Link at:  https://bit.ly/3mN6vbb  

 About: This program will build on last month's Sunflower Farm and how to create a positive experience in agriculture for those who want to visit the farm. It's all part of Young Farmers exploring Agritourism. Past program video links will be sent to those who register, so they can catch up! Part 2 in the 4 part series will be an expanded visit with Agritourism professionals. The program will finish up in part 4 with hands-on activities where participants create their own agritourism operations. This program is for any youth in grades 8-12 who are interested in agriculture and learning more about challenges in the industry! The monthly programs will lead to an opportunity for all participants to build their ideal virtual agritourism farm operation in part 4 and some fun prizes too. 

 Be sure to register before the event to receive your unique Zoom link!

 Ron Saacke

Virginia Farm Bureau Special Programs Department

Women’s Leadership, Young Farmers, Safety, Growing Leaders and Agriculture in the Classroom

ron.saacke@vafb.com; 804-514-4202

 

Agriculture in the Classroom programs are supported by a 501c3 charitable foundation, so your donations to the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom are likely tax-deductible.

Help us connect more children to agriculture today!   www.AgintheClass.org 

 

                  

 

USDA Builds Pandemic Support

 

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USDA Builds Pandemic Support for Certified Organic and Transitioning Operations The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide pandemic assistance to cover certification and education expenses to agricultural producers who are certified organic or transitioning to organic. USDA will make $20 million available through the new Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP) as part of USDA’s broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, which provides new, broader and more equitable opportunities for farmers, ranchers and producers.     OTECP funding is provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Certified operations and transitional operations may apply for OTECP for eligible expenses paid during the 2020, 2021 and 2022 fiscal years. For each year, OTECP covers 25% of a certified operation’s eligible certification expenses, up to $250 per certification category (crop, livestock, wild crop, handling and State Organic Program fee). This includes application fees, inspection fees, USDA organic certification costs, state organic program fees and more.     Crop and livestock operations transitioning to organic production may be eligible for 75% of a transitional operation’s eligible expenses, up to $750, for each year. This includes fees charged by a certifying agent or consultant for pre-certification inspections and development of an organic system plan.     For both certified operations and transitional operations, OTECP covers 75% of the registration fees, up to $200, per year, for educational events that include content related to organic production and handling in order to assist operations in increasing their knowledge of production and marketing practices that can improve their operations, increase resilience and expand available marketing opportunities. Additionally, both certified and transitional operations may be eligible for 75% of the expense of soil testing required under the National Organic Program (NOP) to document micronutrient deficiency, not to exceed $100 per year.   Signup for 2020 and 2021 OTECP will be Nov. 8, 2021, through Jan. 7, 2022. Producers apply through their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office and can also obtain one-on-one support with applications by calling 877-508-8364. Read the Full Announcement Learn More About OTECP View the Stakeholder Toolkit

Small Farm Conference

 

Friday, Nov 19, 2021 12PM - Saturday, Nov 20, 12PM The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center 110 Shenandoah Ave NE Roanoke, VA 24016

 

REGISTER NOW

 

“As in the past, the Small Farm Conference is a great place to network and hear about the available resources, smart business strategies, and successful production practices – especially for those new and beginning farmers who want to learn more about what it takes to farm profitably and sustainably,” says VSU’s Small Farm Outreach Program Director William Crutchfield.

 

This year’s topic, “Better Ways for Better Days,” will include guest speakers and educational break-out sessions that will provide practical information for small farms, farmers and ranchers with limited resources, or who are socially disadvantaged, military veterans, or beginning farmers.   The SFOP provides outreach and learning opportunities to small farmers for production management, financial and risk management, marketing, USDA assistance programs, and more. The conference is an opportunity to hear about available resources, smart business strategies, and successful production practices – especially for those new to farming who want to learn more about what it takes to farm profitably and sustainably.   At this year’s conference, participants will hear from multiple guest speakers, and rotate through various informational breakout sessions. The conference will begin with a talk from guest speaker Jim Hankins, Executive Director of Fauquier Education Farm. Jim Hankins grew up on a small farm in Bedford County and served as an Agriculture Management Agent for SFOP prior to coming to Fauqueir Education Farm.   In the afternoon and throughout day two of the conference, participants can take advantage of the following breakout sessions: ·     New and Beginning Farm Course ·     Boots on the Ground, “How COVID Changed Farming and Selling” ·     Farm Tax Planning and Risk Management ·     Organic No-Till Vegetable Production   After the breakout sessions on day two, participants will enjoy a luncheon and hear from Keynote Speaker Anthony Flaccavento. A two-time Congressional candidate in Virginia’s 9th district, Anthony has been working on community environmental and economic development in the Appalachian region for more than 30 years. He founded Appalachian Sustainable Development in 1995, which became a regional and national leader in sustainable economic development. His private consulting business supports community leaders and farmers. Anthony speaks and writes extensively about sustainable food systems and rural development.   To conclude the conference, winners of the following awards will be announced: ·     SFOP Small Farmer of the Year ·     SFOP Volunteer of the Year ·     SFOP Regional Program Assistant of the Year   “As in the past, the Small Farm Conference is a great place to network and hear about the available resources, smart business strategies, and successful production practices – especially for those new and beginning farmers who want to learn more about what it takes to farm profitably and sustainably,” says VSU’s Small Farm Outreach Program Director William Crutchfield. “Attending the conference this year will be particularly helpful as many small farmers have had an uphill struggle to continue farming profitably in these challenging times.”   REGISTRATION FEE: $50.   For more information, contact the Small Farm Outreach Program at (804) 524-3292 or smallfarm@vsu.edu.   If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Selection For Parasite Resistance (22)

Reduce Feed Costs as Much as possible this Fall/Winter

This year in Virginia with many areas experiencing drought conditions, higher transportation rates, potential supply shortfalls and higher energy costs most producers should evaluate their winter-feeding plans. Regardless, of whether a producer falls into the low-, mid-, or high-cost category, feed costs can account for more than 25-30 percent of the cost of production. Feed costs, reflect the first or second highest annual cost associated with cattle ownership, and second only to the original purchase price or grow out costs (included in total) of raised livestock. The use of supplemental feed (hay or concentrate) may be beneficial to livestock, especially for growing animals, animals in the latter stages of gestation, lactating animals, or during periods of reduced forage growth (i.e., drought, winter). Most producers could substantially reduce their winter feed costs by carefully considering their forage production management practices. Reducing input costs associated with hay production and feeding (regardless of whether the hay is produced on-farm or purchased off-farm) or concentrate-type feeds, can help to improve the profitability of livestock production systems. This article discusses management practices that can reduce the costs associated with livestock winter feeding programs. 

Hay Feeding

Hay should be fed using a manger or hay ring to decrease the amount of hay that is wasted. If a manger or hay ring is not used, livestock will render much of the hay useless by urinating, defecating, and bedding on the hay material. The result of the wasted material significantly increases the hay cost.

If possible, hay should be fed in the afternoon. Studies on hay feeding suggest that animal performance is better when animals are forced to spend the morning and early afternoon foraging on standing dormant forages and then receive hay. Animals that were fed hay in the morning generally spent most of their time loafing around the feeding area waiting on the next hay feeding time. 

 Alternatives to Feeding Hay

 The use of hay can be critical to livestock survival during times of reduced forage production or during periods of snow cover. Although hay will probably never be completely eliminated from livestock production systems, some Virginia producers feed too much hay for too long a period of time. In fact, it is not unusual to see many producers feed hay for 5 to 6 months. This type of feeding program is expensive, especially when producers could be pasturing their livestock.

Stockpiled Forage

One alternative to feeding hay is the use of stockpiled forages. Stockpiling is the process of allowing forage to accumulate in the pasture for grazing at a later time. There are two distinct advantages to using stockpiled forage.

The first is that the producer is not out the expense of baling the forage, hauling the hay to the barn or other storage location, and then hauling the hay back to the livestock at a later date. The savings that can be realized from using stockpiled forages relative to hay production and feeding can be substantial. Thus, the use of stockpiled forage can significantly decrease costs of livestock winter-feeding programs. The other advantage is that the producer is not forced to feed hay during inclement weather except with the exception of heavy snow or ice.

The use of stockpiled forage is not new. Producers who use larger acreages have utilized stockpiled forage for winter grazing for many years. In fact, hay is not generally fed on acreages except during periods of heavy snow cover. What many people don’t often realize is that they can take advantage of existing forages like fescue stockpiled forage for winter grazing.

Tall fescue is an excellent choice as a stockpiled forage because it maintains nutritive value well as a standing forage. Protein availability in stockpiled fescue can exceed many harvested forage supplies.  However, in some instances energy would be the limiting factor for cattle grazing stockpiled forages and that some energy supplementation would be required, especially for young or thin animals.

It is important to control livestock grazing, especially stockpiled forages. Uncontrolled animals will attempt to select the best diet and trample unwanted forage. By using electric fencing or multiple paddocks, producers can enhance forage harvest efficiency and see that little forage is wasted.

Consider Grazing Winter Annuals

Another alternative to the use of hay would be the use of winter annuals like wheat or rye if fencing, water and shelter is available. Some producers have used these type pastures to extend grazing days for many years with good success. Animal performance is generally good to excellent, and the cost of fresh forage relative to animal gain is usually less than that of hay and supplements or supplements alone unless livestock are continuously stocked on pasture. 

Regardless of type forage grass is used for winter feeding, it is critical that producers pay close attention to basic production fundamentals. Soils where the forages will be established should be sampled and fertilizer applied according to soil test recommendations. Without proper fertility, the forage produced can become expensive.

Summary

Many livestock producers have high feeding costs because of one or more of the following:

1. Use of hay that is low in nutritive value
2. Feeding hay for an extended period of time
3. Too much dependence on concentrate feeds
4. Too little use of forages (stockpiled or growing) for winter feeding

Hay that is low in nutritive value results from a poor fertility program, harvested at an advanced stage of maturity, and/or improper care during harvest and storage. Use of inferior hay decreases animal performance and may require the purchase of concentrates to boost animal performance. This may reduce profitability. Likewise, lack of forages for winter feeding programs results in feeding hay and/or concentrates for an extended period of time. This also reduces profitability of the production system. Producers should evaluate their winter- feeding programs and determine if changes should be made to reduce the winter feed costs of their livestock production enterprise. For additional information, contact  cchilds@vt.edu or your county agricultural Extension agent.

 

Extension Grazing Survey

 

The Virginia Cooperative Extension Graze 300 team is seeking input from farmers across the Commonwealth on perceptions and attitudes related to grazing practices.   A short survey has been developed to gather information to evaluate various factors that influence farmers' attitudes toward adoption of rotational grazing.  Findings of this study will help Extension better serve farmers statewide. The goal is to receive input from producers regardless of grazing management or type of grazing animals raised.  No matter what or how you graze, we want to hear from you.  The survey can be completed online at the link below.   

 

To access and complete the survey, click on this link:  https://tinyurl.com/Graze300VT

 

The survey will be open through January 31, 2022. 

 

Thank you in advance for your consideration and participation