September 2014 1

FROM THEFarm

SEPTEMBER 2014 VOLUME 29 ISSUE 3 WWW.CFBA.ORG

THE VOICE OF CONNECTICUT AGRICULTURE

/ctfarming

New Stackable GM Bonus Cash Offered to Connecticut Farm Bureau Members Connecticut Farm Bureau is pleased to announce that a new FB Member Advantage! “Bonus Cash” program with General Motors is available to members effective immediately. While the $500 discount on the purchase or lease of a new GM car or truck is the same, the ability to stack the offer with one other private offer is new and demonstrates Farm Bureau’s commitment to exceed member expectations.

“Farm Bureau members in Connecticut are accustomed to having exclusive access to superior, high-quality brands, programs and products,” said Randolph Blackmer, President of Connecticut Farm Bureau Member Services. “GM’s generous offer to Farm Bureau members that includes the ability to stack the current GM ‘Bonus Cash’ offer with another private offer means our members may now purchase a General Motors vehicle and experience more savings than ever before. This is just one

more example of why it pays to be a member of Farm Bureau.”

The new Bonus Cash offer can be stacked with all other offers available to eligible Farm Bureau members, such as Owner Loyalty (discounted employee, dealership employee and supplier pricing is excluded). Additionally, members are eligible 30 days after becoming a member —a reduction from the previous 60-day eligibility requirement. The $500 “Bonus Cash” offer can be used on the purchase or lease of all 2013, 2014 and 2015 Chevrolet, Buick and GMC models without exclusions in states that participate in the GM program.

To take advantage of the GM program discounts, members (Continued on page 4)

INSIDE From the FarmLetter from the Executive Director 3

CFBA Calendar 3

USDA Protection Tools 4

Emergency Preparedness 6

New Member Benefit for Farm Bureau Members Connecticut Farm Bureau Offers Discounts on Polaris ATV, UHTs and Electric VehiclesConnecticut Farm Bureau Member Services has announced a new member benefit program offering discounts on Polaris brand of full-size all-terrain vehicles (ATV), utility and sports vehicles (UHT), and low-speed GEM electric vehicles.

Connecticut Farm Bureau members who have been members for 30 days or more can download a certificate from the website www.cfba.org to present to local dealers to earn $300 off of a new 2014 or 2015 Polaris UTV or GEM

Electric Vehicle, or $200 off of a new ATV.

“An increasing number of farms are finding utility vehicles a necessary addition to farm equipment. They can be very efficient, and well-suited for many chores. Providing a discount to members on this purchase, whether it’s for farm or personal use, is a nice addition to our lineup of member benefits,” says Randolph Blackmer, President of Connecticut Farm Bureau Member Services.

(Continued on page 5)

Jonathan Hermanot explains free-range turkey production to guests on The Farm Bureau Local Connecticut Farms at Work Tour on August 9. Coordinated by the CFBA Women’s Leadership Committee, the tour visited Devon Point Farm in Woodstock, Westford Hill Distillers in Ashford and Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm in Sterling. Funded in part by the Connecticut Humanities Council, the tour was created so folks unfamiliar with agriculture could learn about the practices and some of the issues facing farming families. The day ended at the CFBA Young Farmer Pig Roast where state CFBA board members and Young Farmer Committee members greeted the guests. Another tour is scheduled on October 4 to visit three operations in Fairfield county. (See story on page 12)

Connecticut Farm Bureau’s work representing farm interests never stops. Thank you for supporting our Booster Program for 2014.

If you haven’t made your contribution yet, please visit us at www.cfba.org, or consider adding your contribution to your 2014 membership renewal payment.

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September 2014 3

CONNECTICUT FARM BUREAU 775 Bloomfield AvenueWindsor, Connecticut 06095860-768-1100Fax 860-768-1108

www.cfba.org

FROM THE FARM is published 6 times a year by The Connecticut Farm Bureau Association. The editor welcomes letters on agricultural topics and news items about Farm Bureau members and activities.

STAFF

Henry Talmage Executive Director henryt@cfba.org

Joan Nichols Director of Member Relations & Community Outreach joann@cfba.org

Ashley McCullough Director of Membership and County Support ashleym@cfba.org

Julie McCullough Office Manager juliem@cfba.org

Cathy Beaudoin Receptionist cathyb@cfba.org

Margaret Chatey Marketing Communications Specialist margaretc@cfba.org

Tracey McDougall Special Projects Coordinator traceym@cfba.org

ADVERTISING RATES AND DEADLINES

Call 860-768-1100 for rates and deadlines. Discounted rates are available for CFBA Members.

Don Tuller President

Jamie Jones 1st Vice President

Melissa Greenbacker 2nd Vice President

Bill Syme Treasurer

John Hall Member at Large

Ken AssardCandace BenyeiKimberly BrockettMark FonnicelloBrian GrabberFrank LutwinasErin PirroDebbi TannerTimothy Tyler

FROM THE FARM MASTHEADBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Fairfield203-240-2295

Hartford860-844-8444

Litchfield203-266-9019

Middlesex860-349-1250

New Haven203-269-0151

New London860-642-7811

Tolland860-742-5725

Windham860-923-2710

SeptemberEntries due for the Young Farmer AwardsSeptember 24 by no later than 4:00 pmTo CFBA office, 775 Bloomfield Avenue, Windsor, CT

Acidified Foods SchoolSeptember 24 and 25 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pmCFBA office, 775 Bloomfield Avenue, Windsor, CT$50.00 per person. Visit www.cfba.org for details

Understanding Equine Liability Workshop September 29 at 7:00 pm Redding Town Hall, 100 Hill Road, Redding, CTSponsored by UConn Department of Animal Science, UConn Extension, Connecticut Horse Council, Connecticut Farm Bureau Association and Fairfield County Farm Bureau.Questions to stacey.stearns@uconn.edu or 860-486-9228

OctoberTolland County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Ham and Bean Dinner October 2 at 6:00 pmTolland Agricultural Center, 24 Hyde Avenue, Vernon, CTGuests $5.00Reserve by September 29 to 860-742-5725 or tollandcountyfarmbureau@gmail.com

Farm Bureau Local Connecticut Farms at Work Bus Tour October 4 from 8:00 am to 7:00 pmVisit three Fairfield County farming operations including a sheep farm, a fruit and vegetable farm and farm winery, and ride an oyster boat. Guided coach bus tour also includes a CT-grown lunch and dinner.Hosted by CFBA Women’s Leadership Committee. Just $45.00 per person Reserve at www.cfba.org

Fairfield County Farm Bureau Annual MeetingOctober 6For details, contact ffldcntyfarmbur@aol.com

Middlesex County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Dinner October 8 at 6:30 pmAngelico’s Lakehouse Restaurant 81 North Main Street, East Hampton, CTMust RSVP by mail with paymentFor details contact semintz43@gmail.com

Hartford County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and DinnerOctober 10Polish Hall, Windsor Locks, CT Contact hcfb@cox.net

CFBA Office Closed for Columbus DayOctober 13

Windham County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Dinner October 15 at 7:00 pmSenexet Grange Hall, 628 Route 169, Woodstock, CTReserve by October 10 to 860-923-2710

Litchfield County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Dinner October 16Painted Pony Restaurant,74 Main Street South, Bethlehem, CTReserve by October 8 to lcfb@sbcglobal.net or call 203-266-9029

New London County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Dinner October 17 at 6:30 pmFirst Congregational Church, Exeter Road, Lebanon, CTRSVP to nl.cntry.farmbureau@snet.net or call 860-642-7811

New Haven County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Dinner October 21 at 6:00 pmEli’s on Whitney, 2302 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CTReserve by October 17 to smithd@nhcfb.org

NovemberConnecticut Farm Bureau State Annual Meeting, Luncheon and Banquet November 14 from 8:30 am to 9 pmVilla Capri, Wallingford, CT

CFBA Calendar www.cfba.org EventsMessage from the Executive DirectorWe hear a lot about sustainable agriculture these days. That term means different things to different people. Some people refer to sustainable agriculture as farming according to “certified organic” protocols. To others it means using techniques and practices that protect and conserve critical resources such as soil and water. Regardless, there is a lot of attention on “sustainability” by farmers, lawmakers, regulators and consumers, and our members are trying hard to take advantage of this interest.

I would like you to think about another type of sustainability critical to the success of Connecticut agriculture —economic sustainability.

The reality is that agriculture is a business, or at least it is subject to the economic realities of business. In order for Connecticut agriculture to survive and adapt to the emerging consumer demand for local products farms must be able to cover expenses and turn a profit. The global food system that has emerged over the past several decades is vast and powerful, and it’s also responsible for providing the vast majority of the food we eat in Connecticut. Despite the significant distances food travels to reach Connecticut consumers, the global prices established for food has a direct impact on the prices Connecticut farmers can charge for their products. Seasonality and the economies of scales make it even harder to compete.

To achieve economic sustainability our farmers need to reduce costs by becoming more efficient. In addition, our farmers need to find ways to charge more or keep more of the total food dollars through communicating the benefits of eating locally grown food. This is true regardless of the size and type of Connecticut agriculture.

It is for this reason that Connecticut Farm Bureau concentrates so much of our efforts on issues such as taxation, labor law, transportation, and general business climate. It is our responsibility to tell everyone we can what economic factors squeeze farmers—no one knows better than the agricultural community itself. We are also working with multiple service providers to find ways to develop new markets and sales opportunities for our growers.

If Farm Bureau chooses not to focus on economic sustainability we will likely see small demonstration projects promoting locally grown products that exist just as long as the grant funding allows. But as we truly improve the economic sustainability for Connecticut farmers, the sky is the limit on profitable agriculture.

Henry N. Talmage Executive Director

July 2014 3

The Mission of the Connecticut Farm Bureau is to elevate the stature of agriculture in our state. Through education, market promotion and legislative advocacy, we strive to increase farm income and to improve the quality of life not only for Connecticut farmers, but also for their consumers.

COUNTY FARM BUREAU OFFICES

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(Continued from cover)

should log on to www.cfba.org with their membership number and password, then click on the link to the GM benefit on the Member Benefits page where eligibility will be confirmed. A certificate will be made available online that must be printed and taken to the

dealership of choice for presentation to the sales person. There is no limit to the number of certificates that a member may print or use. Certificates expire after 60 days. If members have any questions on how to access the certificate, contact Ashley McCullough at 860-768-1104.

Stackable GM Bonus Cash

The farm bill provides improved crop insurance and the Non-insurable crop disaster Assistance Program (NAP) with new Buy-Up coverage as the primary risk management tools for crop farmers. Together they can provide protection of input costs and much of the expected income for almost every crop grown in Connecticut. The Bill was designed on the premise that farmers should and will assume the responsibility of using the appropriate amounts of protection for each crop from these two programs so that they will be able to sufficiently manage their risk exposures and not experience a business financial interruption when disasters occur.

Crop Insurance Protection is available for up to 75% of your yield or revenue history (85% for some crops) for many crops and some livestock. Whole Farm Revenue Protection is also available. New Farm Bill improvements include added benefits for new/beginning, organic and other crop producers. Farm level details are available from crop insurance agents (a list is available at: www.rma.usda.gov/tools/agent.html or from your FSA office.

The improved Non-insurable crop disaster Assistance Program (NAP) provides protection for most crops, similar to crop insurance at up to 65% of your yield history (when a crop insurance policy is not available) from the Farm Service Agency (FSA ) office for the county.

There also are supplemental risk management programs for general field crops that have FSA established base acres. County and Individual Area Risk Coverage (ARC) are available that can provide up

to 65 or 85 percent of revenue losses between 76 and 86 percent of historical revenue but the maximum payment is 6.5% or 8.5% respectively of expected revenue. This protection is available at no cost to you. Alternately, Price Loss Coverage (PLC) is available that provides protection when market prices are less than reference prices for crops that FSA established base acres on your farm(s).

Information for these programs is available from your county Farm Service Agency (FSA/USDA) office.

Each producer is personally responsible to develop a risk management plan for their farm(s) before the enrollment deadlines. The USDA provides tools for you to consider for developing your plan.

ENROLLMENT DEADLINES are 9/30 for fall seeded grains and 11/20 for perennial fruit crops.

Please note: This material provides only a brief overview of USDA’s crop loss protection tools. The 2014 Farm Bill contains many new provisions. For specific policy information, signup deadlines and other information for your farm, please visit your county FSA USDA office and a licensed crop insurance agent. General crop insurance and other program information can be found at the RMA USDA website at www.rma.usda.gov and the FSA USDA website at www.fsa.usda.gov. Also visit the Connecticut Farm Risk Management and Crop Insurance Program website at www.ctfarmrisk.uconn.edu. This website provides information on upcoming crop insurance and risk management programs, publications, crop insurance signup deadlines and crop insurance fact sheets.

2014 Farm Bill Update: USDA’s Crop Loss Protection Tools

This institution is an equal opportunity provider

Donate Excess Produce to Our NeighborsConnecticut Farm Bureau encourages all farmers, and even backyard gardeners, to donate extra food and farm produce to FoodShare and Connecticut Food Bank this season.

FoodShare and Connecticut Food Bank are the local service providers supporting the nation’s leading hunger-relief charity efforts called Feeding America and serving Connecticut families. Farm Bureau has a tradition of supporting Feeding America on a national level, and CFBA’s Young Farmer Committee organizes a county food drive competition in support of Farm Bureau’s Harvest for All program on behalf of Feeding America.

Records show that about Connecticut 22 Farm Bureau members donated food in 2013, and Connecticut Food Bank featured its partnership with Connecticut Farm Bureau in its recent newsletter to donors. Its mission is to provide nutritious food to people in need. As a private, nonprofit organization, they distribute food to approximately 650 hunger relief organizations in Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London and Windham counties. Connecticut Food Bank distributed 17 million pounds of

food last year and is currently distributing more than 34 tons of food each business day.

FoodShare has served Tolland and Hartford counties for 30 years. Headquartered in Bloomfield, FoodShare estimates that it provides 10 million meals annually, or 16 tons of food a day to neighbors in need. As an added convenience to farm donors, FoodShare also has a distribution point at the Connecticut Regional Market in Hartford.

Farmers can drop off excess food, or request pickup at the farm at a scheduled time. Volunteers may also be available for harvesting or “gleaning” excess field crops or fruits, and farms are extended liability protection when gleaners work on the farm collecting for charity. Farm Bureau members who donate to these organizations will receive details of their donations. For higher volume producers, there may be an opportunity to receive payment to cover the transportation and labor costs to pick donated produce.

For questions and details in establishing relationships with these agencies, farmers are encouraged to contact Audrey Campos at Connecticut Food Bank at 203-469-5000 ext. 336 or Steve Slipchinsky, Regional Market Project Manager at 860-286-7860 Ext. 134.

www.foodshare.org

September 2014 5

Claverack, NY • 800.362.4404Dayville, CT • 800.327.6785Enfield, CT • 800.562.2235Middletown, NY • 888.792.3276

FarmCreditEast.com

PayrollServices

“ “

Running a farm requires complete focus. We can’t afford to be distracted by payroll.” – Jason Schwab

Trying to do a job like preparing their payroll could put the Schwabs at financial risk. Now, they just fax employee hours to us, and we do the rest. Their payroll checks arrive the very next day. Call Farm Credit East and we’ll do the same for you.”

– Kate Kautz, Farm Credit East

(Continued from cover)

Members should negotiate their best deal with their preferred Polaris dealer and then add the manufacturer’s incentive discount to the bottom line. There is no limit to the number of incentive discounts that a Farm Bureau member may use so long as it’s no more than one per unit acquired and the acquisition is made for their personal and/or business use. Youth models are not included in this program.

Farm Bureau members can learn more about this program and view the equipment models by visiting www.cfba.org, log in with their membership number and password, and visit the Member Benefits page. All the links with vehicle and dealership details are posted there. Questions about this new benefit, or for assistance with downloading certificates, can be directed to Ashley McCullough, Director of Membership and County Support at 860-768-1104.

CFBA Offers Discounts on Polaris

The 2015 Young Farmer and Rancher Awards applications, prizes and qualifications are now available online, or by calling the Connecticut Farm Bureau office.

The Connecticut Farm Bureau Association annually conducts two awards competitions: the Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award and the Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award. All CFBA Young Farmers are encouraged to apply.

Selection of the winning Young Farmer in the Achievement Award is based on his/her efforts in production agriculture and leadership achievement. Participation in this program with individual recognition and the resulting publicity will help build the organization and the future of Connecticut agriculture.

CFBA also conducts a Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award annually. The Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award participants will be judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, and their involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.

All applicants must be a Connecticut Farm Bureau member between the ages of 18 and 35, and have some involvement with the Young Farmer program. The winner of the 2015 Awards will be announced at the 2014 CFBA Annual Meeting on November 14, 2014. The winners will go on to compete nationally at the American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA.

All awards entries are due at the CFBA state office by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, September 24. Late entries will not be accepted. As part of the state recognition and award, CFBA will help defer some of the costs of attending the AFBF Annual Meeting in San Diego. For more information please contact Ashley McCullough, 860-768-1104 or AshleyM@cfba.org.

Young Farmer Awards Deadline September 24

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LAWRENCE REAL ESTATE“We Care”

FARMS, LAND, ESTATES & HORSE PROPERTIES BUYERS AGENT

GARY H. LAWRENCE, CRBOWNER/BROKER

Web Site Email www.glawrencesells.com gary@lawrencesells.com

Cell: (860) 428 - 9126 126 Storrs Road

Mansfield Center, CT 06250

Connecticut Farm Bureau has posted an Emergency Preparedness for Agriculture Webinar on its website, the latest tool available to farmers to help agricultural operations plan ahead for disasters—whether weather-related, man-made, biological or technological. In addition to the hour-long webinar, which was recorded in June, CFBA has expanded links to resources on the website so Farm Bureau can be the go-to resource for creating the farm emergency plan. Farms can access this information at www.cfba.org under Resources.

Farm Bureau offered on-farm emergency planning workshops this spring. Featured speakers included Jeff Williams, Deputy Director, Office of Emergency Management for the Town of Groton who presented on creating an Action Plan Specific to Your Operation. Mr. Williams, as well as Risk Management Agency’s Joe Bonelli are the featured speakers

on the webinar. The Disaster Preparedness for Agriculture workshops and webinar were funded by a grant from Risk Management Agency.

At Blue Slope Farm in Franklin, the planning workshop included a presentation on unique issues related to livestock presented by Joyce Meader, Dairy/Livestock Educator, UConn Extension Service as well as Joseph Bonelli, Associate Extension Educator at UConn and RMA, on Risk Management. He updated attendees on crop insurance. “This insurance puts a safety net under your operations,” Mr. Bonelli said. Other informative presentations emphasizing the importance of planning were offered by Brandon Glidden, assistant chief for the Franklin Fire Department offering tips to facilitate cooperation with local responders before and during emergencies, and Matt Wraight of Lyons & Wraight, Nationwide Insurance on concerns from an insurability perspective.

Host Craig Staebner provided some first-hand anecdotes about emergency situations they’ve faced on his family’s own 585-acre farm. With dairy, goats, maple syrup, trucking and a non-profit farm tool museum that hosts events, there are a number of situations that need to be anticipated with a plan in place. Mr. Staebner offered a guided tour following the presentation with the assembled experts so real-world observations about emergency response could be shared.

The webinar and links are the latest efforts by Farm Bureau to help Connecticut farmers be prepared. With four years of severe weather events in all seasons, farms have faced a mixed bag of emergency situations. Farm Bureau worked with a grant from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture to mail emergency planning guidance and an emergency contact form to all Connecticut farms. A database has also been established of farmers willing to loan equipment or other resources to other farmers, which can be shared with local emergency responders. As a result of this planning work, the Department of Agriculture also established a special hot-line activated in times of statewide emergencies so the agricultural community can reach out to

report localized needs to the state’s five emergency response and statewide emergency management system.

“As a result of these two grant-supported projects, Farm Bureau has a much better handle on how the state prioritizes its emergency response and how to get help to farmers when they need it,” says Joan Nichols, Director of Member Relations and Community Outreach. “We sincerely hope that farm managers will take the time to tap into the resources we’ve collected, listen to the webinar, and use the Ready-Ag materials created by Penn State to create an emergency plan for every operation. Emergency preparedness is not a pleasant subject, but it’s a critical element of managing a farm business. ”

CFBA Provides Guidance on Emergency Preparedness for Farms

Jeff Williams, Deputy Director of the Town of Groton’s Office of Emergency Management offered advice to farmers about creating an action plan in case of disasters, and suggested updating it each year. Mr. Williams has served as a valuable resource to Farm Bureau, providing advice on how farmers should work with their local emergency management contacts and within the state’s five-region structure.

Blue Slope Farm in Franklin hosted an on-farm emergency preparedness workshop for CFBA. With a diverse operation including dairy and livestock, trucking, agritourism and maple syrup production, the Staebner family incorporates many considerations into its farm emergency plan.

September 2014 7

WITH OUR NEIGHBORSAt the Table

Betsy Molodich of Sterling owns and operates Betsy’s Stand. When her daughter Katie was born in 1994, Betsy decided to use her 10 years of experience working at neighboring Westview Orchards and begin her own vegetable business keeping her closer to home and the new baby.

Twenty years later things have changed and grown—both Betsy’s family and her business. She started with one acre of sweet corn and “a few rows of beans.” Now she manages 17 acres total, including 10 acres of sweet corn, an acre of blueberries, a new peach orchard, greenhouse tomatoes, raspberries and an amazing variety of vegetables, including “quite a few rows of beans.” She also has another

job—President of the Northeast Connecticut Farmers’ Market. The organization has 15 producers who take part in many of the six markets in northeastern Connecticut. Betsy is also active in her local Grange, Agriculture Commission and is a member of Windham County Farm Bureau.

Now twenty, her daughter Katie, shown at left, has recently graduated from UConn with an Associate degree in Plant Science and has joined Betsy working full-time at the stand. The farm stand is only one of the locations where they market their produce. They also set up a market stall at six farm markets, ranging from Bozrah to Putnam. Their season begins May 1 with bedding plants, vegetable plants and hanging baskets, and continues through November as they sell their popular sweet corn, blueberries and tomatoes.

Betsy enjoys sharing cooking tips she has gleaned from her customers and her own kitchen experience. “Growing in popularity, for example, are garlic scapes, the stem and fruit from the garlic plant in mid-summer before garlic is harvested. They can be used just like garlic bulbs for flavorings, or cooked and eaten like asparagus,“ Betsy says. “They’re also great

sautéed with swiss chard and used in salads and soups.”

The farm stand is located on Rte. 49 in Sterling, nestled into the Molodich Dairy Farm. Betsy’s husband, Mike, and his four brothers milk 250 cows on their 450 acre farm. That’s where you will find 16 year old son Andrew as

he gets ready to join his dad in the dairy business.

“Betsy’s Stand is well-known for our awesome sweet corn, great-tasting greenhouse tomatoes, and our sweet, delicious blueberries,” adds Betsy. “Come see us up on the hill!”

Late summer in Connecticut is a tasty time to Take the 10% Pledge. The CT 10% Campaign aims to encourage consumers to choose food and garden goods that travel less than 100 miles. When your family or business takes the 10% pledge to spend at least $10 on Connecticut grown out of every $100 on the food you buy, your food dollar helps support local food producers.

To learn about how to Take the 10% Pledge and where you can find local pick-your-own farms or farmstands, just visit www.buyctgrown or www.ct.gov/doag

“At the Table with our Neighbors” is a regular contribution from the CFBA Women’s Leadership Committee. WLC is committed to spreading the word to Connecticut consumers about the abundance of food and fiber produced by the incredible farmers in this state. Enjoy!

Going to Market with Connecticut Fruits and Vegetables

www.cfba.org

There are so many more ways to enjoy Connecticut-grown sweet corn other than straight off the cob . Plus it’s available right through until frost in October. Try this hot dish for your family on a chilly fall night.

Corn and Cheese Casserole

Zucchini bread is a favorite any time of year. This recipe makes enough to bake a loaf to enjoy now and freeze one for later when the weather cools and you need a treat to go with that hot chocolate and a good book.

Zucchini Bread

9 Slices of Bread

3 Cups Connecticut Milk - Scalded

1 lb. Grated, Sharp Cheddar Cheese

9 Connecticut Eggs - Well Beaten

4 Cups Fresh (or Frozen) Connecticut Sweet Corn

1 Tsp. Salt

1 Tbsp. Sugar

Break bread into small pieces, in large mixing bowl. Mix in eggs, sugar, salt, cheese, corn and milk. Bake in greased 9x13 pan that is placed in water on a cookie sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour, or until egg mixture is set in center.

1 Cup Vegetable Oil

3 Connecticut Eggs

2 Cups Granulated Sugar

2 Cups Unpeeled, Grated Connectcut Zucchini

3 Cups Flour

3 Tsp. Cinnamon

1 tsp. Baking Soda

1/2 tsp. Baking Powder

1 Tsp. Salt

1 Cup Nuts - Chopped

1 Tsp. Vanilla

1 cup Connecticut Apples - Diced

Blend oil, eggs, sugar and zucchini. Add remaining ingredients. Bake in 3 small or 2 large loaf pans at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes.

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Fairfield County Martina Andujar, Richard Augustynowicz, Luis Baez, Sonia Blanco, Margaret Brady, Melina Brown, Natalie Clarke, Russ Cook, Lanchelle Davis, Edward Dehm, Eileen Dehm, Gary Delvecchio, Ani Eblighatian, Paul F. Falco, Diana Figueroa, Keith Fredlund, Valrose Green-cubano, Jeffrey Griffin, Alex Horwatt, Tyler Hurvul, Linda Kalata, Cathy Lobosco, Stephen Main, Amrik Mann, Brian Mccauley, Juan Montoya, Carlos Moreno, Timothy Morgan, Daniel Murtha, Jerid O’Connell, John Panigutti, Dorrine Pappas, Sean Pluchino, Sridhar Potnuru, Fred Powell, Joann Prescott, William Prince, Brenda Rivera, Jason Rodriguez, Stephanie Rosario, Gail Rossi, Sara Ruiz, Mariano Sanchez, Tim Slipyi, Thomas Trigonis

Hartford County Brenda Acampora, Tina Allinder, John Aniskoff, Diana Bartlet, Randi Bechard, David Bengtson, Gene Bernaiche, Richard Bernier, David Blake, Boris Braginski, Donald K. Burnham, Elizabeth Buzanoski, Scott Cain, Erik Callo, Lynda Callo, Thavy Chhean, Ralph Chiaradia, David Cronin, Glen Damboise, Daniel Depinto, Rita Dirocco, Michael W. Dzen Jr., Andrae Ellis, Sidney Eragene, Christopher Erikson, Aimee Finlay, William Forbes, Gina Galvin, Jose Garcia, Scott Hadley, Ashley Hall, Dorothy Henry, Marianne Herold, Linda H. Hunt,, Brittany Jackson, Nicole Jordan, Doris Kampe, Stephen Kelly, Dwayne Kertanis, Richard Kraiza, Emily Laflamme, Lionel Lessard, Angie Loleta, Alan Mantello, Sandra Matthews, Eloise Mccormack, Erik Mengden, Mauricio Meza, Beatrice Montgomery, Cheryl Mucci, Donald Mucci,, Chad Munroe, Coda Oliver, Dawn Ostroski, Ankita Patel, Jose Perez, Jr., Jose Perez, Scott Perry, Diina Petillo, Peter Presic, Laura Quinn, Jose Ramos, Jorge Reyes, Wilfredo Rodriguez, Jessica Rollins, Jonathan Roman, Judith Root, Bonnie Rotondo, Joseph Rotondo,

Hartford County (cont.) Niranjan Sankaranarayanan, Jean Satchell, Maura Sergio, Sumranie Singh, Jeffery Singleton, Oswald Smith, Gail Spada, Stephen Sullivan, Madison Swilling, Laren Taylor, Julian Tinsley, Joann Truzinski, Alexis Vargas, Tina Virola, Dan Zak

Litchfield County Berat Ajro, Kim Baldino, Brian Casey, Margaret Commerford, P. Timothy Commerford, George Figueroa, Jeffrey Gladding, Christopher Haggart, Edward Kittle, Joseph Lucas, Dan Lufkin, Andres Macias Gonzalez, Ashley Melfi, Walter Melfi, Xavier Pesantez, Frederick Pesce, Alexis Rojas, Carol Royal, Elizabeth Smith, Pam Wilhelm

Middlesex County Niamkey Amichia, James Barrett, Michaela Bentley, Michael Carr, Susan Casagrande, Nicholas Cirillo, Dana Courtney, Ronald Dunn, Daniel Frazier, Eric Handel, Dwight Johnson, Teresa Kowalski, Matthew Lockwood, Bradford Martin, Kara Mather, Angela Priest, Rickey Quirk, Chris Salafia, Wendy Savino, George Smith, Shayne Smith, Ruthan Watts, Christopher Weiss, Joe Wettemann, Donna Willis, Bruce Zila

New Haven County Victor Addorisio, Augustin Aguirre, Matthew Alterio, Victor Alvarez, Robert Amato, Carol Amico, Diane Augar, Joey Badillo, Clive Bailey, Diane Barbera, William Barron, Andrew Benbow, Angela Borrelli, Harry Brady, Eugene Broderick, Mary Burns, Lisa Cafaro, Luis Chumpitaz, Timothy Czaplinski, Cottes Daisy, Dominic Defelice, Valerie Defelice, Stephen Demonico, Michael Dewar, Deepan Divatia, Jane Dockery, Elizabeth Doherty, Stan Dombroski, Mark Ehrlich, John Elliott, Renee Esposito, Derek Fernandes, Jeanne M. Folsom, William Folsom,

New Haven County (cont.) Madeline Gahar, Daniel Gaudreau, Peter Gianquinto, John Ginnetti, Elizabeth Goldstein, Kathy Greene, Julia Hahlo, George Hampton, Erin Hart, Anibal Hernandez, Randolph Howell, Jose Jacinto, Romulo Jacome, Norman Joyce, Margaret Karbowski, Bob King, Jason Koehler, Bouachanh Manivanh, Ralph Marino, Michael Meahan, Thomas Micci, Dan Michaud, Jacqueline Milton, Megan Moffett, Eric Molyneux, Allan Monteiro, Faith Morico, Scott Morrow, Scott Mowerson, James Muldoon, Tanya Nobile, North Guilford Nursery, Arthur Nunley, IV, David Offredi, Jeannette Offredi, Genoeffa Onofrio, Lynnette Ortiz, James Osga, Maureen Padilla, Jose Perez, Noe Perez, Paul D. Petrillo, Frank Phillips, Robert Pooley, John Przybylowski, Michael Raines, James Richetelli, Lisa Richetelli, Terry Richey, Jose Rmirez, Ronald Rudd, Ann Ruocco, Ana Santos, Michael Schuchmann, Robert Semack, Denise Shea, Frank Shea, James Simpson, Benjamin Stiles, Jeffrey Stoddard, Eton Stubbs,

New Haven County (cont.) Edward Sullivan, Aquino Sumpter, Vivian Templeton, Joseph C. Vaiuso, Kathryn Vause, Heidi Vece, Israel Velasquez, John Vendetto, Jeffrey Vita, Jerry Westlund, Glenda Wolfe, Charles Yacono

New London County Charles Yacono, Mario Alexis, Bobbie Bishandeski, Scott Hurne, Bruce Johnson, Patrick Joyce, Zandy Lord, Dennis Mcgee, Benjamin Topkin, Matt Wales

Tolland County Arlis S. Bobb, Randy B. Bobb, Tracie Canestrari, Kaley Carr, Cameron Falkowski, Chester Falkowski, Rick Frasca, David Gavlak, Kerry Gavlak, George Green, Andrew Mackay, Laurie Miller, Diane Provenzano, Joseph Remesch, Anthony Tantillo, Pamela Yonika

Windham County James C. Beanland, Thomas Beausoleil, Maria Cintron, James Donovan, Michael Krukoff, Russell Medbery, Clarence Quinones, Oswaldo Rodriguez, Douglas T. Stearns

Welcome New Members 5/1/14 – 6/30/14

Sustaining Sponsor

Nationwide® Insurance

Platinum Sponsor

Farm Credit East, ACA

Gold Sponsor

Griffin Greenhouse and Nursery Supplies

Silver Sponsors

Connecticut Department of Agriculture

eBenefits Group Northeast

PurePoint Energy, LLC

Sullivan Tire

The Farmer’s Cow

Bronze Sponsors

Connecticut Farm Risk Management (RMA)

Crop Production Services

Farm Tek

GCR Tire Centers

John Deere

Kahn Tractor

Lyman Orchards

Monsanto

Northeast SARE

Stanton Equipment

W.I. Clark Company

Thank you to our 2013-2014 Business Sponsors

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September 2014 9

Farm Dairy Prices Yield Good News for Farmers

The year started off strong for the dairy industry in the northeastern U.S., and prices of all dairy products continue to hold as the year progresses. The Statistical Uniform Price (SUP) of milk for dairy producers in the North East for February 2014 was $24.42 per hundredweight (CWT) according to the North East Marketing Order. The February SUP was $1.49/CWT above the January price of $22.93/CWT.

Overall, the SUP set a record high not only for the month of February but for the North East

Order and was $1.20/$CWT higher than the previous record high set in August 2011. Milk receipts declined somewhat in February but were the third highest ever for the month on a per day basis.

The accompanying graph clearly shows the growth in SUP milk price over the past two years and the first seven months of 2014. Economists are predicting that 2014 will be continue to be a strong year for milk producers.

Factors such as high export demand, higher cull cow prices and reduced grain prices will spell much better times for dairy farmers.

Such factors apparently are working throughout the year as the SUP milk price continues its strong level. For example, the SUP in July 2014 was $24.75/ CWT. Also, during July, the

total volume of producers’ milk receipts was the largest ever for July and the second highest since May 2013.

Producers in Connecticut, it should be noted, have responded to the high SUP price of milk. For example, in August 2013 a low of 106 producers participated, and in the 2014 period, 111 and 110 producers have participated in the NE FMMO.

However, economists note that per-capita consumption of fluid milk continues to drop in the United States. In the world markets milk consumption continues to grow as increasing Gross Domestic Product growth drives people to consume more protein in their diets, and increasing demand is good news for U.S. dairy farmers.

Sources: North East Federal Milk Marketing Order, Boston, MA

Submitted By: Bernard Dzielinski, Fairfield County Farm Bureau

FMMONE Statistical Uniform Price of Milk30

25

20

15

10

5

02012 2013 2014

SUP

$/C

WT

It’s time to plan your trip to sunny San Diego for the 2015 American Farm Bureau Federation’s Convention, January 11-14, 2015. Join Farm Bureau leaders from throughout the nation. If you’re planning to attend, please contact Ashley McCullough at 860-768-1104 for details.

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We provide a full range of mechanical services for medium and heavy duty trucks and trailers.

Sullivan Tire expertise goes way beyond our full range of tire services. Our master technicians are ready to meet all your mechanical needs as well. From regularly

scheduled preventative maintenance to assistance in the event of a breakdown, Sullivan Tire is here to get you there and back again.

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Farm Bureau’s Tobacco and Equine Advisory Committees LaunchedSoliciting feedback and guidance from two important commodity groups, Connecticut Farm Bureau (CFBA) recently hosted kickoff meetings of the Equine Advisory Committee and the Tobacco Advisory Committee. The eight existing Commodity Advisory Committees are tasked with providing advice and input to the CFBA Board of Directors. After discussion and review, these priority areas and recommendations are passed on to the State Board of Directors for evaluation.

With more than 50,000 horses, Connecticut has the largest number of horses of any New England state. Horse farms play a key role in the local farming economy. Industry experts Geoffrey Allison of Shallowbrook Equestrian Center in Somers, John Bennett of John Bennett Stables in Putnam, Armand Chenelle of Windcrest Farm in Hebron, Joe McAllister of Rolling M Ranch in Southbury, George Mead

of Mead Farm in Stamford, Joe Newman of Treasure Hill Farm in Salem and Sally Hinkle Russell of Mystic Valley Hunt Club in Gales Ferry were recruited to share their insights on the challenges of running horse farms in Connecticut.

While their discussion touched on many issues, members identified liability waivers, workers’ compensation and unemployment premiums as high priorities. Unfortunately, unlike other neighboring states, Connecticut lacks a common uniform horseback rider liability waiver form. Members agreed that streamlining and simplifying this paperwork was a top primary concern. They also cited confusion about workers’ compensation rate-setting and surprisingly high start-up rates as an area for review. Finally, the group raised the issue of unemployment premiums, which place an additional burden on horse farms because of their seasonal hiring schedules.

In addition to being widely respected for growing a world-class product, Connecticut tobacco farmers generate 10% of the total agricultural sales in Connecticut. Those unfamiliar with Connecticut tobacco may not know that our farmers grow crops primarily for cigar wrappers, cigar filler and cigar binder. Industry representatives for this commodity advisory committee tapped to provide input and advice on pressing issues for tobacco farmers include Bill Dufford of Riverview Farms in South Glastonbury, Steve Jarmoc of Jarmoc Farms in Enfield, Ed Kasheta of Kasheta Farms in South Windsor, Bill Leahey of Leahey Farm in Suffield and Glen Vincent of Vincent Farms in West Suffield.

Committee members agreed that crop insurance, immigration reform and workers’ compensation were all priority issues. Members

explained how the current crop insurance policies create unintended incentives for buyers to under-value the product. Despite the long-running national debate on immigration reform, members still pressed for reforms that would simplify the immigration process for visiting farm workers. Lastly, the high cost of workers’ compensation was also identified as a critical area for reform.

Seven of the eight Farm Bureau commodity groups have met over the last year and several priority areas appear to cut across commodity lines. Workers’ compensation, immigration and labor issues and unemployment insurance have all been identified as priority issues in more than one commodity group.

CFBA staff will continue to meet and work with these and other commodity advisory committees in the future.

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September 2014 11

Staying Ahead of the Technology Curve: Insuring Drones

NATIONWIDE INSURANCE IS THE ENDORSED PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCE PROVIDER FOR CONNECTICUT FARM BUREAU MEMBERS.

CONNECTICUT FARM BUREAU MEMBER SERVICES

“As the use of drones has increased, we realized there was a gap in coverage,” says Brent Van Roekel, Underwriting Director, Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Co., Des Moines, IA. “Insurance policies farmers and agribusinesses have typically excluded liability coverage for aircraft. To keep up with the technology and with customers’ needs, we needed to address that issue. We want to make sure our customers are covered appropriately.”

Drones are an issue some insurance companies haven’t wanted to tackle. “Some insurance companies indicated they’re not interested in covering drones mostly because of the privacy aspects you might potentially have,” he said. “We recognize that potential exists but, based on the quality of our customers, we feel it’s a smaller risk. We see the use of drones as becoming essential for the ag economy, so we need to be able to provide a solution.”

Nationwide Agribusiness began writing coverage for customers using drones at the end of 2013. “It’s not a separate policy,” Van Roekel explained. “It’s an endorsement we add to the policy we’re already providing

for those customers.”

Nationwide Agribusiness is not charging for this added coverage. “Since our customers are mainly using drones for crop scouting, we see this as an extension of their agronomy operation. Our feeling is this is a coverage farmers and ranchers need to fully protect that part of their business,” Van Roekel said. “We essentially built it into the agronomy piece of the coverage and are not charging an additional premium.”

Property insurance would generally include both liability and physical damage coverage on the devices. “The drones we’re seeing in use by farmers and even by agribusinesses, like co-ops, typically cost under $5,000 today, so we’re only offering liability coverage. We’re not getting requests to insure the drone itself,” Van Roekel explained. “Customers have been more interested in the liability piece. Of course, that could change as drones become larger and more expensive.”

As farms, ranches and agribusinesses move toward bigger and more expensive equipment and drone usage expands into areas like fertilizer

and chemical application, the price structure could change.

“For the $3,000 drones doing crop scouting today, I don’t see a charge for that in the near future,” Van Roekel said. “As the industry develops and farmers and agribusinesses become more reliant on drones, I think you’ll start to see some additional charges for coverage.”

Nationwide Agribusiness officially rolled out drone coverage in March 2014.

“As with all our coverages, our drone coverage will change as the industry and our customers’ operations change,” Van Roekel said. “We’re trying to stay far

enough in front of our customers’ needs so we can help protect their assets and they’re not behind the curve.”

Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company is a member of Nationwide®. Nationwide Agribusiness, rated A+ (Superior) by The A.M. Best Company, is the country’s #1 insurer of farms and ranches, and a leading insurer of commercial agribusiness, and related businesses in the food and fiber chain. For more information, NationwideAgribusiness.com.

Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life, farm, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more information, visit nationwide.com.

Nationwide, the Nationwide framemark, and On Your Side are registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

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Farm Bureau Local Connecticut Farms at Work Tour Visits Fairfield County Women’s Leadership Committee Hosts Second Bus Tour with Connecticut Humanities Council

Want to visit a sheep farm, learn about this season’s wine grape harvest or ride on a working shellfish boat on Long Island Sound? The Women’s Leadership Committee of the Connecticut Farm Bureau has obtained grant funding to host a bus tour for adults to three agricultural operations in Fairfield County, Connecticut on Saturday, October 4.

The tour is funded in part by a grant from the Connecticut Humanities Council under its project, Connecticut at Work. The grants support a wide range of community-oriented programs that examine the past,

present and future of work in the lives of Connecticut residents.

The three farm visits includes Sepe Farm in Sandy Hook to learn about lamb and wool products hosted by Carol and Pete Sepe. Another stop will be a tour with Norm Bloom & Son, a shellfish operation in Norwalk which will host the group on one of their boats on Long Island Sound. The third stop will be Jones Family Farm and Winery, a popular multi-generation farm in Shelton which grows fruits and vegetables, Christmas trees and features a Connecticut farm winery. The early fall scenery should be lovely to see en route

and on the sites of these three farming operations.

The $45 per ticket tour also includes a Connecticut-grown lunch and wine tasting, and offers a great value for a day-long farming experience.

Feedback from visitors who enjoyed the Farm Bureau Local Connecticut Farms at Work Tour in northeastern Connecticut in early August was very positive. “I learned many things today, but one method I learned about was row planting and rotating crops,” reported one of the tour guests. Another visitor observed, “Connecticut farmers really

need to be creative and diversify to be profitable. As a resident, I’m really impressed with all the farming that’s going on in our great state!”

To reserve a space on the bus, visit www.cfba.org under EVENTS. Seating is limited. The bus tour departs Monroe at 8:30 am, and will conclude after dinner about 7:30 pm.