Burt is a military leader authorized to submit small businesses for a micro-grant that is sponsored by the U.S. military. The grants are small, never totaling more than $5,000, but are designed to help small businesses improve operations and in turn bring economic stability to areas of Iraq that are rebuilding.

The recipients of the micro-grants are thoroughly vetted to ensure the legitimacy and sustainability of their business ventures before being awarded the grant.

Burt and his platoon have been providing micro-grants for farmers on the outskirts of southern Baghdad who need help getting water to their crops. Burt says the existing system of pumps to bring water from the Tigress River to the farmers was in need of repair, and with a micro-grant, the company was able to provide pumps to get water from the larger canals to the smaller canals that the farmers can use for irrigation.

Additional grants have been used to get supplies to the farmers.

“We’ve been able to provide water, seed, fertilizer and pesticides,” Burt says. “The rotation before us used a grant to create a farmers’ co-op where farmers can rent tractors and equipment to work their fields.”

Not all of the micro-grants are given to farmers. Some have been used to boost other businesses like ration shops and mechanic shops. Burt’s company has been responsible for 16 grants in the past eight months.

The grants are also helping the soldiers build relationships with people in the area.

“Even during the surge, (the Iraqis) said nobody talked to them or came to see them,” Burt says. “Now they say how much they appreciate what we’re doing and how much it’s helping them. They really trust us and feel comfortable with us for their security.”

And by working closely with members of the Iraqi police, they are able to help the citizens gain trust in their new security.

“Working with the Iraqi security forces frees us up to do other things and allows the people to see them as the good guys and enforcement,” Burt says. “It helps them rebuild Iraqi relationships and get ‘wasta.’”

“Wasta” is an Arabic term for influence and credibility.

“By building up the industry here, it gets rid of the bad people that cause problems and enables the good,” Burt says. “They feel safe and they’re getting the help they need, and they won’t do anything to jeopardize those relationships.”

Burt’s platoon is currently wrapping up its grant projects in Iraq and preparing to return home in February.

…and Closer to Home

North Carolina Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company workstation specialist Ken Colvin does double duty. He is also Sgt. 1st Class Ken Colvin with the North Carolina National Guard. Colvin initially joined the U.S. Army in 1987 to become a Russian linguist, but by the early 1990s, it was clear to him that computers were his calling. When Colvin joined the National Guard in 2002, he put his professional computer skills to good use.

“I felt a real calling after Sept. 11,” Colvin says. “And I had the skills to make a difference. My dad was a WWII veteran, and he passed those values down to me. Part of it is patriotic, but part of it is feeling that somebody’s got to do it, and if I can’t count on me, who can I count on?”

When Colvin joined the National Guard he was employed at Farm Bureau working in information technology. The skills he had gained professionally transferred to his Guard job of computer support and communication security.

But the true test came in November 2008, when for the first time in his 17 years of service, he was deployed. While Colvin was deployed in Iraq from November 2008 to September 2009, he was in charge of the computer help- desk for his brigade, which included about 2,000 user accounts. Even more importantly, Colvin was responsible for communication security or making sure encrypted radio communications couldn’t be decoded by opposing forces.

Though Colvin hadn’t anticipated being deployed to Iraq after so many years of service, he is happy with the work he was able to do. His family is proud of him, too. “My daughters were shocked when they heard the news,” he says. “But I think they were proud to have their dad in Iraq.”

CATAWBA COUNTY FARM BUREAU Board of Director’s Member Lucas Richard received the Outstanding Contributor to Agriculture Award for 2009. The award is presented each year as part of the Farm City Banquet Program, which was held Nov. 24 at the Hickory American Legion Meeting Hall.

CLAY COUNTY FARM BUREAU Members participated in the county’s Tractor Parade on Sept. 19. The parade, sponsored by the Clay County Tractor Club, stretched almost two miles and included about 80 entries, from a 1940 Farmall to the latest farm equipment. The event raised $3,000 for the Dwight Smith Scholarship Fund, created in honor of a local resident killed in a farming accident. The money will be awarded to a student studying for a career in agriculture, farming or forestry.

COLUMBUS COUNTY FARM BUREAU Member Garland McCullen was among the first 100 inductees to the North Carolina 4-H Hall of Fame in summer 2009. McCullen was Agriculture Extension Agent and Extension Service County Director.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY FARM BUREAU honored Justin Kyle Smith as its Young Farmer of the Year during its annual meeting. Smith, 23, is a 2007 graduate of North Carolina State University with a degree in agricultural business management. He currently produces 700 acres of cotton, 350 acres of soybeans and 25 acres of tobacco with his father on their family farm.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY FARM BUREAU awarded Bill Tew with its Outstanding Service Award. Tew is a Member of NCFB’s Board of Directors, as well as the county Vice President.
Tew is a shining example of outstanding achievement and public service. Among Tew’s many achievements, are the following highlights:
Served as a Cumberland County Farm Bureau Board Member for 37 years.
Served as a North Carolina Farm Bureau State Board Member for 17 years.
Served on the USDA Farm Service Agency Community Committee for 15 years.
Served on Agricultural Advisory Boards.

DAVIE COUNTY FARM BUREAU presented retiring Board Member Charles Phillips a plaque honoring him for 46 years of service. Fellow Board Member Edwin Boger presented Phillips with the recognition during the county Annual Meeting.

DUPLIN COUNTY FARM BUREAU Women’s Committee recently presented 37 one-gallon bags of drink tabs, which were collected for the Ronald McDonald House. Also, they presented a check for $50 to the Kenansville Fire Department.

DUPLIN COUNTY FARM BUREAU held its county Annual Meeting on Oct. 15, with guests Ben Parrish and Josh Smith from the Sheriff’s Department Gang Enforcement Unit. They presented a gang awareness program to about 220 members during the annual meeting.

FRANKLIN COUNTY FARM BUREAU recently participated in the third North Carolina Goat & Sheep Producers Roundup at the Guilford County Cooperative Extension Center in Greensboro. Franklin County Farm Bureau’s Board of Directors sponsored the “NC Chefs Cook-off of Lamb and Chevon,” which included a $2,000 prize for the winning chefs. Catawba Farm Bureau Member and goat producer Susan Proctor was one of three judges in the competition. The two-day event drew more than 135 goat and sheep producers from North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. It also included educational sessions and a training session for youth.

HAYWOOD COUNTY FARM BUREAU honored dairy farmer Wade Francis during its Annual Meeting for 48 years of dedicated service to the organization. Francis served 19 years as county President and 28 years on the state Board of Directors. During his service as President, Francis was instrumental in moving Haywood County Farm Bureau from rented property to its own property and a new state-of-the-art building to serve the membership. Francis worked diligently to address the concerns of county and state farmers on issues concerning production agriculture, and was an outstanding spokesman for vocational education, farm land-use tax, farmland preservation, agriculture research and environmental issues. Haywood County’s 4,500 members are appreciative of the 48 years of leadership Francis gave the organization.

HAYWOOD COUNTY FARM BUREAU was recognized for its support for NCFB’s Agriculture in the Classroom Program. The county paid the salary of nine substitute teachers and provided breakfast and lunch for workshop participants. Attendees included Anne Garrett, Superintendant of Schools; Terry Rogers, Haywood County Farm Bureau President; Sandy Caldwell, Elementary Supervisor; and Chuck Francis, School Board Chairman.

IREDELL COUNTY FARM BUREAU recently presented financial aid to the county’s five Future Farmers of America chapters. County President David Sides, fourth from left, presented representatives from the five chapters with the donations.

LEE COUNTY FARM BUREAU was a sponsor of the Third Annual Meat Goat Show held Sept. 16 at the Lee Regional Fair. The event included a Showmanship Competition and exhibitors from Richmond, Moore, Montgomery, Hoke, Anson and Lee counties. County Farm Bureau President John Cameron and Katherine Southard, Miss North Carolina 2009, presented ribbons to the winners of the goat show.

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY FARM BUREAU established an Agriculture Foundation endowment in honor of NCFB Senior Vice President J.M. Wright Jr. The $50,000 endowment is a scholarship for Rockingham County students planning to attend North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, or a North Carolina community college to study for a career in agriculture or agri-science. The endowment honors the commitment that Wright has demonstrated as a leader and former President of the Rockingham County Farm Bureau. Rockingham County Farm Bureau previously established an endowment at Rockingham Community College and provides three $1,000 scholarships.

SAMPSON COUNTY FARM BUREAU Women’s Committee served a pizza and Pepsi lunch to the Compensatory Education Class at Sampson Community College. About 50 people were served.

WAKE COUNTY FARM BUREAU Women’s Committee recently visited Hope Chapel preschoolers to help educate them during their farm unit of study. Sixty children milked a cow, made “moo masks,” painted pumpkins and made pumpkin pie snacks. Also, Women’s Committee Member Michelle Dupree delivered pumpkins to kindergarten and first-grade classes at Willow Springs Elementary School.

WILSON COUNTY FARM BUREAU Women’s Committee recently held a car seat safety check at Rock Ridge Elementary School, with the help of the school’s principal, the Highway Patrol, the Department of Transportation and the local EMS. Before the event, parents were notified that when they came to drop their child off at school, they could have their child’s safety seat inspected to make sure it was positioned and secured in their vehicle properly. Parents were also given pamphlets on car seat safety. The inspections were free.

COUNTY FARM BUREAU Members from Anson, Ashe, Catawba, Iredell, McDowell, Lincoln, Rowan and Yadkin counties traveled to Moultrie, Ga. in October 2009 to attend the Sunbelt Agricultural Expo. North Carolina Farm Bureau President Larry Wooten also attended this year’s event as North Carolina was the Spotlight State in 2009. NCFB, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, North Carolina State University and The N.C. State Grange collaborated on an exhibit representing North Carolina agriculture. Henderson County sod farmer Fred Pittillo was recognized as the North Carolina Farmer of the Year.

WAKE COUNTY FARM BUREAU set up interactive agricultural displays at the Jordan Lake Heritage Day on Oct. 3. Vice President Richard Jenks showed visitors how to shell corn and loop tobacco. Michelle and Melanie Dupree offered children the chance to milk a cow, make a “moo mask,” and choose an activity book to take home. About 50 children participated.

WAYNE COUNTY FARM BUREAU Members Bryant and Debbie Worley were among the four winners nationwide of the 2009 Pork Industry Environmental Steward Award given by Pork Checkoff in conjunction with National Hog Farmer Magazine. Judges representing pork producers and environmental groups selected Bryant Worley Farms, Inc. of Princeton from among candidates who demonstrate commitment to upholding the ideal relationship between pork production and the environment. The Worley’s operate their farm with the thinking that farmers were the first environmentalists, and they were previously honored in 2005 as the North Carolina Soil and Water Association’s Outstanding Conservation Farm Family. The Worley’s also played an important role in raising the 2009 National Thanksgiving Turkey presented by the National Turkey Federation for the White House “Pardoning.” The Worley Family Farm, growers for Goldsboro Milling, Company, Inc., cared for the birds.

NORTH CAROLINA FARM BUREAU’S LEAD TEAM had its fall conference Sept. 17-19 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Asheville. The focus of this September’s conference was Communicating with the Media. Bob Wilson, of American Farm Bureau, conducted a session called “Have I Got A Story for You,” during which participants held mock interviews with each other and were critiqued. The group visited WLOS-TV’s station to learn how television programs are put together and how to prepare themselves for television interviews. They also visited the Asheville Citizen-Times newspaper, where they met with the editor and the agriculture reporter to learn ways to hone their skills for print media. The conference also included a visit to the Biltmore vineyard, a workshop on the proper way to write Thank You notes and a trip to the Asheville Farmers Market.

ALAMANCE COUNTY FARM BUREAU member Jane Iseley was the subject of a “tar heel people” feature in the August issue of Our State magazine. The article told the story of how Iseley left her career as a photographer for auction house Sotheby’s to carry on her family’s farm with her uncle after the passing of her father.

DAVIDSON COUNTY FARM BUREAU

GASTON COUNTY FARM BUREAU

MCDOWELL COUNTY FARM BUREAU

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY FARM BUREAU recently held its 12th annual Progressive Foundation Kids Safety Day at Wentworth Elementary School. The event featured talks and information about electric safety, animal awareness and safety, eye and skin safety, small and large equipment safety and more. Farm Bureau logo items, including Willy the Safety Squirrel coloring books and safety booklets, propane safety brochures and others, were given to the 155 students in attendance.

YADKIN COUNTY FARM BUREAU’S

WAKE COUNTY FARM BUREAU

Horticultural Hero’s Dedication Benefits Everyone

NEW HANOVER COUNTY FARM BUREAU Vice President Durwood Baggett should be thanked for his hand in developing the state’s thriving Master Gardener program, but he isn’t done educating people about horticulture.

His generosity will continue through the recently established Durwood Baggett Extension Horticultural Program Endowment for New Hanover County.

Baggett retired from Cooperative Extension in 1978 after a 30-plus year career, but his work was not finished. Even today, he is a familiar presence at the Extension Center Arboretum.

Baggett was born in 1922 on a Sampson County farm near Spivey’s Corner, and he went to work as an assistant agricultural agent at Yancey County Cooperative Extension in 1946, after serving in World War II with Patton’s Third Army in Europe, where he was awarded a Bronze Star.

In 1950, he took the New Hanover County Agent job, which would later be re-titled County Extension Director.

By 1974, New Hanover County was becoming more urban, and he found himself fielding an increasing number of non-traditional horticulture questions. During a visit to an Extension office in Florida, Baggett learned about a program that could work in his agency.

He returned to Wilmington, and following a conversation with the county manager, he visited garden clubs to look for volunteers willing to be trained to answer questions from the public. The response was strong, and North Carolina State specialists came in and trained the volunteers to work two at a time answering calls to a sort-of horticultural hotline.

Thus, the idea for the Master Gardener program was born, and Master Gardener programs are now flourishing nationwide.

In retirement, Baggett has served on the County Extension Advisory Council and helped establish a horticultural therapy program and a 4-H junior Master Gardeners program.

In addition to his involvement in Farm Bureau, Baggett served 20 years on the Soil and Water Conservation Board of Supervisors and is a long-time Lions Club member. He is the father of three children—David, Dudley and Deborah.

BEAUFORT COUNTY Farm Bureau Member Horace Hilton Harris passed an important milestone April 1, when he celebrated his 100th birthday. Harris is a charter member of Tyrrell County Farm Bureau and is listed as an agent on an original program for the dedication ceremony of the Tyrrell County Farm Bureau office Sept. 23, 1937. Friends and family celebrated Harris’ birthday with a party in his honor.

CAMDEN COUNTY

CRAVEN COUNTY

CRAVEN COUNTY

CRAVEN COUNTY

DUPLIN COUNTY

FRANKLIN COUNTY

HYDE COUNTY

JOHNSTON COUNTY

JONES COUNTY

MECKLENBURG COUNTY Farm Bureau recently sponsored a fundraiser at Oehler’s BBQ Barn that raised more than $15,000 for the family of William Cook, who was a longtime Farm Bureau member and dairy farmer who died in October at age 54. He left behind two
special-needs children.

PASQUOTANK COUNTY

PAMLICO COUNTY Farm Bureau Member and North Carolina Farm Bureau Vice President Scott Whitford was recently honored with a plaque for his years of dedicated service, including serving as chairman, to the N.C. Pesticide Board.

SCOTLAND COUNTY Farm Bureau has donated funds to the 4-H Health and Fitness Boot Camp, which runs June 15- August 20 at the Laurel Hill Community Center.
The camp will offer about 200 Scotland County youth to participate in activities such as Tae Bo, dancing, fitness games and more to learn the importance of healthy eating and exercise. WAKE COUNTY Farm Bureau Women’s Committee Member Shirley Burt visited with students April 18 and 19 at Sunrise United Methodist Preschool in Holly Springs. All nine classes got to hear a story about life on a farm and make greenhouses to take home. Students were also given a Rudy Rooster coloring book, and teachers were given goodie bags with Ag in the Classroom brochures. WAKE COUNTY Farm Bureau recently helped with Planting Days at the garden at Willow Springs Elementary School. Willy the Safety Squirrel was joined by Women’s Committee Member Michelle Dupree to welcome students to the garden and remind them of safety rules to follow. County Vice President Richard Jenks helped students plant seeds, and Wake County Farm Bureau donated garden tools and $1,000 toward the purchase of a greenhouse. Furthermore, the Women’s Committee provided refreshments to students and presented “The Farmer Grows A Rainbow” kit to the school. WARREN COUNTY Farm Bureau recently awarded a number of scholarships. Jacob Bender, son of Jeff and Lisa Bender of Norlina, and Erin Bender, daughter of Steve and Susan Bender of Warrenton, were selected as the 2009 recipients of Warren County Farm Bureau scholarships, which are worth $1,000 and are renewable for three years upon meeting certain criteria. Jacob, a senior at Franklin Academy in Wake Forest, plans to attend N.C. State University. Erin, a 2008 graduate of Warren County High School who has served in the National Guard, will attend St. Andrews Presbyterian College. Four Warren County High Schools seniors received one-time awards of $500. They are Marcus Hargrove of Warrenton, DeKisha Hendrick of Wise, Tyler Harmon of Norlina and Jessica Kearney. Two students from North Carolina Farm Bureau families have won $1,000 FFA scholarships to pursue agricultural studies. Joy Askew of Jamesville and Elizabeth Eastep of Yanceyville are among 50 students nationwide who earned the awards, given by the National FFA Association in conjunction with the American Farm Bureau Federation and the Dodge Division of Chrysler LLC. North Carolina Farm Bureau Member Dwayne Myers, a former NCFB director from Elkin, has been elected as the new president of the Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative. Myers has been the First Vice President of the organization for the past five years, and he farms 800 acres and milks 800 cows with his wife of 35 years, Barbara, and their family in Jonesville.
Myers is also president of Dairy Cooperative Marketing Association, Southern Marketing Association, a current director and past president of Carolina Farm Credit, and a past president of the Wilkes Soil & Water Conservation District. North Carolina Farm Bureau’s WOMEN’S COMMITTEE held a silent auction that raised $3,900 for the Ag in the Classroom program. The fundraiser was part of the Women’s Conference, held March 3-4 in Raleigh. ]]> http://www.ncfbmagazine.org/2009/07/achievements-lifestyles-julyaugust-09/feed/ 1 http://www.ncfbmagazine.org/2009/07/students-pursue-college-with-aid-of-ncfb-scholarship/ http://www.ncfbmagazine.org/2009/07/students-pursue-college-with-aid-of-ncfb-scholarship/#comments Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:31:29 +0000 Farm Bureau http://www.ncfbmagazine.org/dev/?p=1792 Six North Carolina young adults planning to study agriculture or related fields upon entering college this fall are recipients of the R. Flake Shaw Scholarship, North Carolina Farm Bureau’s top academic award.

The renewable scholarship is valued at $3,000 per year and provides each recipient with a total of $12,000 over four years for tuition, books and other related expenses.

The scholarship program assists 24 college-level students each year and has provided more than $500,000 in scholarship money to agriculture students since it was founded in 1967.

All six of this year’s recipients will have the chance to meet on campus as they have all chosen North Carolina State University.

Jacob A. Bender of Warren County, a graduate of The Franklin Academy in Wake County, plans to major in agricultural engineering and mechanical engineering.

He has won several awards for showing livestock and says the experience of working on his family’s farm has been the greatest influence on his life.

“Just as the early engineers developed the irrigation systems that fed the Egyptian Empire, future agricultural leaders will lay the foundation for the continuation and advancement of the world in which we live today,” he says. “I want to be that future agricultural engineer who crafts the technology of tomorrow’s advancements in the production of food, fiber and fuel.”

Morgan D. Drake, a graduate of SouthWest Edgecombe High School, plans to major in agricultural engineering. After completing an undergraduate degree, she plans to go to graduate school, and ultimately has career goals of improving farm machinery.

“My dream is to design and help produce farm equipment that will improve production for farmers,” she says. “I hope to have a job that will allow me opportunities to travel to different states or even different countries.”

She is working on her family farm and traveling with the 4-H exchange club this summer and would like to travel outside
the U.S. to study agriculture in other countries.

Allison J. Dunn, a graduate of James B. Hunt High School in Wilson, will pursue a degree in agricultural education.

“Being an agricultural educator requires one to study various agricultural trends, practices and areas ranging from animal science to biotechnology to horticulture to agribusiness,” she says. “Each of these branches, along with numerous other areas, expands to reveal the backbone of what feeds, clothes and keeps our nation alive and thriving.”

She credits being active in the FFA Association and 4-H for teaching her to show livestock, taking part in career development events and speaking in public.

Carson L. Hilliard, a graduate of Northampton County High School East, will study either agricultural business or agronomy and plans to join the agronomy club and other organizations.

In his hometown, Seaboard, he works with the World Changers program at his church and helps at the local fire department.

“When I graduate from North Carolina State, I plan to move back home to start my own business or work with the Cooperative Extension office, helping local farmers implement new farming practices and helping them manage their business,” he says.

Taryn S. Looper, a graduate of South Caldwell High School, plans to major in animal science.

She is the fifth generation to live on the farm that has been in her family for 112 years. Last year, she attended N.C. Farm Bureau and N.C. State’s Institute for Future Agriculture Leaders and says she learned what it takes to be a leader. She put those skills into practice as FFA president her senior year.

“All of my life I have been surrounded by agriculture, and I know that my career will be related to it,” she says.

Caroline E. Yopp, a graduate of Triton High School in Dunn, was chapter and regional president of FFA. She also led an FFA gleaning project.

Yopp says she used to think she’d be a lawyer one day, until FFA and her school’s agriculture education program awakened her to the importance of agriculture. She plans to major in agricultural education, with a concentration in animal science.

“In a world where education is constantly changing, I want to be the voice of this industry in the classroom and assure the future of this industry that they will be presented with the tools they need for the real world,” she says.

Reactions to poison ivy, or its kin poison oak and poison sumac, are the most common allergy in the U.S. The potent irritant that makes poison ivy such a well-known foe is urushoil, and only a pin-head sized amount could trigger itching in roughly 500 people.

This poisonous sap is found throughout the plant, from roots to fruit, and is released when the plant is bruised or broken. The plant is surprisingly fragile, and is easily damaged by wind, wild animals and insects. Once the plant is damaged, all it takes is brushing up against it to transfer the sap from plant to skin.

“It is responsible for varying degrees of irritation from skin inflammation to blistering,” says Wake County Extension Agent Angelo Randaci. “You don’t even have to touch it. You can get it from smoke if it is being burned. It is said that even 100-year-old leaves can cause irritation.”

Once the toxin has hit skin, it works quickly, binding to skin proteins. Within 36 hours, an itchy rash and watery blisters appear. This uncomfortable reaction often lasts up to 15 days.

“The best precaution and defense is recognizing it and avoiding it,” Randaci says. “Many times though, the recognition occurs too late. After coming in contact with it, the first reaction seems to be to touch it or scratch it. The best advice is to avoid touching the exposed area no matter how badly it itches until you can wash it.”

Randaci recommends a well-known natural remedy for coping with a poison ivy reaction—jewel weed, which is found in two different varieties, with a yellow flower (Impatiens pallida) or with an orange flower (Impatiens capensis).

“The great thing about jewel weed is that it often grows right next to poison ivy and is fairly common along roadsides,” Randaci says. “It is a well-known folk remedy for poison ivy and has no reported side-effects.”

The juice of the jewel weed can be extracted from the stems or leaves and applied to the affected area. The juice can also be frozen by shredding the leaves and roots and placing them in boiling water for 15-30 minutes and then freezing in ice cube trays. Randaci also recommends applying baking soda, cooked oatmeal or vinegar to the area for relief from itching.

Many people claim to have immunity to poison ivy, but there is little validity to that statement. While some might not have had the misfortune of a reaction to poison ivy, many health professionals say that true immunity is rare.

“People’s bodies respond differently to exposure to poison ivy. You may get into it once and not experience any effects, but can get it the next time,” Randaci says. “Sometimes people who have been seemingly immune to the exposure will have a bout that will make up for all of the times when they were in it before and didn’t get it.”

In other news…Eric and Tammy McPherson hosted a multi-county Young Farmers and Ranchers meeting in August at their farm. YF&R members from Alamance, Chatham, Guilford and Rockingham counties enjoyed an afternoon with their families and each other.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY Farm Bureau held a “Hay Day” event at the Western North Carolina Nature Center on Oct. 30 in an effort to expose people to farming and rural lifestyles. The county’s Farm Bureau had a real tractor and hay baler on site to go along with the theme. Buncombe County Farm Bureau’s Greg Young (pictured in green shirt) was on hand to pass out safety tips to both children and adults. The county also supplied an event booth.

NC FARM BUREAU FEDERATION held its annual Collegiate Discussion Meet on Nov. 8 at the Federation’s headquarters in Raleigh. Contestants for this year’s meet included Crystal Roberts and Lee Tyre, both students at N.C. State University, and Jaron Jones and Carla Saunders, students at North Carolina A&T State University. The participants discussed the topic of “How do we correct misconceptions about Farm Bureau?” for approximately 25 minutes and were judged on their cooperation, communication and ability to offer constructive criticism while analyzing this agricultural problem and developing solutions. After a competitive discussion, Crystal Roberts was the winner. From Buncombe County, she is a junior at NCSU with a major in animal science. She was awarded a plaque, $500 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Sacramento, Calif., where she will represent North Carolina in the National Collegiate Discussion Meet held during the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Conference, Feb. 7-9.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY Farm Bureau member David Collier was recently named a 2008 McCloy Fellow. He was given the opportunity to travel to Germany, where he received a closer look at agricultural, farm and food-supply conditions abroad.

The McCloy Fellowship was established in 1975 and gives young Americans and Germans the opportunity to broaden their professional experience in environmental affairs, journalism, urban affairs and agricultural production.

JONES COUNTY YF&R members Trent and Rebecca Scott recently visited the first-grade class of Terri Mack and Anita Scott at A.H. Bangert Elementary School in New Bern. They read the book The Tree Farmer and presented it to Mrs. Scott and the assistant principal for the school’s library.

They took the class outside to plant a Leyland Cyprus tree, and each child was able to help dig the hole, put dirt back in the hole and then a child watered the tree. Each of the children wrote them thank-you notes and drew pictures of their visit and planting the tree.

RANDOLPH COUNTY Farm Bureau recently celebrated the Grand Opening of a new satellite office in Archdale, at 102-A Bonnie Place. On hand for the ribbon-cutting were board members Ronald Self, Bud Smith, Sheela Wright (holding her granddaughter), Jerry Davis, AnnaRae Hodgin, N.C. House Rep. Patricia Hurley, agency manager Bill Foster, Congressman Howard Coble, Archdale Mayor Bert Stone, board members Lloyd West and Jimmie Moffit, and several employees.

ROWAN COUNTY Farm Bureau sponsored a forum for all candidates for Rowan County and North Carolina offices on Thursday, Oct. 2. Candidates for the General Assembly included Lorene Coates, Ada Fisher, Andrew Brock and William Burnette. In addition, three of the four county commission candidates were present: Raymond Coltrain, Carl Ford and Jim Sides.

In other news…Farm Bureau members Jason and Robin Starnes hosted a “Day at the Farm” event for nearly 35 school children on Saturday, Oct. 4 at the couple’s farm. Jason and Robin are active in YF&R activities county and statewide. The children were entertained by a hay ride, crafts using farm products and learning how to milk a cow. The event was a fun learning experience for all who attended.

SAMPSON COUNTY Farm Bureau Women’s Committee contributed gently used items to a Duplin/Sampson fundraiser auction for Valley of Hope, a center that helps women in need, on Nov. 8 in Wallace.

WAKE COUNTY Farm Bureau Women’s Committee members Josephine Evans and Shirley Burt shared the importance of agriculture with more than 120 students when they attended the Apex Business Alliance Career Fair on Oct. 17. Each student was given an “Ag Paths to Success” brochure and viewed a poster about careers in agriculture. The fair, held at the Apex Community Center, caters to three local middle schools in the area.

In other news…Women’s Committee members Monnie Jenks and Shirley Burt visited with preschoolers and kindergartners at St. Michael’s School in Cary on Oct. 14 for an “Ag in the Classroom” event. Students learned about cows, were allowed to milk a pretend cow and made a “Moo Mask.” Burt read to the students the book Sweet Potato Pie and helped them make their own pie to eat. A total of 75 students participated. The teachers were given goody bags filled with treats and “Ag in the Classroom” brochures.

CASWELL COUNTY Farm Bureau members Donna Ligon and Jennifer Cook recently represented Farm Bureau at Aging with Gusto, a seniors’ event at the Caswell County Civic Center. Ligon and Cook distributed 150 Farm Bureau bags containing membership information, farm safety information, scratch pads and other items. Ligon and Georgie Holden also gave out information about Ag in the Classroom, lesson plans and Farm Bureau bags containing notepads and brochures during the Caswell County Schools Benefits Fair.

In other activity…Caswell County Farm Bureau recently hosted Congressman Brad Miller. The congressman talked with farmers about their concerns regarding national legislative matters. Also, Caswell County Farm Bureau held a Member Appreciation Day, where they served refreshments and hosted almost 50 guests.

CLAY COUNTY Farm Bureau was a main sponsor of the county’s Tractor Parade, Sept. 27. The parade, organized by the Clay County Tractor Club, featured 76 tractors of all models and years, the oldest being a 1933 model and the newest a 2008 model. The $20 entry fee for the tractors went to a Hayesville High School Scholarship fund. An estimated 1,500 spectators, including State Sen. John Snow, attended the parade, where they were given the chance to look at and ask about the tractors, as well as pose for pictures on them. The parade generated $3,500 for the scholarship fund.

DAVIE COUNTY Farm Bureau and the Davie County Cooperative Extension Service sponsored a Weights and Measures Seminar at the Davie County Public Library recently. Eighty-five people attended the event and said they learned much and appreciated Farm Bureau for offering it to them.

DARE COUNTY Farm Bureau held a Dessert Hospitality Hour for Farm Bureau members from Western North Carolina. During their visit, they toured a local fish company, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Wright Memorial State Park and attended an outdoor theater production of The Lost Colony. The event was held at the Dare County Farm Bureau office in Manteo and a variety of desserts were served.

DUPLIN COUNTY Farm Bureau presented scholarships of $1,000 each to Tiffany Young, who won a scholarship for the third year, and James Hunter Frederick, the 2008 scholarship recipient. Both students attend N.C. State University. Duplin County Farm Bureau President Dexter Edwards made the award presentations.

In other activity…the Women’s Committee prepared a meal for board members to raise money for the R. Flake Shaw Scholarship.

FRANKLIN COUNTY Farm Bureau, along with Time Warner, the Franklin County United Way and Cooperative Extension Service, co-sponsored the 14th Annual Agriculture Field Day Thursday, Sept. 18 at Riverbend Park in Louisburg. About 800 third-graders attended the event, where exhibits created awareness of animal agriculture and showcased the importance of this industry in everyday life. Farmers who helped teach were Bill Wallace, New Light Angus Farm; Maxine Mosley, JaMaLa Farm; Warren Harris, Harris Farm; Carvel Cheves, Clover C Farm; Deborah Perry, Dream Llama Farm; Yevette Green, Cedar Meadow Farm; and Mike Jones, Mae Farm.

PENDER COUNTY Farm Bureau member Calvin (Cal) Lewis Jr. is the recipient of the 2008 Department of Horticultural Science Outstanding Alumnus Award. The award is given yearly by the Department of Horticultural Science at N.C. State University. A 1977 graduate of N.C. State University, Lewis grew up on a family farm that specializes in strawberries, strawberry plants, blueberries and vegetable production. A reception to honor Lewis was hosted by the Department of Horticultural Science at N.C. State University, Oct. 3.

STOKES COUNTY Farm Bureau’s Board of Directors voted to issue a $20 check to every participant in the Northwest Junior Livestock Show and Sale at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds in Winston-Salem. Jordan Rawlings bought the winner.

WAKE COUNTY Farm Bureau presented Alexis Anne Brogden, of Wake Forest, with a $1,000 scholarship during the September board meeting. County President Jackie Thompson made the presentation to Brogden, who graduated from Wake Forest-Rolesville High School and is now a freshman at N.C. State University.

In other activity…Belinda Evans, along with Shirley and Fred Burt, participated in Safety Day at Wal-Mart in Fuquay-Varina. They used the Safety in the Sun display board, and Willy was there to help them give out sunscreen, sun-safety pamplets and books and stickers for children.

In Memory Of
Marie Joyner, former North Carolina Farm Bureau State Women’s Committee chair and a member of the State Board of Directors from 1987 till 1990. She was also the first chair of Nash County Farm Bureau’s Women’s Committee and was still serving in that role at the time of her passing. She is the wife of Warnell Joyner, former Nash County Farm Bureau president and state board member. She will be remembered as a true friend and dedicated volunteer, and our hearts go out to Mr. Joyner, the Joyner family and Nash County Farm Bureau.

NORTH CAROLINA Farm Bureau Federation held its Leadership, Education and Activity Development (LEAD) Program Conference, Sept.18-20 in Durham. LEAD is a leadership development program designed to develop and strengthen the skills of individuals and couples (ages 36-52) who are involved in agriculture. The three-day conference included guest speakers from American Farm Bureau Federation and North Carolina Farm Bureau, a trip to the UNC-CH School of Government and workshops on a variety of topics, such as farm liability issues and their problems and solutions, and understanding N.C. county governments.