Author: Parker Welch

Summer farm safety tips for kids and teens

The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*

The end of the school year and beginning of summer break is an exciting time for farm kids. It’s also the start of what should be a time of heightened safety awareness among parents and other adults on the farm as young people help out around the farm.

That’s especially important today — as a challenging farm labor situation may have many farmers enlisting teenagers and even younger family members to work on the farm. Given the increased likelihood of injury or fatality from common farm work among young people, safety should be the top priority whenever youth put on their work gloves.

Farm safety starts with a simple conversation
Preventing conditions that favor injury or worse when youth are working on the farm starts with a simple conversation. When it becomes a regular topic of conversation, safety becomes part of the culture of your farm.

“My son is right there with his dad every step of the way when it comes to taking care of the pigs,” said farmer and Nationwide Risk Management Manager Emily Atwood. “When he sees his dad do something, he thinks that’s something he can do too – but that’s not always the case.”

Atwood knows there are countless farm hazards and considers frequent safety conversations the foundation of smart, attentive behavior in her son, especially when she’s unable to directly supervise him.

“We talk to him regularly about being safe and making good decisions and making sure either mom and dad knows where he’s at and what he’s doing at all times,” Atwood said. “We just want to build that awareness in him, so he thinks twice before he makes a dangerous decision, especially when we’re not there with him.”

Steps to promote a safe working environment
There are steps Atwood and other farmers can take to promote a safe working environment, both before and while youth are helping out on the farm.

•Designate areas where they can and can’t go. Safe areas should be separated from potential hazards like machinery and confined spaces like manure pits. Consider fencing off or locking particularly hazardous areas, like chemical or fuel storage.
•Inspect your farm regularly. Things change on a daily basis on the farm, especially during the busy summer months. Take time to check for any changes in potential hazards as frequently as possible.
•Assign young workers appropriate jobs. Make sure young workers can do their work safely. Train them on any work they’re doing, reminding them often of the necessary safety precautions.
•Store equipment and machinery safely. Remove keys from machinery like tractors, and make sure all hydraulic components are lowered.
•Demonstrate safe habits. Don’t introduce youth to potential hazards like riding along unsecured in machinery, using farm shop tools alone and entering confined spaces.

Visit AgInsightCenter.com for resources and expert tips on trending topics to help you run a successful business and maintain the safety of your operation.

[1] *A.M. Best Market Share Report 2022.

Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual
Insurance Company. © 2023 Nationwide

pires well after
baling. That continued respiration in the presence of oxygen after it’s baled creates conditions that can
cause bales to spontaneously combust. Wet hay that continues to respire can generate heat and
eventually spontaneously combust.
After hay is baled and stored at higher moisture levels, the fire risk from spontaneous combustion is
greatest in the first two to six weeks. And that risk continues if hay bales are stored where moisture can
linger, like a barn with a leaky roof or high–humidity area.
Hay placed in storage should have a moisture content under 25%, according to a report from the
Pennsylvania State University Agriculture and Biological Engineering Department. Higher levels of
moisture require an oxygen limiting storage system. The heat generated by the crop plus the presence
of oxygen increases the risk of a fi

Get the most out of raising backyard chickens with these tips

The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*

Move over cats and dogs; small chicken flocks are rapidly taking over urban, suburban and rural backyards around the country. Raising backyard chickens is becoming more popular for multiple reasons, including as a way to save a few dollars on your family’s grocery bill and provide fun family learning opportunities.

But raising backyard chickens for egg or meat production is more than just a hobby. Every breed has its strengths and weaknesses. Housing, sanitation and protection from predators are all important to consider in how you build your flock. And make sure you’re managing the risks and liabilities raising chickens can create — especially if you’re selling to neighbors.

“Spend time educating yourself about all facets of the species,” according to Nationwide Agribusiness Sales Development Specialist Mekenze Cortum. “Don’t forget to consider safety as well as the educational opportunities for kids and teens in learning to care for the animals.”

What to think about when adding a backyard chicken flock If you’re considering raising chickens in a small flock as a hobby or way to diversify existing small–scale ag production, here are the things you should think about.

Check local ordinances/regulations. Many cities and towns regulate backyard flocks. Check with local officials to see if there are any limitations. For example, some cities may limit the total number allowed, or allow unlimited laying hens but not permit roosters.
Find the right breeds. There’s a variety of chicken breeds with a range of traits. Rhode Island red and Ameraucana chickens, for example, are hardy, do well in small flocks and have easy dispositions. Orpington birds are better suited to cool or cold climates.
Keep your birds housed. Native predators and severe weather can endanger a backyard chicken flock. Provide the right housing to minimize these risks. With many options, make sure the coop design you choose provides three to five square feet of space for each bird.
Limit your flock’s exposure to other birds. Like other birds, chickens are susceptible to transmissible diseases like Avian Influenza and coccidiosis. The less you expose your chickens to other native birds, the lower the chances they’ll contract one of a few common diseases.
Keep it clean. Good sanitation and safe–handling practices are musts for any backyard flock. This minimizes the risk of disease infection as well as any foodborne illness like salmonella that can be passed to humans when consuming infected eggs or meat.
Be careful with electrical and fire safety. Laying hens need regular light and consistent warmth
to produce eggs at their full potential. That means many chicken coops include heaters and lights. Keep heat lamps free of debris and inspect them and other electrical components often to prevent fire risk.

Make sure you’re covered

Raising backyard chickens can be a rewarding experience, whether in rural, suburban or urban setting.
Make sure you’re covered so small risks don’t become big ones, whether through a homeowner’s or
farm insurance policy.

“It’s important for folks to consult with their insurance agent regarding potential liability concerns and coverage considerations for raising backyard chickens,” Cortum said.

Visit AgInsightCenter.com for more resources and expert tips on trending topics to help you run a successful business and maintain the safety of your operation.

*A.M. Best Market Share Report 2021.

Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2022 NationwideWhen harvested at a higher moisture level, a forage crop sometimes stays damp and res

Prevent hay bale fires with year-round vigilance and action

The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*

Hundreds of barn fires happen every year in the U.S. And in many of them, hay bales are the fuel source for what’s almost always a major property loss that also can endanger livestock and farm workers.

Hay bale fires can happen from the day the bales are made until they’re used, regardless of the forage type or quality. In most cases, wet hay is actually more likely to catch fire or spontaneously combust than dry hay. Hay fires are a unique, costly hazard that calls for year–round attention, according to Nationwide Risk Management Consultant, agronomist and Iowa farmer Derek Hommer.

“Hay bale fires are just one type that contributes to fire being the leading cause of farm claims and losses,” Hommer said. “That’s why it’s so important pay close attention to nearby heat sources, hay moisture and bale quality. They all contribute to how hay catches fires and potential spontaneous combustion.”

Why does wet hay catch on fire?
When harvested at a higher moisture level, a forage crop sometimes stays damp and respires well after baling. That continued respiration in the presence of oxygen after its baled creates conditions that can cause bales to spontaneously combust. Wet hay that continues to respire can generate heat and eventually spontaneously combust.

After hay is baled and stored at higher moisture levels, the fire risk from spontaneous combustion is greatest in the first two to six weeks. And that risk continues if hay bales are stored where moisture can linger, like a barn with a leaky roof or high–humidity area.

Hay placed in storage should have a moisture content under 25%, according to a report from the Pennsylvania State University Agriculture and Biological Engineering Department. Higher levels of moisture require an oxygen limiting storage system. The heat generated by the crop plus the presence of oxygen increases the risk of a fire.

Key times to think about hay bale fire prevention
Hommer recommends the following best practices throughout the growing season to minimize hay bale fire risk, especially from spontaneous combustion once bales are stored:

Harvesting. Harvest forage within the optimal moisture range and allow adequate drying
time in the field before baling.
Conditioning. Mower conditioners, tedders and rakes can speed hay drying but can also
harm leaf retention and crop quality.
Baling. Bale hay up to 20% moisture to reduce the potential for hay bales spontaneously
combusting or spoiling.
Storing. Since moisture contributes to bale heating and fires, store hay under a roof to keep
it as dry as possible. Hay probes and sensors like in the HAYTECH platform helps monitor
temperatures in stored hay that can help prevent hay fires or spontaneously combusting
bales.

Visit AgInsightCenter.com for more resources and expert tips on trending topics to help you run a successful business and maintain the safety of your operation.

*A.M. Best Market Share Report 2021.

Benefits and risks of adding agritourism to your farm or ranch

The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.*

Agritourism is a great way to capitalize on the natural draw of your landscape, connect non-farm families to agriculture and create new revenue streams for your operation. But these benefits are not without risk.

Finding the right agritourism for operation
Adding a new agritourism venture to your operation starts by answering a simple question: What will work best? Consider the following:

Your land, what you raise and any other resources that could contribute to a new attraction
The time and money you can invest in an agritourism venture
Potential hazards to visitors, the liability they create for you and how you’ll mitigate the risks and keep people safe

Agritourism examples to consider

Pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Fairly common around the country, they’re popular but can require a lot of time and labor.
Farm tours and hayrack rides. Also fairly common, opening your farm to the public for tours and offering services like hayrack rides provide up-close farm experience. They often vary widely on cost, supervision and risk exposure.
Bed & breakfasts. An unoccupied farm house or even a repurposed barn or other farm building offer farm guests distinctive overnight stays. Time and labor required are normally fairly high.
Experiences. Ranging from “U-Pick” farms and Christmas tree farms to barn rentals for events like weddings, these also can range widely in cost, supervision and risk exposure.
Classes. Weekly or monthly classes on things like jam- or bread-making can be an easy, low-cost option.

Minimizing the risks of agritourism
Before adding agritourism to your farm or ranch, think about the specific risks you and your visitors will face and how you’ll mitigate them. This includes simple things like trip and fall hazards all the way to specific risks around livestock, farm equipment and food safety. Conduct a thorough audit of these types of risks and start by taking steps to minimize the hazards they represent.

“Check with your state for any agritourism protective measures and talk to your insurance agent for guidance on mitigation measures and how you can expand your insurance coverage,” said Neal.

Talk with your insurance agent
Farmers who offer agritourism activities need to discuss their specific types of businesses with their insurance agent. Usually, the policy that provides liability for the farm business does not extend to liability from other profit-making activities, such as agritourism.

Your local Nationwide Farm Certified agent can help you identify risks, implement safe practices and confirm you have the right agritourism insurance in place. Nationwide offers liability coverages that can be written as a package, in conjunction with a farm policy, to cover your agritourism ventures.

GENE EDITING ACCEPTANCE URGENT AS GLOBAL FOOD CHALLENGES MOUNT

The Center for Food Integrity Blog
One of the biggest challenges historically to introducing technology in food and agriculture has been a lack of “felt need” by society – a belief that we have what we need, and new technology in food production offers little societal benefit.

For decades, the U.S. has enjoyed an abundance of safe, affordable food. Shelves were full and supply chains were reliable. While farmers embrace technology to produce food more efficiently and sustainably, innovation has been viewed by the public as more of a “nice to have” than a necessity. Something that benefits farmers but is of little relevance to consumers.

But our food supply is facing unprecedented pressure. And for the first time since World War II, food security is once again national security. We’re seeing a confluence of events threatening consistent access to food with greater challenges ahead, including skyrocketing fuel and food prices and fertilizer shortages, all worsened by the continued war in Ukraine, weather extremes and the continued ripple effects of a global pandemic.

There’s a growing sense of urgency by an increasingly anxious public that feels helpless as they watch events unfold and fear for the future. From producers and food suppliers to manufacturers and consumers, there’s a stark recognition that we need new tools to effectively address these challenges.

With the world’s population predicted to grow to almost 10 billion by 2050, the effects of global food insecurity will only increase. We need solutions and we need them now.

The Promise of Gene Editing
That’s where gene editing comes in. It’s one of today’s most promising innovations, with tremendous potential to benefit society, farming and food production by making precise changes in the genome of plants, microbes and animals. Through a simple edit that turns a gene on or off, gene editing can make plants more resilient to climate change, animals resistant to disease and illness and microbes that help plants capture nitrogen from the atmosphere.

Not only is it being used to address human diseases and conditions like cancer, sickle cell and COVID-19, the technology can help farmers keep pace with the growing demand for healthier, more abundant and affordable food, while using less water, land and other resources.

In addition to the benefits listed above, gene editing has the potential to improve nutrition and the safety and quality of food, and reduce food waste.

The United Nations Food Systems Summit’s Scientific Group recognized gene editing as a key tool that can help transform global food systems to end hunger by 2030.

A Framework for Responsible Use
Now is time to double down on efforts to earn trust in gene editing and other new technology in agriculture. The ability of these technologies to achieve their full potential hinges on public support.

With any technology, legislation and regulation lag scientific innovation. Democratic processes are intentionally deliberative and, in turn, slow. Throw in complexities of U.S. regulation where USDA oversees plants and FDA regulates animals, and the asynchronous regulations across countries and geographies. It contributes to confusion and leaves us wondering who’s watching the store? Who’s there to make sure gene editing and the resulting products are coming to market responsibly?

A voluntary market-driven framework that assures the technology is used responsibly can help build public support. Trust will be earned when those researching and using gene editing participate in an open, public dialogue about the shared benefits of gene editing and their commitment to responsible use.

That’s why CFI launched the Coalition for Responsible Gene Editing in 2016. The Coalition includes representatives from food companies, academic institutions, civil society, technology developers, farmers and related associations. The Coalition recently released its Framework for Responsible Use, which is quickly gaining momentum. The Framework has seven principles and related best practices that demonstrate an organization’s commitment to using gene editing responsibly to advance the interests of agriculture, the food system and society.

Companies, businesses and academic or government organizations that use gene editing or its outputs in food or agriculture are invited to join the Coalition and adopt the Framework.

It’s rewarding to not only see the diversity of organizations who’ve made the Coalition and Framework possible, but to see the Framework endorsed by several high-profile companies and organizations: the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), Cargill, Corteva, Costco Wholesale, FMI – The Food industry Association, Genus PLC, PepsiCo and Tropic Biosciences. And we’re just getting started.

These are organizations that understand the importance of having a platform in place to demonstrate that their practices regarding gene editing are worthy of public trust.

Gene editing will only be successful if it’s adopted and embraced not just by developers and by farmers, but by the food companies who will put it to use as they develop and take their products to market and, ultimately, by consumers who will buy food produced through gene editing.

I encourage those interested in joining us on this important journey to learn more about the Coalition and Framework at geneediting.foodintegrity.org. Gene editing and other new agriculture technology are critical tools that can help us address our food supply’s most daunting challenges. By committing to build trust in these technologies, we can all contribute to the solutions we need for a sustainable food system.

Farmers can be sitting ducks

FARMERS CAN BE SITTING DUCKS

By Joyce Hunter

Cyber-attacks are in the news every day. Botnets, malware, ransomware, phishing, and sniffing attack pipelines, hospitals, and water plants daily.

Meat processors and cooperatives suffer attacks, too, and the more individual farmers and ranchers rely upon necessary information technology, these producers also become targets. But how can growers avoid being Sitting Ducks against cyber attacks?

Most ag producers don’t have an IT expert on call. Although security experts are almost everywhere, their recommendations often include so many mitigation tactics that users on the ground don’t know which ones matter most. Like water everywhere and not a drop to drink, the “flood,” i.e., all the hype and waves of endless information, tend to confuse – and overwhelm – people who really must protect themselves.

Here are tips to help prepare for a cyber-attack.

Email presents a massive opportunity for attackers to trick victims into downloading Malware. This tactic, called “phishing,” is how senders disguise themselves to sound like someone important to the victim. For farmers, attackers may pretend to be a cooperative, supplier, implement dealer – anyone critical to farmers’ businesses.

Phishing aims to get the email recipient to download and install malware onto the recipient’s computer. Attackers will either attach or link to the malware in the email.

The best way to identify phishing is to trust your instincts:

If the email looks fishy, it probably is. Do not trust unfamiliar email addresses. If you suspect an email is a phishing email, do not click on any link or attachment. Delete the email.

Malware must install before damage can occur by:

Getting the malware downloaded onto the computer;
Tricking victims into installing, opening, and running the malware and;
Collecting the bounty – data, money, passwords, etc. – from the malware.

A common way to trick people into downloading malware begins with a phishing email. The phishing email contains malware directing the potential victim to share login information to a website that tricks people into thinking they have found their account. The computer uses these logins to install the malware by opening the attachment or running the program as prompted by the website. For protection, remember:

Red Flag: Any time a new program installs onto a computer, a message asks, “Do you want to run this program in pop-up windows?” This question protects users from common mistakes. A lack of disclosure is a Red Flag for malware.

Solution: If malware is suspected, delete the email, attachment, and file. Installed malware will require a computer expert to solve the damage.

Authentication (passwords) used for social media and internet searches can make it easy for attackers to gather information. They use the data – to guess the passwords of targeted victims based on what they’ve learned. For example, they might try a pet’s name, favorite sports team, etc., if they’ve found this information on your social media.

One option is to create a strong password using the first letters of a phrase coupled with numbers, such as “I like to watch science fiction with my wife 16,” resulting in a password of “iltwsfwmw16.”

Password secrecy is also about not sharing your password.

Avoid writing a PIN on an ATM card, a sticky note on the screen, or document on a computer.
Use different passwords for different logins, e.g., email, bank, medical, and investments, where losing identity can be costly.
Save passwords by hand-writing into a small notebook (not on a computer) in a safe place.
Best! Download a password keeper program, like 1Password or Keepass. These programs manage passwords and keep them locked using a single, strong password, so you only need to remember one password.

Backups are like insurance for your data, offering protection but hoping never to use.

Everyone has data – often photos, that would be devastating to lose. To prevent losing this data, perform a periodic archive to secure storage. The point of backing up data to secure storage – the cloud – is to be able to recover the data later.

Another type of backup is the ongoing data backup on your computer via cloud storage or a USB device. Most operating systems start backing up when the removable drive is connected. Both cloud backup and USB drive backup are good options. The cloud supplies off-site backup, so you will still have the data backed up to the cloud.

Key Takeaways

No legitimate organization will ever ask for your bank information, social security number, or password.
Use multi-factor authentication.
Consider cloud-based backup to protect from cyber-attacks and natural disasters.
If you need a tech person’s help, many qualified people can help.

Joyce Hunter is the former Deputy CIO, Policy and Planning, for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Advisory Board Chair for CyberAg Supplying cybersecurity outreach, education, awareness, and access for the agriculture and food supply chain.

Preserving agriculture’s past, securing its future this National Ag Day

The following information is provided by Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.

Agriculture is more than just a business for us at Nationwide. From our company’s roots to our many associates who today actively manage farms and ranches, it’s at the heart of everything we do. So as we celebrate National Ag Day this year, it’s more than just a single day of annual reflection. The day, all of its activities and the spotlight it shines on agriculture is a high point in our everyday commitment to preserving the heritage of agriculture and securing its future.

That’s especially true in 2023. This year marks the 50th anniversary of National Ag Day, organized by the Agriculture Council of America. This year’s theme is “Growing a Climate for Tomorrow,” an idea that’s close to everything we do at Nationwide. As we pause to recognize the hard–working men and women of American agriculture for all they do this National Ag Day, we’re also looking ahead and doubling down on our commitment to protect your next.

With nearly a century of protecting America’s rural community, Nationwide is as committed as ever to paving the way for farmers and ranchers to succeed today and tomorrow. Today, that means providing everything from high–value information on new tools and technology, such as telematics and HAYTECH, to insurance products and services that evolve with farmers and ranchers’ changing needs. Just like the 2023 National Ag Day theme, we work every day to grow a climate for tomorrow. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary milestone for National Ag Day, we’re focusing on how to adapt and evolve to ensure our customers have what they need, when they need it.

“Nationwide has a deep heritage in agriculture. We were founded by farmers, and it’s part of our heritage,” said Nationwide Agribusiness President Brad Liggett. “This year’s National Ag Day theme aligns closely with our unending respect and support for agriculture. But it’s also fundamental to our commitment to ensuring we’re evolving alongside our customers so we’re always there when, where and how they need us.”

Why National Ag Day is so important to Nationwide

Nationwide’s deep agricultural history cannot be overstated. But for many associates at Nationwide, National Ag Day is personal. Associates like Senior Consultant Erin Cumings also manage farms or ranches along with their work at Nationwide. That makes National Ag Day, its long heritage of raising awareness about farming and ranching, and especially the 2023 theme vitally important to both work
and family life for Cumings and the many associates like her. And it exemplifies just how important agriculture is to us at Nationwide.

National Ag Day is a day when we can shine a light on agriculture in general,” said Cumings, who alongside her husband operates a farm in central Iowa. “I love being able to bring my whole self and all of my experience and expertise to Nationwide every day.”

Visit AgInsightCenter.com for important resources and expert tips on trending topics to help you run a successful business and maintain the safety of their operations. While there, we encourage you to sign up to receive our bi–monthly email newsletter.

[1] *A.M. Best Market Share Report 2021.

The Leavitts of Wilson Dowell Farms, Double J Stables, Diversify through Quality Forage

Nationwide Helps Protect this Conservation-Minded Family

When Jason Leavitt went to college, at the behest of his farming grandfather, he didn’t know at the time the lure that farming and returning to the farm would hold. Leavitt and his mother, Judy, not only continued the family’s farming legacy in Owings, Maryland, but have expanded on it. Along the way, Nationwide and agent Carrie Polk have been on their side to help this farm family that’s trying to leave the land better than they found it, all while providing quality products and (fun) services to customers.

Wilson Dowell Farms is a fourth-generation, 320-acre family farm in Calvert County. They raise pasture-raised meats and grass-fed beef, and practice rotational grazing. The Leavitts sell meat shares direct to consumers, with some cuts available for walk-in at the farm. Today, Leavitt and his wife, Kristen, manage the farm, while Judy oversees day-to-day operations and manages Double J Stables, a horse boarding operation, which is also located at Wilson Dowell Farms.

“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to work on the farm,” said Leavitt. “I enjoyed helping my grandfather cut tobacco, grind corn, feed cattle, move hay bales, fix fences, plow fields … it was more a series of fun activities than work. My grandfather always kind of tried to dissuade us and told us that we needed to go to school and learn something so that we would not have to “work” for a living. I don’t think that he meant work, per se, but maybe to avoid manual labor jobs.”

So that is exactly what he did. “It’s somewhat of a typical story, I think, when growing up we all wanted to get out and see the world,” said Leavitt. “Once I got out in the real world, it served to confirm how special the life was that we had growing up. After college, I decided to move back home, try to figure out a way to keep the farm viable, and, honestly, I was looking forward to the challenges that modern-day agricultural production presents.”

An Honor to Carry on the Family Legacy
The farm is named after Leavitt’s grandfather, Wilson Dowell, Jr. It began like most Southern Maryland farms: as a tobacco farm. While tobacco was the cash crop, Dowell always kept cattle on the farm. When the time came to transition out of tobacco, the foundation for a pasture-based livestock operation was already in place. Now the farm sells beef, pork, and goat.

Leavitt complemented his mother’s enterprise of horse stabling on their family’s land, by managing more production agriculture with a focus on beef production and high-quality forage.

“My great-grandfather bought the land for the farm where I now live in 1939,” he said. “He was a bit of a handyman and would buy fixer-uppers, get the farm in shape and then sell it for profit and move to the next farm. Eventually my great-grandmother had enough of moving and laid down the law to stay put. As the oldest son in a family of eight children, my grandfather took over the farming operation as his father aged. He raised primarily tobacco, small grains, and always had cattle. The cows were fenced in the woods and in fields that were too steep to cultivate.”

Leavitt continues, “When my grandfather passed in 1996, my mother assumed the family farming mantle. While I was still in college, she began a horse boarding business in addition to the cattle/hay operation and rented out our fields to a local farmer for his small grains operation. After college, I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to be when I grew up, and after a couple of years decided to move back to the farm. Initially, I thought that boarding horses was going to be the sole answer in creating a sustainable farm business on our property. It was soon readily apparent that while boarding horses provides a decent supplementary income, it is not feasible or sustainable in its own right as the principal operation for us. We had to diversify, so we created both Double J Stables, LLC, and Wilson Dowell Farms, LLC, in 2010.”

Top Production Priorities on Wilson Dowell Farms
Leavitt said the most important aspect of their farm and its entities is growing premium, quality forage. Not only do the grasses provide feed for the horses and, more importantly, for their grass-fed beef, but they also protect the soil.

“Currently, pastured forage is the only crop which is grown on the farm. There are approximately 160 acres of pasture on our farm, consisting of native forages, endophyte-free tall fescue, orchard grass, and warm-season annuals to supplement the summer grazing program,” Leavitt said. “Our focus is generating organic matter to increase the quality of our soil profile, mainly using rotational grazing of our cattle.”

Leavitt, also a project engineer in the Calvert County public works Capital Projects Division, put on his engineer hat to grow the farm sustainably. “I was intrigued by the successes and farming practices used by Joel Salatin on Polyface Farms in Swope, Virginia,” he said. “I immediately bought all of his books and was fascinated by the concept of rotational grazing. We currently utilize a modified version of his farming model and I believe that so far it has been successful.”

The boarding component of the Leavitts’ business is geared mainly toward trail riding. They offer full care stall/field boarding for their equine clients, have over 11 miles of trails on the property, and have an outdoor grass ring and round pen for their patrons’ use.

Rounding out the Leavitts’ top three farming priorities is the beef (and other meat) production and sales.

“This vocation provides the freedom to cultivate a source of food that I helped to create in any way that I choose,” said Leavitt. “I believe that people should have access to high-quality local food that is produced in a way that aligns with their personal beliefs. Whether that production method includes GMO/non-GMO, organic, non-organic, or grassfed/grainfed, I feel that it is our duty as farmers to provide the highest quality options to the residents of our nation, state, county, and local communities regardless of the specific production details.”

Leavitt’s twin brother, Justin, and his aunt and uncle (who all also live on the farm) are very helpful in working cows, putting up fence and whatever needs to be done. His dad mows the majority of the non-pasture grass and helps to keep the farm looking clean. “It truly is a family affair,” he adds.

No Farm is an Island: Nationwide Helps with Protection, Growth

Helping Wilson Dowell Farms to continue to be as productive as possible during times of adversity is their Nationwide farm policy and agent Carrie Polk of Carrie Polk Insurance, based in Prince Frederick, Maryland.

“Besides two other weather-related claims we had to Nationwide that were handled wonderfully for us, my mother was involved in an accident while trailering some horses. The Readers’ Digest version is that a Porsche driver passed mom’s truck and trailer while lanes were condensing, so the driver clipped mom’s truck, spun out and slammed into the guardrail. The driver was not happy with the settlement amount, a calculated loss offered by Nationwide, and decides to sue Mom, the farm, and even entities that do not exist in an attempt to recover millions of dollars in damages. In a jury trial, the Nationwide-appointed attorney wins the case, mom is found not guilty, and the driver recovers nothing. In a way, I am glad that the driver was being greedy and did not accept the settlement offer – since my mom was not at fault. I can imagine that it was a nerve-wracking experience going through depositions and anxiously awaiting trial, not to mention the stress of testimony. Both Carrie and Nationwide’s attorneys were unbelievably helpful and supportive of my mom through this process.”

“There’s a reason why you work 10-hour days and 60 hours a week in this business at times,” said Polk. “My farm families really are like family. Some of my best appointments are at the kitchen table, seeing what’s important to each family, what keeps them up at night. It’s not just about protection, either; it’s about insuring the growth. I ask, here’s where you are today; where do you want to go?”

“Nationwide is not the cheapest insurance company in the business,” said Leavitt. “However, sometimes in life, you get what you pay for. The peace of mind provided by knowing how Nationwide has taken care of us in the past and will be there for us in the future, to me, is absolutely worth every penny. Mom and I meet with Carrie at least once annually to review our coverages, discuss equipment inventory, and assess our farm operations. I don’t believe that there is a better agent (or person for that matter!) in the insurance business for us.”

“Everyone is concerned about price, but price means different things to different people,” said Polk. “I have to carry professional liability and I have a responsibility. I try to build a policy up and then take things off, so someone doesn’t inadvertently forget to add something. I try to take costs off while not compromising coverage. A farm is not a typical home coverage situation. There are extra things to consider, like cargo coverage for hauling livestock. You pay now, or you pay later — I say this all the time: Mother Nature is going to win.”

“Farming to me is an honest living, meaning that you have the ultimate responsibility of performing a myriad of necessary tasks in a timely manner to attempt to ensure a quality product,” said Leavitt. Echoing what Polk said, “Mother Nature is not always a reliable business partner! In this vocation, devotion is required, and shortcuts are not an option. I feel that you must be consistent or you will not find the path to a sustainable product. We have been with Nationwide since 2010 and plan to stay with them, one of the many tools in our toolbox to help us ensure our end quality products.”

Please visit www.wilsondowellfarms.com for how to order meat, and to learn more.

Maryland Farm Bureau Takes Farm Message to Capitol Hill

Presidents Leadership Summit attendees converge on our Nation’s Capital to discuss important ag issues

The influence of Maryland Farm Bureau was on full display when County Farm Bureau presidents and Maryland Farm Bureau board members took the farm message to Capitol Hill in late September. Visits with Maryland representatives and senators took place during the two-day County Presidents Leadership Summit that was based out of American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) headquarters in Washington D.C.

After being briefed by AFBF policy specialists on the current status of issues, the group split up and headed to Capitol Hill to deliver the farm message to six Maryland representatives. Some of the meetings were in-person, some were with staff specialists, and one was virtual — illustrating that Congress has not yet returned to its pre-COVID routine. The next morning, the entire group heard from and was able to ask questions of both Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen at the Capitol Visitors Center.

The issues that were discussed with elected officials, included:

Adequate funding for and prompt passage of the 2023 Farm Bill.
The need for tax code certainty in the face of expiring small business tax relief.
The importance of expanding high-speed broadband service to all areas of Maryland.
The negative impact that inflation and rising input costs are having on farm businesses.

Personal stories shared by MDFB members drove home the importance of Congress dealing with these issues in a prompt and meaningful way.

The lobby trip to Washington to meet members of Congress on their turf is only one of the many ways that MDFB works to influence national policy to help Maryland agriculture. The organization also maintains regular contact with Congressional offices, organizes in-district meetings and farm tours for elected officials, submits comments to regulatory agencies, and coordinates individual grassroots advocacy for maximum impact.

Kick Off the Summer by Celebrating Dairy!

By Elizabeth Karides, 2021-22 Maryland Dairy Princess

In 1937, June was dubbed National Milk Month as a way to distribute extra milk during the hot summer. Since then, June has evolved into National Dairy Month. Though it may sound silly to dedicate an entire thirty days to this food group, National Dairy Month gives us a chance to reflect on the vital work dairy farmers do for our community and the environment.

For starters, our farmers work 365 days a year to provide milk, an undeniably healthy beverage packed with 13 essential nutrients like calcium, potassium, zinc, and Vitamin A, to neighborhoods far and near. These nutrients are linked to immune health, bone and muscle health, reduced inflammation, and reduced risk of chronic diseases like osteoporosis. From milk, we get some other delicious, and incredibly nutritious, products like yogurt and cheese which are both excellent sources of calcium to keep our bones and teeth strong.

In addition to providing our community nourishing foods, dairy farmers are also excellent environmental stewards. By incorporating buffer strips on their farmland to collect any manure or fertilizer-rich runoff before it enters waterways like Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, making use of robotic feed pushers to reduce the need for gas-powered equipment by maximizing feed, and utilizing equipment known as methane digesters (which transform manure into a clean source of electricity to power their homes and farms), dairy farmers are truly dedicated when it comes to environmental stewardship. And given the fact that the U.S dairy industry’s carbon footprint shrank 19% between 2007 and 2017, the future of environmental protection through dairy farming seems bright. Not to mention, since practically all dairy farms are family farms, for farmers it is especially important to protect land, air, and water for future generations.

So there you have it, the next time you are enjoying a cool glass of milk, a warm grilled cheese, or a refreshing scoop of ice cream later this summer, think about the hardworking people who provided it.