How was 2012 for you? Are you looking forward to 2013 or still trying to catch up from 2012? I’m doing both. I’m reviewing what happened in 2012 but quickly looking ahead at what is to come in 2013; all with a positive, ag-related focus.

Positive local highlights for Ag in 2012:

1. The end to the Hudson Farm Case; in favor of the Hudson’s
2. The naming of the State of DE, Dept. of Ag headquarters to honor Richard S. Cordrey
3. Another 5,750 acres of farmland preserved in DE
4. Increase in DE farmer’s market sales; totaling almost $2 mil
5. More state $ allocated to the Young Farmer program
6. UD Cooperative Extension Agent Ernie Lopez was elected as DE State Senator
7. A new Dean of UD College of Ag & Natural Resources was named
8. A new Director for UD Cooperative Extension was named
9. The naming of the UD Thurman G. Adams Research Farm in Georgetown, DE – love this video!!!!
10. Bruce Hotchkiss & Mike Scuse were Honored with the Secretary’s Award for Distinguished Service to Agriculture

Other national highlights for Ag in 2012 include:

• A Drought-everywhere!
• The failed Prop 37 efforts in CA that would’ve required genetically modified foods to be labeled
• Stanford study on organic food reveals no nutritional value compared to conventional food; sparks emotional debate
• Bill Gates endorses ag research, backs Genetically Modified food production
• The threat of potential Farm Bill expiration (now extended)

What does 2013 hold for local Ag? Here are some upcoming highlights:

• Keystone Farm Show is Jan. 8-10
• PA Farm Show is Jan. 5-12
• The DE General Assembly returns to session on Jan. 8
• The annual UD Ag Week coming up Jan. 14-18
• Friends of Ag Breakfast is Jan. 18 at Harrington Fire Hall
• The annual 2013 Ag Industry Dinner is Jan. 24……….who will receive the 2013 Secretary’s award?
• March will be here before you know it and my family will be back in the greenhouse and farmers will be fertilizing their fields
• Hopefully more plentiful rain is in store for spring & summer 2013!!!!!

Now it’s your turn. What do you think is coming in 2013 related to Ag? Share your thoughts here or email me at christyvwright@gmail.com ! I’d love to hear them!