Agriculture

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Little Wagon Family in the News

Who doesn’t love their picture in the paper? Especially when it recognizes a milestone in your life or the work that you do. So here’s a recap, in news clipping pictures, of Little Wagon Produce Family in the news from the past few months.

Mom-Mom Messick turned 83 on Valentine's Day.

Mom-Mom Messick turned 83 on Valentine’s Day.

Uncle Doug & Jesse (cousin) were in the paper this winter because Doug nominated the Kiwanis group for a $2,500 award through the "America's Farmers Grow Communities" program. The money has been earmarked for students in the Woodbridge FFA chapter. Jesse accepted the check as Kiwanis President.

Uncle Doug & Jesse (cousin) were in the paper this winter because Doug nominated the Kiwanis group for a $2,500 award through the “America’s Farmers Grow Communities” program. The money has been earmarked for students in the Woodbridge FFA chapter. Jesse accepted the check as Kiwanis President.

Bethany (cousin) just finished her freshman year at Misercordia University in Dallas, PA. She ran fall cross country, winter track, and spring track.

Bethany (cousin) just finished her freshman year at Misercordia University in Dallas, PA. She ran fall cross country, winter track, and spring track.

In April, Pop-Pop Bill received the "Delmarva Distinguished Citizen" award from DPI (Delmarva Poultry Industry). He was recognized mainly for his board service on the Sussex Soil Conservation District (which provides support to Sussex poultry growers).

In April, Pop-Pop Vanderwende received the “Delmarva Distinguished Citizen” award from DPI (Delmarva Poultry Industry). He was recognized for all of his contributions to agriculture but mainly for his board service on the Sussex Soil Conservation District (which provides support to Sussex poultry growers).

Not exactly a newspaper, but I found out through family that my face is plastered to this bilboard on Rt 404 east. Not sure how many beach tourists know that ethanol comes from corn, which I'm standing in front of but maybe they'll get the point. Or maybe they'll google it when they see how much gas has gone up in recent weeks.

Not exactly a newspaper, but I found out through family that my face is plastered to this billboard on Rt 404 east (in MD near Rt. 313 exit). Not sure how many beach tourists know that ethanol comes from corn, which I’m standing in front of, but maybe they’ll Google it when they see how much the price of gas has gone up in recent weeks. Maryland Grain Producers paid for this advertising and there are other billboards on the Eastern Shore promoting agriculture. Apparently ethanol contracts for July are running almost $1 cheaper per gallon than gasoline, making ethanol blends even cheaper than the 52 cents mentioned here. You may see the video ad in this article on national news this Sunday.

 

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2014 Legislative Update

For the first time in 2014, the DE General Assembly convened in January. Later in the month the usual “State of the State” address was given by our Governor. I have to agree with State Minority Whip Rep. Deb Hudson (R). Why wasn’t our #1 industry mentioned? Take a listen below (it’s a 9 second clip).

Rep. Hudson said she was surprised that a speech that was expected to focus on economic development did not mention the state’s number one industry…

Is there a state agricultural policy agenda for the upcoming year?  As of today, Feb 18, there has been no Agricultural Committee meeting scheduled or held this year in either chamber. There are many agricultural related bills being held over from the last session including the “Right to Farm Bill” (HB 65) and at least 2 bills related to agricultural license plates and special tags. One of these, HB 122, did pass both Houses on Jan. 30, 2014. This bill would allow farmers who have a farm vehicle that is used within a 20 mile radius of their farm to register their vehicle with DMV. The “FV” tag would replace the white plastic “Farm Vehicle” tags. The FV tag fee is $10 which is comparable to what the “Farm Vehicle” tags sell for. A vehicle with an “FV” tag would be exempt from inspection.

I also have to admit, the “clean water initiative’s” our Governor mentioned several times in his address make me nervous.  Details from DNREC haven’t been released yet. The Governor also released his budget proposal a few days later, in which he proposed a $8 million funding cut to the State’s Farmland Preservation program. The cut would leave $2 million for the fund.

In recent days, Rep. John Atkins, Chair of the House Agricultural Committee, proposed a toll for west Rt. 404 instead of the .10 gas tax, which the Governor proposed in his address. It was all over the media yesterday, including tv and radio (WBOC, WMDT, and 105.9). Our family farm businesses operate on Rt. 404, which include a retail produce stand, creamery, and daily farm operations. If this becomes seriously considered (it sounds like a just an idea at this point), let’s pray that our customers don’t bypass Rt. 404 to avoid the toll. Let’s also hope that the toll booth doesn’t go in directly across from one of our retail operations. I’d also like to hear what Rep. Dave Wilson, Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, or Sen. Gary Simpson have to say (Rt. 404 west is split by District 18 & 19), since this is their district! Sen. Pettyjohn released a YouTube video recently, centered on ag issues and not supporting the proposed gas tax hike or cut to farmland preservation dollars, but it offered no alternative options and it came out before Rep. Atkin’s toll proposal. See the You Tube mash-up below. The legislative session doesn’t reconvene until late March. More to come and hopefully an Ag Committee meeting date!?!?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcK8_2kPKWs

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Top 5 Consumer Questions from 2013 Farmer’s Markets

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers! As many of you know, Little Wagon Produce can be found at many local farmer’s markets in Sussex County. Here’s the questions (and answers) Mom and I witnessed the most from consumers at local farmer’s markets in Delaware this past year:

#5 Question: Do you have strawberries?

Answer: It depends on when you ask us! On Delmarva, strawberries typically ripen in May. Sometimes it’s early May. Sometimes it’s late May. It’s rarely before May because the threat of frost usually lasts until May 15. It’s rarely in June because the temperature becomes too hot. As you can tell, strawberries are fickle. Too much rain, they rot. Too much heat, they get mushy. Too cold, they don’t ripen. Therefore, if you see a farmer with strawberries in July and August, they aren’t from the Delmarva Peninsula! And that’s why we don’t sell strawberries in July. We try to only sell produce which we grow. I often take this Availability Chart below, provided by DDA, and post it to help customers understand.

Availability Chart

#4 Question: Are you organic?

Answer: No. Why? Because Farmer Dan learned how to farm the conventional way and wants to keep prices reasonable for our customers. He has a pesticide license and only sprays the vegetables when he sees evidence of an insect or weed. He does not spray sporadically because chemicals are very expensive.

Research shows that organic does not necessarily mean a healthier product. A recent review of over 400 scientific papers concluded organic and conventional foods remain equally healthy. In order to be certified organic, we would have purchase an expensive license, buy and plant more seed so that we have enough yields, and employ more labor to remove weeds by hand. This is the reason organic produce costs more.

Our advice? Simply wash your produce thoroughly, whether it’s organic or not! I love this video from a farmer in Kentucky who shares her take, as a mother and farmer, on organic produce:

#3 Question: Can I freeze corn?

Answer: YES! Many customers share ways that they freeze it. Here’s one way how:

Freezing Sweet Corn

#2 Question: How long does sweet corn last?

Answer: The best way to store fresh corn, besides freezing, is to keep it cool. We recommend storing it in the refrigerator and leaving it in the husk when storing. The husk protects it from the air, which causes it to dry out. Our super sweet corn varieties last up to 7 days if kept in the refrigerator! Trust us, it works!

And the #1 Question: Is your corn GMO?

Answer:  No. Why? Genetically modified sweet corn seed has not been available long. We have chosen not to purchase it. This type of seed tends to be more expensive and we don’t feel it is worth the cost because we are not growing large amounts for a cannery, etc. Most vegetable seeds are not GMO altered. Currently, there are only 8 crops commercially offered from GMO seeds in the U.S. Please check out the graphic below. This website and link offers great insight to GMO answers: www.gmoanswers.com

47624_FINAL_GMO_Infographic_JpegHiRes-573

We look forward to answering more consumer food questions and educating the public at the 2014 Farmer’s Markets! Happy New Year!

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In Memory

In Memory

Joyce L. Wright

Oct. 4, 1945 ~ July 4, 2013

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Scott & Logan showing her ram lamb at the Delaware State Fair 2013. They wore pink shirts because that was her favorite color!

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This fall we added on to our pole barn so that we could bring her 7 Suffolk sheep to our small farm. We added this cupola with the sheep weather vane in memory.

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Home Sweet Home!
We love to look out and see them peacefully grazing in our pasture. They remind us of her and we know she is smiling!

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Our 2013 Christmas card  is dedicated to her because she loved Christmas! We look forward to 2014……in her memory.

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Raw Milk Bill Dead & Farm Truck Tag Changes

This past Tuesday HB 150–DE’s Raw Milk Bill was introduced on the House floor in the DE General Assembly. Besides the Dept of Ag opposing, a prominent DE dairy farmer was invited to testify why he opposes the bill. Mr. Walt Hopkins stated that he was afraid more regulation would come to the industry if raw, unpasteurized milk was legal to sell directly to consumers. He said the industry already has enough inspection and didn’t need more. Another legislator asked the bill’s prime sponsor, Rep. Outten, if the constituent who approached him to sponsor the bill was a farmer. The answer was no. The same legislator also asked him if the passage of this bill could potentially harm children in Delaware who drink milk. The answer was yes. And that was the end of DE’s attempt to join 30 other states and legalize raw milk sales. Not sure why he didn’t ask many of the dairy farmers in his district to support the bill (such as the Busker’s, Knutsen’s or Vogl’s). Final roll call: 26-no, 14-yes. Here’s the results from my poll:

Would you purchase and/or consume raw milk from a DE farmer if legalized?

Answer Votes Percent
Yes, I would purchase and/or consume raw milk from a DE farmer. 24 60%
No, I would not purchase or consume raw milk period. 14 35%
Unsure. I need to research more. 2 5%

, SB 62 was brought to a final vote and passed. This bill would allow farmers to register their trucks, semitrailers, and trailers with an “FT” tag at the reduced registration fee. The bill is pretty straightforward and short in language. It also clarifies that FT Tags may be used for personal use other than non-farming commercial use, understanding that all FT tagged vehicles are required to have auto insurance. The bill passed both chambers and awaits the Governor’s signature. ****PLEASE NOTE: Originally I got this bill confused with HB 122, which sets out to replace the “farm vehicle” tags.  This bill is sitting on the Senate ready list. I doubt it will make the agenda this time around but the bill will carry over into next session.

In case you’re curious, here’s a link to DE State Code on current farm vehicle registration and a DMV document on Motor Vehicle Laws affecting DE Farmers.

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Delaware’s Raw Milk Bill

In yesterday’s House Agriculture Committee meeting, HB 150-AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 3 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO RAW MILK was introduced. Here’s the language from the DE General Assembly bill tracking:

This Bill legalizes the sale of unpasteurized, raw milk directly to a final consumer. The State of Delaware adopted, by Regulation, the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk Ordinance 2009 Revision, as amended, (the “2009 PMO”) in May 2011. Section 9 of the 2009 PMO prohibits the sale of unpasteurized milk and milk products to the final consumer. This Bill creates an exception to this prohibition that would allow the sale of unpasteurized milk and milk products by only those persons holding a validly issued “raw milk permit.”
Currently, thirty states allow consumers to purchase raw milk. Of those 30, 12 allow consumers to purchase raw milk at retail stores. This bill, however, similar to the situation in many other states, would limit raw milk sales to the farm or property where the raw milk is produced.
This Bill further tasks the Department of Health and Social Services, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, with establishing a raw milk permit program, as well as such rules, regulations, and standards as are necessary to further the objectives and provisions of this Bill and ensure the safety of the general public.

The main sponsor is Rep. Outten (R), the longtime legislator from Harrington. I’m pretty sure it’s his first bill. I wasn’t able to attend but I wish I could have to hear comments. From what I understand, DE Dept. of Ag and the DE Farm Bureau do not support this bill because of the FDA’s position that raw milk is unsafe. Currently the federal government does not allow interstate raw milk sales and has left the decision of local sales up to individual states. The way HB 150 is written now, it would not allow direct retail sales. In other words, only the farm or property where raw milk is produced could sell it to the final consumer. I’m not sure how much this will benefit DE dairy farmers if they don’t already have a roadside farm stand or market.

I’ve heard my grandmother say she drank milk straight from the cow her entire childhood. She also told me she always thought cereal was supposed to be hot because they used milk straight from the cow’s udder for breakfast. Groups like “A Campaign for Real Milk” and “Raw Milk USA” cite many benefits of raw milk which are diminished after it’s pasteurized. I’ve also heard of some specialty food shops wanting raw milk product. Opponents, such as the FDA and CDC, say raw milk can cause serious illness by transmitting harmful bacteria. So my question to you is……….would you purchase/consume raw milk bottled in Delaware?

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Are you Farmer’s Market Ready?

A sure sign of spring and summer is farmers markets; many of which have begun already this year. Little Wagon Produce has been busy with two so far-the Milton Farmer’s Market on Friday afternoon and the Riverwalk Farmers Market, which is in downtown Milford every Saturday morning. This week was the return of the Georgetown Farmers Market which is on Wednesday afternoons.

I always look forward to returning to the Riverwalk Farmers market every spring because we’re amazed at the loyalty of many of our customers year after year. Many of our regulars ducked showers last weekend to see us and to find Mother’s Day flowers or produce.  The past 2 weekends, I’ve received many of the same questions such as “Do you have sweet corn yet?” and “Are the strawberries local?” These are great questions and it always helps when the farmer is right there to answer. Anytime my Dad visits the market he is usually surrounded by inquiring customers about the food he grows.

Farmer Dan is on right. Its rare to see him at the market! He's usually in the field.

Farmer Dan on right. Its rare to see him at the market but the customers love to talk to him! He’s usually in the field picking the produce or keeping the irrigation going.

Sometimes I take this chart, made by the DE Dept. of Ag, to offer customers insight about the growing season in Delaware. It helps a customer understand that sweet corn is never ready in Delaware until the last week of June or thereafter. So please don’t believe any of the false advertising you may see!!! I can also assure you that almost all produce will be a little later than normal this year because of the cold wet spring. No strawberries have been local until this past weekend. I know this confuses customers because last year the weather was extremely mild and strawberries came on early. I try to remind customers that farmers are always at the mercy of Mother Nature. Here are some more tidbits to help you be “farmers market ready”:

  • Bring cash! Many vendors are small businesses and cannot afford the fees accompanied with credit card machines.
  • Bring your own bags! The recyclable grocery bags work great for this! By doing this, you will help the environment and help us because plastic bags are an additional expense to vendors that we usually do not pass on to the customers. We even have to pay more and go out of the way to find heavy-duty plastic bags to hold a dozen ears of sweet corn.
  • Bring a friend! Word of mouth is the best marketing for us!
  • Don’t be afraid to ask! Many markets have an information booth or a “Market Manager” to oversee the routine each week. Some markets even have a bell that rings before you can sell anything (Milton).
  • Spread the love! Hopefully you will find more than one vendor to patronize. In Milford, there are many wonderful downtown businesses such as Dolce Coffee Shop, Blooming Boutique, and Georgia House Restaurant.
  • Bring your smile! Many vendors love to talk and engage their customers, including us.
  • Stay updated! Many thought the market was canceled last Saturday because of the rain but we were open. Check to see if your local market has a Facebook page and/or website.

Thank you to all our loyal customers who already know the ropes! And for all the newbies, I hope to see you soon! For a market near you, see the 2013 Farmer’s Market Directory here.

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Rearranging

I was doing so good. I started the year off right with 6 blog posts in January of 2013. I refreshed the blog homepage and caught up on my ag reading. I rearranged and cleaned up from the wedding and the holidays. But then life happens. Things change and you rearrange again. Some things get done well. Others get lost in the transition, such as my work with this blog. But I’m catching up and looking forward to the future! Here’s the reason for so much “rearranging”:

On Feb. 1, we settled on a new home and a small farm. We have been cleaning, painting, and rearranging ever since.

On Feb. 1, we settled on a new home with some acreage. We have been cleaning, painting, and “rearranging” ever since.

At the end of February, our church lost a loved one, Mrs. Barb Hanson. She was one of the first ones that reached out to me as a guest this time last year. She helped me with our wedding and was so excited we chose Prospect as our church and on our wedding day. She was always smiling. The last time we talked, she was excited to come over and see our new house. We will miss her...

At the end of February, our church lost a loved one, Mrs. Barb Hanson. She was one of the first members that reached out to me as a visitor this time last year. She helped me with our wedding and was so excited we chose Prospect for our wedding day (as you can see above). She was always smiling. The last time we talked, she was excited to come over and see our new house. We will miss her…

In March, I began to teach a 7 week political course for Wilmington University. I usually teach quite a few courses over the winter as a part-time adjunct. It's my way to stay involved in teaching but it takes up a lot of my spare time. I also developed a health care policy course online. I take the material from the text and convert it to an online format using Blackboard. Very time consuming and challenging. All of the courses I'm involved in are for the new Government & Public Policy undergraduate program at Wilmington University. My goal is to lighten my load in the future to "rearrange" my spare time priorities.

In March, I began teaching a 7 week political course for Wilmington University. Since 2009, I have taught quite a few courses over the winter as a part-time adjunct. It’s my way to stay involved in teaching but it takes up a lot of my weekends and spare time. I also developed a health care policy course online. I take the material from the text and convert it to an online format using Blackboard. It’s very time-consuming and challenging. All of the courses I work on are for the new Government & Public Policy undergraduate program at Wilmington University. I’m looking forward to a break over the summer! My goal is to lighten this load as I “rearrange” my spare time priorities.

By the end of March, I had already found a greenhouse frame for sale. Breck, Dad and I went to pick it up. I can't wait to get it up at our new place. At the same time, Scott was working on framing in our pole barn.

By the end of March, I already found a greenhouse frame for sale. Farmer Dan, Breck, and I went to pick it up. I can’t wait to get it up at our new place. At the same time, Scott was working on the inside of our pole barn.

April is the month for birthdays in my family. Pop-Pop Messick, Danna, Derek, Devon, Alanna, Brielle, Jesse, and Townsend celebrated their birthday. Here Alanna celebrates turning 12! Brielle turned 9!

April is the month for birthdays in my family. Pop-Pop Messick, Danna, Derek, Devon, Alanna, Brielle, Jesse, and Townsend celebrated birthdays. Here, Alanna celebrates turning 12! Brielle turned 9! Where did the time go? They’re going to be taller than me soon!

Breck and Mom also got back into the greenhouse in late March and early April. Most of the flowers are ready now. Mom and I have been updating our website and working on farmer's market applications. Amber has been helping as well and decided to try out the Milton Farmer's market, which is on Friday nights from 3:30-6:30 pm. Its a success so far-they sold out of all flowers and veggies last Friday!

Breck and Mom also got back into the greenhouse in late March and early April. Most of the flowers are ready now. Mom and I have been updating our website (www.lilwagon.com) and working on farmer’s market applications. Amber has been helping and decided to try out the Milton Farmer’s market, which is on Friday nights from 3:30-6:30 pm. It’s a success so far-they sold out of all flowers and veggies last Friday! We begin Milford farmer’s market on Sat., May 4, 9am-1pm.

And by the end of April, we are getting ready to plant our own little garden. We're also "rearranging" the landscaping and the driveway. Lots of work to do! I spent most of the weekend washing windows.

And by the end of April, we are getting ready to plant our first garden. We’re also “rearranging” the landscaping and the driveway. Lots of work to do! I spent most of the weekend washing windows. Scott worked on the yard.

And last but not least, our pups have finally adjusted to all the rearranging. Lucy (black, female) was a little unsure at first but loves to sit on the back step in the sun with me now. She also loves to lick on the neighbor's kids! Deuce loves all the room to run and roll around. Lucy will be 1 year old in May.

And last but not least, our pups have finally adjusted to all the rearranging. Lucy (black, female) was a little unsure at first but loves to sit on the back step in the sun with me. She also loves to lick on the neighbor’s kids! Deuce loves all the room to run and roll around with his bone. Lucy will be 1-year-old in May. We hope for lots of puppies in the future!

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Update on House Bill 63 – “Right to Farm”

Representative John Atkins and Senator Bruce Ennis have filed House Bill 63 in the Delaware General Assembly. As mentioned in a previous post, it’s modeled off North Dakota’s Right to Farm bill. It was released from the House agricultural committee on March 27 and heads to the House Agenda. No telling when it will actually appear on the agenda but I’ll be watching. More to come.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

147th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 63

 AN ACT PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE I OF THE CONSTITUTION RELATING TO AGRICULTURE. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE (Two-thirds of all members elected to each house thereof concurring therein):

Section 1. Amend Article I of the Constitution of the State of Delaware by making insertions as shown by underlining as follows:

§21. Right to engage in agriculture.

The right of farmers and ranchers to engage in modern farming and ranching practices shall be forever guaranteed in this state.  No law shall be enacted which abridges the right of farmers and ranchers to employ agricultural technology, modern livestock production and ranching practices.

SYNOPSIS

                This bill is the first leg of a constitutional amendment that forever guarantees the right of farmers to engage in modern farming and ranching practices.

It’s considered a “constitutional amendment”, which means it takes longer to pass.

Article XVI defines the paths by which the Delaware Constitution can be amended:

  • The Delaware General Assembly can amend the constitution. Unlike in any other state, the state legislature can amend the constitution without a vote of the people. For the legislature to amend the constitution:
  • Two-thirds of all the members elected to each chamber can vote in favor of a proposed amendment.
  • The Delaware Secretary of State then must publish the proposed amendment(s) three months prior to the next general election in at least three newspapers in each county.
  • The subsequent General Assembly then votes again on the proposed amendment(s) and if an amendment receives the two-thirds approval of all members of each chamber, it becomes part of the constitution.
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Celebrating Delaware’s #1 Industry

From this week:

  • The 42nd Annual Ag Industry Dinner was held last night at Dover Downs. The 2013 Secretary’s Award for Distinguished Service to Agriculture went to……..Mr. Walter C. Hopkins, the dairy farmer from Lewes, Del. DDA posted a press release today as well as a Flicker site with pictures from the event. Guests were given this 2013 Calendar-Celebrating DE’s #1 Industry, featuring pictures of many local farmers and farm families:
Celebrating Delaware's #1 Industry 2013 Calendar

Celebrating Delaware’s #1 Industry 2013 Calendar

My cousin, Jesse Vanderwende, is the January feature:

January-Jesse

Jesse Vanderwende, Walnut Tree Farm, Bridgeville, Del.

But I also loved the February picture of the Bennett family from Milton, Del. and April which showcased the budding Johnson family from Selbyville with their cute little piglets!

Bennett Farm, Selbyville, Del.

Bennett Farm, Milton, Del.

Johnson's Country Market, Selbyville, Del.

Johnson’s Country Market, Selbyville, Del.

Want a calendar? You can probably call DDA or let me know (christyvwright@gmail.com). I picked up extras that were left at my table. 🙂

Coming up:

  • Feb. 7– DDA will have their the Joint Finance Committee Hearing, at Legislative Hall, from 1:30-2 pm.
  • Feb. 8– This isn’t ag related, but in 2 weeks I’ll be at the “Chowdown for Charity“, at Bethany Blues in Lewes from 6-8 pm. A new group of young professionals (25-40 year olds) from Kent and Sussex counties, named TNG (The Next Generation), are fundraising for mental health charities. Perfect timing given the Governor’s emphasis on mental health professionals in schools in his proposed budget this week. Tickets are $40. Food will be BBQ. Lots of nice items will be in our silent auction. Come join us! Better yet, join the group! You can find us on Facebook or at http://www.delcf.org/TNG
  • Feb. 15- Apparently Class III of the LEADelaware program has extended its deadline until this date. I’ve heard and read lots of great things about this program in Maryland. I hope Delaware can reinvigorate their’s.
  • Feb. 22-23– Regional Women in Ag Conference will be held at Dover Downs. Register here!