FRANKLIN
There’s strength in numbers, as the expression goes, and that theme was stressed during the recent dinner meeting of the Southampton County Farm Bureau. The gathering took place in the Regional Development Workforce Center at Paul D. Camp Community College.

The agency “goes so much beyond insurance,” said SCFB President Chris Simms. His outlook was echoed by comments from agents such as Clay Francis, vice president.

“Membership matters,” he said. “How do you connect members and prospective members to all aspects of Farm Bureau? What do you tell them about Farm Bureau?”

A few examples include letting them know of community events, Virginia agriculture in the classroom and the need to engaged with elected officials on issues that affect farming and farmers.

Francis encouraged fellow agents to support members with personalized service.

To learn more about the Farm Bureau, visit www.vafarmbureau.org.

In other business, these three proposed resolutions were approved by vote:

• That non-migratory birds be considered as a nuisance for controlling the populations in regard to crop damage;

• The improvement of cleaning ditches and trimming of limbs along state roads by the Virginia Department of Transportation; and

• The support of a balanced approval to address the decline of the honeybee population that educates producers, but will not inhibit the ability of producers to use all available products on crops.

The audience gave Emerson Kitchen a standing ovation for his 40-plus years of service at the SCFB. This came following the announcement that he would not seek another term on on the board of directors.

“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t involve with Farm Bureau,” Kitchen said.

Other recognition went to two college students. Brian Cooke was the first recipient of the bureau’s scholarship. His parents, Eric and Diane Cooke, accepted $1,000 check for their son, who is studying natural resources and environment at Virginia Tech.

The Women’s Committee announced Trevor Snyder was the recipient of its scholarship. Matt and Renita also accepted for their son, who is studying field crops technology at North Carolina State University.

Finally, the audience was graced with a performance by Elvis, also known as A.J. Outlaw from North Carolina.