Cooperative Living March/April 2019 - 3

InsideStory
March 10-16 is
March-April 2019
National Agriculture
Week, and March
17-23 is Virginia
Agriculture Week. This
issue of Cooperative
Living includes a heaping
helping of good stuff
about the source of our
food and fiber, by far
Virginia's biggest private industry.
We're truly blessed to live in a state with
such a sprawling range of agricultural
opportunities and powerful production
potential. From pork to peanuts to pines,
things thrive in the Old Dominion.
The subject of our cover story is
Bettina Ring, our Secretary of Agriculture
and Forestry and a home-grown product
of the Old Dominion. She was reared
in Craig County, brings a devoted
passion for agriculture and forestry to
her work, and is unique as our first
woman secretary of the ag and forestry
department. Her inspiring story begins
on page 14.
One of her grandmother's favorite
cookie recipes from Bettina's rural
Virginia childhood is featured in this
issue's Commonwealth Kitchen. This
issue's version of the popular recipe
column focuses on dishes made from
Virginia's Finest ingredients.
Be sure to check out Granny Bill's Ice Box
Cookies on page 33, and if you want a
quick and memorable tutorial on preparing
the recipe, check the Commonwealth
Kitchen video on Cooperative Living's
Facebook page or online at co-opliving.com/
food/commonwealth-kitchen.
A close look at the details of agriculture's
role in Virginia are in Pam Wiley's story
about agriculture in the Old Dominion,
on page 11.
Farming and forestry account for more
than $91 billion and about 450,000 jobs
each year in Virginia. Farms cover about
one-third of Virginia. The average
Virginia farm is 183 acres.
Agriculture buttresses our foundation
as a state, and a nation. The persistence,
drive and ingenuity of our farmers help
make our country what it is today. Next
time you see a farmer, thank him or her for
what they do to keep us in food and fiber.
And please pass the pork chops. 
- Bill Sherrod, Editor
co-opliving.com
Reader Photo: Mindy Armstrong, Rockingham County
OUR MISSION
To inform you about your cooperative and its efforts to serve your energy needs;
how to use electricity safely and efficiently; and to celebrate the people who define
and enhance the quality of life in communities served by electric co-ops.
CONTENTS
14 Cover Story
We may not think of it when we sit down to a nice home-cooked dinner, but
agriculture is the state's largest private industry. Leading the agency that oversees it
is Bettina Ring, who grew up in Craig County and is Virginia's first female Secretary of
Agriculture and Forestry. On the cover: Bettina Ring on the grounds of Joe's Trees in
her native Craig County. (Laura Emery photo)
28 Crossroads
A quiet crossroads along Route 3 on Virginia's
Northern Neck, Emmerton is a place with a
fascinating heritage whose residents consider
themselves fortunate to call home a community
whose people, past and ambiance make it a
little bit like paradise.
34 Kids' Korner
The old Emmerton store.
As the sun moves farther south in the sky and the vernal equinox approaches,
thoughts of pleasant spring days and outdoor activity arise. But be prepared: Spring
weather can change quickly. Here's an up-close look at a springtime staple, the
portable roof, or umbrella.
DEPARTMENTS
11
2 Viewpoint
4 Mailbag
4 WhatzIt?
5 History Mystery
6 Youth Art Contest
8 Happenings
10 Say Cheese
Visit us online at:
co-opliving.com
Agriculture Month
12 Garden Muse
18 Your Co-op News
26
Energy Sense
33 Commonwealth Kitchen
38 Classifieds
40 Rural Living
Find us on:
Please recycle this magazine.
AAM audited
March-April 2019 | Cooperative Living | 1
AUDREY T. HINGLEY PHOTO
March 10-16
is National
Agriculture Week,
March 17-23 is
Virginia Agriculture
Week and
Ag Day is
March 14th.
http://www.co-opliving.com/ http://www.co-opliving.com http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living March/April 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living March/April 2019
