“The Corporate Transparency Act requires millions of family farmers and ranchers to file complex paperwork and disclose beneficial ownership information with the federal government under penalty of severe fines and jailtime,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus. “FinCEN should do the right thing and provide a realistic delay to the Corporate Transparency Act until Congress has an opportunity to provide a permanent fix that protects family farmers and ranchers.”

On Monday, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a nationwide preliminary injunction on the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act, holding that the government is likely to prevail in a constitutional challenge. This decision places many small businesses in jeopardy that have not yet filed Beneficial Ownership Information with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

In light of the Fifth Circuit’s decision, FinCEN announced it will delay enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act until January 13, 2025—just three weeks from now. This delay does not allow enough time for millions of small businesses to comply with the law, and it is deeply concerning that FinCEN will proceed with enforcing this law when it has failed to give adequate notice and instructions to law abiding family business owners.

NCBA will continue fighting for a permanent solution that protects cattle farmers and ranchers from this overreaching mandate. In the meantime, cattle producers are advised to consult their attorney and/or tax professional regarding this new development.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy.  As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef.  Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.

–National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

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I hope all of you will be able to look back on the year’s greatness. Put your pencil to paper as you consider all you learned from 2024; some very important lessons were sprinkled in there.

To give time for reflection and enjoyment this holiday season, we will not be sending out our daily emails the week between Christmas and New Year’s. The Morning Ag Clips’ daily email will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

There will still be news articles published on our site, so make sure to stay up-to-date by going to morningagclips.com. Every day there will be something new, and there will be an editor watching for breaking ag news every day. But like you, we all need a break, and the only way to get it is to be extremely intentional about it, so we are!

Here’s to you, your family, and a prosperous and healthy New Year! We will see you in 2025!

With love,
Kate

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The state veterinarian has the responsibility of regulating the movement of animals into the Commonwealth of Virginia, while DWR is charged with the management of the state’s wildlife resources. Ruminants must bear identification and have their identification number noted on a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. Animal identification, like an ear tag issued by a state or federal entity, helps the state veterinarian to trace animals in the event of a significant animal disease outbreak. The importation of deer into the Commonwealth is typically prohibited, with a DWR permit required to possess any member of the deer family within Virginia.

Every year, VDACS and DWR work together to ensure Santa has the correct permits and procedures to allow his reindeer to enter the Commonwealth.

“Santa’s visit to Virginia may be brief each year, but it’s still vitally important to our state agricultural industry that his reindeer are healthy,” VDACS State Veterinarian Dr. Charlie Broaddus said. “It’s a privilege to issue permits for entry for Santa, and I hope he enjoys some fresh local Virginia milk and that the reindeer get plenty of Virginia grown carrots during their visit.”

“In order to protect Virginia’s wild white-tailed deer and elk herds, a DWR permit is required to possess any member of the deer family within Virginia and the importation of deer into the Commonwealth is typically prohibited,” said DWR State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. John Tracey. “But this time of year, VDACS and DWR work together to ensure the correct permits and procedures to allow Santa and his reindeer to enter the Commonwealth. Santa has always been an excellent partner and his attention to the health of his reindeer team cannot be overstated. We look forward to his yearly visit.”

–Michael Wallace, VDACS

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“Demonstrating responsible use of fire is an important step in the Delaware Forest Service’s plan to increase public acceptance of prescribed fire as a tool to manage forested lands,” said Delaware Forest Service Wildland Fire Supervisor Sam Topper. “Through smoke management and weather monitoring, it is one of the least intrusive methods that we use in order to sustainably manage our forests in the state of Delaware.”

Prescribed fire provides many benefits to local ecosystems, such as the removal of invasive species and improved soil quality. During this workshop, participants will learn more about the ecological effects of prescribed fires and the factors we consider when planning and executing a prescribed burn. Presentations will be provided at the historic Redden Education Center on topics such as the legal considerations of prescribed fire, smoke management, and fire safety and preparation. Weather permitting, a live fire demonstration will also be held.

Registration is required due to space availability and an accurate lunch count. Register for free, online at https://tinyurl.com/43ndayvh

–Sophia Curran, Delaware Forest Service

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RICHMOND, Va. — Featured this month on Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program:

• Discover the craft of Virginia’s sparkling wine production.
• Learn how Southwest Virginia farmers found community support in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
• Explore how to care for lantana container plants and ways to boost garden production.
• Learn how to whip up Chef Tammy’s cider-braised mussels and spice-crusted duck breast.

December’s first episode premiered Dec. 14 on the Real Virginia YouTube channel. Stories from the second episode will become available over the following two weeks, and the full episode will be available on YouTube Dec. 31.

Real Virginia airs nationwide at 5 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of each month in the Voices of Agriculture program on RFD-TV on Dish Network and DirecTV; and on selected cable outlets around the state. It airs weekly on WBRA digital channel 15.2, the WHRO World Channel, WVVA Bluefield and WTKR Norfolk, and on the first and third Sundays of each month at 10 a.m. on WVIR Charlottesville and at 10:30 a.m. on WHSV Harrisonburg; and on the first and third Saturdays at 8 a.m. on WRLH Richmond and at 5:30 a.m. on WSLS Roanoke.

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Source water protection isn’t just about safeguarding the environment; it’s about securing public health, economic stability, and a shared future. By working together to implement sustainable water management practices, communities can ensure access to clean drinking water while fostering a sense of shared accountability. When everyone plays a role, the benefits ripple across the region, supporting agriculture, local economies, and the well-being of all who live there.

Collaborative Efforts in Source Water Protection

Protecting source water is a team effort that requires the involvement of diverse stakeholders, each bringing unique strengths and perspectives to the table. By fostering collaboration among local farmers, businesses, and residents, communities can create a sustainable framework for water management that benefits everyone.

Farmers play a critical role in source water protection by implementing conservation practices that reduce runoff, prevent erosion, and minimize nutrient leaching. Sustainable farming techniques, such as cover cropping, buffer strips, and precision agriculture, help protect nearby water sources while improving soil health and crop yields. Programs like those outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill provide financial incentives and technical support for farmers to adopt these practices, making conservation an attainable and beneficial goal.

Additionally, local businesses, particularly those in industries that rely heavily on water, can lead the way in sustainable water management. Through strategies like reducing industrial discharge, reusing water, and supporting local conservation initiatives, businesses can not only protect water sources but also enhance their reputation as responsible corporate citizens. Many companies have found that sustainable water practices improve operational efficiency and reduce costs, making these efforts a win-win for both the environment and the bottom line.

Residents also have a vital role to play in protecting source water. From reducing household pollutants, such as over-applying lawn fertilizers, to participating in local cleanup events and educational programs, individuals can make a meaningful impact. By supporting local policies and initiatives aimed at water conservation and protection, residents ensure their voices contribute to a collective effort that safeguards the community’s water supply.

Examples of Programs and Partnerships

Collaboration in source water protection often succeeds through structured programs and partnerships that bring together government agencies, local organizations, and communities. These initiatives provide the framework, tools, and funding necessary to safeguard drinking water sources while fostering collective responsibility.

The Source Water Protection (SWP) Program

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Source Water Protection Program exemplifies how partnerships can drive effective water resource management. While primarily voluntary, the program supports state and local governments, as well as community stakeholders, with technical tools and guidance to prevent contamination of drinking water sources.

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

The SDWA established a foundation for protecting drinking water quality through the multi-barrier approach. This strategy encompasses:

• Selecting high-quality water sources.
• Implementing protective measures to prevent contamination.
• Using effective treatment technologies.
• Maintaining water quality within distribution systems.

Programs under the SDWA, such as the Source Water Assessment and Protection Program (SWAPP), offer local governments and utilities the tools to assess vulnerabilities and engage in targeted protection efforts.

The 2018 Farm Bill and USDA Initiatives

The 2018 Farm Bill introduced provisions to protect drinking water through conservation practices. With incentives and funding, it encourages:

• Identifying Priority Areas: Targeting regions where conservation efforts are most critical for water quality.
• Increased Incentives: Supporting agricultural practices that protect water sources while boosting farm productivity.
• Funding Allocation: Dedicating at least 10% of conservation program funds to source water protection annually.

These efforts empower farmers to be active partners in water conservation, demonstrating how agriculture and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand.

The Wellhead Protection Program

The Delaware Wellhead Protection Program approved by the EPA focuses on protecting the land surrounding public water supply wells. By delineating wellhead protection areas, identifying contamination sources, and fostering public participation, this initiative ensures long-term water quality in critical supply zones.

Funding Opportunities for Local Collaboration

Programs like the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund offer essential financial support for source water protection projects. These funds allow states and communities to implement protective measures such as land acquisition, infrastructure upgrades, and pollution prevention strategies.

The Sole Source Aquifer Program

The Sole Source Aquifer Program ensures that aquifers critical to a region’s drinking water supply receive added protection. EPA reviews federally funded projects within these areas to ensure they do not threaten water quality.

The Importance of Shared Accountability

No single entity can ensure the protection of source water alone. Farmers may work to reduce nutrient runoff, businesses can minimize industrial discharges, and residents can limit pollutants in household waste—but without collaboration, these efforts may fall short. Shared accountability means recognizing that everyone has a role to play and that success depends on coordinated action.

Creating a culture of shared accountability begins with education and outreach. When communities understand how their actions impact local water sources, they’re more likely to participate in protective practices. Schools, local governments, and organizations can offer workshops, share resources, and facilitate discussions that emphasize the importance of collective stewardship.

By embracing shared accountability, communities can transform source water protection from an individual responsibility into a collective success story. Together, farmers, businesses, residents, and organizations can create a future where clean, safe drinking water is not just a necessity, but a shared legacy for generations to come.

—Sussex Conservation District

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I expect the January Cattle Inventory report to show some additional liquidation has occurred leading to a smaller calf crop in 2025. It seems most likely that the summer of 2026 is the soonest substantial national heifer retention may begin. While there is recently elevated uncertainty around international trade that should not be overlooked, most anticipate domestic beef availability to decline perhaps by 2-3% per year (per person) in 2025 and 2026.

Given this setting and the opportunity for some extended armchair-pondering around the holidays, some context on economic concepts and an important historical reminder is prudent. Economists analyzing the beef industry use the term “demand” to refer to the willingness and ability to buy beef at a specific price. A change in beef demand is not triggered by changes in beef prices but rather by consumer income or wealth adjustments, changes in prices of other goods, or perceptions of beef quality evolving. To this later point, the clear improvement in overall beef quality (simple example is Prime or Upper Choice percentage versus past decades) has been core to beef demand growth (see K-State demand indices here: https://agmanager.info/livestock-meat/meat-demand/monthly-domestic-meat-demand-indices-usdabls-data/monthly-domestic-0 ).

As we turn to 2025 it is important to pause and connect the dots around things such as current feedlot supplies, future breeding herd size and corresponding beef availability, and what one may expect at the retail and food service level. Yes, lower beef supplies are expected and with that, most anticipate higher end-user beef prices. In fact, the industry should be hoping for that! Research with Melissa McKendree, Ted Schroeder, and Nathan Hendricks (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1093/ajae/aaz034 ) shows that feeder cattle sellers stand to gain the most when beef demand grows, and lose the most when demand falters.

If alternatively, lower beef availability is observed in conjunction with flat or lower beef prices, then beef demand clearly declined. In that unfortunate situation, economic viability for most in the industry also declines. While some younger market participants may dismiss this scenario, recall the 1980s & 90s was a period largely characterized by a shrinking herd, weakening beef demand, and overall decline in industry vitality. Indeed, lower beef volumes alone do not guarantee higher beef nor cattle prices. This experience is worth periodic reflection as the industry has made massive improvements that should not be overlooked or taken for granted. To the extent that beef prices increase reflecting stable or growing beef demand that indeed is a market outcome that should not only “be allowed” but encouraged. While the term “demand destruction” is likely to appear more in coming months, industry stakeholders are encouraged to take pause and in fact hope that higher prices develop reflecting stable or growing beef demand.

Finally, and most importantly I wish all readers a Merry Christmas, the ability to see the true reason for the season, and a joyous New Year.

— Glynn T. Tonsor, Ph.D., Department of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University

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Many rural railroad crossings typically are private with limited safety features. Some areas lack gates or lights that signal an oncoming train. Meanwhile, farm machinery is noisy, preventing farmers from hearing an oncoming train.

The national rail safety education organization, Operation Lifesaver Inc., reports that approximately 15% of all U.S. rail collisions each year occur on private crossings such as those on farmland.

“Rural railroad crossings have an increased risk for train collisions when crossing with farm equipment that often is heavier, longer, or needs to move slower,” said Virginia Farm Bureau Federation safety coordinator Matt Nuckols. “Having visual contact with rail lines and looking both ways before crossing is critical.”

A September 2024 Virginia Rail Safety Month proclamation noted a decrease in highway-rail grade crossing collisions, with the commonwealth ranked 26th in the U.S., down from 13th in 2021, according to data from the Virginia Federal Railroad Administration.

“Farm Bureau supports improved safety strategies and best practices to protect the safety of farmers at railroad crossings,” added Ben Rowe, VFBF national affairs coordinator. “We are pleased to see Congress funding improvements to rail crossings and infrastructure that will create a safer environment for farmers moving equipment and commodities.”

This summer, Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D- 7th, announced an award of $3.2 million—made possible through the bipartisan infrastructure law—to improve railroad crossing safety in Stafford, Spotsylvania and Hanover counties. The funding will be used by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation to make safety improvements at rural crossings.

American Farm Bureau Federation has partnered with Operation Lifesaver Inc. to spread awareness to rural motorists and farmers alike:

• Slow down when approaching a railroad crossing. Stop for oncoming trains at least 15 feet away.
• Look and listen for a train. Open cab windows, turn off radios and fans and remove headphones. Rock back and forth in your seat to see around obstacles. The average freight train traveling at 55 mph takes a mile or more to stop.
• Once you start across, do not hesitate. Do not change gears. Tractors pulling heavy or bulky loads may take more time to clear a crossing than anticipated.
• Low-clearance vehicles can get hung up on train tracks. If a low-clearance warning is posted, use another route.

For more information visit oli.org or see VFBF farm safety resources at vafb.com/Safety.

–Virginia Farm Bureua

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The program provides financial assistance to help specialty crop farmers expand markets and manage higher costs. The program focuses on producers of commercially marketed specialty crops including fruits (fresh and dried); vegetables (including dry edible beans and peas, mushrooms and vegetable seed); tree nuts; nursery crops, Christmas trees and floriculture;  culinary and medicinal herbs and spices; and honey, hops, maple sap, tea, turfgrass and grass seed.

“Specialty crop farmers don’t have access to risk management tools typically available for row crop producers,” noted Tony Banks, senior assistant director of agriculture, development and innovation for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “MASC is intended to provide financial assistance to help specialty crop farmers manage increased marketing costs and expand existing markets or establish new ones.”

He added that MASC payments can help farmers pay for specialized handling and transport equipment with temperature and humidity control; damage-preventing packaging; and high labor costs. “However, the program doesn’t require funds to be directed toward marketing-specific activities, allowing specialty crop farmers flexibility to use the financial assistance as needed,” Banks explained.

To be eligible for the MASC program, producers must be in business at the time of application. They also must maintain an ownership share of producing a specialty crop that will be sold in 2025.

FSA will issue MASC payments after the end of the application period. For details, visit MASC Program or contact your local FSA office.

–Virginia Farm Bureau

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When you look back to the old Western movies, the color of the cowboy hat signifies the actor’s role in the story, either the hero or the villain. But in real life, the black cowboy hat held a sense of power, signifying the person wearing it was confident, dominant, and authoritative. Midwestern law enforcement also wore black cowboy hats to demonstrate they were there to protect. Over time, the meaning of the black cowboy hat has also encompassed elegance, strength, individuality, uniqueness, undefeatability, and style. While most of these adjectives describe Scuse, no man is undefeatable, so competitive may be a better term, and it definitely applies to Scuse.

Sitting down recently with Secretary Scuse, he shared there was so much accomplished during the Minner administration to benefit agriculture, that he chose to highlight the following successes:

• Delaware’s Farmland Preservation license plate was designed and made available so that Delawareans purchasing the plate could help preserve farmland.
• He created the Forestland Preservation Program, preserving forested properties in managed timber production. When he left office, though, funding dried up until he returned and could reinstate the program in 2019. Between the Minner and Carney administrations, the program purchased 20 forestland easements on more than 1,650 acres, another 2,200 acres in 10-year forestland areas, and another 40,600 acres of forest preserved under Aglands Preservation.
• Under his leadership, the Delaware Department of Agriculture and the University of Delaware’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) had a strong working relationship.
  • In 2004, Secretary Scuse led Delaware and Maryland through low-pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI), affecting two farms in Delaware and one in Maryland. This was accomplished utilizing a Unified Command between Delaware, Maryland, USDA-APHIS, and key stakeholders, of which Dr. Robin Morgan, Dean of CANR, played a pivotal role. USDA-APHIS utilized Delaware’s response as an example of how to handle future outbreaks.
  • Scuse teamed up with Morgan again to create LEADelaware, a two-year leadership program to help develop the next generation of leaders in production, agribusiness, and policy in the food and fiber industries.
  • Then he partnered with Ed Kee of the University of Delaware’s Cooperative Extension to create Delaware Ag Week, a one-stop shop for farmers to learn about the latest research, earn continuing education credits, and network with agribusinesses.
• Before he left office to become Minner’s Chief of Staff in the last few months of the administration, Scuse fought hard to get funding in the Farm Bill to support research efforts to improve Delaware’s specialty crop industry. While he would not see the program’s impact during that term, when he returned to serve under Governor John Carney, the Department secured more than $3.2 million from the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service to support 72 multi-year projects.

Even with the change of administration in 2009, Scuse was not looking to ride off into the sunset. Scuse accepted a position at USDA as the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services. Helping Delaware farmers find new markets for their products had been a key part of his role while serving under Minner. He would eventually become the Acting U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. Scuse visited 27 countries and 48 states in those eight years, working to advance American agriculture. Taking pride in his work, Scuse fought for what was right, remained curious so that he could continue to learn, sat next to farmers struggling through adversity, and assured them he was there to help. Delaware was never far from his heart, no matter where his travels took him.

When Governor Carney called on Scuse to return as Delaware’s Secretary of Agriculture in 2017, there was no doubt that when he hopped back in the saddle, the man taking the reins this time was a more seasoned cowboy, which would be critical for what lay ahead, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the start of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak in the U.S.

While the Delaware Department of Agriculture has experienced many successes throughout the Carney administration, Secretary Scuse focused on five main areas: agricultural land preservation, agriculture and the environment, food access for Delawareans, protecting Delaware agriculture, and supporting agriculture markets.

Most recently on Scuse’s mind was the Aglands Preservation celebration with Governor Carney, where they unveiled a new sign for farmers to place at the end of their farm lanes or on the farm to help promote the program to the public. He expressed gratitude to Governor Carney, members of the General Assembly, the counties, farmers, and other stakeholders for helping Delaware become the second most effective program in the country. While Governor Carney helped preserve the highest number of farms, Scuse is recognized for overseeing 40.5% of Delaware’s total farmland preserved and securing 60% of the program funding during both his terms to preserve 687 farms on 63,100 acres. In 2018, Delaware was recognized as the first USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service – Agricultural Conservation Easement Program certified entity, allowing the program to preserve farmland more quickly.

With Delaware in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, protecting the environment is essential. Through his work, Secretary Scuse secured a significant increase in funding to invest in cover crops to help offset the costs for farmers to plant cover crops, which reduce agricultural nutrient runoff, improve water quality, and mitigate climate change. The Department also secured funding for manure relocation, assistance for farmers needing nutrient management planning, and increased positions within the University of Delaware Extension for agriculture and turf nutrient management. The Delaware Forest Service, based within the Department, also improved the environment by planting over 1 million trees in the past four years, reestablished wildlife habitat through sustainable forestry practices, and, between both administrations, issued 538 grants and over $3 million in funding to communities and municipalities to plant trees.

As producers upgraded to more environmentally friendly poultry houses, Secretary Scuse saw a need to address abandoned poultry houses that had reached the end of their lifespan. In 2023, he developed a cost-share program to help offset the removal costs of 56 abandoned poultry houses, lessen their environmental impact, and enhance Delaware’s rural landscape.

Early in the Carney administration, Scuse, along with Deputy Secretary Nikko Brady, saw a need to create the Delaware Council on Farm and Food Policy to maintain updated knowledge and awareness about food access opportunities and concerns. The Council secured $2 million in ARPA funding to launch the First State Food System Grant Program to improve the capacity, efficiency, and coordination of Delaware food producers and strengthen the state’s food supply chain. They also obtained over $3 million in funding from USDA to help local and underserved producers maintain and improve the resiliency of the state’s food and agricultural supply. By 2020, the Council’s success in promoting nutrition through data analysis and improving healthy food access earned them the Lieutenant Governor’s Challenge Wellness Leadership Award.

Even the most balanced cowboy gets thrown off occasionally, and Delaware agriculture has seen some hardships. Secretary Scuse has worked hard to minimize impacts on Delaware’s producers and agribusinesses using his experience at the state and federal level, along with his contacts here and abroad. While many would like to forget the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department worked day and night to navigate the issues impacting the industry. It brought to light that without agriculture, Delawareans could not eat. For the first time in many years, we saw Delawareans seeking food directly from the source, which was huge.

As soon as we seemed to clear the pandemic, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) hit North America with a vengeance. We have never experienced an animal health emergency of this scale in the country’s history. In 2022, Delaware was the fifth state to experience HPAI in a commercial operation and the first state with over 1 million birds impacted. Again, under Scuse’s leadership, the spread of the virus was quickly stopped, with only three commercial operations in Delaware impacted. Secretary Scuse has worked with producers, agribusinesses, government officials, and agricultural advocacy groups to ensure that all sectors had the latest information to help our producers minimize impacts on trade and export during the COVID-19 pandemic, the HPAI outbreak, the Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster, and other interstate commerce challenges.

Disasters aside, Secretary Scuse shared that protecting agriculture also ensures we have an industry 25, 50, and 100 years from now to feed our families. Access to financing is a barrier to ensuring that young and beginning farmers can succeed. Scuse realized an opportunity to reinvent the DRIP Program, using the funding allocated from the Delaware Economic Development Authority in the Division of Small Business to help farmers and aquaculture producers purchase equipment they need to get started or to expand their operations by developing the Delaware Agricultural Finance Program. Another challenge for agriculture is that more people are moving into the state, and some areas are shifting from rural to suburban communities. In 2024, the Department partnered with a non-profit to launch the Delaware Agricultural Mediation Program with the support of USDA funding to provide low-cost mediation to Delaware farmers with legal conflicts, neighbor disputes, family inheritance concerns, and more. Finally, in 2024, working with the Delaware Farm Bureau, we saw legislation passed and signed into law by Governor Carney to protect agriculture and help producers, including the Delaware Crop Insurance Assistance and Dairy Margin Subsidies.

Besides Scuse’s work in trade and the efforts that he and the Department have made to increase funding for specialty crops, Scuse looks forward to seeing the long-term impacts of two major programs within the state to help support agriculture markets. In the early years of the Carney administration, Scuse’s team conducted research involving consumer awareness of Delaware’s specialty crops and brand studies to create the Delaware Grown brand. Delaware producers and retail businesses have asked the Department to help expand the brand to help them gain access to additional markets. The Department has secured the funding to take this project on for their stakeholders; however, they anticipate it will take about three years before witnessing the full impact on the industry. The second major project, USDA’s Resilient Food System Infrastructure Program, aims to strengthen the middle of the supply chain. Delaware has received over $2 million in funding to improve infrastructure and provide the equipment that those working in this space need to succeed. Scuse believes that both of these programs will positively impact the economic development of the state’s agriculture industry.

So, what’s next? Will Scuse don his black cowboy hat and ride off into the sunset, or is there more work for him? On his way out in January, he plans to tip his hat in salute to those still left behind who will continue to improve Delaware’s agriculture industry and protect consumers at the Department of Agriculture. But he looks forward to enjoying time traveling with his wife, visiting friends he made over the past 24 years serving agriculture, spending time with his family, and heading into the field to do some hunting. Undoubtedly, he will still keep tabs on the agriculture industry and will celebrate the best 10 days of the summer at the Delaware State Fair.

–Stacey Hofmann, Delaware Department of Agriculture

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