arfb.com
Fall 2013
YF&R
Strong We salute our top Young Farmers & Ranchers
New ag tax exemptions coming Jan. 1 Get certified now
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Arkansas Agriculture
3
Fall 2013
Inside...
VOLUME 10 Issue 4
F
e
a
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YF&R Strong by Gregg Patterson
C
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Farm Bureau Perspective by Brian Walker Faces of Agriculture — Susan Anglin by Tara Johnson Policy Update by Michelle Kitchens Spotlight on Youth — Sara Loe by Gregg Patterson Rural Reflections Photo On the cover — Chris Meador of Green Forest is one of our Young Farmers & Ranchers who makes Farm Bureau strong. This issue highlights the finalists for our YF&R Achievement Award. Photo credit: Keith Sutton
4
Executive Editor: Steve Eddington Editor: Gregg Patterson Contributing Writers: Ken Moore, Keith Sutton, Chris Wilson Research Assistant: Brenda Gregory
3 18 22 26 28
Farm Bureau
Arkansas Agriculture
Perspective
is an official publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation. Arkansas Agriculture is distributed to almost 42,000 farming and ranching households in Arkansas. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Included in membership dues. Arkansas Farm Bureau Officers: President Randy Veach Manila Vice President Rich Hillman Carlisle Secretary/Treasurer Tom Jones Pottsville Executive Vice President Ewell Welch Little Rock Directors: Richard Armstrong, Ozark Troy Buck, Alpine Jon Carroll, Moro Joe Christian, Jonesboro Terry Dabbs, Stuttgart Mike Freeze, England Bruce Jackson, Lockesburg Tom Jones, Pottsville Johnny Loftin, El Dorado Gene Pharr, Lincoln Rusty Smith, Des Arc Allen Stewart, Mena Mike Sullivan, Burdette Leo Sutterfield, Mountain View Ex Officio Sherry Felts, Joiner Brent Lassiter, Newport Janice Marsh, McCrory Brian Walker, Horatio Arkansas Agriculture is published quarterly by the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation, 10720 Kanis Road, Little Rock, AR 72211. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Arkansas Agriculture, P.O. Box 31, Little Rock, AR 72203. Issue #31. Publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation reserves the right to accept or reject all advertising requests. Send comments to: arkansasagriculture@arfb.com
by Brian Walker ARFB YF&R Chair
L
Looking back on this year, I’m optimistic about the future of farming in
Arkansas. My optimism springs from the rise I’ve seen in young leadership in our state. More and more young people are stepping up and taking on challenges in agriculture.
This year, our Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) conference was the largest
ever. I believe this was due in part to the fact it was held in February as opposed to the July meetings of the past. More importantly, conference attendance is growing due to emerging young leadership every year. Farm Bureau staff is working with and molding great young leaders who will benefit our state for years to come. However, Farm Bureau staff members aren’t the only ones working to ensure a bright future for agriculture. Local agriculture teachers are working hard to instill a good work ethic and stress the importance of farming at high schools in every county. I’ve seen great things from our local FFA chapters and know these young people will one day be feeding families all over the world just like we are today. The hard work and determination of these young people has been on display all over Arkansas during this recent county fair season. It’s exciting to see their drive to succeed, and I know many of them will go on to do great things. Having been involved in the YF&R program for some time, I’ve seen many people accomplish lofty goals. I know of at least two young men who have gone on to be state representatives. They’re now taking on the task of changing government policy to improve agriculture and everyday life in Arkansas while still continuing to farm. That’s just the selfless nature of our young agricultural leaders throughout the state. Many others who aren’t elected officials are working just as hard to improve efficiency and yield of the many products the farmers of Arkansas provide. The number of leaders, both men and women, who have been appointed to various agri-related boards is also encouraging. That’s the type of involvement and leadership that guarantees the future of farming for all of us and for many generations to come. I also was glad to see some much-needed tax relief in this year’s legislation. The removal of taxes on heating fuel and electricity in animal feeding operations will be a welcome change to poultry growers in several areas of the state. As a poultry producer myself, I know the significance of this change and look forward to these savings. Also, the removal of tax on baling twine and net wrap will help offset some of the ever-increasing cost of hay production for livestock producers. I appreciate our legislators working to get these laws passed. All of you should let them know
pcipublishing.com Created by Publishing Concepts, Inc. David Brown, President • dbrown@pcipublishing.com For Advertising info contact Tom Kennedy • 1-800-561-4686 tkennedy@pcipublishing.com Edition 31
how important it is to each one of us. I’m confident in our young farming and ranching leadership for whatever lies ahead. I know it won’t always be easy, but I truly believe with today’s young leaders we’ll continue to overcome and always strive to improve Arkansas agriculture. God bless.
Œ„´*
Arkansas Agriculture
3
&
YF
R strong
We salute our top Young Farmers & Ranchers by Gregg Patterson Photos by Keith Sutton
4
Arkansas Agriculture
G
Getting started in farming presents a
substantial maze for most young farmers and ranchers to navigate. Finances, available land, equipment, labor issues and a host of other things all make farming and ranching tenuous ways to make a living. Nothing comes easily. However, there’s nothing like overcoming adversity and having some success to build the strong fortitude, confidence and experience necessary to succeed on the farm.
We had to earn it Kris and Meredith Baker of Sherrill know that feeling. They farm corn, soybeans, rice and wheat on 3,000 rented acres. At 35 and 33 years old, respectively, they’re still young despite already having 10 years of farming experience. Kris manages the farm’s day-to-day operations while Meredith handles the bookkeeping and the planting. It’s their ability to succeed on the farm that’s just one of the reasons Kris and Meredith are among three finalist-families in Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award competition. This award honors young farm families across the state for their hard work, innovation, progress and the general excellence of their operations. The winner of the award will be announced Dec. 4 at the 79th Arkansas Farm Bureau Convention in Little Rock. The winning couple will receive a $35,000 credit to purchase a GM vehicle and receives an expenses-paid trip to the American Farm
Earning it themselves Kris and Meredith Baker strive for maximum production. Kris says you have to have the latest technology you can afford to achieve this goal.
Bureau Convention in January in San Antonio to compete for the national award. The other finalists for the award include Scott and Cassie Davis of Prairie Grove, who run a dairy farm; and Chris and Alechia Meador of Green Forest, who raise chickens and cattle.
Arkansas Agriculture
5
The Baker’s started farming in 2004.
inheritance or partnership conversions.
Like most beginning farmers, they
It was all bought the hard way. We had
didn’t have much to start with. Kris
to earn it. “This past year, we designed an
says they had to use older equipment, “. . . some we purchased and some we
11,000-square-foot shop and equipment
rented from family members until we
facility and a 100,000-bushel grain bin,”
could get on our feet.”
Kris says. “I’m most proud of our shop facility, because we did all the designing
Since that time Kris says, “We’ve purchased every piece of equipment
and building of the offices and tool
necessary to run our operation. None of
rooms inside the shop.” Kris says his goal is being able to
this equipment was acquired through
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Adding on This 100,000-bushel grain storage facility is one of the newest additions on Kris and Meredith Baker’s farm.
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Arkansas Agriculture
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sustain his business. In an age of bigger and bigger farming operations, the Baker’s reduced the amount they farm by 400 acres this year. “Sometimes bigger isn’t always better,” Kris says. “Three thousand acres is a better fit for our operation.” The volatility in the commodity markets also caused the Baker’s to rethink how they market their crops. “We market crops year-round through forward booking,” Kris says. “With this method, you get a good average price.” He sums up the challenges farmers face daily. “Being a farmer is being a problem solver. You wake up to a new problem every day.” Both are active at the county Farm
Arkansas Agriculture RWB_Layout 1 8/30/13 9:30 PM Page 1
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Fertilize for $8 per acre? Really? Yes, with Sea Minerals FA Bureau level and in their community. Kris served as 2013 Jefferson County board vice president while Meredith is active on the Women’s Committee and
I am sending you some pictures of our 3rd cutting alfalfa on a first year field (see pictures and complete story at www.SeaMineralsFA.com). It is crotch high on my son who is 6 ft. This has been sprayed with Sea Minerals FA 3 times, one time each cutting. We have had little to no natural moisture here since October of 2010. We are very pleased with the results and plan on continuing using it as we are seeing improvement in production with each cutting. July 30, 201 –W Dilts, Belen, NM
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Sweetheart ranchers Chris and Alechia Meador got started ranching early in high school, each raising beef cattle. He financed the purchase of six pairs of cows. She bought one pair with her savings.
8
Arkansas Agriculture
Ranch hands Chris and Alechia on the ranch at Meador Manor with sons Cole, 2, Jace, 4 and Mason, 6. The boys already know what it means to work, and they enjoy helping. There are many chores they help with such as feeding animals and gardening.
Born to be a farmer
The Meadors’ have moved up a bit from
is that if you’re afraid of having problems,
their small high school herd. They now
then you shouldn’t be a farmer,” Chris
I was born to be a farmer.” So says Chris
have 100 head in their cow/calf operation
says. However, he’s undeterred. “We’re
Meador, 35, a poultry grower and cattle
and six chicken houses. They also sell
living our dream.”
rancher in Green Forest. Meador farms 443
chicken litter for fertilizer and remove litter
acres with his wife, Alechia, 34, who keeps
from others’ poultry houses. All this hard
community as well as Farm Bureau where
the books and manages the couple’s three
work is in addition to each working full-
they have served on numerous county
boys: Mason, Jace and Cole.
time jobs, Chris working in the field for
committees for the better part of a decade
Tyson Foods and Alechia running her own
and the state YF&R committee 2010-
farm, but we did live in the country,”
business as a certified public accountant.
2012. They won the YF&R Excellence in
Chris recalls. “When I was 14 years old,
One of their goals is to be able to make
I purchased six pairs of cows. FHA had a
their living solely from the farm.
Agriculture Award in 2010. They both are ArkAg_2-5x2-125_Ad_Layout 1 9/25/13 9:56 AM Pag graduates of the College of the Ozarks.
“Everyone is born to be something, and
“My family did not have an operating
program which offered a no-interest loan
“Expansion and efficiency would be
to youth involved in 4-H programs.” He
the key to making this happen,” Chris
got a $5,000 loan to buy the cows and
says. “Efficiency is very important to us. It
raised them in his parent’s field until he
allows us to be profitable and accomplish
graduated from high school.
many jobs.”
Oh yeah, he also married his high
Juggling a down economy, major
school sweetheart. Though not from a
drought, upgrading outdated poultry
farming family, Chris says Alechia “. . .
facilities, animal health, properly timing
had the same love for farming . . .” he did.
the expansion of their facilities and
She’d even purchased two cows with her
land base, and wisely managing debt all
savings during high school. The “herds”
have made the first 10 years of farming
were merged soon after they graduated
challenging.
from high school.
Alechia and Chris are active in their
Every Seed. Every Field. Every Farmer Counts. http://www.youtube.com/ArmorSeed
“One thing I’ve learned over the years
Arkansas Agriculture
9
Team Davis Scott and Cassie Davis with their daughters Lily, 7 and Ella, almost 2. Cassie is a graduate of Farm Bureau’s first President’s Leadership Council class and is a strong voice for agriculture and the farming way of life.
10
Arkansas Agriculture
Endangered species
One of few Davis Riverview Farms, owned by Scott and Cassie Davis, is one of only 82 dairy farms left in Arkansas.
Scott and Cassie Davis of Prairie Grove are dairy farmers. On the surface, that’s a fairly simple statement, complete with visions of beautiful rolling pastures replete with black and white cows contentedly munching buttercups and lush green grass. The reality is the Davis’ profession probably makes them the most endangered kind of farmer in the state. In a state that once had more than 800 dairy farms, there are only 82 left in Arkansas as of this writing. There’s a good chance there will be less by the time this magazine reaches your mailbox. Viewed with a somewhat different lens, if the Davis’ were some form of fish, wildlife or lowly unknown bug, they’d be protected by the Endangered Species Act and have more money, habitat, a swarm of lawyers and legal protections all Incentives Program funds to drill a well as a
areas. And Cassie is a graduate of the
new water source. Their improvements are
first President’s Leadership Council.
and heifers on 450 acres in an area that’s
all based on increasing efficiency and the
The two also volunteer much of their
quickly converting from farmland into
quality of their herd.
free time to local church, youth and
working to ensure their survival. Scott, 34, and Cassie, 30, run 275 cows
subdivisions. Their northwest Arkansas farm is in one of the fastest-growing population
Scott and Cassie are active in Farm Bureau at the county level in many
civic endeavors. The Davis’ have two daughters, Lily and Ella.
Œ„´*
areas in the country, and its Illinois River watershed is a national target for evertightening environmental regulations. “There have been several housing additions and subdivided pieces of property around us in the last few years that have raised property values,” Scott says. “While these changes have helped improve our property value, it has made it near impossible to add acreage near our farm. “The farmland that is left is usually held onto by the farmers who have been operating here for years. When they decide to sell, many take advantage of our growing population and divide the land to sell,” Scott says. “Land prices are far too expensive for farming operations.” However, the Davis’ move forward undeterred. In the last decade, they’ve done numerous improvements on the farm to benefit herd health and comfort, as well as on-farm efficiency. They once used the Illinois River as a water supply. Recently, they fenced off access by their cows to the portion of the river that runs through their property and used farm bill Environmental Quality
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Arkansas Agriculture
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Arkansas Agriculture
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Moving Forward - Growing Stronger “Agriculture has been a vibrant part of Arkansas State University’s tradition since its inception in 1909. With more than 100 years of agricultural heritage, the College of Agriculture and Technology is dedicated to educating, enhancing and enriching the lives of our graduates, to make a positive difference in a growing world.” -Dr. Timothy Burcham, College of Agriculture and Technology Dean (870) 972-2085
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PROPERTY LOCATION: From Wheatley: take exit 221 off Interstate 40 and go south on Hwy 78, through one stop sign, for approx. 4.2 miles. Turn right on County Rd 926 then take an immediate left onto County Rd 925, follow south for 1.0 mile and turn right on County Rd 922. Follow 922 for 1.0 mile and turn left on County Rd 947 follow for approx. 1.2 miles and you will enter property straight ahead with grain bins located on your left.
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ARKANSAS AGRICULTURE
Arkansas Agriculture
17
Faces of Agriculture compiled by Tara Johnson
Susan Anglin
S
Susan Anglin and her family run a
dairy farm in northwest Arkansas. In addition to various activities with Arkansas Farm Bureau, Susan writes a blog called the Spotted Cow Review (www.anglindairy.
net), where she regularly posts about her experiences on the farm. She took time to answer a few questions and share her Gregg Patterson
refreshing take on agriculture. 1. How are you involved in agriculture? “Since I grew up in town, I would say my involvement with agriculture began when I married the farmer and the farm
Voice for agriculture Susan Anglin (right) is an Arkansas dairy farmer who is a great communicator in telling the agriculture story. Follow her blog “Spotted Cow Review” at anglindairy.net.
28 years ago. It was a package deal environment for the next generation,
farm involves feeding and caring for the
while contributing to our local economy
or the type of production method,
calves, assisting in herd health activities
and communities.”
farmers take the responsibility seriously to protect the environment, care for our
and maintaining herd and farm business records. At one time or another, I’ve done or assisted with almost any task there is
3. Why do you think agriculture is important?
more than once.”
“Agriculture affects our everyday life aside from food. When you brush
2. In your own words, what is agriculture?
spend that dollar bill made with cotton
security — the security of having food
production of crops and livestock on
for all Americans.”
technologies have changed.” 5. What is the most challenging aspect of dairy farming? “When you have no control over the price of your product, the input costs or the weather. It is an ongoing dairy
a farm. Agriculture, to me, is the 4. What’s the one thing you
by proven technology and sound science
want everyone to know about
that will sustain and improve the
agriculture and farming?
Arkansas Agriculture
the look of the family farm and the
Agriculture is also a part of our national
agriculture is much too simple: the
production of crops and livestock guided
food. The same values of caring for
your teeth or throw a leather football, or — agriculture is part of that activity.
“The dictionary definition for
animals and to provide safe, affordable the land and animals exist today, but
on the farm. It’s proven to be interesting
18
“Regardless of the size of the farm
from the start. My everyday role on the
farming challenge to be flexible in daily management and decision making.”
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19
Rural Reflections Photo Contest 2013
F
ront Porch’s fourth Rural Reflections Photo Contest offers amateur photographers the chance to explore the many activities, seasons, triumphs, disappointments and faces of agriculture, our state’s key industry. The photos that win this competition will capture the image and spirit of agriculture, and Farm Bureau, in Arkansas. The contest includes two divisions, High School (ages 14–18) and Adult (19 and older). The winner of each receives $250. In addition, one entry will receive a Grand Prize of $500. The winners and honorable mentions may have their works published, with credit, in Front Porch and Arkansas Agriculture magazines, on Farm Bureau’s website, arfb.com, and in other publications.
$1,000 in prizes. Complete contest rules at: www.arfb.com/get-involved/contests
20
Arkansas Agriculture
Every Seed. Every Field. Every Farmer Counts.
Without a farmer’s sacrifice, a seed is only a seed. In the hands of a farmer, a seed helps grow America.
In a single year, each American farmer feeds 155 people and agriculture grows more than 24 million U.S. jobs. All this started with a single farmer just down the road from you.
www.ArmorSeed.com
Arkansas Agriculture
21
Policy Update Ag tax cuts provide big savings Proper certification is the first step by Michelle Kitchens
D
During the most recent legislative
session, the General Assembly passed several tax cuts for agriculture. The diverse tax-cut package included something for almost all segments of agriculture, from cattlemen to forestry. The largest agriculture tax cut was Act 1441. Act 1441 creates a sales-tax
delivered, some tax identification
are interested in running for office, Farm
exemption for the sale of electricity,
information and their NAICS code.
Bureau can help you get elected.
propane and natural gas used in poultry,
After the Department of Finance and
cattle, dairy, horticulture, swine and
Administration receives the completed
“campaign school” to help members run
aquaculture facilities. That exemption
forms, they will mail an official certificate
for office. The How to Win an Election
takes effect on Jan. 1, 2014. It will save
that indicates your farm is eligible for the
Seminar is all about the details. Designed
farmers approximately $11 million
exemption. Copies of this certificate will
with the help of the Republican and
annually. Economists estimate poultry
need to be shared with all your utility
Democrat parties and accomplished
farms will save about $600 per house per
providers. Those providers are responsible
campaign consultants, it is conducted in
year.
for collecting taxes and will not apply the
several states across the nation and has an
If your farm is eligible for this
exemption without proper certification.
excellent success record. Participants in the
exemption, you will need to certify
It’s a simple process that will lead
class will learn about developing a message,
Farm Bureau has developed a
your meter and propane tanks with
to big savings. Next time you see your
effective methods of reaching voters,
the state. This is a simple process and
legislators, thank them for making this
fundraising, getting voters to the polls,
prevents people from claiming the
exemption possible. It’s important to let
recruiting volunteers and working with
exemption when they aren’t eligible. In
them know that farmers appreciate their
the media. On Nov. 21-22, Farm Bureau
fact, tanks or meters must exclusively
support. A similar exemption for grain
will co-host this seminar in Little Rock. If
serve the agriculture purpose or they
drying and storage will take effect on July
there is enough interest, a second seminar
aren’t eligible. If you don’t already have
1, 2014. Those meters will need to be
is planned for Jan. 30-31. The seminar is
the necessary certification form, those
certified through a similar process next
open to candidates of any party running
can be downloaded from the Arkansas
spring.
for any office from school board to
Farm Bureau website, www.arfb.com, or if
These tax cuts happened through the
Congress. Many current and former elected
you do not have access to the internet,
efforts of our farmers who let legislators
officials have participated. We encourage
contact Farm Bureau at 501-228-1229
know that the legislation was important
you to ask them about the seminar.
or visit your local county Farm Bureau
and great legislators who listened and
We are confident they will tell you it is
office. Farmers will need their meter
kept the pressure up at the Capitol. There
worthwhile. More information is available
and tank numbers, the physical location
is always room for more agriculture-
on our website at www.arfb.com or call 501-
of the farm where the utilities are
friendly legislators at the Capitol. If you
228-1229 for a brochure.
22
Arkansas Agriculture
Œ„*
Every Seed. Every Field. Every Farmer Counts.
For Advertising Information
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Food, like nothing else, brings us together. After all, everyone eats. On Taste Arkansas, a food blog by Arkansas Farm Bureau, this simple truth is connecting those interested in food production with the farmers and ranchers who provide us with an abundance of Arkansas agricultural products.
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Arkansas Farm and Ranch Families Provide‌ Safe, affordable food
Food
24% of Arkansas Jobs
Jobs
75% of Wildlife Habitat
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EnvironmEnt
Former Miss Arkansas and Spokesperson for the Arkansas Foundation for Agriculture
Arkansas
While Protecting the Environment
Foundation for Agriculture
24
Arkansas Agriculture
www.growingarkansas.org
Enter ArFB’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet Contest, and you could end up behind the wheel of a
new Kubota.
About the contest: Arkansas Farm Bureau’s YF&R Discussion Meet is a discussion contest related to issues that affect U.S. agriculture. The contest will be Dec. 4 in Little Rock. Deadline for entry is Nov. 20. The winner will win the use of any Kubota tractor for one year and their choice of a Kawasaki Mule or a Honda 4x4 ATV (ATV sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company). Contact your county Farm Bureau office or visit www.arfb.com/get-involved/young_fr/discussion for more info.
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About the tractor: Kubota continues to introduce new models of rugged, dependable, user-friendly tractors in their 43–118 pto horse power M series tractors. The new Grand X Cab boasts one of the largest cabs in its class. Kubota has increased both interior height and width to provide a more spacious feel. Wide opening doors provide easier access while the unobstructed ceiling and fully flat floor guarantee more head and legroom for a higher level of comfort even during long hours behind the wheel. Go to www.kubota.com to learn more. SponSored by Kubota.
One thing will always be true about farming:
Conditions change. From weather, to soil, to technology, you have a lot to keep up with. Thankfully, you’ve got real insurance that keeps up with you. If there’s anything you need to know, just call us. You’ll always have questions. Your Farm Bureau agent always has answers.
Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas, Inc. Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Jackson MS
ArkAnsAs-grown insurAnce for ArkAnsAs growers
Arkansas Agriculture
25
Spotlight OnYouth Sara Loe Leading through sacrifice by Gregg Patterson
a farming business.
willingness to make sacrifices for
However, she was an
others.” Nowhere does The Merriam-
Arkansas FFA state
Webster Dictionary use the word
officer in high school
“sacrifice” in the definition of
and refers to the iconic
leadership. How does one explain such
FFA jacket as “the
a juxtaposition of what some might
precious blue and gold
consider seemingly opposite words? Loe,
corduroy jacket.”
26, goes on to say, “… the best leaders
“During that year, I
are the ones on the front lines willing to
realized how important
give their lives to serve others.”
it is to be a positive
So, it should be no surprise that
Keith Sutton
S
Sara Loe says leadership is “the
leader. My generation
Sara Loe gives of herself by promoting
is removed farther
agriculture education in schools in
from the farm than
Garland County that don’t have existing
the generation that
programs. “I believe so strongly in this
came before me,
that I made it my full-time job,” said
and that pattern has
Loe, a mother of one who lives in Hot
continued for each
a leader for your community, and any
Springs. Don’t confuse full-time job with
generation,” Loe explained. “If we want
opportunity to better yourself for your
“paid.” Loe receives no money for her
to promote agriculture and be educated
community’s sake is worth taking.”
efforts.
advocates for something we so strongly
Volunteer strong Sara Loe leads by example by volunteering to promote agriculture education in schools in Garland County. She defines leadership as “… the willingness to make sacrifices for others.”
Even as she learns and is mentored
believe in, it’s imperative to make sure
by older leaders, Loe sees the value in
foundation for the continued success
there are leaders ready to take on the
giving back to those coming behind her.
of the business of farming and its
role to do so. Those leaders must be
positive economic impact on this state.
prepared for any issues, questions and
saw potential in me when I didn’t. If
I have, and I will continue to promote
problems that arise. The best way to
those people hadn’t sacrificed their time
agriculture education in schools that
learn how to handle ourselves in these
to support me, I wouldn’t be the person
don’t have programs currently in place,”
situations is to learn from those leaders
I am today,” she said. “It’s extremely
Loe said. “I want to give selflessly of my
who came before us.”
important to mentor and support youth,
“I believe agriculture education is the
time, and provide my community with
So a chance to join the inaugural
all of the tools possible to educate our
Arkansas Farm Bureau President’s
youth. I believe if we continue to work
Leadership Council proved attractive.
tirelessly promoting agriculture in our
“The opportunity to better my
“Growing up, there were people who
because you may be the only one who does for that one person.” The dictionary editors at MerriamWebster may want to reconsider
communities and schools, we will secure
leadership skills, further my education
their definition of leadership. Serving
the future of agriculture.”
and learn from great leaders was
others makes it easy to understand
something I didn’t want to miss,” Loe
the connection between sacrifice and
said. “It’s a huge responsibility to be
leadership.
Loe and her husband Andrew aren’t involved in on-the-ground farming or
26
Arkansas Agriculture
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Arkansas Agriculture
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RuralReflections
Word from the heavens “The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.� 2 Timothy 2:6 Photo by Keith Sutton.
28
Arkansas Agriculture
Committed. Strong. reliAble. truSted. member-owned. Farm Credit’s more than 10,000 customer-owners across Arkansas include rural home owners, row crop farmers, livestock operations, local food farmers, and full and part-time farmers. With $2.8 billion in assets, Arkansas Farm Credit associations serve agriculture, our communities and the rural lifestyle. Members enjoy unique benefits like patronage refunds totaling more than $122 million since 1997. Are you Farm Credit?
800-444-3276 farmcredit.com
Arkansas Agriculture
29
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Little Rock, AR Permit No. 1884
GROW YOUR AGRICULTURE BUSINESS WITH FARM BUREAU BANK Purchase or refinance the agricultural equipment you need today to grow your business for the future. Plus take advantage of your membership with dedicated service, special rates, flexible terms and payment plans up to 7 full years. We make financing easy!
This special rate is for Arkansas Farm Bureau Members through 2013
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FARM BUREAU AGENT
Existing Farm Bureau Bank loans are excluded from this offer. *Rate disclosed as Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and based on exceptional credit. Some restrictions may apply based upon the make and model of equipment offered as collateral. Up to 90% financing for new and 85% for used equipment. Loans subject to credit approval. Rates are accurate as of 09/13/13. Rates and financing are limited to farm equipment model years 2003 or newer and are subject to change without notice. A down payment may be required for new or used equipment purchases. Financial information required for loan requests over $50,000. Commercial vehicles and trailers may be subject to an additional documentation fee. Farm Bureau Bank does not provide equity or cash-out financing on commercial vehicles and equipment. Banking services provided by Farm Bureau Bank FSB. Farm Bureau, FB, and the FB National Logo are registered service marks owned by, and used by Farm Bureau Bank FSB under license from, the American Farm Bureau Federation. LENDER EQUAL HOUSING