In Farm Bureau ArFB Convention Dec. 2-4 The 81st Arkansas Farm Bureau State Convention will be Dec. 2-4 at the Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in Little Rock. This year’s theme is “Growing for Tomorrow.” Registration starts Dec. 2 at 9:30 a.m. in the Marriott mezzanine, prefunction area. The Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, followed by the first general session starting at 1 p.m. A number of special awards will be presented during this session, which will be highlighted with addresses by ArFB President Randy Veach and Kevin Murphy, owner and founder of Food-Chain Communications. Numerous conferences will be held Wednesday and Thursday to provide attendees with the latest information from noted experts in their fields. Other events will include the Women’s Luncheon and Cotton Fashion Show, and the Sew with Cotton Contest. Again this year is the silent auction with proceeds benefiting
Eight-year-old Mykayla Hale of Stuttgart helped her grandfather, Arkansas Farm Bureau state board member Terry Dabbs, place ArFB’s winning bid on a trio of Grand Champion Meat Pen rabbits during the Sale of Champions at the Arkansas State Fair and Livestock Show. The auction raises more than $100,000 each year to help fund the Junior Livestock Auction and Scholarship Program. M*A*S*H programs. Thursday’s general session will be highlighted by awards presentations and addresses by Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall and farmer/comedian Tim Moffet. Throughout the convention, shuttle service will be provided to the Marriott from the Downtown Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn-Presidential and Wyndham Riverfront. Stone Co. FB president and ArFB state board member Leo Sutterfield (left) and U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford (right) congratulated members of the Hinkle Decker family who were recognized as the Stone County Farm Family of the Year at the county’s annual meeting in Mountain View Oct. 5. The Deckers raise cattle and hay on their 420-acre farm just outside the city limits.
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YF&R contest deadlines near Young Farmers and Ranchers from Arkansas who are interested in agriculture and active in Farm Bureau, but derive the majority of their income off the farm, are encouraged to participate in the 2015 YF&R Excellence in Agriculture contest. The entry deadline is Nov. 6. The winner receives a Polaris Ranger UTV and $2,500 cash provided by Publishing Concepts, which publishes Front
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A Publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation
October 23, 2015 • Vol. 18, No. 20
Stallman on WOTUS stay On Oct. 9, a federal court ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to stop enforcement nationwide of the Waters of the United States rule. American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman says Farm Bureau is pleased the Sixth Circuit recognizes that this rule has serious
Members of the ArFB State Women’s Committee and a couple of their spouses filled bags of cheesy rice and vegetables during a “Pack Shack” Feed the Funnel event Oct. 13 at the Arkansas Rice Depot. The committee filled 648 bags, enough to feed 5,000 individuals. The Rice Depot will distribute the meals to needy families and organizations in Arkansas.
The Brantley family was honored as Lonoke County Farm Family of the Year at the county’s 80th annual meeting Oct. 5 in Carlisle. Pictured (back, l to r) are Sen. Jonathan Dismang, Lonoke Co. FB legislative chairman Hal Hillman, Amy and Dow Brantley, Rep. David Hillman and former Sen. Bobby Glover, and (front) Ruth, Virginia and Caroline Brantley.
flaws and cannot go forward until the courts have had an opportunity to understand its effect on farmers, ranchers and landowners of all kinds. “The judges expressed deep concerns over the basic legality of this rule,” Stallman said. “We’re not in the least surprised. This is the worst EPA order we have seen since the agency was established more than 40 years ago. The court clearly understood our arguments.
“We are confident that the courts will strike down this rule,” he continued. “Unfortunately, we also know stays don’t last forever, and cases like this almost always take years to win. So we again ask the Senate to pass legislation to nullify this rule just as the House has already done. Farmers and ranchers cannot afford to wait.”
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Porch magazine. Applications are available at www. arfb.com/get-involved/young_fr/excellence. The Arkansas winner also receives an expenses-paid trip to represent the state at the American Farm Bureau annual convention in Orlando Jan. 8-13. Young Farmers and Ranchers also are encouraged to enter the annual YF&R Discussion Meet, which will be conducted at the Arkansas Farm Bureau convention Dec. 2 in Little Rock. The entry deadline is Nov. 24. The winner receives $7,000 toward the purchase of a Polaris ATV or utility vehicle and $2,500 cash from Farm Bureau Bank. Those wishing to enter should contact their county Farm Bureau office or visit www.arfb.com/get-involved/ young_fr/discussion. Discussion questions and resources also can be found at this web address. The Arkansas discussion meet winner also receives an expenses-paid trip to the AFBF convention to represent the state and compete in the national contest.
Dr. Tom Seeley, one of the premier researchers on honeybee behavior and biology, spoke Oct. 9 at the Arkansas Beekeepers Association annual meeting at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View. A professor of neurobiology at Cornell University, Seeley is the author of Honeybee Democracy, one of Financial Time’s Books of the Year in Nonfiction.
Nathan Reed (left) of Marianna was named the Distinguished Young Alumnus for 2015-16 by UA’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness in the Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. Steve Halbrook, head of the economics and agribusiness department, made the presentation at a Global Food Security forum Oct. 12.
In Arkansas Foundation makes final debt payment The Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation (ABWEF) has made its final payment on all debt incurred by Arkansas boll weevil eradication efforts since it began operations in 1997. The remaining balance of approximately $2 million owed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) was made three years ahead of the scheduled maturity date. All Arkansas cotton growers are members of this foundation and have played a part in this debt payment. In a Sept. 23 meeting, the ABWEF board approved the final payment. ABWEF conducted Arkansas boll weevil eradication operations in coordination with the USDA and other cotton-producing states across the South to rid the cotton industry of the devastating boll weevil pest. “It is a great day for the cotton producers in Arkansas, both past and present, to see this debt paid in full,” said ABWEF Executive Director Regina Coleman. “Our
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Free water-quality sampling Livestock producers in southwest Arkansas are encouraged to take advantage of free water-quality sampling being offered by South Arkansas University’s Natural Resource Research Center (NRCC) in Magnolia. The NRRC is a key partner in the Controlled Access and Livestock Fencing initiative, which aims to work with livestock producers to control cattle access to streams for the betterment of their operations and the environment. As part of the initiative, the NRRC is provid-
Garland Co. FB agency manager Wayne Lindley (center) announced his retirement at the county annual meeting in Lake Hamilton Oct. 6. Lindley will retire Dec. 31 after 30 years of service. On hand to wish him well were (left to right) ArFB state board member Tom Jones, county president Tommy Sorrells, state board member Joe Thrash and district sales manager Randy Lloyd.
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current board of directors, as well as past directors, is dedicated to the operation of a successful program for our cotton producers. In taking this step to pay off the debt of $2,059,947.11 three years early, it demonstrates the willingness of our board to follow through with their commitment to operate the best growers’ program possible.” “This is a huge milestone for Arkansas,” said Arkansas State Plant Board Director Darryl Little. “It will save cotton farmers thousands of dollars, and it is to their credit that this program has been successful in Arkansas, and the debt is now paid in full. Arkansas is a leader among cotton-producing states in the U.S., and cotton production is essential to our agricultural economy. This is a great day for Arkansas agriculture, especially Arkansas cotton growers.”
Incoming Crawford Co. FB president Dr. David Ford (right) presented a plaque to outgoing president Tim Neidecker for his two years of service. The presentation was made during the county’s annual meeting Oct. 12 in Alma. The membership passed five state policy resolutions for consideration at ArFB’s annual convention. Some 240 members and guests attended.
ing free water-quality sampling for eligible producers. If cattle drink from free flowing rivers or streams, landowners might want to consider testing that water for bacteria, sediments, heavy metals, pH and more as they all have the potential to affect livestock health and weight gains. Dr. Shane Gadberry with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture says understanding and knowing drinking water quality can be a valuable management tool in beef cattle production systems, especially when trying to solve or prevent cattle health and production problems. “If a properly sampled water-quality analysis reveals substances are outside of the range considered safe for beef cattle, an alternative water source that does not contain harmful levels of contaminates or minerals should be used, which may be a temporary to indefinite solution depending on the situation.” According to Dr. Gija Geme, Director of the NRRC, there are no obligations or commitments required to participate in the water sampling. “Producers only need to call and make a request. If their cattle are drinking or loafing in a stream or river, then we’ll send a student out to collect a water sample. We just hope that if the results show the water quality is poor and limiting for livestock that they will
take steps to control access to those water bodies.” Dr. Geme also adds that “the results of the data are not made public. They are simply used to allow the landowner to make informative decisions regarding their operations.” To participate in the water-quality sampling, contact Mike Budd at 870-473-2869 or michael_budd@fws.gov. Water-quality sampling is available for producers in Polk, Sevier, Little River, Hempstead, Howard, Pike, Clark and Nevada counties.
Elsewhere Contest offers ag grant Discovery Education and the Nutrients for Life Foundation have joined forces to give six lucky schools a chance to win big with the Let It Grow Contest from the partnership program, From the Ground Up: The Science of Soil. Open to educators in communities nationwide, the Let It Grow Contest encourages entrants to vote daily for a middle school of their choice for a chance to win a $5,000 agricultural grant, which could be used toward a school garden or gardening supplies, professional development and more. For more information, visit www.thescienceofsoil.com/ contests/3. Editor Keith Sutton
keith.sutton@arfb.com
In the Market As of October 20, 2015 Can the bulls return to the soybean market? In the Oct. 9 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Supply and Demand report, soybeans faced a mixture of bearish and bullish signals. Heading into the report, the expectation was to see tighter stocks as acreage was forecast to be down again. The USDA met these expectations as the report lowered acreage and only increased yields a tenth of a bushel, leading to production being reduced by 74 million bushels. The reduction in supplies came as the USDA reduced harvested acres another 900,000 acres, which put the USDA estimate close to where most thought the acreage number should have been back in August when the USDA resurveyed acreage. Combine this with a lower carry-over estimate from 2014-15, and soybean prices rallied back above resistance at $9 for a couple of days. While the supply side was supportive, slow exports and a disappointing September crush estimate sent prices back below support at $9 by the following Friday. While the U.S. balance sheet remains supportive for soybean prices, the global soybean situation remains a drag on prices. Soybean prices will remain volatile this fall as the market waits to see if South America can plant the record crop currently forecast by the USDA. Additionally, continued uncertainty surrounding China buying this fall will keep the soybeans from maintaining rallies. Issues with both China and South America led to the USDA lowering the U.S. 2015-16 soybean export forecast by 50 million bushels this month. This decline highlighted market concerns about U.S. exports, and while the domestic crush market remains strong, soybeans depend on the export market for close to half of its use. If export sales remain weak it will be difficult for prices to maintain any significant gains.
Looking at this market longer term, soybeans need the export market to strengthen before prices will be able to maintain any significant gains. While current U.S. exports for the first few weeks of the marketing year are strong, up 15 percent from year-ago levels, sales for the rest of the marketing year lag behind historic levels. As of Oct. 16, U.S. soybean total commitments (sales plus exports) were 23.4 percent behind year-ago levels. Recent lower prices have spurred some buying and helped close the gap somewhat as sales were trailing last year by more than 30 percent just a few weeks ago. Being behind on sales at this point is worrisome for three reasons: 1. Stronger dollar. A strengthening dollar is eroding U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace. As our currency strengthens, it becomes cheaper for other countries to purchase soybeans from South America. Right now the dollar is trading at a record of close to four Brazilian reals to one U.S. dollar. 2. Large global supplies. While U.S. soybean stocks are moving in the right direction, for producers, world soybean stocks continue to increase. Brazil is now forecast to produce a record 3.67 billion bushels of soybeans, which compares to 3.88 billion bushels in the U.S. The record production is forecast to increase Brazil soybean exports some 5.34 million MMT, compared to only a 720,000 MT increase in global trade. This means Brazil is forecast to further erode U.S. market share as U.S. soybean exports are forecast to decline 4.58 million MMT. 3. Slowdown in China. Like the larger U.S. stock market, the soybean market keeps a close watch on China. Over the summer, China imported near or above record levels of soybeans from South American competitors and remain slow to purchase U.S. soybeans this year. With a forecast slowdown in it’s larger economy, there is some worry this could spread to it’s demand for agricultural goods. Cattle prices recover from cold storage report On Oct. 19, the cattle market refilled the gap left following the Sept. 22 Cold Storage Report. The report surprised the
market with larger-than-expected stocks, which led to a $21.05 decline in feeder cattle and a $16.20 decline in live cattle over the next seven trading sessions. Since reaching lows of $174.65 in feeders and $120.02 in live cattle, the market has rallied back to pre-report levels. Recent gains have pushed the cattle market back close to overbought territory. The rally in prices was due to an improvement in boxed beef prices. Since just before Memorial Day, boxed beef prices have declined from a high of $265.59 for choice on May 19, down to a low of $203 on Oct. 9. Strength in the boxed beef prices over the last two weeks has helped push cattle prices off their lows. Cattle prices will need additional improvement in beef prices to keep the current rally going and help push prices back to test resistance near $196 in the feeder market and $143 in the live cattle market. As mentioned earlier, prices are starting to move toward being technically overbought, which could prevent further gains. Additionally, the stronger dollar and weak overall market could again become a drag on cattle prices that could prevent further gains. As the dollar increases, it erodes U.S. competitiveness in foreign markets and hinders our ability to export. The sluggish economy in the U.S. will push consumers to cheaper protein sources. Both these factors will be closely watched as the market needs additional consumption to reduce its large frozen stocks.
CONTACT • Matt King 501-228-1297, matt.king@arfb.com.
2015 ARKANSAS STATE FAIR & LIVESTOCK SHOW
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he 76th State Fair & Livestock Show kicked off Oct. 9 at the state fairgrounds in Little Rock. Arkansas Farm Bureau and agriculture were once again well represented at the annual festivities. Take a look at some of the people and events that made the 10-day event special. • photos by KEITH SUTTON •
Fourteen-year-old Jessica Griffin showed both the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Market Hogs. Jessica, a member of Greene County Tech 4-H and FFA, is the daughter of Allen and Tenna Griffin of Paragould.
Above: Zach Sutton of Alexander and Rebecca Dedman of Pine Bluff were among hundreds who enjoyed up-close interactions with farm animals in the Ag in Action tent. Above right: Kayla Hendrix from Prescott was one of many FFA members who volunteered throughout the week to help in the FFA Barnyard. Right: Emma Williams of Searcy won first place in the Main Dish category of ArFB’s Rice Cooking Contest with her Tangy Meatballs over Rice. Right: Fifteenyear-old Kaylie Stone of Gurdon showed the Grand Champion Meat Pen Rabbits. Kaylie is a member of the Gurdon FFA. Bottom right: Thousands streamed through the Arts and Crafts building to see winners in the creative arts competitions and cooking contests.
Above: Judges like Jim Williams of Boling, Texas, who judged market steers, play a key role in the Livestock Show, devoting many hours of time to selecting the best animals shown in the competitions.
Right: Fun rides and great weather attracted 473,106 people to the 10day fair. That broke 2010’s record-setting attendance of 472,194 by 912. Far right: Arkansas poultry growers surely benefited from sales of thousands of smoked turkey legs at the fair. Foods included everything from Bacon Bombs to Alligator on a Stick.
2014 S TAT E FA I R
Left: This 116-pounder earned Colby Daniell of Arkadelphia the title of 4-H State Watermelon Growing Champion. Above: ArFB State Women’s Committee members served as judges for ArFB’s Rice Cooking Contest. Left to right: Sandra Kemmer, Sonya Harrell, Laurie Richardson, Peggy Miller, Roberta Golmon, Donna Bemis, Angie Hodges, Benita Drew and Janice Marsh. Fourteenyear-old Riley Hoyle of Taylor exhibited the Grand Champion Market Goat at the Junior Livestock Auction. State board member Bruce Jackson purchased the animal for ArFB.
Above: Fair goers had no problem finding lots of fun activities to occupy their time on the midway.