#BeVocal 6 7 TH O F F I C E R S & L E A D E R S C O N F E R E N C E
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vocal [voh-kuh l] ADJECTIVE
of, relating to, or uttered with the voice; having a voice; giving forth sound with or as with a voice; inclined to express oneself in words, especially copiously or insistently
SCHEDULE
MONDAYJULY 20
OF
10 a.m. Registration Hot Springs Convention Center Noon
General Session Hot Springs Convention Center, Horner Hall
Invocation Janice Marsh, chairwoman ArFB State Women’s Committee Lunch Hot Springs Convention Center, Horner Hall Presiding Rich Hillman, vice president Arkansas Farm Bureau
Presentation of Colors Arkansas Sheriff’s Association, Hot Springs Pledge of Allegiance Derek Helms AFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee
National Anthem Heather Keenen Washington County Farm Bureau 2:15 p.m. Break
EVENTS
Arkansas Agriculture Department Update Wes Ward, secretary Arkansas Agriculture Department
Introduction of President Rich Hillman
President’s Address Randy Veach, president Arkansas Farm Bureau
General Motors Presentation Sean McGraw Update and Review of the 2015 Program
Special Presentations YF&R Achievement Award Finalist Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship Recipients Romeo E. Short Scholarship Recipients Marvin Vines Memorial Scholarship Recipient Luncheon Door Prize Drawing
2:45 p.m. Session 1 Workshops A. Farm Human Resources Management Rooms 203 & 204 B. Talking GMOs Room 209 C. Delta Plastics Pipe Planner – Irrigation Pump and Motor Efficiencies Room 207 D. Poultry Drinking Water Treatment and Avian Influenza Room 208 3:45 p.m. Break
TUESDAYJULY 21
4 p.m. Session 2 Workshops A. Grow Farm Bureau Room 209 B. Congressional Outlook Room 207 C. It’s Personal: How to Be a Better “Agvocate” Online and in the Media Room 208 D. State Water Plan – Final Rule Review Rooms 203 & 204 5 p.m.
Adjourn
7:30 a.m. Registration Hot Springs Convention Center
10 a.m. General Session Hot Springs Convention Center, Horner Hall
8:30 a.m. Session 3 Workshops A. Crop Trends and Updates Room 207 B. Livestock & Poultry: Market Trends and Emerging Issues Room 208 C. Agriculture and the 90th General Assembly Rooms 203 & 204 D. Grow Farm Bureau Room 209
Presiding Joe Christian, secretary/treasurer Arkansas Farm Bureau
9:30 a.m. Break
Speaker: Advocating Agriculture Through Social Media Greg Peterson Peterson Farm Brothers Vendor Door Prize Drawing Closing Remarks 11 a.m. Adjourn
SPEAKERBIOS
GREGPETERSON
Greg Peterson is a 2013 graduate of Kansas State University, where he majored in agricultural communications and journalism. He grew up and still works on the family farm near Assaria, Kan., with his parents, two brothers, and sister. He has always enjoyed working on the farm and being an advocate for agriculture. In June of 2012, Greg and his brothers released a video on YouTube entitled, "I'm Farming and I Grow It." It quickly went viral, receiving more than 9 million views. Since then Greg and his brothers have released six more parody videos and are now up to 35 million total views on YouTube. The videos have given Greg and his brothers many opportunities around the country and the world to talk about agriculture and he is passionate about the future of the industry.
WESWARD
Wes Ward serves as the Secretary of Agriculture for the State of Arkansas. Wes was appointed to the position in March 2015 by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Wes is from the small town of Lake City in Northeast Arkansas and is a graduate of Riverside High School. He earned a bachelor of science degree in agricultural business with an emphasis in agricultural finance from Arkansas State University. Wes earned a law degree and also completed the LL.M. program for a master of laws degree in agricultural and food law at the University of Arkansas. Wes spent nearly 15 years in the United States Marine Corps and has completed deployments to Afghanistan and Jordan. He is currently serving as a civil affairs officer in the Marine Corps Reserves. Aside from the Marine Corps, Wes has also worked as a field coordinator for Congressman Rick Crawford doing agricultural outreach and as an adjunct law professor at the University of Arkansas School of Law.
RANDYVEACH
Randy Veach is in his seventh term as Arkansas Farm Bureau president, having been re-elected in December 2014. He previously served five years as the organization’s vice president and has been on the state board of directors since December 1999. A third-generation farmer, he and his wife Thelma raise cotton, rice, soybeans, wheat and corn on farmland cleared by his grandfather and father. He farms with his son Brandon. Veach serves as a member of the American Farm Bureau board of directors, where he serves as a member of the Audit Committee, as well as the International Trade Committee. He is also on the board of the Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company and American Ag Insurance Company. Randy has been named to the Farm Bureau BanCorp board, where he serves as a member of the bank’s Executive Committee.
Veach was recently appointed to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee for Tobacco, Cotton and Peanuts by U.S. Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman. He is a member of the Arkansas World Trade Center board of advisors. In 2012, Veach received the Honorary American FFA Degree for lifetime service to youth and agriculture education, and has additionally received the Honorary State FFA Degree. In 2014, he was recognized as the Burlsworth Foundation’s Legends Honoree. Before joining the Arkansas Farm Bureau state board, Veach held several positions in Mississippi County Farm Bureau, including president and vice president. He also served on the county’s Soybean, State Affairs and National Legislative Affairs committees. He and his family were chosen as the 1998 Mississippi County Farm Family of the Year. A deacon at Little River Baptist Church, Veach served 10 years as a trustee of B.M.A. Theological Seminary in Texas, and was past board director of Baptist Hospital in Mississippi County. He also served 10 years on the Manila School Board. Randy previously served as a member of the Arkansas State Plant Board and the board for the National Cotton Council, and Cotton, Inc. He has also been a member of the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board. Veach has been involved with agricultural trade missions to Mexico, China, Panama, South Korea, Japan, Belgium and Switzerland. Randy and Thelma have four grandchildren.
WORKSHOP
DESCRIPTIONS MONDAY @ 2:45 P.M. TALKING GMOS – ROOM 209 Speakers: Adrianne Massey, PhD - Managing Director, Science and Regulatory Affairs, Biotechnology Industry Organization; and Veronica Nigh - Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation
Public interest in biotechnology is growing. Consumers struggle to understand the topic and misinformation abounds. Farmers regularly utilize biotechnology and genetically modified organisms. How can farmers engage in the discussion? If you have ever felt that you needed more facts about GMOs or needed help with how to talk to consumers about their use, this workshop will provide answers. The speakers will discuss ongoing efforts to pass a fair national labeling law and explore how the federal government is under pressure to make decisions that could limit the use of biotech crops. FARM HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT – ROOMS 203 & 204 Speakers: Leon Jones, Jr. - Director, Arkansas Department of Labor; and Daniel Faulkner Arkansas Department of Labor - Legal Division
Seemingly straightforward tasks such as hiring labor were once simple, but now they’ve become complicated and worrisome. Many farmers and ranchers are not
equipped with the knowledge to deal with all the new laws and regulations that go along with hiring a workforce. This workshop will provide farmers and ranchers with the basic tools and training to handle a variety of human resource situations, such as interviewing, orientation, safety, harassment, discrimination, violence, discipline, and termination. DELTA PLASTICS PIPE PLANNER – IRRIGATION PUMP & MOTOR EFFICIENCIES – ROOM 207 Speakers: Chris DeClerk - Irrigation Specialist, Delta Plastics; and Dr. Chris Henry - Assistant Professor and Water Management Engineer, University of Arkansas
This session will include two expert speakers addressing new technology that can help farmers manage the often-complicated task of irrigation. Delta Plastics Pipe Planner, Chris DeClerk
In 2014, Delta Plastics released its new pipe planner software that made it easier than ever for producers to use the FAUCET system. DeClerk will explain how this program allows farmers to use less water and save energy and time by watering less and with a much greater efficiency. Irrigation Pump and Motor Efficiencies, Dr. Chris Henry
Thanks to the support of multiple checkoff boards, Dr. Henry has been able to spend the last few years investigating and testing the efficiencies of various pumps and motors used to irrigate crops. He will discuss how his research shows pairing equipment properly results in energy and fuel savings.
POULTRY DRINKING WATER TREATMENT AND AVIAN INFLUENZA – ROOM 208 Speakers: Dr. Terry Conger - Poultry Health Specialist, USDA APHIS, Veterinary Services; and Chris Enloe - Vice President of Operations, Hot Springs Instrument Supply
Avian influenza refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. These viruses occur naturally among wild, aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species, but they do not normally infect humans. Domesticated birds may become infected with avian influenza virus through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry, or through contact with surfaces (such as dirt or cages) or materials (such as water or feed) that have been contaminated with the virus. Hear the latest news on avian influenza and learn about concerns, potential risks of avian influenza and treatment of water to prevent the spread of the disease. MONDAY @ 4 P.M. IT’S PERSONAL: HOW TO BE A BETTER “AGVOCATE” ONLINE & IN THE MEDIA – ROOM 208 Speakers: Rob Anderson - Director of Public Relations for Arkansas Farm Bureau; and Mollie Dykes - Social Media Specialist for Arkansas Farm Bureau
You believe in the Farm Bureau mission and you know how to spread the good word to your community and among other farmers, but are you preaching to the choir? How can you help explain critical farming issues to the general public and spark interest outside of the farming community? Building understanding and support with these audiences will help ensure a brighter future for farming, and you play a key role. You can change hearts and minds and create “agvocates” outside of agriculture through
messages that are personal, powerful and emotional. This workshop will provide tips and pointers for doing this and for sharing messaging in social and traditional media, crafting compelling posts and pitches, and finding and reaching new audiences and media members online. CONGRESSIONAL OUTLOOK – ROOM 207 Speaker: Veronica Nigh - Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation
The 114th Congress is halfway through its first year and agriculture has been in the headlines with the Trade Promotion Authority and WOTUS. While important work has been done, Farm Bureau also has its sights set on tackling immigration, biotechnology and the Endangered Species Act before next year’s election. In this session, you’ll find out about what’s ahead and the challenges facing this Congress and the impending election. STATE WATER PLAN – FINAL RULE REVIEW – ROOMS 203 & 204 Speakers: Tony Ramick - Fiscal Manager/Coordinator, Nonpoint Source Management Program for Arkansas Natural Resources Commission; and Ken Brazil, P.E. - Engineer Supervisor for Arkansas Natural Resources Commission
The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission is in the final phase of rulemaking for the State Water Plan. It has been a multi-year process with input from thousands of stakeholders. The Arkansas Water Plan is the state’s policy for long-term water management, and the Arkansas General Assembly uses recommendations from each update to determine how to oversee our water resources. In this workshop, ANRC will review the contents of the proposed rule and the next steps for input and implementation.
GROW FARM BUREAU – ROOM 209 Speakers: Greene County Farm Bureau: Terry Norwood - President, Bill Pollard - Agency Manager and Karen Ellington - Member Service Representative; Justin Reynolds Southcentral District Director for Arkansas Farm Bureau; Dustin Hill - Southwest District Director for Arkansas Farm Bureau; and Chuck Tucker - Vice President of Organization and Member Programs for Arkansas Farm Bureau
You’re a member of Arkansas Farm Bureau and you believe in the mission of our organization, but do you know how you can help it grow? Learn about the 2015 membership campaign and how you can build a stronger Farm Bureau! This workshop will provide tips and pointers for county open houses, membership drives and promotions. TUESDAY @ 8:30 A.M. AGRICULTURE AND THE 90TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY – ROOMS 203 & 204 Speaker: Jeff Pitchford - Director of Public Policy – State Affairs, Arkansas Farm Bureau
With its regular session and a special session in the books, Arkansas’s General Assembly accomplished much for agriculture. This workshop will cover the successes of the most recent regular session and the work still ahead. It will also explore issues that will be studied in the interim and examine the areas that Farm Bureau leaders should consider for policy development looking forward. CROP TRENDS AND UPDATES – ROOM 207 Speakers: Matt King - Director of Market Information & Economics, Arkansas Farm Bureau; Brandy Carroll - Assistant Director, Commodity Activities & Market Information, Arkansas Farm Bureau; and Ethan Branscum - Assistant Director, Commodity Activities & Economics, Arkansas Farm Bureau
The 2015 crop season is halfway through for most commodities, and harvest time
is on the horizon. With low commodity prices on the boards, it’s important for farmers to have the most up-to-date information for the upcoming marketing season. In this workshop, ArFB market analysts will break down the most recent USDA reports, crop price trends, international markets and explain what they mean for Arkansas farmers. LIVESTOCK & POULTRY: MARKET TRENDS AND EMERGING ISSUES – ROOM 208 Speakers: Travis Justice - Director of Commodity and Regulatory Affairs for Arkansas Farm Bureau and Bruce Tencleve, Assistant Director of Commodity and Regulatory Affairs for Arkansas Farm Bureau
ArFB staff will review the current market situation and the outlook for cattle, poultry, dairy, and swine industries. Key issues affecting animal producers will also be explored, as well as emerging challenges impacting meat trade, production practices, and consumer acceptance. GROW FARM BUREAU – ROOM 209
Speakers: Greene County Farm Bureau: Terry Norwood - President, Bill Pollard - Agency Manager and Karen Ellington - Member Service Representative; Justin Reynolds Southcentral District Director for Arkansas Farm Bureau; Dustin Hill - Southwest District Director for Arkansas Farm Bureau; and Chuck Tucker - Vice President of Organization and Member Programs for Arkansas Farm Bureau
You’re a member of Arkansas Farm Bureau and you believe in the mission of our organization, but do you know how you can help it grow? Learn about the 2015 membership campaign and how you can build a stronger Farm Bureau! This workshop will provide tips and pointers for county open houses, membership drives and promotions.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
An enormous thanks to our conference co-sponsors: • Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company • Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company • Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas, Inc.
UPCOMING FB MEETINGS
Make plans now to attend Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 81st State Convention, Dec. 2 - 4 in Little Rock. ArFB is offering travel packages to AFBF’s 96th Annual Meeting, Jan. 10 - 13, 2016 in Orlando. For more information, pick up a flier at the registration desk!
HASHTAG
#OandL #BeVocal
MOBILE AGENDA
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