Arkansas Agriculture - Fall 2012

arfb.com

FALL 2012

Top Young

&

Farmers Ranchers

Making M ki g it work k on th the ffarm

Good roads important to ag Visit with 4-H president

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Arkansas Agriculture

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FALL 2012

Inside...

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 4

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Top Young Farmers & Ranchers

By Gregg Patterson

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Farm Bureau Perspective

by Elizabeth Walker Faces of Agriculture — Jason Brown

by Tara Johnson Policy Update

by Michelle Kitchens Spotlight on Youth — Making the good better

by Tara Johnson Rural Reflections Photo On the cover – Our young farmers and ranchers, like dairyman Scott Davis on this issue’s cover, are making farming work through leadership development, innovation, a strong work ethic and a can-do spirit.

Photo by Keith Sutton

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Executive Editor: Steve Eddington Editor: Gregg Patterson Contributing Writers: Ken Moore, Keith Sutton, Chris Wilson Research Assistant: Brenda Gregory

3 22 26 30 32

Arkansas Agriculture

is an official publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation.

Arkansas Agriculture is distributed to almost 32,000 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 Sue Billiot, Smithville Janice Marsh, McCrory Kirk Meins, Stuttgart 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.

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

Farm Bureau

Perspective

By Elizabeth Walker We chose to be farmers! Like many young farmers, we didn’t choose to farm because it was the only way we could provide for our family. We chose farming, because it’s not a job, it’s a way of life.

Farming isn’t something people do until something better comes along. Farming is an unwavering commitment to family, community and to the land.

My husband, Brian, and my involvement with Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program help us keep a keen focus on being a successful farm family. A successful farmer requires similar skills as an effective corporate CEO. Unlike a big-time CEO with layers of support staff and hefty budgets, farm families manage and operate profitable, sustainable and environmentally conscious farms with limited resources. Farm Bureau’s YF&R program is a layer of support that provides training, leadership and networking opportunities for young farmers to operate, grow and sustain successful farms.

Arkansas Farm Bureau’s YF&R program has something to benefit anyone with an interest in agriculture. Involvement in your county YF&R Committee is a great place to meet other young farmers in your area and learn about the opportunities the program offers.

The annual YF&R conference is always a fun family event. The 2012 conference brought 200 farmers and 80 children together from across the state. Meeting other young farm families, competing in Farm Bureau Olympics, attending agriculture education sessions and the kid activities are just some of the conference highlights.

An exciting and competitive aspect of the YF&R program is participating in the Discussion Meet, Excellence in Ag and the Achievement Award contests. These contests encourage participation in Farm Bureau activities and recognize progressive young farm families. Brian and I won the 2010 Achievement Award and received a new truck! The prizes for the other contests are nice, too.

An excellent professional development opportunity is the Arkansas Farm Bureau President’s Leadership Council. This intensive leadership training is an effective way to network with present and future Farm Bureau leaders. This comprehensive leadership training has helped me develop skills to positively impact my farm, my community and the future of agriculture.

Young Arkansas farmers are some of the most educated and passionate citizens in the state. The YF&R program provides a platform for the concerns of young farmers, allowing them to be heard in an intelligent and effective manner. The program also encourages young farmers to actively participate in Farm Bureau policy development activities at the county, state and national level.

While serving on the state YF&R Committee, we traveled to Washington, D.C., where we met agricultural policy makers, visited the USDA and learned about the national legislative process. We gained understanding of how ideas that we develop at the grassroots level can make a real difference in the lives of farmers nationwide. We also learned the importance of agriculture on an international scale while visiting the Australian Embassy.

My family farms for reasons deeper than putting food on the table for our family. As farmers, we grow food for tables all around the world, but there is still something deeper that draws families to farming. Life is full of choices. Just like we chose to be farmers, we also choose to be active in our county and state YF&R program.

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 27

It’s our way of life.

Editor’s note: Elizabeth Walker earned a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Arkansas, and husband Brian earned a bachelor of science in biology from the University of Central Arkansas.

�

Arkansas Agriculture

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Top Young

&

Farmers Ranchers

Making it work on the farm

By Gregg Patterson Photos by Keith Sutton

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Arkansas Agriculture

Young MacDonald had a farm Poulty and cattle farmer Nick Steele.

Living the country life Nick and Karen Steele of Sulphur Rock (Independence County) love living the country life with their 3-year-old son Harley. Nick, 33, grew up spending time on both of his grandfathers’ farms. Like many teenagers, he was active in 4-H, FFA and showed livestock. Karen was raised on a poultry and cattle farm. Both left the farm after high school, Nick attending the University of Arkansas, where he earned an agri-business degree and Karen going to Lyon College, where she earned a degree in economics. But Nick says “farming was just in my blood” and during his last year in Fayetteville, his grandmother and grandfather helped him purchase the original 220 acres where he now raises cattle and laying hens. That acreage is part of 720 acres the Steeles presently farm.

Nick’s ability to succeed on the farm is just one of the reasons he and Karen are one of the three finalistfamilies 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 Nov. 29 at the 78th Arkansas Farm Bureau Convention in Hot Springs. The winning couple will take home a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Crew Cab 4x4 truck and receives an expenses-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Convention in January in Nashville, Tenn. 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 Dan and Mikki Hosman of Jonesboro, who grow rice, milo and soybeans.

“Our operation is centered on four poultry houses where we raise replacement hens,” Nick said. “The birds are placed in our houses the

day they are hatched. We raise them very slowly in a strictly controlled environment until they are 20 weeks old, at which point they are moved to a hen farm and begin to lay eggs.”

This year, Nick added a 40x60-foot poultry litter stacking shed to the farm, allowing him to store the waste created by the birds. “It allows us to dry stack the litter until it can be spread or sold,” Nick said. He sells about 200 tons of litter annually. Storing the litter in the shed prevents runoff when it rains, keeping the waste from getting into ditches and creeks.

The couple also runs 46 cows on their home farm and an additional 115 cows and four bulls on 450 acres they lease from a neighbor. Nick gained experience working for a cattle breeder, so he offers his services as a

custom breeder for local cattlemen.

This includes artificial insemination/ synchronization and blood testing for pregnancy and tracking genetic improvements.

Other farm income comes from Nick’s custom hay baling. “This operation helps to offset the capital costs of owning our own haying equipment,” he said.

Nick has been active as a board member for the county Farm Bureau and previously on the county YF&R Committee. He and Karen are also active as volunteers in their community.

Summing up life on the farm, Nick says of him and Karen, “We both love spending time on our farm hunting and fishing and living the country life.”

Family Portrait #1 Karen, Nick and son, Harley Steele.

Arkansas Agriculture

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Comfortable cows Scott Davis erected several buildings to ensure animal comfort for his dairy cows and calves.

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Arkansas Agriculture

Got milk?

Being a dairyman in Arkansas is being part of a dying breed. However, that’s not evident if you’re visiting the dairy farm of Scott and Cassie Davis and their two daughters Lily, 7, and Ella, who is almost 1. The Davises run 223 dairy cows on 650 acres they farm (300 owned, 350 rented) in Prairie Grove (Washington County).

They also have 13 beef cows.

Scott, 32, is a third-generation dairyman. After graduating from high school in 1998, he attended Northeast Iowa Community College, taking dairy related courses. He got his start in 2000 with just 25 head of Holsteins.

Scott says he and Cassie run a “hands-on” operation in every way. “We have two hired hands we oversee. Everything we expect them to do is also done by us at least on a weekly basis,” he said. This includes milking, feeding, and cleanup and general maintenance of equipment and the farm grounds.

The Davises also do most of their own animal care. “We’re able to medicate and do general animal care practices,” Scott said. However, a vet is consulted for pregnancy checks and for extreme cases of sickness or other rare circumstances.

The Davises also built two calf-raising greenhouses and concentrated on more intense cow/ calf management to improve calf mortality rates. Each building can house 26 calves. Scott says the new buildings offer better climate control and shelter for better calf health. “We also went from a 6 percent mortality (for calves) to less than 1 percent by making sure colostrum was given within the first hour of birth and by better vaccination of cows during pregnancy,” he said.

Other building projects included a heifer grow-out barn where the calves go after leaving the greenhouses

Family portrait #2 Scott and Cassie Davis with daughters, Ella and Lily (standing). and are managed in a group setting.

A 40x80-foot equipment barn was built to improve upkeep by keeping equipment out of the elements. Also, a dry stacking barn was built for easier manure handling and better waste management. And a metal roof was built over the hoof-trimming table, providing cow and farmer comfort during extreme weather conditions.

“We’ve been hands-on in the building of each of these structures,” Scott said. “So we also purchased a sawmill that allows us to supply our own lumber for farm use.”

Better watering facilities and forage testing to improve nutritional values of feed for the dairy cows are also improving the quality of the Davis’ herd. This is exactly what Scott and Cassie are striving to do. “The biggest change is focusing on quality over quantity,” Scott said. “Instead of

increasing milk cow herd numbers, we would like to focus on improving the quality of cow we milk, the quality of the commodities we feed and overall cow comfort in order to increase milk production.”

Scott says the biggest challenge going into the future is urban development in the rapidly growing northwest corner of the state. A lot of sub-dividing of one-time farm properties around his farm is driving up land values, making “it near impossible to add acreage . . .” to the farm.

Scott and Cassie are both very active at the county Farm Bureau level, as well as having served on the state YF&R Committee and Cassie being accepted into the ARFB’s President’s Leadership Council.

The two also contribute time to community organizations.

Arkansas Agriculture

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Heifer International

Level-headed Dan Hosman runs a land leveling business, as well as his farm and wants to controll all aspects of rice production — storage, milling, etc. — on the farm.

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Arkansas Agriculture

Keeping it on the level Dan Hosman didn’t have much equipment when he planted his first crop. “The first tractors I bought to plant a crop in the spring, I had to trade in the fall for a combine to harvest it,” he said.

Good thing that combine didn’t get stuck.

Lesson learned, too, for the 35-yearold, fifth-generation farmer who now farms 11,000 acres (4,500 owned) in the northeast part of the state.

“I have since been able to update equipment and improve my technology,

so I’m able to cover more acres with less people and machinery,” Hosman said.

“I have decreased planting days by twothirds and harvest time by half.”

He and wife Mikki live in Jonesboro with their four sons, Cade, 13; Rhett, 10; Hudson, 7; and 2-year-old Wyn. Farming wasn’t something Dan envisioned for himself. He saw himself going into “big business” and headed off to Vanderbilt University.

“I soon realized farming could be big business,” he said. After one year, he transferred from Vanderbilt to Arkansas State University to study ag business.

He eventually became a partner in his father’s farming operation and started a land-leveling business.

Success in that business built the equity necessary to buy the farm. He’s been leveling land ever since.

“We primarily work on our own ground developing farms for maximum production and efficiency,” Dan said. The business also builds landfills, football and baseball fields, as well as commercial and residential projects. “It’s the most important facet of our farm other than planting and harvesting a crop,” he said.

Family Portrait #3 Dan and Mikki Hosman with sons Wyn, Cade, Rhett, Hudson.

Arkansas Agriculture

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The Hosman’s grow primarily rice along with milo and soybeans.

Dan’s business plan for the farm is to eventually own 10,000 acres of irrigated and leveled land and have the buildings necessary to handle all the milling and storage of the rice he grows.

“Early in my career, I knew I had to not only have irrigated land but to efficiently maintain that

irrigation. I am constantly looking to improve drainage and irrigation,” he said. “I plan to someday farm only what I own and have a true family farm my boys can someday have as part of their master plan.”

Dan and Mikki are active on numerous county and state Farm Bureau committees. Dan won the 2004 state YF&R Discussion Meet. They’re also active in several

community service projects. Seeking leadership roles is important to Dan. However, he says “the most important leadership role is one I already have, the responsibility of raising four boys. It falls on me to make sure they are led down the right path to become productive citizens and strong in their faith.

They will be my legacy.” �

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Arkansas Agriculture

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Arkansas Agriculture

ARKANSAS-GROWN INSURANCE FOR ARKANSAS GROWERS

BETTER HIGHWAYS LEAD TO A BETTER ARKANSAS.

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On Tuesday, Nov. 6

Vote FOR Issue #1 Issue #1 will: t Continue to build four-lane highways connecting all parts of the state. t Authorize a $1.3 billion construction bond issue for the four-lane work. t Provide new revenue to every city, town and county to fix city streets and improve county roads. t Turn back more than $700 million in local revenue for the city and county road programs. t Improve the Arkansas economy and support economic development. t Create local jobs through local city and county construction and maintenance road projects. t Support more than 40,000 jobs statewide.

Issue #1 WILL NOT RAISE TAXES on groceries, medicine, gasoline or diesel.

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2012 YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Contest Sponsored by John Deere Dealers of Ark.; John Deere, Inc.; Farm Credit; & FB Mutual Insurance Co. of Arkansas, Inc.

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Arkansas Agriculture

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2012 YF&R State Discussion Meet Competition Winner gets a Kubota tractor for one year

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rkansas Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet is a discussion contest related to issues that affect U.S. agriculture.

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(10) 98-2001 Freightliner FLD12064ST 12.7 Det, Pre-EGR, 1 Owner, Lease, Jake, 10 Spd Air Ride 174”WB, 22.5 Tires, 500-950K, White, Cold AC, Great Farm Trucks!$18,500-$23,500

BUYING, SELLING & TRADING TRUCKS & TRAILERS FOR OVER 35 YEARS!

2006 KENWORTH T800, C15 Cat, 435 Hp, 10 Spd, Air Ride, 3.36 Ratio, 22.5 Tires, 296K, Jake, Cruise, Tilt, AC, PS, Great Tires, CLEAN, 1 owner Southern Lease Truck, Air Slide 5th. . .$59,500

2003 Kenworth T800, 12.7 Det, 430+ HP, 1 owner, Well Maint’d., Jake, 10 Spd, Air Ride, 3.70 Ratio, 24.5’s, Aluminum Wheels, Tandem Axle, White, GREAT FARM TRUCK! . . . $26,750

2000 & 1998 Kenworth T800 Cat 3406E & 12.7 Det, 450hp, Jake, 10 Spd, Air Ride, 3.90 Ratio, 22.5 Tires, 735K mi, 1 Owner, Well Maint, Body is Great, Motor is Dry, Nice! . . $22,500

(10) 2001 & 2002 International 9200i’s, Cummins ISX & 12.7 Pre EGR, 435+ HP, 10 Spd, Air Ride, 3.70 Ratio, 170” WB, 11R 22.5 Tires, 500-700 miles. . . . .$18,900-$22,500

2004 Int.’l 8600, C13 Cat, 380 HP, 10 spd, air ride, 180” WB, 22.5’s, 750K mi, 1 owner, well maint’d, southern truck! smooth ride!. $24,750

2006 Mack Vision CXN613, 1 Owner, 9SPD, 3.90, Alums, 380Mack, Jake, 700K, 190WB, AC, NICE, . . . . . . . $29,750 FIRM

(4) 2002 STERLING, Cummins ISM, 300 HP, 450K-600K Mi, Cruise, AC, 150” WB, 22.5’s, 1 Owner, Lease Maint’d, Good Trucks! . .$15,500

1978 Load King Tri-Axle Power Folding Neck Lowboy, 40’x96’’, Pony Motor, New 20’ Oak Deck, Great Tires & Brakes, Nice! . $24,500

20

Arkansas Agriculture

17

Faces of Agriculture compiled by Tara Johnson

Jason Brown Animal agriculture, row crops, farmers, ranchers, food, fuel, fiber and so much more make up the agriculture industry. Each person involved in agriculture gives character to the path between soil and salad, field and fillet mignon. Jason Brown is a public relations and digital media specialist for The Communications Group. Often, when thinking about agriculture, the image of a field or a farmer comes to mind. An office in downtown Little Rock isn’t a setting typically associated with the agriculture industry. Public relations, communications and marketing are vital to every industry, even agriculture. Jason sat down to answer a few questions about how he is involved with getting John David Pittman

food from the farm to your table.

1. How are you involved in agriculture?

Jason Brown

“I work for The Communications Group, a full-service marketing, advertising and public relations firm in

5.

downtown Little Rock. We work with

and animals across the globe. Fifty

the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board

years ago, the average farmer fed 26

industry, in your opinion, what’s the

to provide communications support and

people. Today, the average farmer feeds

most important thing farmers can do

have worked with the board since 2010.

155 people – a 500 percent increase.”

to improve their relationships with

Personally, I provide public relations and digital media support to the board.”

consumers?

4.

What is the one thing you want everyone to know about agriculture

2. In your own words, what is agriculture?

As someone in the public relations

and farming?

“Farmers are the hidden heroes of our economy. When things get tough, farmers pull up their boots and head out

“Agriculture is the backbone

“Arkansas farming is a family

to the field. We need to give consumers

of Arkansas. It’s the DNA of every

business that supports Arkansas

more opportunities to sit down and talk

Arkansan. It’s our common thread.”

families. The farmers in Arkansas’ 75

with farmers. These guys are scientists,

counties bring an incredible economic

they’re businessmen, and they’re

impact to each of our communities.

historians of our culture and heritage.

It’s our responsibility to support our

Take the time to find a farmer and take

farmers.”

him or her to lunch. I guarantee you’ll

3. Why do you think agriculture is important?

“Arkansas agriculture feeds people

22

Arkansas Agriculture

learn something new.” �

N A K AR

COM .

S SA

BLE A T E TO T S M .

R A T OMFA ther e g us to FR ir ngs

b lse, e ts. g in e ea h n t o o n blog very e like d , , l o th l d ra Foo , a fo e tru l s a p Afte s n im Arka his s t e , t u in s a ted urea s rs B On T e r e t che arm n n i F a r e s d sa os rs an g th rkan e n A i t m y e c b anc e far nne d h o t n c is bu ith an a on w ts. i h t t i c u duc w d o s r o u r p p de ral rovi food ultu p c i r o g wh sas a n a k r of A

Arkansas Agriculture

19

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS OF ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU FEDERATION Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the members of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation will be held at 8 a.m., Friday, November 30, 2012, in Horner Hall at the Hot Springs Convention Center, Hot Springs, Arkansas.

The purpose of this meeting is to elect a Board of Directors for the ensuing year and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

Ewell R. Welch Executive Vice President

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS OF FARM BUREAU MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF ARKANSAS, INC. Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the members of Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas, Inc. will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, November 30, 2012, in Rooms A & B at the Embassy Suites, Hot Springs, Arkansas.

The purpose of this meeting is to elect a Board of Directors for the ensuing year and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

Tom Jones Secretary

24

Arkansas Agriculture

Celebrating agriculture in e land grant-univ sity exp ience!

Join the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture in celebrating 150 years of the Morrill Act, 125 years of the Hatch Act and 50 years of the McIntire-Stennis Act. Attend an event at a Division of Agriculture station near you!

October 12th:

UÊ À > Ã>ÃÊ ÀiÃÌÊ,ià ÕÀVià Center, Monticello

October 13th:

UÊ- ÕÌ i>ÃÌÊ,iÃi>ÀV ÊE Extension Center, Monticello

October 20th:

UÊ À > Ã>ÃÊ }À VÕ ÌÕÀ> Ê,iÃi>ÀV EÊ ÝÌi Ã Ê i ÌiÀ]Ê >ÞiÌÌiÛ i UÊ ÀÕ ÌÊ,iÃi>ÀV Ê-Ì>Ì ]Ê Clarksville UÊ6i}iÌ>L iÊ,iÃi>ÀV Ê-Ì>Ì ]Ê > UÊ, ÜiÀÊ,iÃi>ÀV Ê-Ì>Ì UÊ ÛiÃÌ V Ê> `Ê ÀiÃÌÀÞÊ Ê ,iÃi>ÀV Ê-Ì>Ì ]Ê >ÌiÃÛ i

UÊ ÀÌ i>ÃÌÊ,iÃi>ÀV ÊEÊ ÝÌi Ã Ê i ÌiÀÊ­ ÞÌ iÛ iÊv> ÊviÃÌ Û> ® UÊ, ViÊ,iÃi>ÀV Ê> `Ê ÝÌi à Center, Stuttgart UÊ Ê > Ê ÌÌ Ê,iÃi>ÀV Station, Marianna UÊ* iÊ/ÀiiÊ,iÃi>ÀV Ê-Ì>Ì ]Ê Ì

October 27th:

UÊ- ÕÌ ÜiÃÌÊ,iÃi>ÀV Ê> ` Extension Center, Hope

Arkansas Agriculture

25

Policy Update

by Michelle Kitchens

Arkansas Farm Bureau is supporting Issue #1 in the Nov. 6 General Election and urges all our members to vote “yes” for better roads. A “yes” vote also means your support for more money for your county or city.

And a “yes” vote moves Arkansas forward.

When experts talk about creating jobs and building the economy, the discussion always includes a good workforce, education, incentives and infrastructure. Infrastructure

for counties and $350 million for

maintaining good roads. It makes sense.

is many things, but first and foremost,

cities.

Agriculture products move several times

Cities and counties will have

from farm to market. Naturally, farmers

country on roads 24 hours a day, 365

discretionary control over funds

care about highway infrastructure. Without

days a year. A state with good roads is in

received from Issue #1.

good roads, getting to market is a lot

Funds can only be used for roads

harder. Arkansas Farm Bureau is also an

and highways.

organization conservative about taxes. It

it’s roads. Products and people travel the

a better position to draw new businesses

•

•

and jobs to it.

Issue #1 will create a permanent

carefully weighs the benefits to the state

provide funds for highways and rural

$20 million a year State Aid Street

versus the cost to the pocketbook. Issue #1

roads in every county and city in

Fund for cities and towns to apply

is a tax Arkansas Farm Bureau can support.

Arkansas. The merits of Issue #1 speak for

for grants for local street and

Successfully passing Issue #1 will

•

bridge projects.

method of highway funding. “We

Issue #1 will support 40,000 jobs

recommend the first alternative for paying for

Temporary 1/2 cent sales tax

statewide and improve Arkansas’

a highway program be a users’ tax, and the

(ends after 10 years) to finance a

economy, while making roads

second alternative be bonds in conjunction

$1.3 billion bond issue for the

safer for all, including school

with a sales tax, toll roads (where feasible), or

continued construction of four-

buses, emergency vehicles and

other measures. We request adequate funds for

lane highways connecting all

drivers sharing the highways with

rural road improvements.”

themselves.

• •

big trucks.

parts of the state.

• •

Arkansas Farm Bureau supports Issue

Go to MoveArkansasForward.com

#1. Voters, including many Farm Bureau

groceries, medicine or gasoline.

to see a complete list of four-lane

members, will decide if this is the best

Provides money for every county

expansions.

option for funding highway improvements.

Issue #1 will not raise taxes on

•

When you cast your ballot on Nov. 6, vote

and city in Arkansas. More than $700 million in new state turnback revenue — $350 million

26

Farm Bureau policy supports this

Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau is a long-time champion for highway improvements and

“yes” for Issue #1. Together we can move Arkansas forward.

�

Picture this!

Dust off your cameras and take part in Rural Reections, FB’s Front Porch photo contest.

F

arm Bureau members now have the opportunity to spotlight their creativity, their perception and their air for the dramatic — or the comical or even the tragic — in Front Porch’s third Rural Reections Photo Contest.

This competition 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.

Arkansas Farm Bureau has the ďŹ nal decision on any and all questions or concerns regarding rules, judging, eligibility, prizes awarded or anything else that may arise pertaining to the Rural Reections Photo Contest.

RULES t "OZ QIPUP UBLFO CFUXFFO +BO BOE 0DU NBZ CF FOUFSFE t 'JMFT NVTU CF IJHI SFTPMVUJPO KQFHT BU MFBTU EQJ

t &BDI FOUSBOU NBZ FOUFS POMZ POF QIPUP t &OUFS CZ VQMPBEJOH ZPVS QIPUP BU arfb.com/get-involved/contests/ t "MM FOUSJFT NVTU CF TVCNJUUFE CZ midnight Oct. 31, 2012

t 5IF 3VSBM 3FøFDUJPOT 1IPUP $POUFTU JT PQFO UP NFNCFST PG "SLBOTBT 'BSN #VSFBV BOE UIFJS JNNFEJBUF GBNJMJFT &NQMPZFFT PG 'BSN #VSFBV JUT BóMJBUFE DPNQBOJFT BOE TFSWJDF DPNQBOJFT BSF OPU FMJHJCMF t 8JOOJOH PS IPOPSBCMF NFOUJPO QIPUPT BMTP NBZ CF QVCMJTIFE PO "SLBOTBT 'BSN #VSFBV T XFCTJUF arfb. com BOE JO PUIFS 'BSN #VSFBV QVCMJDB UJPOT BT BQQSPQSJBUF

R E T I R E M E N T

F O R

F A R M E R S

Yes, farmers can retire. And by investing your assets in a Charitable Remainder Unitrust, you can signiďŹ cantly reduce your tax burden, generously provide for your golden years with regular income payments and leave a legacy that supports farming around the 24worldArkansas forever. ToAgriculture learn more visit www.farmersforheifer.org or call us at (888) 422-1161.

FARM BUREAU MEMBERS EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS AND OFFERS. SAVE OVER $2,000!

$500 EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS

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BUREAU MEMBERS

on the purchase or lease of most new GM vehicles. Certain restrictions apply.

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Save time & money on your next new or used car or truck purchase.

Program users have seen an average savings of $2,572 off MSRP. Visit FBVerify.com/Drive to get started

DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS; CREDIT CARDS; AUTO AND MORTGAGE LOANS

1-800-492-3276 www.farmbureaubank.com

Arkansas Farm Bureau Purchase Program Discounted Pricing not available in retail or dealer Sears stores.

Complete details from ron.rowe@searshc.com or Ph. 931-553-2173.

Hearing Healthcare Benefits Plan Statewide network of Professional Audiologists and Specialists -FREE Hearing tests and discounted hearing instruments for members

20-25% ACTUAL SAVINGS 1-888-497-7447 www.clearvaluehearing.com

0 Upfront

after $99 instant savings Have your Farm Bureau membership number ready

and call 1-877-579-4555 .

Save up to 20% off at Participating Choice Hotels

FARM BUREAU APPAREL Official Arkansas Farm Bureau-identified apparel and more now available.

www.FBApparel.com for special requests and details contact John Speck 847-622-4892 jspeck@promac.com

Call 800-258-2847 Mention your State ID# 00223030 Online Booking – www.choicehotels.com enter your ID#

DISCOUNT PRESCRIPTION

40% OFF CARPET

866-758-0801 Ext. 203 North Little Rock, AR 72113 Contact: Bill Ross

$

Have your Farm Bureau membership number and discount code CUO88430 in your email, or ready if calling.

SAVE UP TO

20% Off Hard Surfaces

America’s #1 Choice for satellite Internet

DRUG PROGRAM 10% discount on Grainger Products Account Number 805-059-599 Free Shipping for Online Orders s www.grainger.com

For information on program availability

call 1-866-292-7822

CHILD SAFETY SEATS for $25 each and

CHILD BOOSTER SEATS for $15 each Contact County Farm Bureau

Visit our website to learn more about savings www.arfb.com

® Arkansas Agriculture

25

Spotlight OnYouth Making the good better 4-H develops leaders like Meredith Williams

by Tara Johnson

The 4-H motto is Making the Good

Driven, poised and professional are

Better. Helping kids

adjectives that come to mind. She’s

develop confidence and

a high school senior, was recently

leadership skills are the

crowned Miss Arkansas Rice and is the

main goals of 4-H. The

Arkansas 4-H president.

program teaches young

Meredith was named Arkansas 4-H

people how to think for

president in July after the annual 4-H

themselves, how to see

State O-Rama, the largest gathering

a need and address it.

of 4-H members in the state. The 4-H

Keith Sutton

Meeting Meredith Williams is something that isn’t hastily forgotten.

“There is

Good, better, best Meredith Williams of Searcy is not only Miss Arkansas Rice she’s also the president of Arkansas 4-H and a leading advocate for agriculture.

program supports young people from

something about

elementary school through high school

getting a group of

with various programs designed to

4-Her’s together.

shape future leaders. 4-H is the nation’s

Things get done,

largest youth development organization

and they get done well,” she said.

with more than 6 million youth

“When you walk into a room and give

choosing a college, representing the

members.

a presentation, people know you are a

state’s rice industry as Miss Arkansas

4-Her.”

Rice and fulfilling her duties as

From fashion to showing livestock, 4-H clubs give young people the

Becoming the Arkansas 4-H

Graduating from high school,

Arkansas 4-H president keep Williams

opportunity to excel in areas that

president is no easy task. Members start

busy. Yet, she carries herself with a

interest them. Meredith’s participation

by getting involved at the club level.

calm confidence beyond her years.

record reads like that of an entire club

Then, through a tough application

of members.

process, they apply to become Teen

everything, because I know when my

“I try to keep God first in

Stars, then Ambassadors and, finally,

focus is on Him all stress and worry

safety, ornamental horticulture, bait

state officers. Officers are selected by

just simply melt away,” Williams said.

casting, fish identification, illustrated

a popular vote after nominees give a

“A key component has been setting my

talk, technology showcase, turkey talk

speech at the annual 4-H State O-Rama.

priorities straight and learning when

“I have participated in bicycle

and BBQ, broiler BBQ, fashion and

“Being Arkansas’ 4-H president can

to stop everything and just go outside.

talent review, vocal competitions,

only happen once in your life and

I just take everything day by day and

cooking competitions and several

is only here for a season,” Williams

try to focus on the task at hand.”

others,” Williams said.

said. “It is an amazing opportunity

“The types of people involved in

that develops my leadership skills by

4-H are so diverse. Through 4-H, people

allowing me to reach out to groups of

can experience nearly everything. There

people I would never have been able

is something in 4-H for everyone.”

to.”

30

Arkansas Agriculture

For more information on Arkansas 4-H visit kidsarus.org, or contact your local county extension office. �

s r e b m e M u a e r Farm Bu r Please tell us about you . s n io t p o t e n r e t In d e e high-sp

Please take 90 seconds to complete this survey.

Mollie Dykes

e Internet n working to improv tio za ni ga or t ofi pr ne is ything. We are a no e providers that ther ic an rv ll se se et to rn te ng In yi tr re t tu is no current and fu Connect Arkansas help us by showing n ca u Yo . as ns ka Ar access throughout county. ternet access in your In e or m r fo d an m de a

You can also complete it online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/_____________CountyBroadbandSurvey.

To complete online, please insert your county name in the link above. Your response is critical to helping us make the case to Internet service providers and government officials for more Internet services in Arkansas. Please check one of the following that is true for you:

o I currently subscribe to high-speed Internet and am happy with my service. My provider is __________________________. o I would like to get high-speed Internet service at the address below, but to my knowledge, no service is available. o I currently do not subscribe to high-speed Internet, because it’s too expensive. I would subscribe to high-speed Internet if an affordable option were available in my area. I consider affordable to be: ____________ per month. o I have high-speed Internet, but the service is slow and/or unreliable.

First Name: ___________________________ Last Name: __________________________ Street Address: (No PO Boxes please!) _______________________________________________ o This is my home address.

City & Zip Code: _______________________________ County: _____________________ o This is my business address.

Unless you check YES below, you will receive absolutely no mail or further contact. o Yes. Feel free to share my address with Internet service providers if they would like to tell me about low-cost offers or new high-speed service in my area! o Yes. Share my email address with Connect Arkansas! My email address is: _______________________________________.

27 Return this survey by mail to: Connect Arkansas Study, Arkansas Farm Bureau, PO BoxArkansas 31, Little Agriculture Rock, AR 72203

ÂŽ

RuralRefl e ect ections o s

What big eyes you have Arkansas Farm Bureau member Hannah Cogburn captured this image of a praying mantis perched on her father’s tractor. “The funny thing was, that the eyes of the praying mantis looked just like the headlights of the tractor,” she wrote.

32

Arkansas Agriculture

we do it all!

When it comes to rural financing...

• farms • rural homes • land • equipment • livestock • vehicles • operating loans • agricultural businesses Offices across Arkansas

800-444-3276 farmcredit.com

Arkansas members shared $13.1 million in patronage last year.

Arkansas Agriculture

29

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LITTLE ROCK, AR PERMIT NO. 1884

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Banking services provided by Farm Bureau Bank, FSB. Farm Bureau Bank, FSB is a service to member institution that provides banking services to Farm Bureau members. Services are not available in AL, IL, MI, MO, MS, OH or WY and may not be available in some counties or parishes. Farm Bureau, FB and the FB National Logo are registered service marks owned by the American Farm Bureau Federation and are used under license by FB BanCorp and its subsidiaries, including Farm Bureau Bank FSB. FB BanCorp is an independent entity and the AFBF does not own, is not owned by, and is not under common ownership with FB BanCorp or its affiliated entities.