2012 Annual Report for Arkansas Farm Bureau

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President’s Report by randy veach

When I speak to groups about agriculture, I almost always tell them “this is my 42nd crop,” as a way of ensuring they know every decision I make is with the best interest of our land in mind.

That message seems to connect me, particularly with those in the audience who value a long-term commitment to work and legacy. I am honored to tell others that I farm ground cleared by my grandfather and father, and that my sons each followed those footpaths and pursued farming as their life’s passion and vocation.

I feel that same honor today as we highlight the Seeds of Change we’ve planted for harvest tomorrow, and I’m moved by the dedication and qualities shown by the inaugural class of the President’s Leadership Council. This impressive set of 22 leaders, each nominated by their county Farm Bureau, reflects a diverse set of agricultural backgrounds and skills. The common denominator is they all have chosen to be leaders, step #1 in effective leadership.

This leadership development effort was an outgrowth of our recent strategic planning exercise. Our leaders told us they wanted special attention paid to the next generation of developing leaders.

They were (and are) wise to understand that work done today can provide immense benefits for tomorrow.

The President’s Leadership Council

went through three separate, two-day sessions of intensive leadership training; from how Congressional action occurs, to Farm Bureau bylaws and state constitutional law. The group’s commitment to this effort was obvious, and I was pleased to see them network with each other before, during and after the leadership sessions.

In closing the third session with these

leaders, I challenged them to remain committed to Farm Bureau tomorrow, next month, next year and 20 years beyond. But I told them Farm Bureau needed them to be involved and challenged them to play a leadership role within their circle of influence; their church, their community, and in all of the other civic groups in which they participate.

Farm Bureau, clearly, needs their leadership. But their communities, our state and our industry all need their leadership, too. It’s when that leadership is in action, as broadly as possible, that our Seeds of Change will have made the most impact.

I encourage you to read the stories of a few of these from the inaugural President’s Leadership Council. Reach out to them as you see them, and encourage them. I challenge our county Farm Bureaus to involve this young set of leaders, and those like them, as we plant Seeds of Change for the betterment of Farm Bureau, Arkansas agriculture and our communities.

God Bless you and your families. God bless the farmers and ranchers. And God bless Arkansas Farm Bureau.

“From a small seed a mighty trunk may grow.”

— Aeschylus

seeds of change Each of us possesses Seeds of Change, those skills, abilities and spiritual gifts that can shape the future for the better. The challenge is to ensure those seeds have the best chance to survive, thrive and deliver benefit in the future.

So it is within Arkansas Farm Bureau. The care, feeding and nurturing of 22 leaders who made up the inaugural class of the President’s Leadership Council was a strategic priority for 2012. By implementing a multi-stage leadership skills curriculum for this class, we did our best to ensure those Seeds of Change not only survive, but flourish.

Class members, ranging in ages from 25-45, include some who have already served as president of their county Farm Bureau. Some have just joined their county boards. Still others are waiting for the right opportunity to serve. Between them, no doubt, are those who will lead Farm Bureau, deliver benefits to their communities and our state, and hopefully have an impact that stretches far beyond our imagination.

This President’s Leadership Council resulted from an idea (a Seed of Change, no doubt) birthed from discussions with our current leaders, convinced that additional effort should be placed on keeping young and mid-career farmers engaged with Farm Bureau.

In the 2012 Annual Report, we profile six

ArFB’s President’s Leadership Council toured the State Capitol on Oct. 26. Back row, l to r: Matthew Marsh of McCrory; Joe Thrash, Conway; Wes Long, Benton; Jason Smith, Ulm; Ronnie Roberts, Paragould; John Hamilton, West Point; Allen Moore, Lincoln and Derek Helms, Arkadelphia. Front row, l to r: Corbin Brown, Wynne; Sara Loe, Hot Springs; Beth Killingsworth, McCrory; Justin Blackburn, Paragould; Trey Johnson, Royal; Cassie Davis, Prairie Grove; Heather Keenen, Farmington; Casey Morris, Nashville and Elizabeth Walker, Horatio. Not pictured: Gordon Eichelberger, Quitman; Shaun McKamie, Waldo; Les Reid, Wilmar; Dana Stewart, Judsonia; and B.J. Knapp, Prim. members of the inaugural class of the President’s Leadership Council. Hopefully, you can see these Seeds of Change hold the promise of future service and greatness.

beth killingsworth, 25

les reid, 30

cassie davis, 30

In the 2012 Annual Report, we profile six members of the inaugural class of the President’s Leadership Council.

corbin brown, 45

Sarah loe, 25

Gordon eichelberger, 31

beth killingsworth

Graceful determination Beth Killingsworth is not your typical farmer. The 25-year-old redhead has been running her own farming operation — 700 acres in Morton (Woodruff County) — since 2009. A career in banking was hers for the taking, but the call of her grandfather’s farm brought her back to a life she’d grown up, with farming rice, soybeans and wheat.

It was her grandparents, Cleo and Joyce Cain, who made the offer for her to take over the farm. A 2005 graduate of McCrory High School, she’d already earned her ag business degree with an emphasis in finance at Arkansas State University, and she possessed the moxie and hard-work attitude necessary to take on such an endeavor.

She says her grandparents “have always been the leaders in my life, and they have always taught me that if I want something done, then do it myself.” As if farming itself isn’t challenging enough, Killingsworth is also working on a master’s degree in business administration at Harding University.

Killingsworth jumped at the opportunity to apply to be a part of Arkansas Farm Bureau’s President’s Leadership Council. “I wanted to work on my leadership skills,” she said. “Also, I thought it would be important to meet other leaders not only who were participating in the leadership council, but also those who were attending, speaking and leading the program.

“My parents have always instilled in me that it’s important to appreciate and value leadership,” Killingsworth said. “Hard work goes into leadership, and it takes a strong person to be a leader. A leader is someone who leads by example, knowing when they make a mistake and is able to see strengths and weaknesses around them.”

Killingsworth says it’s essential for the agriculture community to develop leaders. “Many people aren’t aware of the impact of agriculture on our nation’s economy. We need leaders to

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step up, educate and promote agriculture,” she said. “There will be many changes with the market, policy, science and technology to push for a more long-term sustainability in agriculture for the United States.”

With four years of experience in the field already and making all of the farm’s business and day-to-day decisions, does she see herself still out there 50 years from now like her beloved 81-year-old “Pepaw,” who helps her every day?

“I see myself always being involved in agriculture, whether that means staying on

“I have a passion for agriculture, and I will always be an advocate for it.”

the production side or working in industrial agriculture. Not only do I think it’s important to be involved in it, I love it,” Killingsworth said. “I have a passion for agriculture, and I will always be an advocate for it.”

At 25, Killingsworth is looking for opportunities to give back, to share the knowledge that she’s already gained through the blessings she’s received and worked hard for despite a life that has experienced far more tragedy than a person so young should have to face.

“I think giving back is important for me whether it’s in agriculture, my community or anywhere I feel I’m needed,” she said. “In Luke 12:48 it states: ‘From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked’.”

Beth Killingsworth believes that.

les reid drew county

Seeing the forest because of the trees It’s Les Reid’s job as a registered forester to make sure he sees the whole forest, because he’s taken the time to pay attention to the individual trees. That level of detail allows him to assess the condition of the present forest and prescribe the necessary actions it will take to have a more vibrant forest in the future.

Recognizing and seeing the details of what exists now and their potential, results in the development of a forest management plan — thinning, fertilizing, harvest and replanting — to ensure as best as possible, healthy individual trees that taken in combination, create a productive forest.

Arkansas Farm Bureau’s President’s Leadership Council is similar in its approach. The organization identified and assessed individual members, who possess the qualities that combined with a leadership training plan, can ensure a vibrant, healthy and productive future for the organization and agriculture in the state.

When Reid defines what a leader is, he says it’s “a person with character, having strong faith who is knowledgeable and communicates well.”

The 30-year-old Reid didn’t have to look far in finding a role model who fits his definition of leadership.

“My father, Marlin Reid, is a great leader, because he has those qualities, and he raised a great family,” Reid said. The acorn hasn’t fallen far from the tree when it comes to the qualities that make the younger Reid a potential leader for his generation. He was inspired to seek training and take on leadership responsibilities as his family grew.

“The birth of my children caused me to understand the importance of the need for good

leadership, so they will have a fulfilling life, even after I am no longer around to provide leadership for them,” Reid said. He and his wife, Tia, have three children; Landon, 4; Luke, 3; and Lane, 1. The family lives in the Monticello area (Drew County) and Reid manages 180 acres of personal timberland, as well as forestland for his clients.

“Future generations deserve the opportunity to manage the resources we have.”

Reid wanted to become part of the President’s Leadership Council to gain knowledge of Arkansas Farm Bureau, meet new people who desire leadership and to work together “to improve on the resources provided to us.”

He says “doing more with fewer resources” is the future for agriculture in a world increasing in population and demanding greater access to food and shelter. Reid knows he will be involved in resource development, management, doing more with less and giving back to those who come after him.

“Future generations deserve the opportunity to manage the resources we have. It’s important that they have the knowledge acquired by previous generations,” he said. “We must communicate well from generation to generation by giving back and developing a true legacy.”

cassie davis

Exception-al leadership Cassie Davis wants to know why many young people have become uninterested in involvement in community or organizational-based programs, much less leadership positions. The 30-year-old, mother of two who shares responsibilities with her husband, Scott, on their Prairie Grove (Washington County) dairy farm wants to be the exception. That’s why she applied to be a part of Arkansas Farm Bureau’s initial President’s Leadership Council.

“I saw the leadership council as an opportunity to grow. I’m rarely content with just knowing what I know,” Davis said. “I want to learn more, do more and see more. I also want to teach more. I love to advocate for agriculture.”

Davis believes agriculture needs advocates now more than ever and sees a role for herself in making that happen.

“In the past, there wasn’t a need to explain where food comes from or what it takes to get it to the table. Farmers never really had to defend their practices or try to explain how much hard work goes into producing the things that people can’t live without,” she said. “Farming isn’t something you do for the money. You do it, because it’s in your blood.

And when something is that close to your heart, defending it is necessary. Agriculture catches a lot of heat because of practices that others may not understand. It’s important for agriculture organizations to develop leaders that will advocate for farmers and help them to stand up together and tell their stories.”

Davis likes to think that her voice matters and that it can make a difference yet is realistic enough to know that in and of itself, that voice is small. However, combine it with others like her, and her role becomes bigger than herself.

“The voice of agriculture is a whisper without everyone standing up together,” she said. “We can no longer stay on our farms and

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hope everyone understands or expect common sense to guide those that are so removed from the farm.”

Davis says she’s been surrounded by leaders all of her life, at school, at church, in the home.

The best she says (naming her father) are the ones who realize and understand that their leadership is inextricably tied to those who follow them.

“Leadership is less about the leader and more about the followers. Good leadership comes from a willingness to learn, change and

“The voice of agriculture is a whisper without everyone standing up together.”

grow,” she said. “Great leaders inspire faith in those who follow. Without inspiration, the desire to stand up for a cause goes away.

“Leadership begins when one person decides to be responsible for a group’s interest.

That leadership succeeds when that person is able to lead and follow at the same time. The two go hand in hand.”

Telling the agriculture story will be in able hands with leaders like Cassie Davis. She understands the need to fulfill her role in telling that story and the need to give back to the way of life in which she’s been so richly blessed.

“Giving back is extremely important. What we give back helps define us as people,” she said. “We have seen success and experienced failure. Giving back is about sharing knowledge and hope of those experiences.”

First and ready Being ready at a moment’s notice impresses row-crop farmer Corbin Brown.

That’s why Brown’s favorite leader is former NFL quarterback Steve Beuerlein.

Beuerlein had been a 1987 fourth-round draft pick out of Notre Dame for the Los Angeles Raiders. Never projected as a starting quarterback, he kicked around in the league as a backup quarterback for several teams. In 1999 however, in his 13th NFL season and first as a starter for all 16 games, Beuerlein was selected to the Pro Bowl for a season that saw him throw for 36 touchdowns and only 15 interceptions for the Carolina Panthers.

“He had to be ready and as good as the starting quarterback at a moment’s notice,” Brown said of his sports idol. “He rose to the top of his profession without all of the glitz and glamour that comes with the position of quarterback. He kept his nose to the grindstone, did his job and led his team.”

There’s certainly no glitz and glamour in the farming profession, and the 45-year-old Brown has had to keep his nose to the grindstone to successfully farm 3,000 acres of the family farm west of Wynne (Cross County).

Now, just like a backup quarterback, he’s ready to step into a leadership role.

Brown was Cross Co. Farm Bureau president in 2007, so he knows how the game is played. Still, he thought it was important to solidify his leadership skills, so he took advantage of becoming a part of the inaugural Arkansas Farm Bureau President’s Leadership Council in 2012.

“Leadership is being accountable to an organization or group, taking its considerations and goals into account and moving them forward in a positive manner,” Brown said. “As the numbers of farmers and ranchers declines across America, I want to play a part in maintaining agriculture. I feel I need all of

corbin brown cross county

the education and leadership training I can get to keep Farm Bureau as an industry leader.”

Brown believes being ready to step in at a moment’s notice is worth the preparation.

“With uncertain national leadership, I feel agriculture will have changing markets and ag products,” he said. “The demand for biofuels and changing international trade will bring new agricultural opportunities.

“The future of agriculture is wide open in America,” Brown explained. “It has an abundance of people needing food and fiber.

“If I don’t give back and provide opportunities for the next generation, the leadership handed down to me by my predecessors would be lost.”

I anticipate my role as staying abreast of local wants and needs by keeping an open mind to the changing atmosphere and being ready to embrace changing needs, keeping things prosperous in my area.”

Brown also sees the benefit of embracing leadership for the sake of giving back to the farming way of life and his community. “I’ve been given many opportunities,” he said. “If I don’t give back and provide opportunities for the next generation, the leadership handed down to me by my predecessors would be lost.”

Corbin Brown is first and ready, prepared for when his number is called.

sarah loe

Leading through sacrifice Sara Loe says leadership is “the willingness to make sacrifices for others.”

Nowhere does The Merriam-Webster Dictionary use the word “sacrifice” in the definition of leadership. How does one explain such a juxtaposition of what some might consider seemingly opposite words? Loe, 25, goes on to say, “… the best leaders are the ones on the front lines willing to give their lives to serve others.”

So, it should be no surprise that Sara Loe gives of herself by promoting agriculture education in schools in Garland County that don’t have existing programs. “I believe so strongly in this that I made it my full-time job,” said Loe, who lives in Hot Springs. Don’t confuse full-time job with “paid.” Loe receives no monetary pay for her efforts.

“I believe agriculture education is the foundation for the continued success of the business of farming and its positive economic impact on this state. I have, and will continue, to promote agriculture education in schools that don’t have programs currently in place,” Loe said. “I want to give selflessly of my time, and provide my community with all of the tools possible to educate our youth. I believe if we continue to work tirelessly promoting agriculture in our communities and schools, we will secure the future of agriculture.”

Loe and her husband Andrew aren’t involved in on-the-ground farming or a farming business. However, she was an Arkansas FFA state officer in high school and refers to the iconic FFA jacket as “the precious blue and gold corduroy jacket.

“During that year, I realized how important it is to be a positive leader. My generation is removed farther from the farm than the generation that came before me, and that pattern has continued for each generation,” Loe explained. “If we want to promote agriculture and be educated advocates for something we so strongly believe

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in, it’s imperative to make sure there are leaders ready to take on the role to do so. Those leaders must be prepared for any issues, questions and problems that arise. The best way to learn how to handle ourselves in these situations is to learn from those leaders who came before us.”

So a chance to join the President’s Leadership Council proved attractive.

“The opportunity to better my leadership skills, further my education and learn from great leaders was something I didn’t want to miss,” Loe said. “It’s a huge responsibility to be

“It’s important to mentor and support youth, because you may be the only one who does for that person.” a leader for your community, and any opportunity to better yourself for your community’s sake is worth taking.”

Even as she learns and is mentored by older leaders, Loe sees the value in giving back to those coming behind her.

“Growing up, there were people who saw potential in me when I didn’t. If those people hadn’t sacrificed their time to support me, I wouldn’t be the person I am today,” she said.

“It’s extremely important to mentor and support youth, because you may be the only one who does for that one person.”

The dictionary editors at Merriam-Webster may want to reconsider their definition of leadership. Serving others makes it easy to understand the connection between sacrifice and leadership.

gordon eichelberger

Leading future history What is the true impact of a good classroom teacher? School sporting accomplishments are chronicled in hallway trophy cases.

The roll call of past class presidents are etched brass plates adorning a dusty wooden plaque on a wall somewhere. An honor roll recognizes individual academic accomplishment. But has there ever been a list that honors teachers for the famous students they taught? Mark Twain, Bill Gates, Eleanor Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, Billy Graham. Who were the teachers who taught and influenced them?

What teachers are leading the students of today who will make future history? Maybe one of them is someone like Gordon Eichelberger.

One of those old faded school-related documents hangs on the wall of Eichelberger’s classroom at Quitman High School (Cleburne County). It’s the framed original FFA Charter for the school club. It’s dated November 2, 1937.

The 31-year-old Eichelberger is the agriculture education instructor and FFA advisor for the school. He takes his teaching responsibilities seriously, especially when it comes to leadership. One of the courses he teaches is a leadership class.

“As a teacher, I take on leadership roles on a daily basis. One of the best moments is watching someone, who you have taught, develop leadership skills and take on a leadership role of their own,” Eichelberger said.

To enhance his own leadership skills, Eichelberger became a member of Arkansas Farm Bureau’s President’s Leadership Council.

“I want to further develop my knowledge of leadership and understanding of Arkansas Farm Bureau,” he said. “I plan to use the leadership skills attained to further develop the Quitman FFA Chapter, the students in my agriculture education classes, our county Farm Bureau board and to grow personally to better serve our community and state.”

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Eichelberger is well on his way as he was elected Cleburne County Farm Bureau president, a position he serves in now.

“Agriculture needs good leaders,” he said.

“The problems of the future will be solved by the leaders being developed today.”

Like many leaders, Eichelberger benefitted from the positive influence of those who came before him. The leader he admires most was Patrick Breeding, a retired ag education instructor and FFA advisor from Greenbrier.

“The positive influence he had on the FFA

“The problems of the future will be solved by the leaders being developed today.” members and students in each of his classes was truly unique,” Eichelberger said. “He was able to develop leaders by setting high standards and expectations that the students would strive to meet.”

Eichelberger believes it’s important to give back in the same manner.

“It’s vital to give back what you have received. Part of the FFA motto is “Living to Serve,” he said. “That portion is the one that I believe is the most important. As an educator, it’s my job to impart knowledge. As a Farm Bureau member and member of our agriculture society, it’s my privilege and honor to give back.”

Seventy-five years later, that old, stained FFA Charter on the wall still speaks to the development of students and tomorrow’s leaders.

“Being around students and young people every day has helped me appreciate the value and need for leadership,” Eichelberger said.

2012 Board of Directors

Front row (l to r): Brian Walker, chairman, Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, Horatio (Sevier Co.); Kirk Meins, vice chairman, YF&R Committee, Stuttgart (Arkansas Co.); Tom Jones, secretary/treasurer, Pottsville (Pope Co.); Rich Hillman, vice president, Carlisle (Lonoke Co.); Randy Veach, president, Manila (Mississippi Co.); Ewell Welch, executive vice president, North Little Rock (Pulaski Co.); Janice Marsh, vice chairwoman, Women’s Committee, McCrory (Woodruff Co.); and Sue Billiot, chairwoman, Women’s Committee, Smithville (Sharp Co.). Second row: Leo Sutterfield, Mountain View (Stone Co.); Rusty Smith, Des Arc (Prairie Co.); Bruce Jackson, Lockesburg (Sevier Co.); Jon Carroll, Moro, (Monroe Co.); Terry Dabbs, Stuttgart (Arkansas Co.); and Richard Armstrong, Ozark (Franklin Co.). Back row: Allen Stewart, Mena (Polk Co.); Mike Sullivan, Burdette (Mississippi Co.); Troy Buck, Alpine (Clark Co.); Gene Pharr, Lincoln (Washington Co.); Mike Freeze, Keo (Lonoke Co.); Johnny Loftin, El Dorado (Union Co.); and Joe Christian, Jonesboro (Craighead Co.).

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seeds of change

2012 a n n u a l

r e p o r t

Words gregg patterson steve eddington

Photos keith sutton

Design chris wilson

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