80TH ANNUAL CONVENTION ®
DECEMBER 3–5, 2014 | HOT SPRINGS
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Triple ‘C’ Farm & Ranch Established 1935
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A R K A N S A S FA R M B U R E A U ommitment
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Featured Speakers
Asa Hutchinson Governor-Elect
Evelyn Browning-Garris Weather Historian
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Randy Veach
President, ARFB
Jerry Carroll
Farmer/Comedian
Where to Find it The Embassy Suites Hotel and Hot Springs Convention Center is located at 400 Convention Boulevard in Hot Springs. All meetings of the board of directors will take place in the hotel; all other convention meetings will take place in the convention center, located between the Embassy Suites Hotel and the Austin Hotel.
The Arlington 239 Central Ave.
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The Austin 305 Malvern Ave.
Embassy Suites & Convention Center 400 Convention Blvd.
Shuttle Buses For your convenience, shuttle service will be available from The Arlington, Austin, and Embassy Suites hotels for all of the convention. Shuttle service times are: • Wednesday, Dec. 3, 9:15 a.m.–6 p.m. • Thursday, Dec. 4, 6:15 a.m.–6:30 p.m. • Friday, Dec. 5, 6:15 a.m.–1 p.m. 5
Special Events n YF&R DISCUSSION MEET: 10 a.m., Wednesday in Rooms 203–4 of the Hot Springs Convention Center. Finals are in the same location at 3:30 p.m. The Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. Winner will receive use of a Kubota tractor with front-wheel assist and loader for one year, courtesy of Kubota, and the choice of a Honda 500 ATV or a Kawasaki 550 Mule, compliments of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. The winner also receives an expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Convention in San Diego to compete in the national discussion meet. n YF&R ACHIEVEMENT AWARD CONTEST: The winner of the competition will be announced at the Awards Program during the Thursday afternoon general session. This program is designed to reward young farmers and ranchers (age 18 to 35) who are active in Farm Bureau and in their communities. The winner will receive $40,000 credit toward a GM vehicle of their choice, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, and will represent Arkansas at the national contest in San Diego. n YF&R EXCELLENCE IN AGRICULTURE AWARD CONTEST: The winner of this competition will be announced at the Awards Program during the Thursday afternoon general session. This program is designed to reward young farmers and ranchers (age 18 to 35) who are active in Farm Bureau and in their communities, but who are not full-time farmers. The winner will receive a John Deere lawnmower, courtesy of John Deere Inc. and Arkansas John Deere dealers, and a Polaris Ranger, provided by Farm Credit and Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. of Arkansas, Inc. The winner will also represent Arkansas at the national contest in San Diego. n WOMEN’S LUNCHEON & SEW WITH COTTON FASHION SHOW: Noon, Thursday in Hall A. Great food and a great cotton fashion show. Tickets can be purchased at the information desk for $15 each. n AG IN THE CLASSROOM SILENT AUCTION: From 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Thursday in the Horner Hall Ballroom Lobby. Proceeds from this auction, sponsored by the ArFB Women’s Committee, will help support Ag in the Classroom programs. Items won in the auction can be picked up after 4 p.m. Thursday in the Horner Hall Ballroom Lobby. n COUNTY GROUP PHOTOS: County group photos will be taken by the stairs in the Grand Hall Lobby. Times are 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 5-6 p.m. on Wed., Dec. 3 and 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 4. 6
A Word of Thanks We would like to express our appreciation to the 2014 convention cosponsors: Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas, Inc.
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WEDNESDAY December 3
Schedule of Events
9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
REGISTRATION Grand Hall Lobby
10 a.m. to Noon
YF&R DISCUSSION MEET Rooms 203, 204
10 a.m. to DISPLAYS/SILENT AUCTION 5 p.m. Horner Hall Ballroom Lobby 1 p.m. GENERAL SESSION Horner Hall Ballroom ArFB President Randy Veach, presiding PRESENTATION OF COLORS Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association Honor Guard
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Brent Lassiter, Chairman, ArFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee
NATIONAL ANTHEM Katie Branscum INVOCATION Janice Marsh, Chairwoman, ArFB State Women’s Committee ADDRESS Governor-Elect Asa Hutchinson MEMORIAL SERVICE 8
GM PRESENTATION
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE Distinguished Service Awards STANLEY E. REED LEADERSHIP AWARD
UofA DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS
ADDRESS Evelyn Browning-Garris, Weather Historian 3 p.m.
DOOR PRIZE DRAWING Must be present to win. (Tickets will be available until 1 p.m.)
ADJOURN
2:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
REGISTRATION Grand Hall Lobby
3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.
CONNECT ARKANSAS INTERNET TRAINING Room 205
3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
SPECIAL CONFERENCES ArFB’s Commitment to Youth — Rooms 201, 202 Livestock Market Outlook — Rooms 208, 209 Crops Market Outlook — Room 207 Membership Acquisition & Retention — Rooms 102, 103 YF&R Discussion Meet Finals — Rooms 203, 204
4:45 p.m.
YF&R RECEPTION Embassy Suites
5 p.m.
RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE OPEN HEARING Room 207
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THURSDAY December 4
Schedule of Events
6:45 a.m. to PRESIDENTS’ AWARDS BREAKFAST 8 a.m. Hall A 7:30 a.m. to SEW WITH COTTON REGISTRATION 8:30 a.m. Room 206 8 a.m. to REGISTRATION 2 p.m. Grand Hall Lobby 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
DISPLAYS/SILENT AUCTION Horner Hall Ballroom Lobby
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Connect Arkansas Internet Training Room 205
8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
SPECIAL CONFERENCES Forestry Market Outlook — Rooms 201, 202 Farm Bill Decision Tool — Room 207 Arkansas Water Plan — Room 208 Let’s Talk About Food — Room 209
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
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SPECIAL CONFERENCES Specialty Crops Marketing — Rooms 201, 202 90th General Assembly Preview — Room 207 Technology Advances — Room 208 What Leaders Need To Know — Room 209 SPECIAL CONFERENCES Grain Dealer Laws — Room 207 Energy Cost Share Programs — Room 208 Battling Anti-Agriculture Groups — Room 209 Meet Your New Congressmen — Rooms 201, 202
Noon
ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU WOMEN’S LUNCHEON & SEW WITH COTTON FASHION SHOW Hall A
2 p.m.
GENERAL SESSION Horner Hall Ballroom ArFB Vice President Rich Hillman, presiding
ADDRESS ArFB President Randy Veach AWARDS: RECOGNITION OF SERVICE Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture, Butch Calhoun FRIEND OF FARM BUREAU AWARDS AG EDUCATION AgVocate of the Year Miss Arkansas Rice Superior Teacher MEMBERSHIP Outstanding County Women’s Program YF&R Discussion Meet Winner YF&R Excellence in Ag Winner YF&R Achievement Winner Membership Retention Award Area Excellence Award President’s Award ADDRESS Jerry Carroll, Farmer/Comedian
DOOR PRIZE DRAWING Must be present to win. (Tickets will be available until 2 p.m.)
4:45 p.m.
ADJOURN
5:15 p.m.
CAUCUS OF VOTING DELEGATES Rooms 201, 202, 203, 204, 207, 208, 209
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Caucus of Voting Delegates District 1 — Room 201
Craighead Lee Crittenden Mississippi Cross Phillips
Poinsett St. Francis
District 2 — Room 202
Clay Lawrence Sharp Greene Monroe White Independence Prairie Woodruff Jackson Randolph
District 3 — Room 203
Baxter Fulton Newton Benton Izard Searcy Boone Madison Stone Carroll Marion Washington
Crawford Howard Little River North Logan
District 4 — Room 204 South Logan Miller Montgomery Pike
Polk Scott Sebastian Sevier
District 5 — Room 207
Cleburne Garland Pope Conway Hot Spring Van Buren Faulkner Johnson Yell Franklin Perry
District 6 — Room 208
Arkansas Drew Lonoke Cleveland Jefferson Pulaski Desha Lincoln Saline
District 7 — Room 209
Ashley Columbia Nevada Bradley Dallas Ouachita Calhoun Grant Union Chicot Hempstead Clark Lafayette 12
FRIDAY December
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Events Schedule of 7 a.m.
BREAKFAST FOR VOTING DELEGATES Hall A
8 a.m.
BUSINESS SESSION Horner Hall Ballroom President Randy Veach, presiding
REPORT OF CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
REPORT OF RULES COMMITTEE
INTRODUCTION OF PARLIAMENTARIAN
CAUCUS REPORTS Rodney Baker, Executive Vice President Arkansas Farm Bureau
ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS ELECTION OF VOTING DELEGATES TO THE AMERICAN FARM BUREAU CONVENTION
BUSINESS REPORT Rodney Baker REPORT OF NOMINATING COMMITTEE ELECTION OF PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
PROPOSED BYLAW CHANGE
DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON RESOLUTIONS
ADJOURN 13
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Conference Agendas Wednesday, Dec. 3
ArFB’s Commitment to Youth: page 16 Livestock Market Outlook: page 17 Crops Market Outlook: page 18 Membership Acquisition & Retention: page 19
Thursday, Dec. 4
Forestry Market Outlook: page 20 Farm Bill Decision Tool: page 21 Arkansas Water Plan: page 22 Let’s Talk About Food: page 23 Specialty Crops Marketing: page 24 90th General Assembly Preview: page 25 Technology Advances: page 26 What Leaders Need To Know: page 27 Grain Dealer Laws: page 28 Energy Cost Share Programs: page 29 Battling Anti-Agriculture Groups: page 30 Meet Your New Congressmen: page 31
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CONFERENCE AGENDA
ArFB’s Commitment to Youth 3:30–4:45 p.m. | Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014 Hot Springs Convention Center: Rooms 201, 202 Arkansas Farm Bureau staff will provide information on programs available for youth including, Ag in the Classroom, scholarships, Sew with Cotton, Miss AR Rice, Dairy Foods Contest, Dairy and Beef Ambassadors programs, M*A*S*H and Farm Bureau Safety programs and camps.
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3:30 p.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks Janice Marsh and Peggy Miller, Co-Chairwomen, ArFB Board Members/State Women’s Committee
Matt Jackson, ArFB Education Coordinator
4:45 p.m.
Adjourn
Chuck Tucker, ArFB Vice President of Organization and Member Programs Brandy Carroll, ArFB Assistant Director of Commodity Activities and Market Information Bruce Tencleve, ArFB Assistant Director of Commodity Activities and Regulatory Affairs Donette Spann, Arkansas Beef Council Promotion Coordinator Jennifer Victory, ArFB Rural Health Specialist Amanda Williams, ArFB Safety Coordinator
CONFERENCE AGENDA
Livestock Market Outlook 3:30–4:45 p.m. | Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014 Hot Springs Convention Center: Rooms 208, 209 This session will explore the importance of export markets in sustaining the current robust market for cattle and hogs. A representative from the U.S. Meat Export Federation will address important issues relative to global meat trade. In addition, an overview of the current Beef Checkoff program will be provided along with recently proposed changes by USDA’s Secretary of Agriculture. 3:30 p.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks Leo Sutterfield, Chairman, ArFB Board Member
Meat Exports Role in Supporting Current Price Levels Dan Halstrom, Senior VP Marketing and Communications, U.S. Meat Export Federation
4:45 p.m.
Beef Checkoff Program Developments: Current Structure and Proposed Changes Travis Justice, ArFB Director of Commodity and Regulatory Affairs Adjourn
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CONFERENCE AGENDA
Crops Market Outlook 3:30–4:45 p.m. | Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014 Hot Springs Convention Center: Room 207 With commodity prices on the decline and input prices remaining high, it is more important than ever for producers to have a marketing plan. A good marketing plan begins with knowing what your costs are and then determining your price expectation. This session will not only look at helping producers make decisions for their 2015 crop, but also provide insight on where prices are going this winter and spring to help you make decisions for your remaining 2014 crop.
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3:30 p.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks Joe Christian, Chairman, ArFB Board Member
Marketing Crops in a Falling Market: Market Outlook, Budgeting and Risk Management Tools Matt King, ArFB Director of Market Information and Economics
4:45 p.m.
Adjourn
Scott Stiles, Instructor of Agricultural Economics, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
CONFERENCE AGENDA
Membership Acquisition & Retention 3:30–4:45 p.m. | Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014 Hot Springs Convention Center: Rooms 102, 103 County leaders will be presented with challenging questions dealing with Farm Bureau membership and given answers to those questions to assist them in having a successful membership program in their respective counties. Educational information will be provided through presentations on new and existing member benefits through ValuePlus as well as exciting benefits contained in Farm Bureau insurance products. 3:30 p.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks Allen Stewart, Chairman, ArFB Board Member
Challenges, Questions and Answers to Acquiring and Retaining Farm Bureau Members Jeremy Wesson, ArFB District Director of Organization and Member Programs, NE
Member Benefits of ValuePlus Autumn Wood, ArFB Organization and Member Programs Assistant
Member Benefits Contained in our Insurance Programs Reed Camp, Dallas/Calhoun Co. Agency Manager
4:45 p.m.
Adjourn
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CONFERENCE AGENDA
Forestry Market Outlook 8–9 a.m. | Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 Hot Springs Convention Center: Rooms 201, 202 Forest2Market, Inc. empowers participants in the forest, wood products, paper products and bioenergy industries to make exponentially betterinformed decisions. Forest2Markets’ Joe Clark will be speaking on the current issues facing the forestry industry in Arkansas. Timber price volatility, international pellet demand effect on the Southern fiber markets, new pellet facilities in Arkansas, and saw timber supply effects on pine saw timber prices are some of the topics to be covered.
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8 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks Troy Buck, Chairman, ArFB Board Member
Forestry Market Outlook Joe Clark, Stumpage Forester, Forest2Market, Inc.
Open Discussion
9 a.m.
Adjourn
CONFERENCE AGENDA
Farm Bill Decision Tool 8–9 a.m. | Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 Hot Springs Convention Center: Room 207 This workshop will cover the decisions producers need to make as they sign up for the new programs created by the 2014 farm bill. It will cover the Texas A&M farm bill decision tool which can be used by producers to help them choose the best programs for their own operation. 8 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks Rusty Smith, Chairman, ArFB Board Member
Farm Bill Decision Tool Dr. Bobby Coats, Professor of Economics University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Interactive and Open Discussion 9 a.m.
Adjourn
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CONFERENCE AGENDA
Arkansas Water Plan 8–9 a.m. | Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 Hot Springs Convention Center: Room 208 The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission recently completed a two year stakeholder process to update the State Water Plan. This workshop will provide an overview of the recommendations that resulted from this process and a discussion of how agricultural water use data is collected, how it is used in the planning process and why data accuracy is crucial to ensuring agriculture has an adequate access to water for future irrigation needs.
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8 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks Terry Dabbs, Chairman, ArFB Board Member
Arkansas Water Plan Update Edward Swaim, Water Resources Division Manager, Arkansas Natural Resources Commission
Water Use Reporting: Why Accuracy is Important and How Data is Used Todd Fugitt, Geology Supervisor, Arkansas Natural Resources Commission
Interactive and Open Discussion
9 a.m.
Adjourn
CONFERENCE AGENDA
Let’s Talk About Food 8–9 a.m. | Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 Hot Springs Convention Center: Room 209 People have never been more interested in their food and the people that produce it. It is easy to feel attacked and frustrated by questions from consumers. Learn more about what your customers want to know and how to answer their questions. Talk is not cheap. Conversation can be a powerful tool. 8 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks Sherry Felts, Chairwoman, ArFB Board Member
Conversation with EASE Larry Stoller, Affiliate and Industry Relations Manager, U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance
9 a.m.
Adjourn
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CONFERENCE AGENDA
Specialty Crops Marketing 9:30–10:30 a.m. | Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 Hot Springs Convention Center: Rooms 201, 202 Many small-scale farmers are responsible not only for growing their crops, but also for selling their products. Agricultural marketing can include selling to wholesalers, distributors, retailers, restaurants, and consumers. “Direct marketing” is the term for growers selling their products directly to consumers, whether at a farmers market, from a farm stand, or through community supported agriculture (CSA) programs. Over the years, producers have struggled to develop innovative marketing channels and opportunities to help small-scale farmers add value to their products. Come join us as we address avenues for marketing crops. 9:30 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks Johnny Loftin, Chairman, ArFB Board Member Market Maker Ron Rainey, Professor, UofA Economics Center for Ag and Rural Sustainability ArFB Mobile App Matt King, ArFB Director of Market Information and Economics 10:30 a.m. Adjourn
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CONFERENCE AGENDA
90th General Assembly Preview 9:30–10:30 a.m. | Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 Hot Springs Convention Center: Room 207 Join the next Arkansas House of Representatives Speaker and Arkansas Senate President Pro Tem as they discuss topics and issues concerning the next session of the legislature, the 90th General Assembly. Questions will be allowed from the audience. 9:30 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks Mike Freeze, Chairman, ArFB Board Member Speaker Designee Jeremy Gilliam Arkansas House of Representatives
President Pro Tem-Elect Jonathan Dismang Arkansas State Senate
10:30 a.m. Adjourn
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CONFERENCE AGENDA
Technology Advances 9:30–10:30 a.m. | Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 Hot Springs Convention Center: Room 208 It seems like new technologies are coming out daily and it can be difficult to keep up. These new advances can help you become more efficient in your farming operation as well as help you tell your story to the world. 9:30 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks Joe Thrash, Chairman ArFB Board Member
Emerging Technologies for your Farm: Comparing Smartphones Tablet vs Computer GoPro Camera Best Buy, Hot Springs
Utilizing Solar Panels for Animal and Row Crop Operations 10:30 a.m. Adjourn
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CONFERENCE AGENDA
What Leaders Need to Know 9:30–10:30 a.m. | Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 Hot Springs Convention Center: Room 209 What makes you worth more as a leader today than 10 years ago? What are the four most sought-after qualities in a leader? How will leadership change you? Why has leadership moved to a new game model? How can we best share our values and traditions with the next generation? Come and find out at “What Leaders Need to Know.” 9:30 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks Bruce Jackson, Chairman, ArFB Board Member
“What Leaders Need to Know” Randy Frazier, Frazier Communications, Inc.
10:30 a.m. Adjourn
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CONFERENCE AGENDA
Grain Dealer Laws 11–11:45 a.m. | Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 Hot Springs Convention Center: Room 207 Secretary of Agriculture Butch Calhoun and Darryl Little of the State Plant Board will provide our members with specific insight into the research they have conducted pertaining to grain dealer laws in Arkansas and across the country. Butch, Darryl, and various stakeholders from the agriculture industry continue to work toward gaining a better understanding of grain dealer laws and how they will impact the future of Arkansas agriculture. 11 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks Jon Carroll, Chairman, ArFB Board Member
11:10 a.m.
Potential Grain Dealer Laws for Arkansas Butch Calhoun, Secretary of Agriculture, Arkansas Department of Agriculture
Open Discussion
Darryl Little, Director, State Plant Board
11:45 a.m. Adjourn
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CONFERENCE AGENDA
Energy Cost Share Programs 11–11:45 a.m. | Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 Hot Springs Convention Center: Room 208 Over the last four years Farm Bureau members have saved more than $2 million on upgrades to their poultry houses and irrigation systems through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP was reauthorized in the new farm bill and allocates $800,000 in grant funds to Arkansas to assist farms and rural businesses in making energy upgrades. 11 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks Tom Jones, Chairman, ArFB Board Member
Improving Energy Efficiency on Farms and Cost Share Programs to Help Farms and Rural Businesses Bruce Everly, General Manager, Energy Improvement Matters
11:45 a.m. Adjourn
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CONFERENCE AGENDA
Battling Anti-Agriculture Groups 11–11:45 a.m. | Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 Hot Springs Convention Center: Room 209 Various anti-ag advocacy groups have challenged the established agriculture community on a number of fronts. This session will delve into how our neighboring state of Missouri has dealt with the issues of Right-to-Farm, environmental skeptics, and limitations on animal ownership. 11 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks Gene Pharr, Chairman, ArFB Board Member
Insights into Missouri’s Experience in Countering Anti-Ag Groups/Issues Kelly Smith, Commodity Director, Missouri Farm Bureau 11:45 a.m. Adjourn
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CONFERENCE AGENDA
Meet Your New Congressmen 11–11:45 a.m. | Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 Hot Springs Convention Center: Rooms 201, 202 Last month, two new members of Arkansas’ congressional delegation were elected to represent our state in Washington, D.C. This forum will provide members an opportunity to get to know our Congressmen-elect and ask questions related to their advocacy for the agriculture industry in Congress. We appreciate Congressmen-elect Hill/Hays and Westerman/Witt for making Farm Bureau a priority stop as they make their way toward the 114th Congress. 11 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks Randy Veach, President, Arkansas Farm Bureau Rich Hillman, Vice President, Arkansas Farm Bureau 11:10 a.m. Introduction of Congressmen 11:15 a.m. Remarks by Congressman Hill Remarks by Congressman Westerman 11:45 a.m. Adjourn
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