Farm Bureau Press | December 9

ARKANSAS

Rich Hillman of Carlisle was re-elected as Arkansas Farm Bureau’s president and Mike Freeze of Little Rock will continue as vice president for the agriculture advocacy organization. Both were elected Friday morning at Farm Bureau’s 88th Annual Convention at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Delegates also elected six board members during the final day of the meeting, including three new board members. Hillman, 59, was selected for a fourth term as president. He previously served 11 years as the organization’s vice president. He first joined the organization’s board of directors in 2001. He is Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 11th president since its creation in 1935. He is a sixth-generation farmer whose main crops are rice and soybeans. He is also vice chairman of Riceland Foods. He and his wife Tina have two grown children, Collin and Caroline, and one granddaughter. Freeze, 70, begins his fourth term as vice president. He operates the Keo Fish Farm, the largest hybrid striped bass hatchery in the world. He is a past chairman of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. He and his wife Betty have two grown daughters, Rachael and Kelly.

Mike Freeze

Rich Hillman

Dan Wright

A r FB SELECTS LEADERS

Board action later resulted in the reelection of Dan Wright of Waldron as Secretary/Treasurer. Wright, 62, raises poultry and grows hay. He and his wife, Belinda, have two grown children, Dustin and Megan. They have five grandchildren.

Three new state board members were elected by the delegate body on Friday morning: Magen Allen of Bismarck, Brad Doyle of Weiner and Dana Stewart of Judsonia.

Allen is co-owner of J.A. Farms Feed in Bismarck. She just concluded a term as chair of the Arkansas Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee. She is a member of the Bismarck School Board.

Doyle is a soybean, rice and wheat farmer and the outgoing president of Poinsett County Farm Bureau. He also serves as president of Eagle Seed Company and president of the American Soybean Association.

Stewart serves as president of White County Farm Bureau. She is a sixthgeneration cattle producer and co-manager of the Martin Cattle Company. She is a member of the American Farm Bureau’s Partners in Advocacy Leadership training program.

Voting delegates also reelected four board members to two-year terms. They are Jason Henson, Mount Judea; Dan Wright, Waldron; Terry Dabbs, Stuttgart; and Caleb Plyler, Spring Hill.

Voting delegates also addressed a range of state and federal policy issues, including Boards and Commission appointments, tax exemptions for 4H and FFA projects, agricultural education for K-12, the continuation of net metering for renewable energy, additional funding for county and state fairs, the formation of a timber cooperative for landowners, support for water infrastructure projects to conserve groundwater, conservation incentives for private landowners, protection of mineral rights contracts, support of infrastructure on roads, highways, bridges and broadband.

BEARDEN NAMED YF&R DISCUSSION MEET WINNER

Rachel Bearden won the Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet at the Arkansas Farm Bureau 88th Annual Convention on Nov. 30 in Hot Springs. Bearden will now compete at the American Farm Bureau Federation conference scheduled for January in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The discussion meet provides a forum for young farm leaders to demonstrate their verbal and problem-solving presentation skills while they discuss their views on issues affecting agriculture. There were 11 competitors in the discussion meet. Bearden won $7,000 courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co.

In 2021, Rachel and her husband John Michael won ArFB’s YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award. Rachel is an extension agent in Hot Spring County, serving as Staff Chair. She is a sixth-generation cow-calf producer. The Beardens also raise performance horses, hay, sheep, and timber. She also serves as national vice chair for early career development for the National County Agricultural Agents Association and secretary for the Animal Science Working Group of National Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals.

Magen Allen

Dana Stewart

Brad Doyle

Arkansas YF&R Vice Chair Monica Paskewitz (left) and Rachel Bearden.

A r FB HONORS WOMEN LEADERS

The Women’s Leadership Committee from Craighead County is the Outstanding County Women’s Program award winner for 2022. The group was recognized Dec. 1 during Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 88th Annual Conference at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Committee chair Brittany Barnes accepted the award for Craighead County.

“It’s incredibly meaningful for our committee to be recognized, every member has gone above and beyond to make this work happen,” Barnes said. “Whether it be our monthly commodity highlights or one of the new programs the group launched, our committee has worked hard to find new ways to impact our communities and tell the story of Arkansas agriculture.”

Each year, Arkansas Farm Bureau honors the county Women’s Leadership Committee that exhibits exemplary support of its county organization, activities and goals. These committees are a vital part of the county Farm Bureau organizations as they plan and implement programs and activities that are an important part of Farm Bureau’s mission. They conduct community-based activities and programs involving Ag in the Classroom, farm tours, commodity promotion, safety, health, agricultural policy and more.

Throughout the year, members of the Craighead County committee members visited local schools to present ‘Bundles of Ag Books’ to teachers, read ag

books and do activities with students. This year, the committee created two new programs, the “Seats & Feet” Closet Drive and the “Recycle, Repeat & Repurpose” Blue Jean Drive.

During harvest each year, committee members make and distribute many snack bags to local farmers and their employees, to show thanks for their hard work. an awareness and appreciation for farmers, food and fiber to the upcoming generations.

Ida Ruth Jones of Pope County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee received the Arkansas Farm Bureau Women’s Diamond Award, which honors a county Farm Bureau leader whose volunteer efforts are above and beyond the norm.

Jones began volunteering for Farm Bureau in the early 1960s and the organization has played a major role in her live for the past half century. She served on the state Women’s Leadership Committee from 1962 to 1969 and served as chair of the Pope County committee until her health would not allow in recent years. Jones’ son, Tom Jones, accepted the award in her absence.

“My mother started on the Arkansas Women’s Committee in 1962 and eventually stepped down when my dad was elected to the state board because she knew Farm Bureau was more important,” Tom Jones said. “That’s how she has always been and that’s how she will always be. But today it’s all about mom.”

(From left) ArFB Vice President Mike Freeze, outgoing Women's Leadership State Chair Magen Allen, Craighead County Committee Chair Brittany Barnes and ArFB President Rich Hillman.

(From left) ArFB Vice President Mike Freeze, outgoing Women's Leadership State Chair Magen Allen, Tom and Jayne Jones, and ArFB President Rich Hillman.

BEEBE HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER NAMED

Ar FB

OUTSTANDING 2022 AG EDUCATOR

Arkansas Farm Bureau recognized Darren Hawkins of Beebe High School in White County as its Outstanding Ag Educator. Concord High School’s Caleb Payton earned the Outstanding New Ag Educator Award, and Cedar Ridge High School grabbed the top spot as the Outstanding Ag Education Program. All were recognized at Farm Bureau’s 88th Annual Convention, Nov. 30, at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

The Outstanding Ag Educator award recognizes a high school agriculture education instructor for efforts in teaching young people about agriculture, leadership and involvement in the National FFA Organization.

“I’m blessed to lead an agriculture program and FFA chapter that receives so much support from our administration, faculty, staff and community.,” Hawkins said. “I feel fortunate to play a small role in educating the future leaders of our state’s ag industry.”

Payton earned the top New Ag Educator Award for his work at Concord High School “We’ve been able to grow the show team by four times in just one year, which demonstrates the willingness of our students to get involved in agriculture,” Payton said. “I believe that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work and this award proves that our students are all about hard work.”

Cedar Ridge High School was recognized for its ag education program, led by adviser Tim Cunningham. The program recently received a Growing America grant to purchase sheep working equipment. The equipment has allowed students in both animal science and vet science to have labs with more hands-on activities in a safer environment.

“This ag program is full of young people who are motivated to play a meaningful role in agriculture,” said Tim Cunningham. “It’s truly inspirational to see the passion they have to learn and grow together this year.”

(From left) ArFB Vice President Mike Freeze, Darrin Hawkins, ArFB President Rich Hillman and ArFB Secretary/Treasurer Dan Wright.

(From left) ArFB Vice President Mike Freeze, Caleb Payton, ArFB President Rich Hillman and ArFB Secretary/Treasurer Dan Wright.

(From left) ArFB Vice President Mike Freeze, Cedar Ridge FFA Officers, ArFB President Rich Hillman and ArFB Secretary/Treasurer Dan Wright.

MARK MORGAN EARNS Ar FB LEADERSHIP AWARD

Mark Morgan of Clarksville is the 2022 recipient of the Stanley E. Reed Leadership Award from the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation. Morgan accepted the award Nov. 30 during the organization’s 88th annual conference at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Arkansas Farm Bureau President Rich Hillman and Charlene Reed, widow of ArFB’s late president, presented the award.

Morgan has shown outstanding leadership within Farm Bureau and the community in Johnson County. He’s been on the county board 10 years, serving as president since 2017.

In addition, Morgan has served as Arkansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) chairman and vice chairman winning the YF&R Achievement Award in 2019. Morgan and his family were selected as the 2016 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year in 2016. Previously, Mark represented the state’s horticulture industry on the Arkansas State Plant Board. Mark and his wife Shay run Peach Pickin’ Paradise in Lamar.

The Stanley E. Reed Leadership Award was established in 2011 to honor the memory of the man who was president of Arkansas Farm Bureau from 2003-2008. It is awarded to an active member, 36 to 45 years of age, for outstanding leadership within their county Farm Bureau and community. It is intended to honor a county leader who has demonstrated the leadership qualities that were evident in Stanley Reed’s life and will help lead Farm Bureau into the future.

“Stanley Reed was an incredible leader for this organization and receiving an award with his namesake is an incredible achievement,” said Morgan. “I’m also very appreciative of my family and Johnson County Farm Bureau, they definitely have a part of this award as well.”

CRAIGHEAD NAMED TOP FARM BUREAU COUNTY

Craighead County is the state’s top county Farm Bureau organization for 2022. Arkansas Farm Bureau President Rich Hillman and Vice President Mike Freeze presented the organization’s President’s Award to Craighead Farm Bureau President Drew Davis on Dec. 1 at the 88th Annual Arkansas Farm Bureau Convention at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

“Receiving the President’s Award is such an honor for our county,” said Davis. “Our staff and members work exceptionally hard all year long to support our community and carry out the mission of Farm Bureau. This recognition is the direct result of that hard work, we’re very proud to receive it today.” Counties competing for the President’s Award must earn a Gold Star designation in each of 10 measurement categories and be a top scorer in their respective membership category. The 10 Gold Star categories are membership acquisition, organization, public relations, commodity services, governmental affairs, women’s activities, Young Farmers & Ranchers activities, member services, safety and youth.

The other finalists for the President’s Award included Bradley, Cross, Stone and Jackson counties.

The Membership Retention Award went to Boone County. This award goes to the county with the highest membership retention percentage in the state. Boone County had a retention rate of 96.251 percent.

(From left) ArFB Secretary/Treasurer Dan Wright, ArFB Vice President Mike Freeze, Mark Morgan, Charleen Reed and ArFB President Rich Hillman.

(From left) ArFB Vice President Mike Freeze, Craighead Farm Bureau President Drew Davis and ArFB President Rich Hillman.

MARKET NEWS

as of Dec. 6, 2022

Contact Brandy Carroll 501-228-1268 brandy.carroll@arfb.com

Rice

Rice futures have been volatile in recent weeks. After setting a 2½ year high of $18.20 on a front month basis the day after Thanksgiving, the nearby January contract has fallen to $17.03½. There isn’t much chart support above the contract low of $16.28. After a strong month of exports to a diverse array of customers, the most recent weekly export total was a disappointing 25,300 metric tons. The stronger dollar and low water levels on the Mississippi are both having an impact on rice exports. Carryover weakness from wheat futures is also a negative factor and combined with the weakness in wheat suggests that concerns about global food security could be easing.

Cotton Cotton futures have also been somewhat volatile as March becomes the lead contract. Technically, the market has support at 70 cents and resistance at the recent high of 90 cents. Demand, or the lack thereof, is the driving factor in the market.

Last week’s light export sales total was at least better than the previous week’s report, which showed net cancellations. The stronger dollar and week domestic use are both negative factors. Unrest in China over strict Covid restrictions have impacted demand from that country.

Soybeans

Soybean futures continue to trend mostly sideways. Last week’s weakness was triggered by sharp

losses in vegetable oils across the world, and those losses carried over into soy oil futures. January has support at the recent low of $14.06. USDA is estimating the season average price to be $14, which means this market does still have downside potential. Crop conditions in South America are a mixed bag. Portions of Argentina are hot and dry, but overall the crop in Brazil is in good shape and receiving timely rains. Indications that Covid restrictions will ease in China are bringing some optimism to the market that demand will pick up. Year-to-date export inspections are down 10.9% from the year ago total, prompting the industry to expect an increase in ending stocks in the next report.

Corn

Corn futures appear to have topped in October and are working their way lower. March futures now have little support above the August low of $6.11½. Slow export sales and shipments have added pressure. Last week’s report did show a slight uptick in inspections to 20.6 million bushels. Year-to-date inspections, though, are down 32.7%.

Dairy

In the most recent Supply/Demand report, USDA raised the milk production forecast for 2022 from last month, while 2023 production was unchanged. The dairy cow inventory for both years was lowered on recent published data but milk output per cow was raised.

For 2022, forecasts for butter, cheese, and nonfat dry milk (NDM) prices were lowered on current prices and larger milk supplies. Whey prices were unchanged. Both Class III and Class IV prices were lowered on weaker product prices. For 2023, the price forecast for butter was raised, but was lowered for cheese and NDM, while whey prices were unchanged. With lower cheese and NDM prices, Class III and Class IV price forecasts

were lowered. The 2022 all milk price forecast was lowered to $25.50 per cwt and the 2023 all milk price was lowered to $22.60 per cwt.

Livestock and Poultry

In the latest Supply/Demand report, USDA raised 2022 red meat and poultry production from last month as higher beef and broiler forecasts for the fourth quarter were partly offset by lower pork and turkey forecasts. Beef production was raised with higher expected cattle slaughter as well as higher carcass weights. Pork production was lowered on a slower expected pace of slaughter. Broiler production was raised on current slaughter and hatchery data. Turkey production was lowered based on tighter bird supplies. Egg production was lowered from last month on recent hatchery data.

For 2023, the beef forecast was lowered on tighter supplies of fed cattle and lower cow slaughter. Broiler production was raised on expected growth in broiler flocks. Turkey production was lowered slightly for the first two quarters. Egg production was reduced as slower expected growth in production in late 2022 was carried into the first part of 2023.

Cattle price forecasts for 2022 and 2023 were raised on stronger than expected demand. The 2022 hog price forecast was raised on prices to date; 2023 prices were unchanged. The broiler price forecast for 2022 was lowered on recent data, but 2023 forecasts were unchanged. Turkey price forecasts for both 2022 and 2023 were raised with lowered expected production. Egg price forecasts for 2022 and 2023 were raised on recent prices and expectations of continued firm.

EDITOR

Ashley Wallace ashley.wallace@arfb.com