Front Porch - March/April 2013

FRONT FRONT PORCH PORC H RCH

March-April 2013

arfb.com

On the edge with

Edens Edge

P. Allen Smith’s poultry passion

a St. Patty’s day dessert

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Front Porch

Farm Bureau

Matters

March - April 2013 C

o

v

e

r

by Randy Veach

President, Arkansas Farm Bureau

O

One of my favorite Farm Bureau

On the cover — Roots run deep in Arkansas for the country music band Edens Edge that features Cherrill Green, Hannah Blaylock and Dean Berner.

Photo courtesy of Variety Attractions

Send comments to: frontporch@arfb.com

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On the Edge with Edens Edge

3

Farm Bureau Matters Randy Veach Food for Thought Ewell Welch

Chris Wilson

activities is the bi-annual Farmers’

Arkansas has some of the most

Day at the Legislature. The event

restrictive term limits in the country

brings farmers and ranchers from

… but that’s another topic for

across Arkansas to the state capitol

another day and, possibly, another

to promote the issues important to

column.)

Arkansas agriculture.

While our county Farm Bureau

In speaking to the roughly 120 farm and ranch leaders who took part

leaders regularly meet with their

in the most recent Farmers’ Day effort

state representatives and senators at

in mid-February, I reminded them

home, coming to Little Rock delivers

they represent the largest economic

a strong reminder that our farmers

engine in our state. Agriculture

and ranchers pay close attention to

pumps $16 billion annually into

the activities that go on under the

our state’s economy. Most everyone

capitol dome.

knows Wal-Mart, one of the world’s

What makes the day so enjoyable

4

Assembly of that fact. (Side note:

largest companies, is headquartered in

for me is the response we receive

Arkansas. Not nearly as many, sadly,

from the members of the General

realize that the largest business sector

Assembly. They understand that

in our state isn’t retail, but instead is

Farm Bureau’s policy positions –

agriculture. That’s another key reason

Tara Johnson

defined and refined through a grass-

we get such a kind reception from

16 Garden Home Design

roots process that originates with

those in the General Assembly.

14 Taste Arkansas

P. Allen Smith 18 Land & People

Gregg Patterson 22 Building Wealth

Allyson Hamlin 24 In the Kitchen Tara Johnson 26 Health & Safety

Jennifer Victory

our members in every county – are something we take very seriously. As

our legislative agenda will stand by

a result, the members of the General

the time you read this. We’ll have

Assembly take those positions

likely won some issues, lost others,

seriously, as well.

and could well be waiting on others

Farmers’ Day at the Legislature,

For address changes, contact:

Rhonda Whitley at rhonda.whitley@arfb.com Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation Farm Bureau Center P.O. Box 31 • Little Rock, AR 72203-0031 Fax: (501) 228-1557 Please provide membership number.

Edition 85

Created by Publishing Concepts, Inc. For Advertising info contact David Brown • 1-800-561-4686 dbrown@pcipublishing.com

to come to a vote. But the most

though, allows us to put a hometown

important thing to remember is we’ll

face to our policy book. It reminds

have been actively engaged in the

the members of the House and

legislative process for the benefit of

Senate the positions we define as an

the men and women involved with

organization aren’t just words on a

Arkansas agriculture.

page. They are thoughts and ideas

That single activity validates the

from their constituents. Especially

mission and purpose of Arkansas Farm

in the term-limited environment

Bureau. That’s why I enjoy Farmers’

in which we operate, where

Day at the Legislature so much.

institutional knowledge walks out

pcipublishing.com

There’s no way to predict where

God bless you and your families.

the door with the closing of every

God bless the farmers and ranchers

session, it’s important to remind

of our state. And God bless Arkansas

the men and women of the General

Farm Bureau.

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Front Porch Arkansas Farm Bureau © 2013 Official membership publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation.

Front Porch is mailed to more than 200,000 member-families.

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 Johnny Loftin, El Dorado Gene Pharr, Lincoln Rusty Smith, Des Arc Allen Stewart, Mena Mike Sullivan, Burdette Leo Sutterfield, Mountain View

Food for Thought

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Ex Officio Sherry Felts, Joiner Brent Lassiter, Newport Janice Marsh, McCrory Brian Walker, Horatio Executive Editor: Steve Eddington Editor: Gregg Patterson Contributing Editors: Ken Moore, Keith Sutton, Chris Wilson Research Assistant: Brenda Gregory

by Ewell Welch

Executive Vice President, Arkansas Farm Bureau

Go to any coffee shop in Arkansas

renewed with proper documentation.

metal, copper or metal equipment

Convicted thieves would be ineligible.

stolen from them. It’d be rare

For the public’s occasional need to

if someone didn’t have a story.

clean up around the home, there

Churches, schools, businesses and

would be a short-term permit issued

homes across Arkansas are outfitting

by law enforcement, requiring proper

air conditioners with anti-theft

identification and accompanying tax

devices. Most cities and counties have

documents.

incidences of stolen equipment, even

get another layer of accountability.

find irrigation equipment stripped,

There would be a license to operate

electrical wires missing or other metals

a scrap yard, which would require

stolen.

a permanent location with proper

While getting property stolen

Quality permits and a full complement

of physical danger involved, too.

of utilities (water, sewer, electric and

Surprising a thief in an isolated area,

communication) sufficient to operate

where a lot of these crimes occur, or

required monitoring equipment. The

flipping on electrical power to a circuit

principal owner may not have a theft

damaged by theft can and has resulted

conviction record and must comply

in physical harm to our members.

with a monitoring program. The

Farm Bureau has worked for the past

proposed law would also levy fines

couple of legislative sessions to refine

for not reporting and monitoring in a

the law dealing with metal theft, trying

proper and timely fashion. This adds

to curb the problem. So far, those

punch to the existing law that requires

“fixes” aren’t having the desired results.

scrap dealers to report their purchases

So, we’ve joined our allies to work on

to law enforcement.

Front Porch (USPS 019-879) is published bi-monthly by the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation, 10720 Kanis Rd., Little Rock, AR 72211.

Periodicals Postage paid at Little Rock, Ark. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Front Porch, P.O. Box 31, Little Rock, AR 72203.

4

Arkansas Department of Environmental

is tough, there’s a real element

an even tougher law to get metal theft

The Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation reserves the right to accept or reject all advertising requests.

Scrap metal dealers would also

manhole covers. Farmers repeatedly

ADVERTISING: Contact David Brown at Publishing Concepts, Inc. for advertising rates. dbrown@pcipublishing.com (501) 221-9986 Fax (501) 225-3735

Publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

limited time. Then the license must be

and ask if anyone has had any scrap

The scrap metal trade is important

under control. A coalition that includes

for sellers and buyers. It’s a good

law enforcement, utility providers and

way to recycle unwanted metals and

city and county representatives has

provides legitimate income for some,

been working for months on a proposal

but it’s being abused. It’s important

to put before the legislature.

for law-abiding citizens that Arkansas

Since catching thieves in the act is

gets control of this theft epidemic.

difficult, the law will focus on making

ARFB supports the proposed law on

it harder to sell stolen goods and

behalf of our members. I urge you to

providing more information to police

let your legislator know you support

on the items being sold through scrap

stricter controls on scrap metal dealing.

dealers. The legislation would establish

I assure you that they like to hear from

a tiered licensing program for metal

constituents on issues where they can

sellers. These licenses would be state

improve the law. Speak up and help us

issued, have fees and be issued for a

solve the metal theft problem.

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Arkansas Farm and Ranch Families Provide‌ Safe, affordable food

Food

24% of Arkansas Jobs

Jobs

75% of Wildlife Habitat

Meet Lacy Glover

EnvironmEnt

Former Miss Arkansas and Spokesperson for the Arkansas Foundation for Agriculture

While Protecting the Environment

Arkansas

Foundation for Agriculture Front Porch

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www.growingarkansas.org

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5

On the edge with

Edens Edge

Success and a sense of place

Chris Wilson

by Chris Wilson

Farm Bureau family The musical group Hannah Blaylock and Edens Edge played at Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 2006 annual meeting (inset right). Now, having made it big, Edens Edge played at this year’s American Farm Bureau national conference in Nashville. The Arkansas band’s ARFB connections run deep. Lead singer Hannah Blaylock’s uncle, Mike Freeze, is on ARFB’s board of directors. Lead guitarist Dean Berner’s uncle, the late Arnold Berner was ARFB’s executive director from 1970-82. And his aunt, Charlene Reed is the widow of former ARFB President Stanley Reed.

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Steve Smith’s left hand runs along

ceremony at the game,” Berner says. “So

week youth group educational program.

the surface of an old wooden harvest

there were all these different veterans

One week, they learned to turn pottery.

table on his back porch, fingers gently

who had served in each of the major wars

Another week, someone demonstrated how

searching.

throughout the last century. It had just

to change a tire. Then, one week, Berner’s

“There,” he says, fingers stopping.

cleared up from a downpour, and a light

former soccer coach, Steve Smith showed up

He leans forward and squints to focus

mist was coming down. You could hear

to teach the class a simple four-chord song

better. “The pine is so soft you can still

our voices echoing through the stands.”

on guitar.

see the pencil marks. There’s a … it

That Monday Night Football

looks like a D and an E minor, and some

performance stands out in Berner’s mind

G

lyrics I can’t quite make out. We used

as the most “jaw-dropping” moment

A- | mazing | Grace, how | sweet the | sound

to spend a couple of nights every week

of his music career. That’s saying

sitting around this table just playing and

something, because, since moving to

That | saved a | wretch like | me |

figuring out songs. That was such a great

Nashville from Russellville five years ago,

G

time.”

there have been a lot of those kinds of

I | once was | lost but | now am | found

moments.

“Is it bittersweet?” I ask. “Their success?”

Playing at the Grand Ole Opry

“I’m so happy for the three of them,”

C

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Em D C

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Was | blind but | now I | see |

numerous times. Releasing the group’s

the 58-year-old Russellville financial

first album on Big Machine Records.

planner and part-time songwriter says.

Red carpet events at industry awards’

kids of different musical talent. “Dean,

“More than anything, I just miss making

shows. And they’ve shared the stage

though,” he says, “it was obvious he had

music with them.”

with a long list of country music greats:

a gift way beyond anything I could teach

Reba McEntire, Lady Antebellum, Brad

him. He was a natural musician.”

EEE

Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Eli Young Band,

On a Monday night last November, the members of Edens Edge – Hannah Blaylock, Dean Berner and Cherrill Green

Smith says there were about two dozen

About that same time, Smith recalls

Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, and Little Big

traveling with his family to nearby Perry

Town.

County to camp on his friend Melvin’s

Clearly, Edens Edge has made it.

“Not yet,” Berner demurs. “Certainly

farm.

“We had a big campfire, and we were

– stepped onto the grass at Pittsburgh’s

we’ve had success relative to what we

all sitting around playing music,” Smith

Heinz Field to sing the national anthem

were doing in Arkansas, but there’s still a

remembers. “I was playing guitar, and

for 65,050 Steelers’ and Kansas City

lot of ground to cover here in Nashville,

Melvin’s 8-year-old daughter, Hannah,

Chiefs’ fans and 12.8 million ESPN

and we’ll be pushing hard and fighting

climbed up in my lap. Then someone

viewers.

hard to get there. I think most artists are

said, ‘Why don’t you sing, Hannah?’ So,

that way. Always looking forward and

she starting singing ‘Somewhere Over the

trying to figure out what’s next, always

Rainbow,’ and it just knocked me out of

looking for a way to grow and to write

my chair. I thought somebody snuck Judy

that next song and learn that next step. I

Garland in and gave her a southern twang.

think we’ll always be going after that.”

The crispness to her voice and just, the

“They were having a Veteran’s Day

So it is with his band in the middle of full-fledged vertical takeoff that we find Dean Berner, level-headed, feet planted

range of it, and the quality of what she could do was incredible.”

Almost a decade later, on a whim,

firmly on the ground. It’s impressive

Smith and the Blaylock family entered the

but not surprising given the tutelage the

Arkansas Acoustic Festival. Performing five

band has received along the way.

of Smith’s songs as Hannah Blaylock and Lost & Found, (Hannah on vocals, Smith

EEE

on guitar, Melvin on bass and Hannah’s

David Dodson

mother, Shannon, on mandolin) the group Berner was 12 years old when he learned to play guitar.

contest. That success led to playing shows

It was summer. First United Methodist Church in Russellville was hosting a six-

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received a standing ovation and won the

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statewide and the self-release of an album, “Cover Me.”

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Berner joined the band as a Dobro/lead

in Virginia had already been playing for

guitar player in 2004. And a few months

years under the name Lost & Found. With

later, Cherrill Green of Magazine joined the

that, Hannah Blaylock and Edens Edge was

band, replacing Hannah’s mother.

born.

Smith says Green brought a lot to the

“We had a really good sound,” Smith

table. “She added beautiful harmonies,

says. “We made pretty music together.” He

played banjo, mandolin and guitar. She

tells of the first time his wife heard them

gave us a fuller sound and led us toward

playing. “She tells me she walked into the

bluegrass a little bit more.”

kitchen to get something and just stopped

Green, with her extensive bluegrass knowledge, told the group a bluegrass band

dead in her tracks when she heard what we were doing.”

On the right track The second iteration of the band, Hannah Blaylock & Edens Edge, came together in 2004. This photo was taken after a show the group did on the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Excursion train. From left, are: Steve Smith, Lonnie Eason, Hannah Blaylock, Cherrill Green, Melvin Blaylock and Dean Berner.

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The walls in Smith’s office each tell a different story, different chapters of his life.

One, pictures of him, his wife, kids and grandkids. Another, a pencil drawing of 1940s-era downtown Lurton and black-andwhite photos of front-porch jam sessions and country dances.

“My earliest memories are of people

www.sfbli.com

coming over to the house, everyone bringing their instruments. Moonshine,

Keith Sutton

music, dancing … all that.”

Another wall features framed professional certifications. He’s a chartered LILFPR41005

life insurance underwriter and a chartered financial consultant.

Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS

Edge wall, its space almost covered. There

The wall behind his desk is the Edens are concert posters, framed CDs alongside

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Ken Moore photos

Life is priceless.

Insuring it should be affordable.

EEE

Soon Smith was on the phone with songwriter Kye Fleming, author of Ronnie Milsap’s “Smoky Mountain Rain”

Dean Berner remembers the meeting

and Charley Pride’s “Roll on Mississippi”

well. “We met her at a club called the

among numerous other country classics.

French Quarter Café. We played a show

Fleming had judged the CMT/NSAI

there for her and met with her the next

competition and was a big fan of “Songbird.”

morning and just talked about her ideas

She wanted to know more about the

and how she saw us being able to break

band. Eventually, she invited the band to

into the industry.”

Nashville.

Berner describes the meeting as

Courtesy of Steve Smith

“comfortable.”

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album art, band photos and a handful of national songwriting awards.

One award is for “Songbird,” the ninth track on the 2006 Hannah Blaylock and Edens Edge album “Lights of Home.” The song was a finalist in the 2006 Country Music Television/Nashville Songwriters Association International (CMT/NSAI) Song Contest, one of the 15 picked out of more than 8,000.

I thought I heard a bluebird sing, a song of life in early spring.

He called out ’til he woke the world, and all her beauty was unfurled.

The song he sang changed everything.

from “Songbird”

GET A JUMP ON SPRING TODAY!

Smith listened in disbelief to the voice on the other end of the phone. It was a NSAI representative.

“I’m calling to tell you that you’re going to get another phone call,” the respresentative said. “I want you to know this is the real deal.

There’s nobody in Nashville who has more integrity than Kye Fleming, and when she calls you, I just want you to know this is a real person. Nobody is jerking you around.”

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Big Machine Records

Country cool Kye Fleming (back row, second from right), a Fort Smith native and nashville Songwriters hall of Fame member, is a key figure in the Edens Edge success story. She encouraged the band to move to nashville and mentored its budding career. She used her induction into the nashville Songwriters hall of Fame to catapult the group into the spotlight that resulted in a deal with Big Machine records.

“She was someone who understood who we were as people, and she also understood the way we wanted to go about it,” he says. “We didn’t want a quick road to success

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that was just going to be a flash in the pan. We wanted to develop something that was real and true to who we are.”

Also, Fleming was from Fort Smith.

Smith remembers, “Kye was aware of the Arkansas connection.

She really was excited about seeing them succeed. She saw the raw talent was there, that there was an opportunity.”

So in 2007, Berner and Hannah Blaylock moved to Nashville to attend the College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University. Green joined them in Nashville soon after. They spent the next few years developing under Fleming’s guidance. One of the few stipulations of her help, though, was that the band wasn’t allowed to play shows in Nashville.

“Broadway (Nashville’s famed ‘Honky Tonk Row’) is an amazing place. There are great musicians, great singers everywhere,” Berner says. “But it can swallow people up. You’ve got to do the grind all the time

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to keep making ends meet. Kye really wanted to keep us away from all that and

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let us develop organically on our own. So, instead, we would play little house concerts for our friends. This really helped us to get some opinions and responses to our music.”

Then, in 2009, Kye Fleming was set to

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will play a Clarksville coffee shop with Melvin and Mary Blaylock, Boyd Burton

Steve Smith sits at his new

trying to find enough music to fill a two-

stringed Taylor in his lap and about

hour time slot.

two reams worth of sheet music

Chris Wilson

and Gail Green, Cherrill’s sister. He’s

dining room table. There’s a nylon-

“I’m not writing near as much these

strewn about in front of him. This

days. Now, I spend a lot more time

table top has no indentions.

playing with my grandkids and doing

“Must have a better topcoat,” he jokes.

other things,” Smith says.

His energies are focused on different

The following night, Smith

things now.

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Friend and mentor on a recent Friday night at his home outside of russellville, Steve Smith (right) and his new band were preparing for a clarksville show. Also pictured and in the group are Melvin and Mary Blaylock, who are hannah’s father and stepmother.

be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. She asked the band to play a medley of her songs during her portion of the ceremony. So, on Oct. 19, Edens Edge played its first Nashville concert before Piers to Stable Clay

600 of country music’s most important executives, songwriters and musicians.

“Funny story,” Berner says. “We were at our table having dinner, and there was a video screen that was supposed to play a Tammy Wynette video, because they were honoring her, too. Someone was supposed to come get us and take us backstage at that point. About three-quarters of the way through the video, we realized that nobody had come to get us, and we were next. So we got up, jumped backstage, grabbed our instruments and ran on stage. The second we

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Later that night, Edens Edge was signed

by Big Machine Records.

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Red carpet The members of Edens Edge (from left) — Cherrill Green, Hannah Blaylock and Dean Berner — arrive at the 2012 Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas.

“I talk to the three of them all the time, though,” he says. “I participated in Hannah’s wedding this past fall. Dean and I had a long phone conversation yesterday.

Cherrill just e-mailed me some photos from Mexico, where they’re playing some shows

Real service. Real people.

right now.”

That question drifts back into my head again. “Is it bittersweet … their success?”

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But I refrain from asking it.

Yet, as if on cue, Smith answers.

“You know, even when we were in Nashville talking with Kye, there was never a single moment when I thought, ‘Maybe

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12

always knew this is where I should be, and

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I had every confidence that’s where they should be.”

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b

BACKYARD POULTRY WORKSHOP

SAT

APRIL 10AM PM 4 TH 20

What it’s about

AT MOSS

P. Allen Smith

Moss Mountain Farm

Dr. Mikelle Roeder

Ph.D., Nutritionist, Purina

+

Plus Round Table with Panel of Speakers

&

What you’ll learn

→ Best Practices for Best Results

Housing Seasonal Care Nutrition Predator Control → Heritage Poultry Conservation Selecting a Breed Sources Goals → Home Flock Pests and Diseases 101 Prevention and Treatment Basic Materials to Have on Hand The → Art of Reproduction Egg Production Genetics Fertility Incubation

Dr. Dustin Clark&Dr. Keith Bramwell University of Arkansas

IN ROLAND, ARKANSAS

ticket price $90 per person lunch included

TO

Fresh eggs, free fertilizer and friendly companions – three good reasons to raise chickens in your backyard. Come out to P. Allen Smith’s “Backyard Poultry Day” to learn from the experts about how to get a flock started.

He’ll also cover topics such as expanding your flock from eggs and heritage breed conservation. Hatching eggs, chicks, and adult poultry for sale. It’s an event for both the newbie and the pro!

Who you’ll meet

MOUNTAIN FARM

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE FOLLOWING PRESENTERS

Space is limited. Visit www.PAllenSmith.com, email gardenhome@pallensmith.com or call Joyce at 501.519.5793 to make your reservation!

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Taste Arkansas From farm to table

A

compiled by Tara Johnson

As a kid I remember my mom

having a huge garden every year. She always grew cucumbers, asparagus, peas, corn, beans, tomatoes, potatoes, okra, squash and other random vegetables. I never loved pulling weeds, but I loved eating those fresh vegetables right out of the garden.

We always had extras at the end

of the season, and my mom would spend a day canning. She’d fill a cabinet with colorful Mason jars in just a few hours. The jars of vibrant red tomato salsa were my favorite.

I couldn’t wait until they were cool before I’d ask to open them. This spring when you’re planning your garden, I suggest planting some tomatoes and using the recipe below to can your salsa.

Canned Salsa Ingredients

• 5 lbs. tomatoes • 2 (7-ounce) cans green chilies, chopped

• 3 jalapeno chilies, seeded and stems removed, chopped

• 1½ cups chopped onion • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 cup apple cider vinegar • ½ cup loosely packed fresh chopped cilantro

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano • ½ teaspoon ground cumin • 2 teaspoons salt • 1-2 teaspoons sugar, to taste Canning equipment needed:

• 5 to 6 pint-sized canning jars, with rings and new lids

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Mom’s salsa Every year my mom cans several jars of tomato salsa with fresh tomatoes from our garden. We spend the rest of the year eating some of the best salsa around.

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• A very large stockpot or canning pot

3. Put all of the ingredients into

sealed, either replace the lid and

a large 8-quart, stainless-steel

reprocess in a water bath for

pot. (Don’t use aluminum or

another 15 minutes or store in

place the filled jar for the water

the acidity of the sauce will

the refrigerator and use within

bath canning, so they don’t

cause its metallic flavor to leach

the next few days.

touch the bottom of the pan and

into the sauce.) Bring to a boil,

crack from excess heat

then reduce to a simmer. Cook

• A flat steamer rack on which to

uncovered for about 10 minutes.

Canning equipment recommended:

• Canning tongs to make it easy to lift the jars in and out of boiling water

• Rubber- or latex-coated

4. While the salsa is cooking, place

Remember to label the jars with the date processed. Canned salsa should be eaten within a year.

the jar lids in a bowl and cover with boiling water to sterilize.

Yield: Makes about 5 pints.

5. Adjust seasonings. If too acidic to taste, you can balance it with

Tara Johnson is a contributor

gardening gloves to make

a little more sugar. If too sweet,

to Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Taste

it easier on your hands for

add a bit more vinegar.

Arkansas blog. For recipes, videos and

handling hot jars Directions

6. Ladle salsa into canning jars, leaving ½-inch head space

between the liquid and the top

1. Place steamer rack in the bottom

of the jar. Wipe the rims with

of a large 16-quart stock pot or

a clean, dampened paper towel

canning pot. Place new or clean

so there’s no residual food on

Mason jars on the rack. Fill the

the rims. Place canning lids on

jars with water, and fill the

the jars. Screw on the lid rings.

pot with just enough water to

Don’t over-tighten or you may

come to the top of the jars. Heat

not get a good seal. Air does

water to a simmer. Simmer for

need to escape from the jars

10 minutes. Keep the jars warm

during the next step.

while preparing the salsa. Have a

7. Place the filled and lidded jars

kettle half filled with water ready

back onto the rack in the large

to boil to sterilize the jar lids a

stock-pot of hot water you used

few minutes before canning.

to sterilize the jars in step one.

2. Peel tomatoes by blanching.

You may need to remove some

To blanch, score the ends of

of the water from the pot to

the tomatoes, and place them

prevent it from overfilling. Cover

in boiling water for a minute.

the jars with at least 1-inch of

Remove the tomatoes from

water. Bring to a rolling boil

the water and let cool to the

and process for 15 minutes (20

touch. Remove and discard the

minutes for altitudes 1,000 to

peels. Cut away any cores if you

6,000 ft.; 25 minutes above

haven’t done so already. Chop

6,000 ft.). Then turn off heat and

the tomatoes, taking care to save

let the jars sit in the hot water

any juices that may come out of them. Starting with 5 pounds

for 5 minutes.

8. Remove jars from the water

of tomatoes, you should end up

bath and let sit on a counter for

with about 8 cups of chopped

several hours until completely

tomatoes and juices. At least 7

cool. The lids should “pop”

cups of tomatoes must be used

as the cooling salsa creates a

in this recipe. Place them in a

vacuum under the lid and the

bowl and set aside.

jars are sealed. If a lid hasn’t

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farmer profiles visit tastearkansas.com today.

b

1. Freeze bananas to make smoothies. The frozen banana helps make the texture cold and extra smooth.

2. A few times a month, double a dinner recipe, and freeze the half you don’t need for those days you’re in a rush.

3. Freeze cubes of coffee to put into milk for iced coffee. Then as the coffee ice melts the drink just gets better and not watered down.

15

Garden Home Design A passion for poultry Life lessons learned from chickens

M

by P. Allen Smith

My passion for poultry goes back to

childhood and summers spent at my

grandparents’ farm. They fostered this budding interest and channeled my

competitive nature by encouraging me to

participate in the county fair poultry show.

It was a natural fit. I won a blue ribbon and met one of my first mentors.

A lucky trio

For years, Myra Elizabeth Chastain

oversaw the fair’s poultry barn. She was a retired Army major who ran the barn with military precision. I found her a

bit intimidating. Little did I know this overwhelming figure would become a lifelong friend, thanks to three special chickens.

At age 9, I brought a trio of white Silkie bantams to the fair. These are fancy looking birds! They’re covered in downy feathers with a head crest and feathers around their ankles and toes. Think of a chicken wearing a fur coat, cap and boots. Pretty flashy on an ordinary day but for the show, I bathed them and fluffed their feathers with a blow dryer.

I was the first to enter this type of Asiatic bird, and they created quite a stir.

All the attention caught the eye of Elizabeth Chastain, who headed toward me with determination, barking orders all the way.

Donna Evans

As she stood before my three finely coifed bantams, a flicker of delight crossed her otherwise stern expression. I realized then we had discovered our common ground.

I won first, second and third place, because my birds were the only ones entered in that class.

16

Old-time chickens P. Allen Smith developed the Heritage Poultry Conservancy to save the old farm breeds of yesteryear, like the Buff Orpington he’s holding, that are not used in today’s large-scale commercial chicken growing.

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An unlikely partnership

The importance of fostering a child’s interests

I made sure to spend time with

Larry and I were fortunate to

the major whenever I stayed with my grandparents. I came to rely on her

also have grandparents who raised

friendship and guidance. I think of

chickens and were enthusiastic about

her to this day whenever I’m feeling

it. This provided another important

a little overwhelmed or intimidated

layer of support. We believed the

and remember even the toughest of

adults around us understood and

characters has a soft spot. Fortunately

supported our interest in poultry.

for me, Elizabeth had a weakness for

My mother often loaded me, my

chickens.

birds and my friends into her station wagon to go to poultry shows. One

Elizabeth recognized my early

of the best moments was winning a

nurture it, even though she was a

Grand Champion ribbon with my

couple of generations ahead of me.

Buff Orpington pullet at the Arkansas

She was the first of many mentors,

State Fair when I was 15. My mother

each teaching me something new.

used the occasion to give me my first

It’s important for adults to recognize

copy of “The Standard of Perfection,”

a child’s stewardship interest in

the book American Poultry Association

animals and plants and help them

licensed judges use as a guide.

Hortus Ltd.

interest in poultry and helped

with encouragement and support.

Big change brings a growing support network My childhood bedroom was littered with catalogs from Murray McMurray Hatchery, Stromberg’s Chicks & Gamebirds Unlimited, Ideal

ATTENTION! The late Elizabeth Chastain (above), a retired U.S. Army major, ran the poultry barn when 9-year-old P. Allen Smith entered his first poultry show with a trio of white Silkie bantams like the one pictured above. Chastain became a life-long friend and mentor, exactly what all children need in their areas of interest.

Hatchery, Cackle Hatchery and many

I took raising birds seriously, making sure they were well cared for every day. I had no idea the important patterns I was developing for later in life — a work ethic, responsibility and a greater appreciation of nature.

Nor did I know where this childhood passion would lead. But last year, I realized another dream in founding the Heritage Poultry Conservancy

more. At 10, I sold my first calf and used

in raising poultry. They always helped round

(HPC), which is dedicated to the preservation

the money to buy a 100-egg incubator from

up escaped birds, and one neighbor picked

and support of all threatened breeds and

Sears. Much to the chagrin of my mother,

up feed and would bring it to me. This

strains of domestic poultry.

I insisted on keeping the incubator in my

neighborhood support helped me remain

room. This was before I learned to candle

engaged in my hobby.

eggs, and there always wound up being a

Today, the HPC provides funding for prizes to encourage kids to get involved

Although I was a 4-H member, I found

raising heritage breeds. And I still have

few rotten ones. However, despite the awful

that the local chapter wasn’t as agrarian as I

friends helping me today, like Dr. Mikelle

smell that sometimes filled the house, my

was used to, and there was far less emphasis

Roeder, an animal nutritionist for Purina

mother always supported my growing love of

on poultry. However, I was lucky enough to

Animal Nutrition, who has taught me the

raising poultry.

meet Larry, who was my age and was equally

important relationship of feed and its impact

interested in poultry. We became fast friends.

on bird quality. She’s another in that long

father suddenly passed away, but my

Larry’s father built an incubator for him,

line of mentors and supporters – that all

mother allowed me to keep a few turkeys

and we both used it to hatch a lot of birds.

children need – who fueled my passion for

and chickens from the farm. From there,

My mother also supported Larry’s interest,

poultry, beginning with my grandparent’s

my suburban farm began to grow in our

and we’d often go to poultry shows and visit

prodding and a gruff ex-Army major. I had

backyard. Allowing me to continue raising

local farms to see what breeds were available.

Mikelle visit my farm and showed her that

birds helped me cope with the loss of my

We certainly did our fair share of haggling

blue ribbon from my first poultry show (and

father. A supportive network of neighbors

and trading, much like other kids did with

I still had my Purina feed tags from the early

was also vital to our family and my interest

baseball cards.

1970s to prove it!). She was impressed.

We moved to Little Rock after my

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Land&People Graceful determination A passion for agriculture

B

by Gregg Patterson

Beth Killingsworth is not your typical

farmer. The 26-year-old redhead has been running her own farming operation – 700 acres in Morton – 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 Keith Sutton

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

Lady Dirt The trials of farming aren’t for the timid, and 26-year-old farmer Beth Killingsworth can attest to that. Tornado, flood and drought have all been a part of her early experiences on her 700-acre farm. someone who leads by example, knowing

on the production side or working in

been the leaders in my life, and they have

when they make a mistake and is able to see

industrial agriculture. Not only do I think

always taught me that if I want something

strengths and weaknesses around them.”

it’s important to be involved in it, I love

done, then do it myself.” As if farming itself

Killingsworth says it’s essential for the

it,” Killingsworth said. “I have a passion for

isn’t challenging enough, Killingsworth is

agriculture community to develop leaders.

agriculture, and I will always be an advocate

also working on a master’s degree in business

“Many people aren’t educated or aware of

for it.”

administration at Harding University.

the impact of agriculture on our nation’s

Killingsworth jumped at the opportunity

At 26, Killingsworth is looking for

economy. We need leaders to step up,

opportunities to give back, to share the

to apply to be a part of Arkansas Farm

educate and promote agriculture,” she said.

knowledge that she’s already gained through

Bureau’s First President’s Leadership Council.

“There will be many changes with the

the blessings she’s received and worked hard

“I wanted to work on my leadership skills,”

market, policy, science and technology to

for despite a life that has experienced far

she said. “Also, I thought it would be

push for a more long-term sustainability in

more tragedy than a person so young should

important to meet other leaders not only

agriculture for the United States.”

have to face.

who were participating in the leadership

With four years of experience in the field

“I think giving back is important for me

council, but also those who were attending,

already and making all of the farm’s business

whether it’s in agriculture, my community

speaking and leading the program.

and day-to-day decisions, does she see herself

or anywhere I feel I’m needed,” she said. “In

still out there 50 years from now like her

Luke 12:48 it states: ‘From everyone who has

me that it’s important to appreciate and

beloved 82-year-old “Pepaw” who helps her

been given much, much will be demanded;

value leadership,” Killingsworth said. “Hard

every day?

and from the one who has been entrusted

“My parents have always instilled in

work goes into leadership, and it takes a strong person to be a leader. A leader is

18

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

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with much, much more will be asked’.”

Beth Killingsworth believes that.

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DoItYourself

TRACTORS DON’T GET ANY TOUGHER.

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ConneCt yourself to the Conversation • www.facebook.com/ArkansasFarmBureau • www.youtube.com/user/arkansasfarmbureau • twitter.com/ARFB

Building a connection between phone callers with ease!

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21

Wealth

Building

Keep your savings secure Pay attention to details when choosing a bank

by Allyson hamlin

O

One of the biggest concerns with

regard to banking today is the security of the funds deposited. Whether

with regard to the economic crisis or concerns having to do with Internet banking, consumers want to make sure

are well aware of their current and

the depositor to make a one-time rate

their money is secure. So, what are some

potential customers’ concerns. So don’t

increase during the term of the CD.

important questions to ask banks, as

hesitate to ask questions and request

With flexible options like these, Farm

well as what to look for when seeking

details, whether over the phone, in

Bureau Bank is making it easier for

the most secure banking services?

person at a local branch or via online

depositors to protect their finances and

banking. Banks appreciate their

grow their investments.

First, it’s always important to look

for a form of guarantee or insurance

customers’ business and want to keep

extended by a bank to its depositors.

them happy.

For instance, many banks insure up

your money without committing to

Everyone has unique financial needs,

a CD or other long-term investment?

to a certain amount, and it’s vital to

and only you know what works best for

If so, consider the Farm Bureau Bank

know what this is before depositing any

you. That’s why it’s important to choose

Money Market Account (MMA). With

money. The more you know about the

a bank that offers the kind of products

an FDIC-insured Farm Bureau Bank

insurance protecting the funds in your

and services that suit your lifestyle and

MMA, you’ll earn higher yields and

account, the more prepared and at ease

goals. Farm Bureau Bank continues to

get easy and immediate access to your

you’ll be.

stand strong, safe and secure and is

funds. This robust savings account

Another consideration is the history

22

Are you looking for a place to “park”

backed by the federal government FDIC

offers tiered interest that rewards higher

of the bank. How long has it been

insurance. For 13 years, Farm Bureau

balances, as well as free checks and a

operating? Is the bank well-established

Bank has focused on serving the needs

free Visa debit card with ATM access.

in processes, and is it reputable? Does

and financial goals of its members.

You already work hard for your

it have a record of proven growth?

Farm Bureau Bank’s Certificates

And finally, does its history display

of Deposit (CDs) can provide both

simply watch it grow? Whether you’re

commitment to its clients? If the bank

financial protection and growth. Farm

saving for a special purchase or need

has experienced turbulence in the past,

Bureau Bank offers several CD account

time to decide where to stash your cash,

you should consider how it dealt with

types with flexible terms ranging

Farm Bureau Bank is a good choice. Visit

those problems and its customers.

from three months to five years with

farmbureaubank.com or contact your

Finally, remember that in the midst

interest transfer options. Another is

local Farm Bureau agent for current rates

of the present economic climate, banks

called a “step-up” CD, which allows

and to apply.

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money. Why not make life easier and

b

soybeans soyb eans

So do pigs, cows and fish. In fact, animal ag is your number one customer – eating 98 percent of your soybean meal. That’s one good-looking figure.

THE

www.BEYOND ELEVATOR. www.BEYOND ELEVATOR.com com

© 2012 United Soybean Board

Source: USB Market View Database Front Porch

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InTheKitchen A St. Patty’s Day dessert Indulge in a little luck o’ the Irish

by tara Johnson

T

The Irish love their beer. With my

Irish heritage, I’m no exception. I love beer, and I especially love to cook with beer. It adds a level of flavor you can’t find anywhere else. I can honestly say this is the only dessert I ever use beer in, but this cake is fantastic! It’s dark and rich with a warm, complex flavor that comes from the unlikely but complimentary combination of chocolate and dark beer. The light cream cheese icing has the feel of a frothy head of a dark beer. Last year, I made this cake for St. Patrick’s Day and will definitely be making it again this year.

Ingredients

Brew cake Leave it to the Irish to mix two iconic flavors – beer and chocolate – to make this wonderful dessert.

Instructions

1 cup Guinness (dark beer)

1. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper; set aside.

½ cup butter, cubed

2. In a small saucepan, heat beer and butter until butter is melted. Remove from the heat;

2 cups sugar

whisk in sugar and cocoa until blended. Combine the eggs, sour cream and vanilla;

¾ cup baking cocoa

whisk into beer mixture.

2 eggs, beaten

⅔ cup sour cream

3 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

3. Combine flour and baking soda; whisk into beer mixture until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan.

4. Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Remove sides of pan.

5. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar and cream; beat until smooth.

topping: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

6. Remove cake from the pan and place on a platter or cake stand. Ice top of cake so it resembles a frothy pint of beer. Refrigerate leftovers.

1 ½ cups powdered sugar ½ cup heavy whipping cream tara Johnson is a contributor to Arkansas Farm Bureau’s taste Arkansas blog at tastearkansas.com.

24

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c l assi f i e d s

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25

Health&Safety Time to apply for M*A*S*H Get a look at a career in the medical field

W

by Jennifer Victory

When most people think of summer

camp it usually brings to mind swimming,

horseback riding, maybe even arts and crafts projects or days spent in the sun and nights

Heather McClanahan

around a campfire. However, for some 400 Arkansas high school juniors and seniors

that attend M*A*S*H every summer, that term has a whole different meaning.

M*A*S*H stands for Medical Applications

of Science for Health. It’s a program

designed for students interested in a career in the medical field. The two-week camps

are free and will take place at 26 locations throughout the state. Students receive

Hold still, now M*A*S*H students (clockwise from bottom) Haley Everett, Shayleigh Thatcher, Emily Dixon, Jessica Thurman and Tori Lee (on the long board) were all part of the first M*A*S*H class held last year in Mt. View.

a unique opportunity for an intensive

hands-on experience in the medical field

and so did the other employees here. It

offers students a link to their community as

through shadowing medical professionals.

was great to interact with kids who are

they pursue a medical career and encourages

Participants do lab work, learn how to

passionate about what they want to do with

them to return to a rural setting to practice.

suture wounds, make casts, watch surgery,

their lives,” McClanahan said.

M*A*S*H is sponsored by county

as well as learn about dentistry, sports

In addition to the typical M*A*S*H

medicine, pathology and much more.

activities, Mt. View M*A*S*H students

Partnership, which includes Arkansas Blue

participated in team building exercises at

Cross and Blue Shield, Arkansas Farm

for young adults interested in pursuing a

the local ropes course and traveled to Little

Bureau, Baptist Health, the University of

career in the medical field,” said Mt. View

Rock to tour the University of Arkansas

Arkansas for Medical Sciences Regional

M*A*S*H Director, Heather McClanahan.

for Medical Sciences. Just like the other

Programs, and the Office of Oral Health.

“There are many job options in health care,

25 programs, Mt. View M*A*SH creates a

Many M*A*S*H camps also receive

and this program can help guide students in

unique experience for its students.

support from community businesses and

“M*A*S*H is an excellent program

the direction that’s the best fit for them.”

This will be the second summer for

An added benefit to M*A*S*H is it provides participants a chance to build

Farm Bureaus and the Medical MENTOR

organizations.

The M*A*S*H application period

the M*A*S*H program at Stone County

relationships with leaders in the local

runs through mid-April (though specific

Medical Center, one of many rural hospitals

medical community. Spending one-on-

deadlines differ for each site). Applications

recognizing the value of introducing

one time with these leaders allows them

are available from school guidance

students to the medical field at an early

to learn not only about the profession but

counselors and principles, or go online to

age. The students aren’t the only ones who

also about training requirements, the cost of

learn more about the program at ruralhealth.

benefit, though.

school and the advantages and challenges

uams.edu/M*A*S*H; or call Jennifer Victory

of practicing in a rural area. This connection

at 501-228-1269.

“I truly enjoyed the program

26

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©2013 Zoysia Farm Nurseries, 3617 Old Taneytown Rd, Taneytown, MD 21787

www.ZoysiaFarms.com/mag

✂

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__

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$ 5.00

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Planting Tool

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$

Free

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Mail to: ZOYSIA FARM NURSERIES 3617 Old Taneytown Road, Taneytown, MD 21787

ENCLOSED TOTAL

Payment method (check one) ❑ Check ❑ MO ❑ MasterCard ❑ Visa Exp. Date

$

Card # Name Address City Zip

Dept. 5003

State Phone

We ship all orders the same day plugs are packed at earliest correct planting time in your area.

Order Now! www.ZoysiaFarms.com/mag

Not shipped outside the USA or into WA or OR

Certificate of Deposit

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