Front Porch - Spring 2014

FRONT PORCH Spring 2014

A showcase of future big league talent June 24th at Dickey-Stephens Park

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Front Porch

Farm Bureau

Spring 2014

I

Matters

by Randy Veach

President, Arkansas Farm Bureau

I was fortunate to be among 20 or so

4 in cottonseed, grain sorghum and turkeys

state business, legislative and economic

– and were surprised to learn agriculture has

development leaders to meet recently with

the largest economic impact in the state,

two officials from the United Kingdom.

generating $17 billion and one in every six

They were in Arkansas to promote the

jobs.

Transatlantic Trade and Investment

On the Cover ­— Los Angeles Angels sensation Mike Trout graces our cover in a photo from his allstar playing days with the Arkansas Travelers. Dickey-Stephens Park will host this year’s Texas League AllStar Game on June 24, giving fans a chance to see future big league stars.

Photo courtesy of the Arkansas Travelers Send comments to: frontporch@arfb.com

6

2014 All-Star Game Ken Moore

14 Great Grub

We specifically encouraged the EU

Partnership (TTIP).

to reevaluate its regulations and begin

The officials – British Consulate General

the process of opening markets to more

Andrew Millar and Mark Kent, first secretary

U.S. agricultural goods. We already have

for the British Embassy in Washington,

significant trading relationships with EU

D.C. – are negotiators for the European

countries — conducting $2 billion a day in

Union (EU) and were guests of Arkansas

business — roughly one-third of all global

World Trade Center President Dan Hendrix

activity. However, the EU hasn’t been an

and officials from the Arkansas Economic

especially cooperative trading partner when

Development Commission.

it comes to agricultural products.

Chances are you’ve never heard of

In the past, the EU has used food recalls

TTIP. It’s a proposed free-trade agreement

as a reason to defensively block U.S. food

between the United States and the EU.

products. The countries of the EU also put

Keith Sutton

You’ll hear more about it as negotiations

severe restrictions on genetically enhanced

3

intensify and it comes up for a vote in

crops. The EU has allowed emotion, not

Congress later this year. TTIP would

science, to drive some of its trade decisions.

Farm Bureau Matters Randy Veach Thinking Out Loud Rodney Baker

eliminate industrial, agricultural and service

That position must be addressed in any

tariffs. If agreed upon, it would be the

free-trade discussion.

Stephanie Buckley

largest bilateral trade agreement ever.

28

32

34

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P. Allen Smith Land & People Gregg Patterson Health & Safety Keith Sutton In the Kitchen Heather Disarro Building Wealth Allyson Hamlin

4

24 Taste Arkansas

26 Garden Home Design

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.

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

My hope is we’ve turned a corner with

As part of the visit, the officials

EU leaders. The presence of two UK officials

expressed support for trade promotion

in Little Rock to discuss the proposed free-

authority. This would allow the president

trade agreement was encouraging. After

of the United States to negotiate trade

visiting with them, I believe they want a

agreements independent of Congressional

trading relationship built on mutual trust

involvement. Congress ultimately votes on

and respect for the food-safety protocols

the agreement but with no amendments

already in place.

or filibusters. This is a policy Farm Bureau

We will be seeking support for TTIP

previously supported and continues to do

from our congressional delegation and

so, because it allows trade decisions to be

will work to ensure agricultural trade is

made without getting caught in a political

paramount in the discussion as it moves

tug-of-war.

through the negotiation and legislative

Much of our conversation that day

process. Arkansas’ economic relationship

focused on agriculture, our state’s largest

with the EU is already strong. A successful

industry. While the two foreign officials

conclusion of TTIP would contribute

were aware of our state’s heft in the poultry

significantly to the state’s future economic

industry, they were less familiar with the

growth.

broader reach of agriculture in our state –

God bless you and your families. God

No. 1 nationally in rice, No 2 in broilers,

bless our farmers and ranchers. And God

No. 3 in catfish and upland cotton and No.

bless Arkansas Farm Bureau.

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Front Porch Arkansas Farm Bureau © 2014 Official membership publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation.

Front Porch is mailed to more than 192,000 member-families.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Included in membership dues.

Arkansas Farm Bureau Officers: President Randy Veach Manila Vice President Rich Hillman Carlisle Secretary/Treasurer Joe Christian Jonesboro Executive Vice President Rodney Baker Little Rock Directors: Troy Buck, Alpine Jon Carroll, Moro Terry Dabbs, Stuttgart Sherry Felts, Joiner Mike Freeze, England Bruce Jackson, Lockesburg Tom Jones, Pottsville Johnny Loftin, El Dorado Gene Pharr, Lincoln Rusty Smith, Des Arc Allen Stewart, Mena Leo Sutterfield, Mountain View Joe Thrash, Conway

Y

Ex Officio Josh Cureton, Jonesboro Brent Lassiter, Newport Janice Marsh, McCrory Peggy Miller, Lake Village Executive Editor: Steve Eddington Editor: Gregg Patterson Contributing Writers: Ken Moore, Keith Sutton, Chris Wilson Research Assistant: Brenda Gregory ADVERTISING: Contact David Brown at Publishing Concepts, Inc. for advertising rates. dbrown@pcipublishing.com (501) 221-9986 Fax (501) 225-3735 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.

Issue #91.

Publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

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

4

Thinking Out Loud

by RODNEY BAKER

Executive Vice President, Arkansas Farm Bureau

Your Arkansas Farm Bureau

membership matters. It allows us to use the strength of our more than

Development, America’s largest supplier of private discount content.

You’ll have thousands of “show

192,000 family memberships to

your phone” coupons you can

advocate on behalf of your interests

access and redeem while on the go

and the interests of agriculture – the

with your busy life. The best part is

farmers and ranchers – who grow

there’s no cost to you. It’s the latest

the food for our tables, the fiber

advantage to being an Arkansas Farm

for our clothing, the wood for our

Bureau member.

housing and even some of the new

This is a great new member

cleaner burning alternative energy

benefit and gives you, as Farm

sources. Your membership matters

Bureau members, a reason to engage

to you, because it provides access to

with us on a daily basis, as well as

numerous products and services that

recoup in discount savings the cost

help protect and enhance the things

of your membership. It’s a win-win

and people closest to you.

for everyone. Arkansas Farm Bureau

We’re always looking for new

supports membership with political

and convenient ways to make your

actions, insurance programs and other

Arkansas Farm Bureau membership

benefits. Now, this coming discount

more valuable in your day-to-day

program also recognizes the need to

life. Our present programs

provide daily, tangible value

provide savings on more

to you as a valued Arkansas

than 70 new models of

Farm Bureau member.

General Motors Corp.

Statistics show the

vehicle products, hotel

majority of consumers look

savings, discounts

for deals before making

on child safety and

a purchase. Now, you’ll

booster seats, health

benefit that way by having

care products, as well as in-home

access to local and national deals

products.

you’ll use regularly.

So I’m excited to announce

We continue to evaluate our

that we’ll soon launch a discount

member programs and services, so

program app you can load on your

you can get the best from your Farm

smartphone or access from your

Bureau membership. Start looking for

home computer that will provide our

the Savings Plus logo soon on arfb.

members with thousands of money

com. All you’ll need to do is click

saving opportunities in hometowns

on it to register for the Savings Plus

and local communities throughout

program and begin enjoying the

the state. It’s called FB Savings

everyday savings. It’s another good

Plus. It’s a partnership between

reason to have an Arkansas Farm

Arkansas Farm Bureau and Access

Bureau family membership.

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JUMp INto tHE

MUsIC Bing Futch

Sarah Morgan

Rick Thum

et connected to the living tradition of music with our dulcimer workshops. Whether you are a player, or a listener, you’ll find a connection at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas.

Judy Klinkhammer

April 24-26 • Dulcimer Jamboree Workshops, jams and special concerts featuring some of the best instructors for both mountain and hammered dulcimers, including Aubrey Atwater, Tina Bergman, Bing Futch, Judy Klinkhammer, Sarah Morgan and Rick Thum.

July 24-26 • Mountain Dulcimer Workshop Three-day intensive class open to players of all skill levels.

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Scan with mobile QR Reader for more info.

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Registration: 870-269-3851 • Cabins at Dry Creek reservations: 800-269-3871 OzarkFolkCenter.com

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r a St l l A

The 2014

Texas League

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Tuesday, June 24, Dickey-Stephens Park, home of

League Baseball (MLB) players and All-Stars. Scanning

the Arkansas Travelers in North Little Rock, will host

the box score from the 2006 All-Star game at Ray

the Texas League All-Star game, and you’ll not want to

Winder you see names such as Troy Tulowitski, an All-

miss it.

Star with the Colorado Rockies, Hunter Pence of the

9 e m a G r The last time the All-Star game was played in Pulaski

San Francisco Giants, Ben Zobrist of the Tampa Bay

County was in 2006 at Ray Winder Field, the year

Rays, Kurt Suzuki of the Minnesota Twins and Chris

before the Travelers moved to their new home on the

Ianetta of the Los Angeles Angels. The winning pitcher

banks of the Arkansas River.

was Ubaldo Jimenez, who came up through the Rockies

The game has been a showcase for future Major

organization and is now with the Baltimore Orioles.

A showcase of future big league talent

by Ken Moore Photos courtesy of Arkansas Travelers

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Fan favorites Catcher Hank Conger (left) and outfielder Peter Bourjos (bottom) each enjoyed the camaraderie developed with fans at Dickey-Stephens Park during their All-Star stays with the Travelers in 2009. Conger is now playing for the Los Angeles Angels while Bourjos plays centerfield for the St. Louis Cardinals. better than most players, an ability to just get on base consistently. The knowledge of just how to play the game seems to come to him. When he was here he was 19 years old. Even at that time he had a greater idea of what he was doing and his sense of the game than any 19-year-old I think I will ever see.”

Trout fondly remembers his short stay with the Travs. “I really enjoyed my time in Little Rock and was The Travelers became the AA

amazed at the passion of the fans. I

affiliate for the Los Angeles Angels in

loved the city and the atmosphere

2001, and a number of major league

the fans provided every night.”

players have spent time in Little Rock.

Future Angels’ teammates of

Fans who followed the team in recent

Trout’s who played for the Travs

years remember the names Eric Aybar, Howie Kendrick,

included Bourjos and Conger. A common theme for the

Mike Napoli, Hank Conger, Garrett Richards, Mark

players about their time playing in central Arkansas was

Trumbo, Peter Bourjos, Jean Segura, Randal Grichuk and,

the passion and loyalty of the fans.

most notably, Mike Trout.

“The fans really understand the game and want to

Fans then may not have known just how special a

get to know the players,” Bourjos said during a phone

player Trout would become. He played in the All-Star

call from the St. Louis Cardinals’ spring training facility.

game for the Travs in 2011 and then would go on to be

After being called up and playing parts of four seasons

named the 2012 American League Rookie of the Year and

for the Angels, he was traded to the Cardinals in the

Most Valuable Player runner-up for the Angels in 2012

offseason.

and 2013.

“It was great to play in the Texas League All-Star

“Mike Trout was in a category all his own,” said Phil

game alongside future big leaguers like my teammate

Elson, the radio voice of the Travelers the past 13 years.

Mark Trumbo. I remember hitting against Matt Latos

“No question, he’s the best player I’ve ever seen up close.

who is with the (Cincinnati) Reds and thinking this

I grew up in Pittsburgh watching Barry Bonds turn into a

guy is good,” Bourjos said. “I really encourage even the

star, and I would put Trout on that level.”

casual baseball fan to come out and attend the (All-

Trout played a little less than one full season for the

Star) game. You’ll have opportunities to meet and get

Travs, having been called up by the Angels in September

autographs from players you may be watching on ESPN

while the Travs were playing in the Texas League

the very next season.”

championship series.

Conger is a catcher for the Angels now and played

“What sets Trout apart is he’s not just a 5-tool player,

with Bourjos in 2009.

he’s got a 6th tool, like a 6th sense. The 5 tools are

“I vividly remember certain fans who were at the

understood to be able to hit for average, power, run,

park day after day,” Conger said. “In the minors it’s

throw and have good speed,” Elson said. The 6th sense

more relaxed before the games, and it was great getting

is essentially the ability to understand the strike zone

to know some of the loyal fans who got to the park early

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All-Star savvy Pitcher Garrett Richards (above) was another Travs All-Star in 2011. Shortstop Jean Segura was a Texas League All-Star for the Travs in 2012 then shot to the top as a National League All-Star for the Milwaukee Brewers last year. and chatted with us while we were warming up. Some of them continue to follow me on Twitter, and that’s really cool.”

just a social event,” Grichuk said. “Many of them are

Dickey-Stephens Park has become known as a

season ticket holders and made it to the park several

“pitcher-friendly” park where it’s difficult to hit home

times a week. They followed us faithfully and made it a

runs. That should make it interesting to see how many are

point to get to know us.

hit out during the home-run derby prior to the game.

One of Conger’s All-Star game memories was watching his good friend Trumbo (now with the Arizona

“Even though I’m in the Cardinals’ organization now, some of them are still keeping up with me on social media, and that’s pretty cool.”

Diamondbacks) win the home-run derby in 2009.

Fans who followed the Travelers last season will

Garrett Richards, a right-handed pitcher with the Angels, was an All-Star for the Travs in 2011.

remember outfielder Randal Grichuk who represented

“I always felt at home playing in Little Rock,” he

the team in the All-Star game hosted by the Northwest

said. “The talent throughout the league was tremendous,

Arkansas Naturals at Arvest Park in Springdale.

and it was always a challenge taking the mound in the

Grichuk was part of the deal that sent Bourjos to St.

Texas League.”

Louis and is now a member of the Cardinals’ system.

He echoed the comments that playing in central Arkansas was special.

Elson has been with the team long enough to appreciate the history of baseball here and the support the two river cities have given the Travelers through the

“For many of our fans, coming to the park was not

years.

Save the Date The Texas League All-Star Game, June 24, is sponsored by the Farm Bureau Insurance companies and is truly a family friendly event. The Travelers are going all-out to “pack the park.”

“We are honored to have the opportunity to host the 78th Annual Texas League All-Star Game for the first time here at Dickey-Stephens Park,” said Drew Williams, director of tickets and corporate sales for the Travelers. “This game gives us the chance to showcase the community, our beautiful park and some of the top talent in all of Minor League Baseball. Featuring live entertainment, player autographs, a pregame home-run derby, great baseball and a postgame fireworks show. This event has all your favorite promotions all wrapped into one day.”

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Congratulations, Arkansas Travelers and Dickey-Stephens Park for being selected as hosts for the 2014 Texas League All-Star Game.

All-Star Service Since 1947.

Bill Dickey | All-Star. Arkansan.

“I honestly believe it’s unrivaled by any other place in the league,” Elson said. “You have a franchise that has been using the same name since its inception. Not many teams can say that. Six major league Hall of Famers played here, including Bill Dickey of the Yankees, who the park is named after. That’s more than some big league teams can boast.

“But what matters to the players is that there are people in the seats, the ballpark’s nice, the clubhouse is good,” Elson said. “No doubt the players appreciate the atmosphere the fans provide. That’s one thing that will make baseball stand out in a city is that special atmosphere in the park night after night. Fans here have had character, whether it was ‘HookSlide’ Bradshaw doing his thing entertaining fans in the third base bleachers at Ray Winder Field or our bleacher fans at Dickey-Stephens.

“Get tickets to the All-Star game. Make plans to arrive early to take in all that the team has planned,” Elson said. “It will be a fun time for the kids and whole family. You won’t want to miss it.”

And enjoy seeing some future MLB stars.

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Step by step Randall Grichuk hit 22 home runs for the Travs last year and made the Texas League All-Star team. The talented outfielder was drafted ahead of Angels superstar and former Travelers’ All-Star Mike Trout.

Grichuk is steadily climbing the ladder to the big leagues and is just a phone call away. He’s playing for the Cardinals AAA Memphis Redbirds.

YOUR TRIP BEGINS HERE

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KNOW THE RISK BEAT THE ODDS The Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation helps Arkansas men beat the odds through education, free screenings, advocacy and its statewide network of support groups.

Join Us for Dads & Dugouts Prostate Cancer Awareness Night Dickey Stephens Park Saturday, June 7

501.379.8027 or 1.800.338.1383 www.arprostatecancer.org

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T A E GR !

B U R G

Enjoying some of Arkansas’ interesting eateries Photos and article

by Keith Sutton

Simply Marvelous Mrs. May serves an order of Sims’ famous ribs.

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I used to wonder why Arkansas doesn’t have its own

trademark cuisine. We often associate Louisiana with its scrumptious Cajun-Creole cookery. Folks in the Keystone State are known for their German-style Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. Texans have Tex-Mex, Floridians have Floribbean, and our friends in South Carolina and Georgia make us lick our lips with the seafood, grits and rice dishes distinctive of their Lowcountry cooking.

So why haven’t Arkansans developed a special cuisine

we can call our own?

Having traveled thousands of miles around Arkansas

and eaten with folks in nearly every county, I think I have an answer. For Arkansans, variety is spice. We like foods of all kinds. And while untold numbers of great cooks — professional and non-professional — live here, they’ve never gotten our citizens to focus on one style of cooking long enough to develop an Arkansawyer cuisine.

That’s not a bad thing, however. If you like eating as much as me, the resulting hodgepodge of delectable eats one can find while traveling the Natural State provides a never-ending source of tastebud-titillating pleasure.

From great Southern-style cooking to superb foreign cuisine and everything in between, Arkansas has it. Look hard enough and you’ll discover many specialty dishes created by Arkansas chefs and served nowhere else in the world.

One huge sandwich A happy Bucket List customer tries unsuccessfully to polish off one of the restaurant’s enormous double bacon cheeseburgers.

So how do you find all this great grub? Start with the following guide to some of the best bites in the

What to order: The menu is extensive for

Natural State. And while traveling from here to there

a country establishment seating 32. Breakfast

sampling tasty tidbits at these wonderful restaurants,

selections include regular morning fare, plus the

watch for other cafés, drive-ins, diners, coffee shops,

Bucket List’s own hungry-man pileups like the

grills, cafeterias, sandwich shops, dairy bars, food trucks,

Sloppy Sherryl (hash browns, biscuits, eggs and

bistros, saloons and greasy spoons where good food

choice of ham, bacon, breakfast sausage, Italian

awaits the hungry traveler. No matter where you go in

sausage or bologna stacked and smothered with

Arkansas, another memorable meal is somewhere just

gravy) and the 55-Gallon Lid Pancake. (It’s really as

around the corner.

big as the top of a 55-gallon drum. If you can eat it in an hour, it’s free.) Lunch selections are more

Conway County Cuisine

extensive with a variety of home-style plate lunches

Bucket List Café

and sides. Favorites include many items piled high

Center Ridge Pay attention to the address because this hole-

with delicious local ingredients, like the monstrous

in-the-wall north of I-40 at Morrilton has no sign

a hoagie loaded with locally made Italian sausage,

to indicate the metal building is a restaurant.

three cheeses and grilled onions. It won’t be easy,

Apparently it doesn’t need one as locals pack the

but leave room for dessert, too. The Fried Filookie is

place for breakfast and lunch seven days a week. The

highly recommended. It’s a battered, fried chocolate-

reason is simple. The friendly folks at the Bucket List

chip cookie cake with a molten chocolate center,

serve huge portions of delicious food at reasonable

smothered in ice cream, caramel and chocolate syrup.

prices, including specialties found nowhere else.

(5308 Highway 9, 501-893-9840)

Reuben with homemade kraut and the Salty Sam,

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Jonesboro’s Gem

Godsey’s Grill

Jonesboro The sign outside this downtown establishment says “Burgers, Sandwiches, Pizza, Steaks.” But there’s more to Godsey’s than meets the eye. The atmosphere is great for a business meeting or casual get-together. The bar has a great beer selection, and every item on the eight-page food menu is made in-house daily from fresh ingredients, including 21 types of burgers, 15 salads, an endless variety of wood-fired pizzas, juicy grilled-to-order steaks and much more.

What to order: Godsey’s serves so many original dishes you could eat here every week for a year and not begin to try them all. Customer favorites include specials like Eggs Benedict with Spam and Duck Sliders (smoked marinated duck breast with spicy slaw and pickles on fresh

Down-home goodness Stuttgart’s County Gossip restaurant has earned a reputation for preparing delicious soups, sandwiches and salads, like this piled high pimento cheese with mac-and-tomato soup.

slider buns), plus regular menu items like the Cowboy Special sandwich (smoked bologna topped with tomato, bacon, fried egg and mayo served on Texas toast); the Piggy Pie barbecue pizza; the Fried Green Tomato BLT; and delicious bison steaks and burgers. Come hungry and start

Rice and Duck Capital Favorite

your meal with some of the best hot dips and homemade

Country Gossip

potato chips on the planet, including their one-of-a-

Stuttgart Billing itself as the “One Stop Country Shop,”

kind Hog Wild Dip with smoked pulled pork, bacon,

this quaint Main Street establishment sells country

godseysgrill.com)

cream cheese and spices. (226 S. Main St., 870-336-1988,

décor, furnishings and gifts in addition to great soups, sandwiches, salads and more. Four generations have worked in the 18-year-old business, a favorite of Grand Prairie regulars and out-of-town duck hunters.

What to order: A friend who knows my penchant for a great pimento cheese sandwich recommended I drop in the Country Gossip and try theirs. “It’s the best,” she said.

And she was right. I’d guess half a pound of the creamy, homemade spread was piled between two slices of toast with mayo and lettuce. It was almost as good as Mom used to make. With a bowl of mac-and-tomato soup on the side and a big cornbread muffin, it was too much to eat in one sitting. In addition to an extensive selection of sandwiches and salads, specials are posted daily, including scrumptious made-from-scratch soups like cheesy potato and chicken noodle, along with legendary Country Gossip entrées like chicken spaghetti and pinto beans with ham and cornbread. For a real treat that’s surprisingly hard to come by in the nation’s leading rice-producing state, find out when the Dessert of the Day will be their perfectly baked,

Wild pig The appetizer menu at Godsey’s Grill is extensive and includes such specialties such as Hog Wild Dip and homemade potato chips.

cinnamon-and-sugar-crusted rice pudding. It doesn’t get any better. (100 S. Main, 870-673-6115)

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One of a kind The Hoot’s Burger at Hoot’s BBQ in McGehee features a fried egg and caramelized onions on top.

Delta Delight

Burger topped with caramelized onions, bacon, cheddar

Hoot’s BBQ

cheese and a fried egg! On your way out, pick up a freshly

McGehee Hoot’s was a finalist for Arkansas Delta Byways’ 2014

made cake, pie, cookies or other goodies from the bakery.

Hospitality Award for its efforts to help promote tourism

(2008 Highway 64 N, 870-222-1234)

You’ll be so full you won’t have room to eat it there.

in eastern Arkansas. That’s a big honor for an eatery that just opened in May 2012, but that’s the kind of place this is. Folks come from miles around to enjoy the great food and stay for the fun atmosphere, friendly service, live music and great Arkansasstyle hospitality at this combination restaurant, bakery and bar.

What to order: Delicious Southern-style barbecue made Hoot’s a local favorite from the day it opened: yummy brisket, smoked chicken, falling-off-the-bone ribs and barbecue sandwiches drenched in Hoot’s special sauces. The menu includes a wide variety of other delectable dishes as well, including chicken-fried steak, loaded baked potatoes, fried catfish, a blue-ribbon BBQ salad loaded with pork or brisket, and out-of-this-world burgers. My favorite: the one-of-a-kind Hoot’s

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17

77 Years and Counting

Sims’ Bar-B-Que

Little Rock Brothers George and Allen Sims, and their wives Estella and Amelia, founded Sims’ Bar-B-Que way back in 1937.

George and Stella established a cafe in the little Arkansas community of Hardscrabble (Howard County), while Allen and Amelia opened a restaurant in uptown Little Rock.

The siblings created a unique barbecue sauce to go with the tender meat they prepared with special seasonings and decided early on the meat should not be cooked too quickly. Superior barbecue required long, slow cooking to maximize the unique flavor. The sauce, seasonings and cooking technique are the special ingredients that have made Sims’ Bar-B-Que an Arkansas favorite for 77 years.

Blue ribbon sandwich Poppy’s Cuban contains grilled pork topped with lots of melted cheese.

Three locations are now available in Little Rock.

What to order: You can close your eyes, poke your finger at a Sim’s menu and rest assured that anything

Small Town Treasure

under your pointer will make you a very happy eater.

Poppy’s

The super-tender ribs, smoked-just-right chicken and

Lepanto I stumbled upon this small-town treasure a couple

boneless pork and beef are incredibly delicious, even

of years ago, and I’ve been glad I did ever since.

special: a thin, Carolina-style, vinegar-mustard-and-brown-

Several times I’ve driven out of my way to get another

sugar concoction good enough to sop up with nothing

taste of their great home-style specialties, and I’ve

more than a few slices of white bread, which are handily

never left disappointed. The restaurant logo says it all:

provided on the side of many of the barbecue plates.

“Make your mouth happy! Eat at Poppy’s.”

There’s plenty more to like about Sims,’ too. Greens and

without sauce. But it’s the sauce that makes them really

What to order: Finding a good Cuban sandwich

cornbread count as one side. Beer comes in 12-, 22- and

in small-town Arkansas is about as likely as finding

40-ounce bottles. They have a killer smoked bologna

good fried catfish in New York City. When I first

sandwich, a great barbecue salad and darn-good burgers,

visited Poppy’s, however, that first caught my eye on

too. And the sweet

the menu above the counter. Ordering one was a good

potato pie is some of

decision. The usual Cuban bread was replaced with a

the best in the South.

fresh sandwich roll, but the toothsome sandwich was

If there’s better food

piled high with hot pork, melted cheese, pickles and

in Little Rock, I’ve

mustard — a winner on all counts.

missed out. Sims is

There are plenty of other delicious items on the

number one in my

menu, including top-notch burgers and scrumptious

book. (2415 Broadway,

appetizers like their fiery Cry Baby chicken wings.

7601 Geyer Springs,

What makes Poppy’s unique, though, is the amazing

1307 John Barrow Road,

variety of hot plate lunches served Sunday through

simsbarbeque-ar.com)

Friday, everything from chicken and dressing, pineapple grilled pork chops and stuffed peppers to cheesy enchiladas, steak kebabs and beef stroganoff.

Rib lovers’ delight An order of Sims’ tender, smoked-just-right pork ribs doused in the restaurant’s famous Carolina-style sauce.

Try to save room for their homemade desserts, too, including specialties like Hummingbird Cake, Triple Berry Pie and Butterfinger Cake. (301 Greenwood Ave., 870-475-3826)

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t a e r g More grub Some more of our favorites around the state: Babycake’s Bakery, Mountain Home: Cooked-when-you-order-them fried pies made with locally grown in-season fruit, plus cupcakes, cookies, éclairs, brownies and more. (facebook.com/ babycakesfriedpies) Fish Nest, Glenwood: The farm-raised fried catfish and fixin’s are outstanding, but it’s the hushpuppies we crave. Best on the planet. (hookedonfishnest.com) Gina’s Place, Jonesboro: Give us their “Garbage” — eggs, sausage, hash browns, cheese, onions, green pepper

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Taste Arkansas From farm to table Gregg Patterson

compiled by Stephanie Buckley

Six tips to a winning farmers market experience

I

It’s farmers market season with

many already open and more to soon as farmers’ fields are productive. I’ve grown food for Keith Sutton

farmers markets, run them and even served a few years on the Arkansas Farmers’ Market Board. So I‘ve gained a little wisdom (and a lot of farmer friends) and want to share

Fresh and fun A trip to the farmers market is fun and gives you the opportunity to eat the freshest, best-tasting foods.

six tips to enhance your farmers marketing experience.

something in particular, wake up

bring a cooler. The only thing worse

early. Drink your coffee on the way.

than passing up a dozen beautiful

1. Know your farmer. Know

your food. Spend a few minutes

eggs, because you’re not prepared, is 3. Go big: If it’s in season, buy

chatting at your local farmers market.

as much as you can. You’ll enjoy the

It takes tremendous dedication to

best flavors and best prices when you

both science and art (not to mention

buy a lot of whatever is at its harvest

dirty feet and nails) to turn out

peak. How to use it all up? Try new

beautiful produce on a small farm.

recipes with favorite vegetables or

And the time spent inquiring about

learn the lost art of preserving food.

the results of that dedication yields

to bring them home anyway and they ruin.

And my favorite.

6. Volunteer at the market. Volunteering at the market not only gives you a better

4. Try something new each

understanding of the workings of a

enthusiasm. You get to look the

week. A benefit of farmer’s markets

farmers market and farm-to-market

farmer in the eye and ask anything

is the increased ability to stay within

relationships, you also enjoy an

about how the food was grown. That

your comfort zone if you so choose.

opportunity to spend time outside

doesn’t happen in a supermarket. Do

But if you’re lucky enough to visit

volunteering for a good cause. It

it! Ask away: about a food you don’t

a farmers market with a selection of

helps reduce the substantial workload

recognize, how to cook it and whether

unusual produce, try a new food each

faced by the market manager. A good

it’s coming in or out of season. Find

visit? At best, you’ll discover a new

market manager makes a market. Help

out what the farmer expects to bring

love. At worst, you’ll know better next

them do their job. They usually are

to market next week, so you can plan

time.

doing it for free. It helps make your

useful information and infectious

ahead.

local market stronger, and you might 5. BYOB – Bring your own

2. The early bird gets the

bag and maybe a cooler. That

earn some free fruit, vegetables or other goodies.

worm … and best tomatoes.

reusable canvas tote is good for the

The season’s first blueberries and

earth but also helps the farmers by not

finest tomatoes disappear the first

cutting into their profit margins. If

local farmers. Buy fresh, buy local and

hour the market is open. If you want

your market sells eggs, cheese or meat,

buy in season.

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25

Garden Home Design Me & my farm Garden-fresh fare year-round

Hortus Ltd.

by P. Allen Smith

O

Grow your own Growing a vegetable garden provides many benefits.

One of my favorite things about

That’s good news enough to get

Summer Before you even harvest your

living on my farm is I can eat in

a garden of your own growing. That

season almost year-round. Not only

only leaves one question: what to

spring garden, you already need to

is the food good for me, I enjoy

grow each season? Luckily, there

be thinking about summer plantings

numerous other benefits by growing

are a variety of cool- and warm-

in order to eat in season year-round.

a garden.

season vegetables easy to grow and

The most popular of all growing

delicious tasting when harvested

seasons, summer promises the

harvesting vegetables offers more

at their peak. Here are a few of my

bounty of traditional garden delights

exercise than you might think.

favorites.

such as tomatoes, okra, corn,

For instance, planting and

Depending on the size and

requirements of your garden, you

could spend several hours per day

eggplant and squash. As a general

Spring

guideline, all of these will need

There are numerous cool-season

to be planted after the last frost.

tending it. The time outdoors is not

vegetables you can plant either while

Because there are numerous plants

only good for the physique; it can

there’s still frost on the ground or

that thrive during the summer, I

also help relieve stress. Studies show

as soon as spring arrives. Radishes,

recommend assessing your space,

planting and working in a garden

spinach, broccoli, turnips, carrots

your local growing conditions and

can improve one’s perspective and

and cabbage all can be planted

what you and your family enjoy

may even help to ward off dementia

before the last frost of the year.

eating. You can plan a garden

due to the planning and creativity

Other options, including beets,

from there. You can find growing

that come into play.

arugula, lettuce and onions, can go

tips at your local nursery, on seed

What’s more, you can enjoy

into the ground as soon as the soil is

packets and on websites, including

these benefits while saving money.

workable after the last frost. Be sure

PAllenSmith.com.

Fresh produce from your garden will

to check the seed packet or plant

lower what you spend at the grocery.

tag on transplants for exact planting

And there’s a sense of pride that

times. You’ll see these spring

comes from growing and providing

delicacies showing up in your garden

vegetables you planted in the

your food.

in time for an Easter Sunday feast.

spring can have a second growing

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Fall Many of the same cool-season

Whatever you bag the vegetables

can get a double dose of your

in, be sure to label with the name

favorites. Plants such as broccoli

and date. Again, I recommend

and rutabaga need to go in the

searching online or in one of your

ground 10-12 weeks before the

trusted garden or cooking resource

first frost. However, other fall

books for blanching times. For

vegetables, including cabbage,

vegetables such as squash and

cauliflower and mustard greens,

eggplant, go ahead and make it

only need to be planted six to

easy on yourself by chopping

eight weeks before the first frost.

them into thin slices, and then

Brussel sprouts are especially

freezing. They’ll be ready to use in

great for fall gardens, because

a casserole or to sauté when they

Hortus Ltd.

period in the fall — meaning you

they thrive in cooler weather and actually taste best when they are allowed to mature in it.

You’ll want to set these out early,

Fresh blueberries are easy to freeze.

because they take about 90 days to mature.

thaw.

Fresh herbs also can be frozen. When the herbs at my farm are at their peak, I like to pick them, chop the leaves and

vegetables during the cold winter

place 1 teaspoon into an ice tray

months when the ground is frozen.

compartment. I fill the tray with

what time of year, I recommend

With the proper preparation, you

water, and when the ice cubes are

planting a variety in your garden.

can freeze your spring, summer and

frozen, pop them out and put in a

Because different plants have

fall harvest to enjoy during this

freezer-safe plastic bag for storage.

different maturity periods, this

dormant period.

When needed, simply add the cubes

Speaking of maturity, no matter

provides a continuous food supply throughout the season.

What about winter, you ask?

I suggest eating your stockpiled

To freeze vegetables, you’ll want

to your soup or sauce recipe. Having

to blanch them and then place

these frozen vegetables and herbs

in freezer-safe bags. You also can

close at hand means enjoying the

use a vacuum sealer if you prefer.

flavors of your garden any time.

Put Arkansas food on your table Eating in season doesn’t mean personally

b

Summer bounty Local produce is easy to get at farmers markets.

growing everything in our gardens. It’s also a great opportunity to support local farmers.

Arkansas Grown, a program run by the Arkansas Agriculture Department, brings food from the farmer to the market and to your table by connecting local producers with buyers.

Because food tastes best when picked in season at its peak, and because buying locally means it takes less time for food to go from the garden to your table, it makes sense to support Arkansas farms. What’s more, it feels good to economy. Want to get involved? If you’re a farmer or own a restaurant or grocery store, register at www.ArkansasGrown.org or call (501) 683-4851.

Jane Colclasure

buy from our neighbors and support our local

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27

Land&People Scott County Farm Bureau

V People who care

Keith Sutton

by Gregg Patterson

Volatile spring weather is

common in Arkansas, and farmers and ranchers expect it. So it was in Scott County, last year, after heavy thunderstorms May 30

caused flash flooding that night and into the early morning of May

Good Samaritans Scott Co. Farm Bureau members (Front row l to r): Regina Oliver, Laurie Richardson, vice president Mike Richardson, Belinda Wright and Roger Thompson. (Back row): Linda Parish, Jack Parish, Todd Johnston, Dan Yandell, Buck Mathews, Mike Carson and president Dan Wright.

31 along the Fourche La Fave River

to one of the biggest and most

and its feeder creeks. The flooding

destructive tornadoes ever. Scott

killed five people, severely

County, Arkansas quickly faded

to Arkansas Farm Bureau President

damaged property and washed

from the American consciousness

Randy Veach and asked for the

away livestock on numerous

but not that of its county Farm

state board’s help. Ironically, at

farms in the county. The dead

Bureau board members.

the time, the state Farm Bureau

included county sheriff Cody

“We went and talked to the

by the flood in the county.

Dan says he made a phone call

office was working on a letter

Carpenter and Arkansas Game &

folks to see what was needed.

encouraging its membership to

Fish Commission Wildlife Officer

The damage was incredible, and

help those affected by the tornado

Joel Campora, both swept away

there was a lot of livestock lost,

in Oklahoma.

while trying to rescue two women

too,” Wright said. In all, Wright

trapped in a house. The women

says 25 farmers were affected.

Welch, then executive vice

also died.

Unfortunately, it would later be

president of Farm Bureau, told

learned that only five qualified for

him “We’ve got people here in

federal disaster money.

Arkansas who need our help right

“We were all in shock,” said Scott County Farm Bureau President Dan Wright. In the

“It’s amazing how many people

President Veach says Ewell

now.” The two went to the state

morning light, Wright and

fall through the cracks when it

board with Scott County’s request

other Farm Bureau county board

comes to getting the help they

for help. That help came with

members moved about as best

need following a disaster,” Wright

a $5,000 donation and almost

they could assessing the damage.

said. He says the waters may have

$5,000 more raised at the Officers

Such a tragic story might

receded, and farmers and ranchers

& Leaders conference. In all, Dan

stay on the national news for at

did what was necessary to rebuild

says $16,351.25 was raised, the

least a couple of days as search

their livelihoods again, but those

final $1.25 from a local youngster

teams looked for those missing.

families were still hurting, many

who gave the last of his weekly

However, on the evening of May

having spent all they had just to

allowance “to help the farmers.”

31, a 2½-mile-wide tornado, later

hang on.

dubbed “The Monster Storm” by

Dan says the feedback from

“There were a lot of people

those helped by the fund has been

National Geographic magazine,

who didn’t qualify for disaster

touched down outside of

money but still needed help,”

Oklahoma City. The national news

Wright said. So Scott County Farm

Farm Bureau is obvious. “It doesn’t

media, and with it the nation’s

Bureau developed the Y-City Ag

take that many people to make a

attention, shifted west across the

Disaster Relief Fund to help needy

difference,” he said. “It just takes

Arkansas state line into Oklahoma

farm and ranch families affected

people who care.”

28

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heartfelt and thankful.

For Dan Wright, the strength of

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DoItYourself

Gregg Patterson

Gregg Patterson

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or meetings, conventions and exhibitions, the Pine Bluff Convention Center might just be the best-kept secret in Arkansas. Being the largest meeting facility in southeast Arkansas, this center has all the space and equipment you’ll need for your event, but lets you avoid the hassle and expense of big-city venues. Our arena seats up to 7,600. Across the spacious lobby area is our 1,900-seat auditorium. Our 14,400-square-foot banquet hall can be subdivided to custom-fit your meeting. Plenty of free parking ensures that your event attendees have easy access to your event.

Call the Pine Bluff Convention & Visitors Bureau tollfree at 1-800-536-7660 to reserve the facilty and get help planning your event.

One Convention Center Plaza Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601 www.pinebluffcvb.org

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Health&Safety Tick-ing time bomb Bite victims suffer from strange meat allergy

I

by Keith Sutton It’s well-known ticks can transmit

illnesses. Among those are ehrlichiosis,

CDC

many serious and sometimes fatal tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted Now, another horrible

consequence could possibly occur after a tick bite: a dangerous allergic reaction that appears after eating beef, pork, lamb, venison and other mammalian meats.

The allergy, known as alpha-gal

for a sugar carbohydrate found in

Keith Sutton

fever and Lyme disease.

Nasty gal A bite from a Lone Star tick is believed to be the primary cause of the alpha-gal allergy, a mysterious illness that makes the sufferer allergic to red meat. Permethrin products are effective against ticks. Spray them on fabric, not skin, to kill ticks that touch treated clothing, tents, sleeping bags, etc.

the meat, is thought to be caused by an immune response to the bite of

a bit unusual to see adults develop a

Repellents containing DEET will

a Lone Star tick, a common species

food allergy.”

repel ticks several hours and are

in Arkansas. The first cases were

One victim of this illness, a

safe for use on skin and clothing

documented in 2009. Now, doctors

Stuttgart farmer who prefers to remain

if you follow label directions and

are seeing increasing numbers,

unnamed, told me at first, he and his

precautions. Permethrin products

especially in the southeastern U.S.

doctors were baffled by his allergy

such as Permanone and Duranon will

where Lone Star ticks are most

attacks, which often occurred in

kill ticks on contact for several days

common. Unfortunately, there are

midafternoon or late at night.

when used to treat clothing, shoes,

higher-than-expected rates of the

“The attacks took place hours

tents, sleeping bags and chairs, but these products never should be used ATTENTION:

allergy in some western and north-

after I ate red meat,” he said. “So

central parts of the country, too, a

they didn’t seem to be associated

FARMlabel BUREAU MEMB on the skin. Once again, follow

finding that suggests “other species

with food. I suffered for several years

directions.

of ticks or possibly human factors

before a doctor who had heard about

may play a role in allergic reactions to

this tick illness diagnosed me with

alpha-gal,” said Dr. Stanley Fineman,

alpha-gal. It’s almost ruined my life.

president of the American College of

Imagine if you could never again eat

Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

a hamburger or ham sandwich or a

Three to six hours after eating

venison steak. Any meat that comes

20-25% Actual Savi

Farm Bureau Membe When possible, walk in the center

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Inspect yourself and your children (888)4 for ticks after trips outdoors, even in www.clear

red meat, the alpha-gal sufferer

from some type of mammal is off

experiences symptoms such as

limits to me. I pretty much subsist on

Use a mirror to view all parts of your

asthma, sneezing, nausea, hives

chicken and fish.”

body and remove any tick you find.

and headaches. Due to the delayed

So far, there’s no treatment

your own yard. Check your pets, too.

Pay special attention to the armpits,

response, the symptoms may not

or cure for alpha-gal, other than

groin, waist, ears, belly button, backs

seem to be associated with diet.

avoiding all mammalian meats.

of knees and scalp.

“It’s very atypical as food allergies

How can you prevent tick bites?

Tick bites can be serious. Take

go,” Fineman said. “Most food

When outdoors, use a DEET or

precautions to avoid them before

allergies occur very quickly. It’s also

permethrin-based insect repellent.

every trip outdoors.

32

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www.arfb.com

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33

IntheKitchen Mom’s magic

An updated version of a childhood favorite

M

by Heather Disarro

My mom has always had

a knack for taking simple,

inexpensive ingredients and

creating recipes out of them that

Heather Disarro

made us feel like we were eating better than royalty. As in most things this magical trait went

unnoticed as I was growing up,

but as I raise my own children I can see it truly took something

more than pixie dust to feed us

The rice thing to do Leftover rice is the basis of this simple but hearty breakfast treat.

3. While the rice is cooking, whisk

so well.

I grew up in west Texas,

cotton fields surrounding our

little neighborhood and always a slight tinge of brown in the

wind. I was always aware of the way agriculture affected us even as the daughter of a college professor and a middle-school science teacher.

Honey Blueberry Pecan Rice Pudding

These days I look back at the first 23 years of my life and recall evenings filled with fried chicken, rice (in lieu of potatoes) and gravy, and some kind of greens. The following morning we would always have leftover rice in my mom’s version of breakfast rice pudding. It was pretty exciting to have a mom

• • • • •

rice mixture into the bowl with the egg and honey mixture,

⅔ cup long-grain white rice

stirring constantly, to temper

½ teaspoon salt

the egg mixture. You will want

2 whole eggs, at room

to make sure you are stirring

temperature

while pouring to keep from

½ cup honey

scrambling the eggs.

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

5. Pour the tempered egg mixture

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

back into the pot with the

⅓ cup fresh blueberries

remaining rice and cook for

⅓ cup chopped toasted pecans

another 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes thick.

6. Remove from the heat and

Directions

stir in the vanilla, cinnamon,

1. In a heavy saucepan combine the milk, rice and salt

breakfast.

and bring to a boil over

abundance of rice (and

4. When the rice is cooked,

5 cups milk of choice

who would let us eat dessert for In celebration of the

until completely combined. carefully pour about ⅓ of the

Ingredients • • • •

together the honey and the eggs

blueberries and pecans.

7. Serve hot. Serves 4 to 6.

medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

Heather Disarro is a food-centric

2. Once the mixture is boiling,

lifestyle blogger who lives in central

rice pudding) we ate growing

reduce heat to medium-low

Arkansas with her family. Her blog

up, I wanted to take some of

and cook for 25 minutes,

is heathersdish.com where she

my favorite flavors and turn

stirring often to keep the rice

revels in the opportunity to bring

breakfast into something sort of

from sticking to the bottom of

the love of cooking to the world as a

magical – just like mom did.

the pan.

way to love others well.

subsequently the abundance of

34

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35

Wealth

Building

Financial spring cleaning A little financial tidying up saves you money

T

by Allyson Hamlin

The golden days of attractively

high interest rates from the

1980s and early ‘90s for longterm savings products are a

thing of the past. Compared to today’s interest rates, it’s easy for Americans to feel like they can’t get ahead. Luckily, you can make the best of today’s rates. Whether you’re trying to build your nest egg, or you’re preparing to borrow

Create a CD ladder

in the future, these financial

a decision instantly and can pick

moves can help you reach that

up a Farm Bureau Bank loan

goal.

check from your local county

grow? CD laddering is a simple

Farm Bureau. So take advantage

technique that provides maximum

of vehicle refinancing and drive

returns paired with some liquidity.

down your interest rate now.

Farm Bureau Bank offers a wide

Refinance your vehicle loan Buying a car can be a frustrating experience, but sticking with a high interest rate is even more frustrating on

Want to make your money

range of terms to meet your specific

Invest in high-yield savings accounts When it comes to savings,

needs, and your funds are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. up to $250,000 per depositor.

Work directly with a banker to help

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money market accounts are a

you learn more, and start building

just excited about buying a new

great option to consider. Higher

your savings – risk free.

vehicle and forget to negotiate

interest rates paired with liquidity

the best deal. Or perhaps, it was a

equals access to your funds, while

financial spring cleaning tips and

first purchase, and you’re ready to

still earning a solid rate. If you’ve

get started on the right track now.

see if you qualify for a lower rate.

got a considerable balance you

Whether you’re shopping for a

don’t want to commit to a CD, a

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refinancing your vehicle loan can

money market account is a great

interest rates to stash your cash,

save you more than you think.

way to park your money, while

Farm Bureau Bank is a good choice.

Farm Bureau Bank offers a simple

still having some flexibility.

For more information on deposit

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Check out more features of the

accounts or all the financial

with flexible terms and special-

Farm Bureau Bank Money Market

products offered, please contact

member rates, making it easier to

Account and save more now.

your local Farm Bureau agent or

Whatever the reason,

save. In most cases, you’ll receive

36

So try these three simple

visit farmbureaubank.com today.

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Right there with you.

Updated phone & tablet apps allow you to take our farm friendly resources practically anywhere.

z News

z Member Benefits

With access to farm and food news from around the world, being an informed Arkansas Farm Bureau member is easier than ever.

Handy access to ID numbers and everything else you need to take advantage of our ValuePlus savings.

NEW!

z Government z Weather

The latest developments on policy debates that affect our nation’s food security.

Coming soon: A legislator and agency database with quick-contact functionality.

Location-specific weather reporting from Telvent DTN contains all the agro-meteorological metrics a farmer could need, plus five-day forecast and radar.

z Quotes Commodity futures and cash market prices updated every 10 minutes. Our unique interface allows you to customize which quotes you get.

NEW!

z Food Facts Accurate information about your food and the people who grow it.

Get it on

Make your banking simpler.

Farm Bureau Bank offers solutions to make money management easy, simple, and convenient. Have one less thing to worry about - make your banking simpler with: Internet Banking

FBBmobile App

Loan Payment Center

• Check balances and history • Transfer funds between internal and external accounts • Pay bills to anyone, anywhere • Set alerts

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• Make a payment with a credit card or account transfer • Schedule automated payments • View loan information such as interest rate, balance and more • Free up some money and Skip-A-Pay*

To learn more, contact your local Farm Bureau Agent or visit www.farmbureaubank.com *Available for iPhone and Android devices. Eligible Farm Bureau Bank deposit account and Internet Banking registration required. See Mobile Banking terms and conditions at farmbureaubank.com. Certain restrictions apply for Skip-A-Pay. Banking services provided by Farm Bureau Bank, FSB. Farm Bureau, FB, and the FB National Logo are registered service marks owned by, and used by Farm Bureau Bank FSB under license from, the American Farm Bureau Federation.