In Farm Bureau New incentives program At the April meeting of Arkansas Farm Bureau’s State board of directors, action was taken on a modified incentive package available to county Farm Bureaus. Action 1 – The quota award for membership year 2017 will be raised from $1,000 to $2,000 for counties achieving their quota. In addition, any county that meets the criteria for attaining 70 points on the quota portion of the Gold Star Program will receive $750. Action 2 – County Farm Bureaus can qualify for bonus dollars by participating in and hosting activities associated with the list below. Counties that complete the activities in the current membership year can qualify for an incentive of $0.50 per member or a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $5,000. All activities must be documented and completed before Oct. 31. The activities include hosting/ conducting an annual meeting, policy development meeting, legislative activity (breakfast, appreciation dinner, etc.),
Sec. of Agriculture Sonny Perdue (right) met ArFB President Randy Veach and Vice President Rich Hillman May 7 while in Arkansas to review flooding impacts. Perdue vowed to use everything within his powers at USDA to help Arkansas farmers, saying “I want your farmers in Arkansas to know the resources of the USDA are at their disposal ... They may be covered in water now, but they’re going to be back out there as soon as this water recedes … feeding a hungry world.” YF&R or women’s activity (promotional, membership, youth, etc.) and a publicrelations promotional activity (County Advertising Rebate Program, etc.). A form will be provided to document the activities. Action 3 – Effective immediately, the County Advertising Rebate Program will increase from $0.20 to $0.25 per member with a minimum of $500 available to each county.
Brandy Jones (right), a fifthgrade teacher at Woods Elementary in Fort Smith, was all smiles after being recognized by Andy Guffey, ArFB’s director of Education and Outreach, as the 2017 Arkansas Ag in the Classroom Outstanding Teaching of the Year. Jones won a $1,000 stipend and a scholarship to attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference this summer.
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Action 4 – Beginning with the 2018 fiscal year, the state office will cover the cost of the counties’ Directors & Officers Liability Policy. Action 5 – Effective immediately, the registration fees that have been charged for the YF&R and Women’s conferences will be eliminated. “We hope the counties will find these actions beneficial,” said Chuck Tucker, ArFB’s senior vice president of
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A Publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation
May 12, 2017 • Vol. 20, No. 10
On May 1, Kaylee Dunphy (center), a senior at Arkansas High School in Texarkana, received a $1,000 college scholarship from Miller Co. FB. County Women’s Committee members Barbara Sutton (left) and Nedra Turney presented Dunphy her award, the first of three such scholarships Miller Co. FB will give to local high school seniors.
More than 1,300 preschool and kindergarten students attended the 21st annual Farm Friends event in Fayetteville. Sponsored by Washington Co. FB and the Cooperative Extension Service, the April 27 gathering provided opportunities for the children to see and pet farm animals and learn about calf roping, sheep shearing, shoeing horses, raising honeybees, and more.
Cleburne, Billy & Susan Brewster, Wilburn; Fulton, Brian & Lee Ann Davis, Mammoth Spring; Independence, Chris Tharp, Floral; Izard, Miller Cattle Ranch, Doug & Tammy Miller, Sage; Marion, Brent & Glenda Rozeboom, Valley Springs; Searcy, James, Mary, Michael & Lesley Horton, Marshall; Sharp, Colton & Sara Asberry, Sidney; Stone, Larry Musick, Timbo; Van Buren, Matt McMahan, Damascus Northeast District: Clay, Darrel &
Ellen Dalton, Piggott; Craighead, Hook Farms, Mike, Karen, Casey & Emilee Hooks, Lake City; Crittenden, Jamey Sharp, Crawfordsville; Cross, Brandon Stephens, Cherry Valley; Greene, Chad Agee, Marmaduke; Jackson, Andrew Rowlett Farms, Tuckerman; Lawrence, Tyler Worlow, Sedgwick; Mississippi, Steve & Janet Metheny and Austin & Chelsea Metheny, Osceola; Poinsett, James E. Wray, Trumann; Randolph, Shawn Seagraves, Pocahontas Northwest District: Benton, Garrett Gittlein, Gravette; Boone, Matt & Lisa Widner, Harrison; Carroll, James & Tonja Smith, Berryville; Crawford, Tom & Sue Moore, Rudy; Franklin, Johnny & Bridget Pruitt, Ozark; Johnson, Jimmy Dickerson, Clarksville; Madison, Mike & Jessica Ingram, Rogers; Newton, TBA; Sebastian, Jared & Michelle Pass, Hartford; Washington, TBA Southeast District: Arkansas, N., Cedar Corner Farm, Jason Smith & Chris Dickson, Ulm; Arkansas, S., James Phillips, Crockett’s Bluff; Ashley, Old Milo Tree Farms & Pumpkin Patch, Brad & Lonni Davis, Hamburg; Desha, Danny & Theta Wilson, McGehee; Drew, Mike & Shelly McGregor, Monticello; Jefferson, Conyer Farms, Lawrence “Wink” Conyer, Pine Bluff; Lincoln, Jon Kelly White, Star City; Phillips, Timothy Jones, West Helena Southwest District: Bradley, Jim & Linda Davis, Prattsville; Calhoun, Jimmy & Laura Hammack, Hampton; Columbia, James
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Farm families named County winners for the 70th annual Arkansas Farm Family of the Year Program have been selected. These individuals and families will be visited by judges to determine the eight district winners, which will be announced June 19. The district winners will be judged by a different set of judges in July to determine a state winner, which will be announced Dec. 7 at the Farm Family of the Year luncheon in North Little Rock. The county winners are: East Central District: Lee, Bill Gerrard III, Marianna; Lonoke, Robby & Stephanie Bevis, Scott; Monroe, S & A Farms, Larry & April Johnson II, Holly Grove; Prairie, David & Cindy Strohl, DeValls Bluff; Pulaski, Brandon, Jessica & Julie Chapman, Scott; St. Francis, Bill Dooley, Forrest City; White, Larry & Belinda Shook, McRae; Woodruff, Perry Galloway, Gregory North Central District: Baxter, Bernie & Mary Alice Wiesner, Mountain Home;
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Organization & Administration. “A growing active membership is vital to our organization, and you and your board play an instrumental role in our success as the most influential agricultural organization in our state. If you have any questions on any of these actions, please feel free to contact me or your district director.”
Ag for Autism board member Melissa Powell (left) recently visited with Shelby Knight, executive director of the Center for Exceptional Families, who received an Ag for Autism grant to expand her advocacy efforts to Delta families with autistic children. The organization provides education, therapy and support for parents, schools and others working with autistic children.
Jeff Pitchford (standing) of Little Rock was guest speaker at a special legislative dinner held May 1 by Franklin Co. FB in Ozark. Pitchford, state affairs director in ArFB’s Public Affairs & Government Relations department, told the 30 members in attendance about Farm Bureau’s many accomplishments for farmers and ranchers during the state legislative session just ended.
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State Rep. David Fielding of Magnolia rolled up his sleeves to milk the Farm Bureau cow at the April 8 Festival on the Rails in McNeil. The cow was provided for use at the festival by Columbia Co. FB in conjunction with Arkansas Farm Bureau. Rep. Fielding is a member of Columbia Co. FB.
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Dixon, Magnolia; Hempstead, Keaster Farms, Clovy Keaster, Ozan; Lafayette, Jeff & Shelby Lamkin, Buckner; Little River, Dale Sansom, Ashdown; Miller, Rocking CK Farms, Chase & Krystal Groves, Garland City; Nevada, Greg & Marcel Wilson, Prescott; Union, Tom & Mary Loftin, El Dorado Western District: Conway, Honeycutt Farms, Timbo & Minnie Honeycutt, Clinton; Faulkner, Robert & Tara Stainton, Vilonia; Montgomery, Jason Cranford, Sims; Perry, Butch & Kay Hoyt, Houston; Polk, Luke & Deedee Alston, Mena; Pope, Terry & Gail Small, Hector; Yell, Michael & Judy Dixon, Ola West Central District: Clark, Lynn & Debbie Pye, Arkadelphia; Cleveland, James Farmer, Rison; Dallas, Gene & Wilda Sue Brazeale, Sparkman; Garland, Donnie Moore, Hot Springs; Grant, Cody & Meg Harrington, Sheridan; Hot Spring, Carl Shultz, Malvern; Howard, Nathan & Nicole Hill, Newhope; Pike, Chad & Kay Stewart, Kirby; Sevier, Will & Sidney Bailey, DeQueen “Each year, the Farm Family of the Year program identifies and recognizes great farmers and ranchers across our state,” said ArFB President Randy Veach. “These families literally power our state’s largest economic engine, agriculture. “Congratulations to these great farm families. We salute their success, stewardship, and commitment to Arkansas agriculture.”
Participants in the 2017 Arkansas 4-H Livestock Leadership Academy recently toured Arkansas’ State Capitol in Little Rock. State Sen. Bruce Maloch of Magnolia (standing, center) greeted the 4-H members and conducted much of the tour. The group later met Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a former 4-H member.
In Arkansas 4-H veterinary program A 4-H program geared toward preparing Arkansas youths for careers in veterinary fields goes well beyond dogs, cats and horses, giving participants a look into the realm of exotic animal medicine, food animal medicine and wildlife medicine. The 4-H Veterinary Science Program provides 4-H members 9 years old and up with real-world exploration of veterinary science. The program is operated by the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Participants learn skills they will need to pursue a career in veterinary medicine through activities that pair them with veterinarians. They also take field trips to veterinary schools, clinics, zoos and animal diagnostic laboratories. The program follows curriculum created by the national 4-H organization that can be tailored to fit the needs for each student. Veterinarian Dr. Heidi Ward who coordinates the program said, “The 4-H leader is responsible for gauging the activity levels of the group. Some groups engage in organized field trips and some focus more on fun hands-on activities at monthly meetings. Either way, the activities aim to build skill sets and peer relationships.” 4-H members pursuing a certificate to become a veterinary assistant will complete 100 lessons and 50 activities that will teach the basics of animal anatomy, animal diseases, business skills and speaking
skills. The program will be made more accessible by the Cooperative Extension Service through an online learning system, so students can complete the program at their own pace. The Arkansas 4-H veterinary science program is currently established in 17 counties with three more counties expected to launch this year. To learn more, visit www.uaex.edu/4HvetScience
Elsewhere Rice award nominations sought USA Rice, in conjunction with Horizon Ag and Rice Farming magazine, is seeking nominations for the 2017 Rice Awards to recognize rice leaders who exemplify dedication, determination, and innovation to the industry. The Rice Awards honor outstanding industry leaders from three categories: Rice Farmer of the Year, Rice Industry Award and the Rice Lifetime Achievement Award. To nominate a candidate for one of these prestigious awards, complete the application form at www.ricefarming.com/ wp-content/uploads/2017/04/2017-RiceAwards-nom-form_FINAL.pdf by June 15 and follow the submission instructions listed there. The award recipients will be recognized at the USA Rice Outlook Conf. Dec. 10-12 in San Antonio, where an official presentation will be made at the annual awards luncheon. They also will be featured in a special insert of the December issue of Rice Farming. Editor Keith Sutton
keith.sutton@arfb.com
In the Market As of May 10, 2017
USDA 2017-18 forecast Soybeans – The 2017-18 outlook for U.S. soybeans is for higher supplies, crush, exports and ending stocks. The soybean crop is projected at 4,255 million bushels, down 52 million from last year’s record crop with a forecast lower trend yield more than offsetting a higher harvested area. While soybean demand continues to strengthen, growth is not enough to consume the near-record crop forecast for 2017-18. U.S. ending stocks for 2017-18 are projected at 480 million bushels, up 45 million from the 2016-17 forecast. Soybean production is projected down 3.4 million tons to 344.7 million, mainly on declines from last year’s records for the United States, Brazil and Paraguay as yields return to trend levels. This slight decline is forecast to reduce global stocks slightly from 2016-17’s record levels. While global supplies are forecast lower, we are still almost six months from Brazil planting its first beans and a year before Argentina finishes its harvest. A lot can happen in this time. For now, the market is concerned about how many acres of soybeans the U.S. plants, and guessing how large the yield will be. This uncertainty continues to keep a lid on soybean prices. While new crop soybeans continue to hold support near $9.50, there remain a lot of reasons to be bearish toward soybeans without some significant growth in demand. Rice – U.S. 2017-18 all rice production is forecast at 201 million cwt, down 23.1 million from the previous year, all on a large reduction in long-grain acreage as indicated by the NASS Prospective Plantings survey issued March 31. The forecast 2017-18
yields are based on long-term historical trends and are higher for long grain but slightly lower for combined medium and short grain. Total 2017-18 rice supplies are forecast to decrease 7 percent from the previous year to 273.1 million cwt, primarily on the reduction in long grain. While overall demand is forecast down 4 percent from 201617, tighter supplies are forecast to lead to a reduction in stocks. Long-grain stocks are projected at 20.7 million cwt, down 8 million from 2016-17, while combined medium- and shortgrain are projected 2 million cwt lower at 14.6 million. Total 2017-18 global supplies are at 599.9 million tons, up 2.6 million from 2016-17, based on larger carry-in stocks. Sharp reductions in rice acres in 2017 are forecast to reduce U.S. rice stocks 20.8 percent year over year. This reduction is forecast to help support rice prices as the USDA forecasts the 2017-18 all rice season-average farm price between $10.70 and $11.70/cwt. This is up $0.80 from the projected 2016-17 price. Corn – The corn crop is projected at 14.1 billion bushels, down from last year’s record high with a lower forecast area and yield. The yield projection of 170.7 bushels per acre is based on a weather-adjusted trend assuming normal planting progress and summer weather, estimated using the 1988-2016 time period. Total U.S. corn use in 2017-18 is forecast to decline 2 percent from a year ago as a slight increase in domestic use is more than offset by lower exports. With total supply falling faster than use, 2017-18 U.S. ending stocks of corn are down 185 million bushels to 2.11 billion bushels. The global coarse grain outlook for 2017-18 is for lower production, increased use and sharply reduced ending stocks. While global supplies are tightening, U.S. carry-over of more than 2 billion bushels will remain a drag on prices. For corn prices to increase, the market will need to see supplies tighten further
or improved demand (particularly export demand) before corn prices see any significant gains. Cotton – A projected 2017-18 U.S. cotton crop of 19.2 million bales is expected to sharply increase next season’s ending stocks. Production is anticipated to rise 12 percent from 2016-17, based on 12.2 million planted acres as indicated in Prospective Plantings, combined with belowaverage abandonment (due to relatively favorable moisture) and average yields. Domestic mill use is projected higher at 3.4 million bales, while exports are expected to fall to 14 million, as competitors’ supplies grow. Ending stocks are projected at 5 million bales, or 29 percent of total use. Borer in three new counties Garland, Montgomery and Pike counties have been added to confirmed sites of the emerald ash borer in Arkansas. This insect is confirmed in the following 17 counties: Bradley, Calhoun, Clark, Cleveland, Columbia, Dallas, Garland, Hempstead, Hot Spring, Lafayette, Montgomery, Nevada, Ouachita, Pike, Randolph, Saline and Union. Garland, Montgomery and Pike counties are already inside currently quarantined areas as buffer counties. This change in total confirmed sites of the borer will not affect the size of the current quarantined area at this time. More information on the 33-county area affected by the emerald ash borer quarantine can be found at aad.arkansas.gov/quarantines or phoning 501-225-1598.
CONTACT
Matt King 501-228-1297, matt.king@arfb.com