July 2012: Tennessee Farm Bureau News

FARM BUREAU News TENNESSEE

ISSN 1062-8983 • USPS 538960

WHAT’S INSIDE: PagE 3 It’s No-Till Time Again

Page 8 FB Women’s Conference

Volume 91 Number 4 • July 2012

“Agriculture, manufactures, commerce and navigation, the four pillars of our prosperity, are the most thriving when left most free to individual enterprise.”

- Thomas Jefferson

3rd President of the United States

Page 9 June Dairy Month Kickoff

Official newspaper of Tennessee Farm Bureau

FarmBureauNews TENNESSEE

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Tennessee Farm Bureau News - July 2012

FarmBureauNews TENNESSEE

ISSN 1062-8983 • USPS 538960

Pettus Read, Editor Lee Maddox, Assistant Editor Melissa Burniston, Feature Writer Stacey Warner, Graphic Designer Misty McNeese, Advertising P.O. Box 313, Columbia, TN 38402-0313 (931) 388-7872 Issued bi-monthly by the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation located at 147 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia, Tennessee 38401.

Non-profit periodical postage paid at Columbia, TN and additional entry offices.

Send address corrections to: Tennessee Farm Bureau News Offices, P.O. Box 313, Columbia, TN 38402-0313.

Subscription rate for Farm Bureau members (included in dues) $1 per year.

Advertising Policy: Advertising is subject to publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume all liability for content of their advertising. Publisher maintains right to cancel advertising for non-payment or reader complaint about advertiser service or product. Publisher does not accept political, dating service or alcoholic beverage ads, nor does publisher pre-screen or guarantee advertiser service or products.

Publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised in the Tennessee Farm Bureau News.

TENNESSEE FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Board of Directors Lacy Upchurch Danny Rochelle President

Vice President

Directors-at-Large Jeff Aiken Charles Hancock Catherine Via

District Directors Malcolm Burchfiel Dan Hancock James Haskew David Mitchell Eric Mayberry Jane May

Advisory Directors Brandon Whitt Dr. Larry Arrington Other Officers and Staff Joe Pearson Chief Administrative Officer

Rhedona Rose

Executive Vice President

Wayne Harris

Tim Dodd

Treasurer

Comptroller

Organization Bobby Beets

Communications Pettus Read

Bryan Wright

Lee Maddox

Director

Director

Associate Director

Associate Director

Special Programs Charles Curtis

Melissa Burniston

Director

Associate Director

Chris Fleming

Public Policy Stefan Maupin

Kristy Chastine

Tiffany Howard

Associate Director Associate Director

Director

Associate Director

Ryan King

Associate Director

Regional Field Service Directors Matt Fennel, Jim Bell, Melissa Bryant, Eddie Clark, Kevin Hensley, Joe McKinnon Service Companies Tennessee Farmers Insurance Cos. Matthew M. (Sonny) Scoggins, CEO Tennessee Rural Health Lonnie Roberts, CEO Farmers Service, Inc. Tim Dodd, Director of Operations Tennessee Livestock Producers, Inc. Darrell Ailshie, Manager

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Antibiotics and our future: A Christian farmer’s response Editor’s Note: An article published in the May 16 issue of the Baptist Press by a pastor in West Virginia entitled “Antibiotics and Our Future,” caught the attention of one of their West Tennessee farmer members – and not in a good way. The article expressed concerns about the over use of antibiotics on farms and how it is used in livestock production. It even blamed meat-driven diets as a cause for antibiotic use to increase on the farm. Farm Bureau member and producer Shane Burchfiel from Newbern, Tenn., wrote the following rebuttal to the article.

Ask any child to draw a farm, and they will most likely use their Crayolas to produce an image that consists of a red barn, an apple tree on a green hill, and a cow or horse in the field.

Unfortunately, this image of a “farm” doesn’t change much into adulthood, and public perception of modern agriculture is often inaccurate. It is important to discuss the ethical, environmental and moral issues of producing our food and clothing, however, I would respectfully challenge some of the claims made in a recent Baptist Press piece.

First, blaming cows for obesity, antibiotic resistance, and the loss of forests for corn production is an effective but fear based tactic. The United States produces roughly half of the world’s corn supply, but we are not tearing down forests to accomplish this. Farmers are producing higher yields on fewer acres than ever before.

Where exactly are all these forests that are being destroyed for more corn acres? Obesity is a problem, but the blame lies more squarely on gluttony and laziness than it does on cows and corn. Likewise, antibiotic resistance can be a cause for concern, but are we not the most over medicated society on the planet?

Second, modern agriculture is not in defiance of nature. Farmers are not shaking their fists at God going against his natural order. 98 percent of all farms are family farms. Farmers are working in concert with nature.

We use fertilizers that are mined from the earth or come from animals, herbicides that are derived from plants, and insect protection commonly known

as “Bt” that is naturally occurring in the soil. Some people often make the claim that farmers are poisoning the environment. But why would we poison the land that we derive our livelihood from? We are stewards of the land. Part of our job is to create a cleaner, healthier environment. If we are destroying it, by default we destroy our own profession. Farmers strive to operate in an environmentally friendly manner. Our air you can breathe, our water you can drink. Why is it that when a person goes on a mission trip to a third world country they dare not drink the water?

A good friend of mine used this analogy: “I raise pigs. I grow corn to feed them. The pigs eat the corn and produce manure. I take that manure and put it onto my corn field(s) as fertilizer. I don’t know how you get any greener than that.” Yet, he would be criticized because his pigs live in a barn, or because of the odor when he spreads manure. Is this not a realistic, sustainable and feasible model?

Third, Scripture is quite clear in the distinction of humans and animals.

God created humans in his likeness and gave them dominion over animals.

This is not to say that animals should be treated cruelly, nor is it saying that animals are equal to humans. The problem with elevating animals equal with humans is where do we draw the line? Are plants next? In 2008 The Weekly Standard ran an article about a Swiss government ethics panel that ruled plants too have “dignity” and that the “killing of flora is morally wrong.”

So if there is no fundamental difference between animals and humans, why should we think there is any difference between humans and plants?

Isn’t that an arbitrary distinction?

Animals need food, water, protection, and yes, sometimes they need medicine. Certainly animals should be cared for, but we are mistaken to project human emotions upon them.

Agriculture animals serve a valuable purpose, part of which is consumption, clothing, fertilizer, shelter, work, and recreation. Primarily though being for food, why else did God give them to us? In the meantime, until innovations occur in agriculture that enable us to move away from CAFO’s without

sacrificing production, I’m comfortable with a free market driving demand, and if that means chickens and pigs live in barns/houses in addition to free range and the open sunshine in order to maintain an abundant and affordable food supply, I’m not overly concerned with the risks that may or may not be associated with that.

Fourth, this discussion is often framed in terms of an us versus them dialogue when it doesn’t need to be.

Why is the conversation so quickly reduced to organic vs. commercial, industry vs. family, or big vs. small?

The reality is there are over 6 billion people on this planet and they eat.

Population experts tell us that by 2050 global population will double, meaning farmers will have to produce more food in the coming years than we have in the history of civilization. The real question becomes can we continue to feed people in a sustainable model that is environmentally friendly. Yes we can, but we are naive to think that the organic (a term so loosely defined it is devoid of real meaning), green movement, or community gardens is going to carry us there alone.

Finally, the average consumer has no idea of the costs involved in production agriculture. Literally, thousands of dollars are buried in the ground in seed, fertilizer, and crop protection products. And it’s all for naught if it doesn’t rain. People continue to have a disconnect between the reality of producing food on the family farm and the romanticized, biased picture as portrayed by documentaries such as Food Inc. Farmers make up less than 2 percent of the population of the United States. That means that 98 percent of Americans will rely on a 2 percent minority to provide food and clothing, which by the way, we are doing despite at times overbearing environmental and governmental regulation.

Modern farming families are innovators, consistently working towards safer, more efficient methods of food and fiber production. This is the task the American population has demanded of us. We are stewards of the land. We plant and pray. Farming takes faith larger than that of the mustard seed, otherwise everyone would be a farmer. t

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July 2012 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News

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Understanding regulations when marketing your beef products

It’s a No-Till kind of year Every other year the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture hosts the largest conservation tillage event in the nation, the Milan No-Till Crop Production Field Day. This is the year for the 27th No-Till Field Day. It takes place at the UT AgResearch and Education Center at Milan on Thursday, July 26.

Event registration begins at 6:00 a.m. with research tours starting at 7:00 a.m. The program has been expanded to now include 17 research tours that focus on important agricultural issues such as weed control, seed treatments, precision agriculture, and irrigation, as well as specific tours for each of the major row crops grown in Tennessee.

Also included in the tours are the popular Crop Variety Demonstrations, and a back to the basics presentation for “first-time No-Tiller’s” which will cover key concepts like residue management, planter setup and pest management.

“The Milan No-Till Field Day features some of the brightest minds in agricultural research,” says Dr. Blake Brown, director, UT AgResearch and

Education Center at Milan. “We think producers can greatly benefit from the research findings that will be presented on these tours, whether it be through increasing production, reducing expenses, or improving marketing skills.”

The final tours of the day will begin at 1:00 p.m. Most tours may be completed in 1 hour and 30 minutes, so arrive early if you want to attend multiple tours. Between tours, guests are encouraged to visit the extensive industry/educational trade show, or cool off by exploring the West Tennessee Agricultural Museum.

For detailed descriptions of each research tour go to milan.tennessee. edu. Here you can also find more information on related community activities and directions to the AgResearch and Education Center at Milan.

The Milan No-Till Crop Production Field Day is a free event. It began in 1981 and has been attended by visitors from around the world. The AgResearch and Education Center at Milan is known as the birthplace of Tennessee No-Till. t

Williamson County Fair to honor historic farms Are you a century farm owner?

Has your farm been in your family since 1912 or longer and located in Williamson County? If so, now is the time to join 30 other Williamson County families who are certified Tennessee Century Farms who have owned their land and kept it in agricultural production for at least 100 years.

To qualify, you must be able to prove that the farm has been in your family continuously since 1912. Three other requirements are: at least 10 acres must remain of the original farmstead; farm income must be at least $1000 this year; and one owner must be a resident of Tennessee.

To be honored at this year’s Williamson County Fair Century Farm recognition event, your application

must be submitted no later than August 1, 2012. You will receive a certificate and the yellow metal Century Farm sign which is supplied by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

For more information on this program, or to read about the histories of the Williamson County Century Farms, visit the official web site at www. tncenturyfarms.org.

To request an application/ information packet, contact the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University at 615/898-2947.

If you are currently a certified Century Farm family and have not received information about this year’s recognition event, please contact the Center for details. t

A new publication is now available from University of Tennessee Extension and the Center for Profitable Agriculture to help farmers navigate the maze of regulations for marketing their beef products. The marketing of meat products on-site and at farmers markets is a relatively new and growing opportunity for Tennessee’s estimated 47,000 beef producers.

The publication is titled, Basic Regulatory Considerations for Retail and Non-retail Meat Sales in Tennessee: Guidance for Farmers Interested in Value-added Beef Marketing Activities.

It is available for download at no charge online at the UT Extension publications website or at any local county UT Extension Office.

According to the publication’s author, Rob Holland, director of the Center for Profitable Agriculture, the booklet is a “must read” for any producer considering direct marketing of beef.

Holland said the document is meant as a guide for producers who want to participate in this growing market opportunity. “The issues addressed in this publication include the Tennessee Department of Agriculture retail meat permit, which is needed to market beef directly to

household consumers in Tennessee.

The publication also covers the minimum labeling requirements for retail meat products.” Holland added that the manual details the registration requirements for meat handlers selling beef to non-retail customers, the marketing of frozen versus non-frozen beef products, meat sales from retail food stores and custom harvesting and processing facilities.

“It really can be daunting to face the myriad of rules and regulations associated with direct marketing of beef,” said Holland. “Yet, given the rising interest in ‘knowing your food source,’ producers have a real opportunity for enhancing their operations with local sales.

You can download the publication from UT Extension at: https://ut extension.tennessee.edu/publications/ Search for PB 1805, Basic Regulatory Considerations for Retail and Non-retail Meat Sales in Tennessee. You may also contact your local county UT Extension Office or the Center for Profitable Agriculture, http://cpa.utk.edu/.

The Center for Profitable Agriculture is a joint effort of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation and UT Extension. t

Horticulture, turfgrass complex named for faculty members University officials, family members and other guests gathered April 17 for the formal naming of UT Martin’s horticulture and turfgrass complex.

The area, located just north of the main campus on Farm Road, is now the McMahan/Knepp Horticulture and Turfgrass Complex, named for the late John McMahan and Earl Knepp, both longtime university faculty members.

McMahan came to UT Martin in 1937 as head of the university’s Department of Agriculture, while

Knepp began teaching agricultural engineering and other agriculture courses in 1936. Both dedicated their educational careers to building and supporting the agricultural teaching tradition on the Martin campus.

Friends and former students have committed more than $73,000 to establish the McMahan/Knepp Workship Endowment. Additionally, the Knepp family and others created an endowment to honor Knepp, which totals more than $33,000. t

Pictured from left: Dr. Jerry Gresham, interim dean, College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences; David Shoaf, of Horn Lake, Miss., donor and project leader; Dot Spann, daughter of Earl Knepp, and her husband, Ray, both of Jackson; and Dr. Tom Rakes, UT Martin chancellor.

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Tennessee Farm Bureau News - July 2012

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Read All About It

By Pettus Read Editor

Could Noah have made it loading the ark today?

The day had been somewhat overcast and the old man was just finishing up loading the last of his livestock into his new structure as the sky to the west began to show a threatening look of wet weather.

He had worked hard on his new construction, following the plans to the very inch as instructed, and he knew that the welfare of his animal’s keeping was completely up to him and his family. Their survival was important, and being their caregiver, he had constructed his structure well and to the best of his abilities and under much prayer to his Creator.

As he gathered in some hay for the cows and pigs, he noticed the approach of several vehicles coming up the lane. Each one was all black in color and as they pulled up in front of the old man he read the lettering on the doors, which said, “H.S.A.W.” He wondered to himself what this was all about as the lead chariot stopped and a well-dressed gentleman got out with somewhat of a smile on his face.

The man approached the old man and said, “Are you Mr. Noah?”

“Yes I am. There is a storm coming and I have things to do.

May I help you with something?”

Noah answered.

With something of a laugh, the well-dressed gentlemen said, “Don’t give me this rain excuse, because you know it hasn’t ever rained before. I’m from the Humane

Services of the Ancient World and we have heard you are packing animals on something called an Ark that goes against laws we haven’t even thought of yet!”

Being totally taken back by the group of strangers standing

cover person draw up some sketches of your crates for those pigs and they look too small. We even have the local eating places on our side saying you need to make changes.”

Noah always ate his meals downtown and considered them

in the way of his work Noah said, “I’m doing as I have been told from higher up. The Lord told me he is going to destroy the whole earth because it was filled with nothing but evil and put me in charge of saving these animals.”

“Well, your neighbors have been complaining about you overcrowding your livestock,” the gentleman went on to say. “We had an under-

his friends, but now they had turned against him because of the people in black chariots. “I can’t increase the size of the pig’s crates because it will make the stalls too small for the horses,” Noah said.

“The pigs seem to be real happy with their crates. It’s much better than the mud hole they’ve been in and they don’t fight anymore.”

“Don’t give me that agricultural

science stuff,” the gentleman said.

“We don’t even own animals and have never cared for animals or even farmed, but we know what is best for all animals because we read that book about a spider and a pig once.”

“What about the dinosaurs?”

Noah asked.

“Forget about them.” The gentleman said. “They don’t make very good companion animals and they can take care of themselves.”

“I have followed all the laws and most of all done what I was told to do from above, but you are saying that is not enough,” Noah said to the gentleman. “I have spent 100 years building this Ark and now you show up. What gives?

“Money,” said the gentleman.

“Your Ark problems are perfect for us to raise some more funds and to get the media all hessed up. We should be able to get several donations over this.”

As Noah looked totally confused he rubbed his head and said to the gentleman, “I am doing as I have been told to do and as I understand.

I will look after the animals and take care of them as I know I should.”

“Not good enough Noah,” the gentleman said. “We will be back tomorrow with media and a crew to seize the animals. Don’t get wet!”

As the group drove off in their black chariots, Noah closed the door on the Ark and the rains began to fall. t

Local student chosen as 2012 New Century Farmer

TGSAS scholars visit TFBF – This year’s scholars participating in the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Agricultural Sciences (TGSAS) held at UT-Martin were guest recently at the Tennessee Farm Bureau home office. The TGSAS program is the third of its kind in the United States, with others at Penn State University and Virginia Polytechnic and State University. The TGSAS experience provides a broad overview of the diverse fields of agriculture and natural resources and scholars are selected from all across the state of Tennessee after making application in early spring.

Matthew Craighead from Moss has been selected to participate in the 2012 New Century Farmer Program July 8-14 in Johnston, Iowa.

Craighead is one of 50 outstanding young people representing 24 states who will participate in the program.

This exclusive, highly competitive program develops young men and women committed to pursuing a career in production agriculture.

Craighead, who attends Tennessee Tech University, will take part in a series of workshops and sessions during the conference. Topics will include the global marketplace, farm financing, demographic trends and risk management. He will hear from motivating and

informative keynote speakers who will educate him on the risks and rewards involved with production agriculture. In addition to classroom learning, students will experience the latest developments in agricultural technology.

The New Century Farmer program is sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business; Case IH; CSX Corporation; and Farm Credit; with media partner Successful Farming as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The program is designed to provide participants with valuable skills and knowledge applicable to their own farming operations. In addition, they will build a network of colleagues that will benefit them throughout their careers. t

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The Ag Agenda

By Bob Stallman American Farm Bureau President

It’s the great rural American paradox A wise man once said that rural America has become viewed by a growing number of Americans as having a higher quality of life, not because of what it has, but rather because of what it does not have, like traffic, crime and crowds. This sentiment can be seen in the growing number of urban transplants that have made their way toward greener and more spacious pastures.

But, while many Americans equate living in the country with a simpler way of life, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is that poverty in rural America is increasing, while opportunity continues to decline because of limited education, healthcare and broadband services. So, rural America being defined by what it does not have can also be a negative.

It’s the great rural America paradox.

Connecting Kids The lack of technology, infrastructure and even basic services present major challenges for rural citizens. This is evident in rural classrooms, where nearly one in four U.S. kids attends school. Struggling rural school districts are grappling with teacher retention and lack of education technology that their urban counterparts take for granted, while seeing enrollment that is growing at a faster rate than anywhere else in America.

Top this off with increasing rural poverty that 41 percent of rural students live in daily, as well as an increasing number of students with special needs. There’s a misconception that rural America and schools are stable and financially secure. But, they face every challenge that urban schools do, and more.

That’s why Farm Bureau is supporting the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act which is up for reauthorization. This law helps rural schools and communities that are affected by declining revenue from timber harvests. This year alone, rural communities stand to lose more than $346 million for improvements to public schools and other valuable infrastructure and stewardship projects. Failing to reauthorize this bill jeopardizes the economies and

education systems of more than 780 already-struggling rural counties and school districts in 41 states.

Connected Nation Teachers aren’t going to remain in rural areas without access to basic technology and services and neither will healthcare professionals and small business owners. Access to broadband plays a huge role in whether rural communities survive and flourish or wither and die.

As the number of rural doctors continues to decline, so do rural businesses. According to Inc. Magazine, 70 percent of business owners in rural America will need to transition their businesses to new owners by 2020.

That is a staggering figure. And, by all counts, it appears that broadband access is a major component of the economic engine.

Many states across the nation are addressing rural technology challenges. One program in particular that is being utilized by many states is Connected Nation, a broadband adoption project to create connected communities. This program trains regional leaders how to work with their communities to secure more internet access and connect more people. They make up community planning teams that help groups engage in teaching computer classes, mentor older adults and help with online job searches.

It is Connected Nation’s philosophy that rural communities benefit through assessment, planning and self help, while citizens benefit through expanded access to relevant technology. Importantly, the private sector benefits from a more investmentfriendly environment and increasingly tech-savvy consumers.

So, while rural America remains for many an idyllic land of open spaces and simpler ways of life, those who live there know the real deal. Access to basic services continues to be essential for rural communities and the competitiveness of our nation. Rural residents and their children shouldn’t be kept at a disadvantage by inadequate education, healthcare and business opportunities. It’s time to get past the paradox. t

Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation

EPA updates to air quality standards concern farmers The Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed updates to its national air quality standards for both coarse and fine particulate matter. EPA proposed no changes to its standards for coarse particles, which include dust commonly generated by typical farming practices and driving on unpaved rural roads.

“Although we’re pleased with EPA’s decision not to propose changes to its standards for coarse dust particles at this time, there’s much more to this story,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “We remain concerned that the final rule EPA will publish later this year could look very different from the initial proposal.”

EPA is expected to publish a final rule on its National Ambient Air Quality Standards in December. The Clean Air Act requires EPA to review ambient air quality standards every five years.

“America’s food producers—farmers and ranchers—need stability and certainty regarding government regulations, which is why Farm Bureau supports the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act,” said Stallman.

The Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act, which would exempt agriculture from EPA regulations, was passed by the House but has not been brought up for consideration in the Senate. t

Haslam signs legislation phasing out inheritance tax Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam recently traveled to Luckey Family Farm in Humboldt to highlight the second of three tax cuts passed during this year’s legislative session.

Haslam held a ceremonial bill signing of HB 3760/SB 3762, which phases out the state inheritance tax during the next three years before it is completely eliminated starting January 1, 2016.

The bill was introduced by the governor as the state continues its work toward providing the best customer service at the lowest possible cost to Tennesseans.

“We’re focused on making state government more efficient and more effective while reducing the cost to taxpayers,” Haslam said. “Jobs are created

when people invest capital. The inheritance tax is causing Tennesseans to take their capital to other states as they grow older, but businesses and family farms can’t pick up and leave. Eliminating this tax will ease the burden on family businesses and farms that are left to other generations.”

The exemption level will be lifted to $1.25 million in 2013; $2 million in 2014; and $5 million in 2015.

Haslam included $14.2 million in the FY 2012-2013 state budget to fund the legislation.

Earlier in June, the governor signed HB 3761/SB 3763, legislation reducing the state portion of the sales tax on groceries from 5.5 percent to 5.25 percent. His plan is to reduce it next year to 5.0 percent. t

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Innovative Agriculture

By Melissa Burniston Associate Director of Communications

Cardiologist has a big heart for alpacas Some might think switching from a thirty-five year career as a cardiologist in the medical field to an alpaca farmer is too drastic to contemplate, but for Mike Hindman, it was more of a wakeup call than a change of mind. After a bicycle accident at a conference he was speaking at in Arizona landed him in the hospital, a scan found cancer in his left kidney, and the only option was surgery to remove it.

Dr. Hindman returned to Ohio, where he was a hospital administrator, to have the surgery and after a year, when the odds of surviving went to seventy/thirty, he decided he had received a message.

“There comes a time when living life becomes more important. However, I didn’t want to retire at 61…I wanted to be out of the rat race but be physically active. I still wanted to do something using my brain, something that would help me be intellectually, physically and emotionally healthy. I started thinking about what I could do with land that would be a business but not a job,” said Hindman.

Hindman ran across an article he had clipped out years before on alpaca farming, and the idea began to take root.

As he had spent a portion of his career in a cardiologist group focused on prevention, and therefore on diabetes and cholesterol, in the Raleigh/ Durham area, Hindman had children and grandchildren in the area, and so began searching for land there. “When recuperating from cancer, I would just drive around and you get a completely different feeling when you’re driving through the mountains. I searched on the internet and found Watauga Lake in Johnson County, and we began coming down every weekend, we loved

it,” Hindman said. “I wanted to create order out of nature. One day I was out driving around and saw a for-sale sign and thought this was it, my Norman Rockwell moment.”

Now that he had the land, Hindman had to make a decision about what to do with it. He looked at cows, sheep and goats…and started visiting a lot of alpaca farms.

they have a 70 percent success rate. One in 50 males will be herd sires, so you want to have females when breeding.

“In ten years, the goal was to have three generations of alpacas. Starting with 80 percent of the high breeding quality, I want to produce homogenous white breeding stock of high quality alpacas,” said Hindman. “Each generation is an improvement on the last, so

Alpacas are in the same family as llamas and vicuna. Llamas are the largest of the three, getting up to around 400 pounds and their fur is not fibrous, it’s very prickly. Alpacas range in size between 180-200 pounds and vicunas are the smallest, but have the finest wool. South America was the first to domesticate alpacas, where their fur was treasured as much as gold and silver.

Alpacas are used almost completely for their fiber in the United States, not for meat consumption usually; but in South America the entire animal is used, none of it is wasted. The fiber content is what you are looking for when judging the fur of an alpaca. The diameter of merino wool is 13-16 microns thick. If wearing something next to your skin, it has to be fewer than 18 microns for comfort…and so you don’t get itchy! The average alpaca in the United States has 25 microns. Hindman decided his goal was to breed ones with microns to be under 20.

On his 21 acres, Hindman built 6,000 feet of fence, brought in water to the property and began baling hay off of the seven and a half acres he pastured.

He now bales around 350 bales of hay a year. And at the end of 2007, the peak of the alpaca industry, he bought eleven bred female alpacas…and Mountain Spirit Alpacas was born.

Alpacas are sold anywhere from $15,000 - $30,000 for a breeding female.

Their gestation period is one year and

with good breeding and good luck I will hopefully hit that.”

Hindman now has around 30 animals, and that is where he plans to stay.

He is no longer breeding his foundation stock, but feels that he is improving with each generation. Alpacas live to be in their 20s, with the average domesticated age being around 17. Hindman says his oldest is 12, she’s the matriarch and he plans on keeping her forever.

He knows he is learning something with each alpaca, “I spent the first year learning and developing the place they were going to live, and didn’t plan on selling for three to four years. Last year was the first year we planned on selling any animals and this year was the first year we showed any. I’m enjoying it, and am hoping to be able to sell some genetics that aren’t available in this region. Black is very popular, along with some rose-grays, which are very hard to breed for.”

There are twenty variations in color in alpacas, all centering around white,

black and brown. He says showing them is fun and the shows are a cross between dog shows and horse shows where you are judged 60/40 on fleece and conformation.

“They are really enjoyable animals; one male we took to the shows we didn’t train until he was 18 months old, but by four to five days into his houra-day training, he knew what to do,” Hindman says.

Hindman ran into an unforeseen issue in 2008-2009, when the USDA declared alpacas were now considered livestock instead of exotic animals. That decision, in combination with the recession, made new buyers in the industry just disappear. There was a 30-70 percent drop in price.

Hindman says a lot of alpacas are sold for pets, the fiber itself can’t sustain as an industry. He says he doesn’t think the industry will ever be back to where it was pre-2007. But he still plans on maintaining his breeding plan, there are four million alpacas worldwide and 32 million of those are still in South America, so the market opportunities are still out there.

“I am physically healthy, I enjoy what I do, but I’m not making money at it right now. If you sell the fiber at the co-op you get 4-5 dollars a pound. There is not a lot of competition in this area. I am investigating selling fiber instead of doing the breeding business which is a switch in thinking for me, so we’ll see,” says Hindman.

He also says that although the market for alpacas as pets has dropped since 2009, they do make great pets, as long as you get two – they are very social creatures and need to have at least one friend to socialize with.

So whether you are looking for an interesting and unusual pet, some fiber to make home-made gifts for family and friends, or a new career that’s enjoyable and challenging, check out Mountain Spirit Alpacas for all things alpaca! Check out www.mountainspiritalpacas.com. t

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July 2012 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News

Law aimed at controlling expansion of wild hogs A new law strengthening the penalties for illegal translocation of wild-appearing swine goes into effect July 1, thanks to an effort supported by the Tennessee Wildlife Federation (TWF) and the state wildlife resources agency, along with statewide agriculture and public health interests.

Under the provisions of the new law, a person who illegally transports or releases wild hogs (i.e., wild-appearing swine) into the wild without documented approval from the state Department of Agriculture can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, fined as much as $2,500 and sentenced to up to 11 months and 29 days in jail for each wild-appearing swine illegally translocated.

State Rep. Ron Lollar (R-Bartlett) and Sen. Steve Southerland (R-Morristown) sponsored the legislation. Earlier this year, TWF and TWRA joined into a Memorandum of Understanding with the state Farm Bureau Federation, Soybean Producers, Pork Producers and departments of health and agriculture to work towards the eradication of wild hogs where practical, and to control populations elsewhere.

“Something needed to be done to address the proliferation, which is reaching epidemic proportions in parts of the state,” said Rep. Lollar, who served as chair of the House Conservation and Environment Committee. “This new law is another tool to protect farmers and landowners from the destruction the pigs cause, and hopefully it gets the attention of anyone who is considering the illegal transportation and release of this invasive species.”

Last year, TWRA announced new measures to combat the growing hog

problem, removing the non-native wild pigs from big-game status and marking them for eradication through aggressive trapping, and working with landowners to facilitate their removal by virtually any means necessary.

“These pigs can wipe out agricultural crops and wildlife habitat with amazing efficiency,” said Mike Butler, CEO of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation. “The evidence shows that wild hog populations are popping up in non-contiguous areas, which suggests that they are being transported and released illegally. This new law is a much stronger deterrent.”

Wild hogs are prolific reproducers, with a sow capable of bearing a litter of 12-15 piglets every 115 days.

They do massive damage to the land through feeding and wallowing; they are also omnivorous, and will eat just about anything they can find. Studies have clearly shown that the hogs eat turkey eggs and poults, and even the occasional fawn or other unsuspecting mammal. Other ground-nesting birds, amphibians and reptiles can suffer population decreases, and the pigs serve as a reservoir for diseases that can affect both livestock and humans.

Wild hogs also root up acres of land, which requires significant time and money to repair. In the U.S., damage caused by wild hogs is conservatively estimated at $1.5 billion annually.

Founded in 1946, the not-for-profit Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s mission is to champion the conservation, sound management and enjoyment of Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources for current and future generations through stewardship, advocacy and education. For more information, visit www.tnwf.org. t

7

The Farm Bill: Another game of Monopoly The game of monopoly is America’s most played board game and teaches strategy, ways to handle money, and most importantly patience. Just like the game of monopoly, the Farm Bill is doing the same to our U.S. Congress.

The monopoly comparison was used in the discussion of the 2012 Farm Bill by Mary Kay Thatcher, American Farm Bureau Federation’s senior director of Congressional Relations at the 65th annual Tennessee Farm Bureau Women’s Summer Conference held in Columbia, Tenn.

Thatcher updated the Farm Bureau women on the politics and issues being debated in the Senate.

The Farm Bill is the primary agriculture and food policy tool of the federal government. The proposed Senate version of the 2012 Farm Bill is compiled into 1,000 pages, and almost 300 amendments (which were reduced to 73 for consideration on the Senate floor).

According to Thatcher the Senate version of the bill cuts $23 billion from current spending levels and ends direct payments made to farmers. In addition it terminates three other farm programs, including one based on price targets. It replaces the four programs with a revenue-based support program that helps farmers suffering moderate (shallow) losses before crop insurance kicks in. Commodity program payments to farmers with adjusted gross incomes of more than $750,000 are ended and twenty-three conservation programs are consolidated into 13.

The bill spends nearly $500 billion over its five-year life. By far, the majority of the Farm Bill funding goes to nutrition. About 80 percent of the spending goes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, (approximately $80 billion a year). One in seven Americans are on the food stamp

program. Nine percent is allocated to crop insurance, six percent to conservation, seven to commodity programs, and one percent to everything else (livestock, research, etc.).

Thatcher mentioned there are some new initiatives for new farmers and vegetable producers. However, the Senate version is not without controversy. Thatcher discussed the concern over payment limits on crop insurance. Farmers currently receive some assistance on their crop insurance premiums but some Senators are pushing for a 15 percent reduction in assistance for those farmers who have an average adjusted gross income over $750,000.

Thatcher also mentioned efforts to codify the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the United Egg Producers agreement to double cage size, require environmental enrichments, and require labeling on all egg cartons as to the lifestyle of the hens that produced them. She said this is not appropriate for a Farm Bill. (Fortunately this amendment was not among the 73 amendments the Senate considered.)

House Republicans have been surprised by Senate progress made on the Farm Bill, having assumed it would collapse amid the partisan fighting.

With Senate passage almost certain at press time the House is making plans to respond. The House will first consider the annual agriculture appropriations bill with hopes of taking up the Farm Bill soon after the July 4th holiday.

As we go to press, the Farm Bill is still in discussion, for the latest information be sure to check out the American Farm Bureau website at fb.org. t

Co-written by Jessica Sarten and Emily Upchurch TFBF Summer Interns

Wild hogs have rooted up the ground around a monument at the Vicksburg National Military Park in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.

Are black vultures bothering you?

If you are having problems with black vultures, $50 annually renewable permits can be acquired from the U.S. Fish/Wildlife Service (615-736-5506) for the killing of black vultures posing a problem to livestock producers. Producers should contact the state office of Fish/Wildlife to request the permit after they have failed in their attempt to harass the birds. The permit is usually for the kill of 8-10 birds. In severe cases a depravation permit can be issued which will allow Fish/Wildlife personnel to trap multiple birds at operation costs to the property owner. t

Discussing the Farm Bill – Mary Kay Thatcher, senior director of Congressional Relations for the American Farm Bureau, during the summer conference for the Tennessee Farm Bureau Women, explained the long process the current Farm Bill legislation has gone through and will continue to go through until at least October before it will be passed. Thatcher has served as a Washington lobbyist for almost 25 years.

8

Tennessee Farm Bureau News - July 2012

www.tnfarmbureau.org

2012 Farm Bureau Women’s Summer Conference What is a Farmer?

Winning Essay by Isaac Keller Maryville Middle School, Blount County Stereotypes are usually not an accurate depiction, especially when it comes to careers.

Librarians are shown as fussy and doctors are shown with really bad handwriting. When it comes to farmers, however, stereotypes have managed to find some of the good physical characteristics that make farmers who they are.

When we examine a farmer from head to toe, there is a lot to see. Starting at the top, one of the first things that becomes obvious is what color tractor he drives. Farmers love to wear caps and companies love to advertise, so a farmer’s hat is the perfect way to meet both needs in one place. Farmers are loyal and any chemical company, tractor dealer, or feedlot can find a ready billboard on top of his head.

Working our way down, we find a brown face that has seen many hours in the weather and even more hours looking up at the sky for the first hint of rain.

Sometimes a farmer’s face may show his disappointment in the year’s crop or sadness in the death of a newborn calf, but his face is also ready to smile at a summer rain coming across the horizon or a field full of tasseled corn at dawn.

Although not very high in importance to a farmer, his clothes can be nearly any combination: overalls with a plaid shirt, a t-shirt with jeans or even a pair of shorts. Most famers will be glad to grab whichever clothes

are closest and get out the door.

Whatever a farmer is wearing, it is sure to be practical. It will be something that he doesn’t care to get dirty when he changes the head on the combine. His clothes will also be something that can get torn in the barn lot and, when it becomes too threadbare to wear, used as a rag when he is checking the oil in the tractor.

Calloused, rough and stained, a farmer’s hands are probably his greatest tell-tale sign to the world. No one can look at the dirty nails, scratches and mashed fingers and not know that they are looking at the hands of a working man. His hands distinguish him from those who don’t know the joy of breaking a clod of soil or helping a cow deliver her calf safely.

While the business world likes to think that the suit makes the man, it is more true that the boots make the farmer. Work boots come in all shapes, but every farmer requires his boots to be comfortable because he will have them on from sunup to sundown. He also needs them to last through spring storms, dry summers and muddy winters.

With a quick glance toward his feet, you might be able to tell exactly what he has been doing that day.

A farmer is so much more than what you see on the outside, but the outside is a great place to see his loyalty, work ethic, practicality and love for the job. t

Meeting the daughter of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans – Cheryl Rogers Barnett, the

oldest daughter of Roy Rogers and Dales Evans spoke to the group and presented a special DVD on the 100th anniversary of Dale Evans. She is shown here visiting with Brenda Baker from Obion County after her address.

Laughing at life – The conference closed out with a special time of laughter presented by

humorist Lisa Smartt. Her subject of “Laughter and Life Lessons from the Country” brought down the house and reminded many of the daily humor found while living in rural Tennessee.

Women’s role in public policy – Leslie Hafner, legislative director from Gov. Bill Haslam’s office, addressed the group on the role they play in public policy. She encouraged them to become involved and active in issues that are important to their organization and farms.

Essay contest winners – Three young people were selected as this year’s top winners in

the Tennessee Farm Bureau Women’s annual essay contest. From left: Third place winner Lucas Justice from Fentress County; first place winner Isaac Keller from Blount County and second place winner was Maycie Rollins from Weakley County who was unable to attend and her mother Mrs. Monica Rollins accepted the award for her.

Poster contest winners - These students were named as the top three in the statewide poster contest during the Farm Bureau Women’s Summer Conference held in June. From left: Colton Young from Marshall County won third place; Sheridan Bouldin from Van Buren County won first place and the second place winner is Alex Pierce from Sullivan County.

www.tnfarmbureau.org

July 2012 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News

9

2012 State June Dairy Month Kickoff Luncheon WSM’s Bill Cody addresses luncheon – WSM radio’s Bill Cody

was the keynote speaker for the 2012 Tennessee June Dairy Month Kickoff Luncheon. Cody’s involvement with the station heard most often for years in milking parlors throughout the south was a perfect match for the kick-off event. He is shown here with one of his fans, Laura Vaught, who was an intern for the TFBF Public Affairs Department this year.

Girl’s basketball team named as Tennessee Dairy Promoters of the Year –

The Grainger County girls basketball team was honored this year as the Tennessee Dairy Promoters of the Year. Before, during and after each game they used chocolate milk as their energy source to give them a boost to accomplish an outstanding season. Shown making the presentation to team members on the left is ADA of Tennessee President Randy Davis and Bill Cody of WSM Radio on the right.

Dairy Quiz Bowl winners – Henry County 4-H had the winning team this year for the Quiz Bowl competition during the 2012 June Dairy Month Kickoff. From left: Jeff Mitchell,UT Dairy Specialist; Brigitte Passman, Brooke Williams, Melinda Perkins, Emily Rose, and Coach Laura Moss.

Macon County 4-H member has first place poster – Macon County’s Samantha Bussell exhibited this year’s winning June Dairy Month poster.

Dairy Quiz Bowl runners-up – Henry County 4-H had both the champion and reserve champion teams this year. From left: UT Dairy Specialist Jeff Mitchell, Brooke Rose, Ashton Thompson, Jack Paschall, Mavis Ward, and Coach Laura Moss.

Lifetime Achievement Award given in honor of Mac Pate –

The late Mac Pate, who passed away this year, was a lifelong Maryville dairyman and farmer. He was honored at the kickoff event by having the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award presented to his family in his name. Mr. Pate was one of the industries greatest supporters. He once told a reporter about his life as a farmer and summed it up this way, “I grew up on this farm. Not everyone has the opportunity to play in a creek, run across an open field, pet a cow and just become one with nature and your surroundings. We haven’t made this farm. It has made us.”

Abigail has another winning poster – Claiborne County’s Abigail Ferguson exhibited this year’s second place winning June Dairy Month poster. She was also a winner last year. Third place was won by Gwen Todd from Dyer County, who was unable to attend the June Dairy Month Kickoff event.

10

Tennessee Farm Bureau News - July 2012

How do your fruits grow?

With summer in full swing, in comes the inspired gardener who is ready to get their hands in the dirt. To make sure that efforts are not wasted, many attended the fifth annual Fruits of the Backyard Field Day earlier this month at the Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Spring Hill. People from small garden hobbyists to producers with several acres of fruits and vegetables came out to learn about different ways to improve their yield this season.

This wass a free public event full of break-out sessions that were designed to address the issues facing the homeowner and producer. Some of the topics addressed included soil preparation - making sure that your soil is properly taken care of before planting; the new and hot topic of the season - container gardening; and ways to harvest sunlight

- more specifically with grape trellising systems.

There were also many educational displays in the trade show, including everything that you might need to know about gardening and the care of your plants. Displays included insect identification, soil testing, the master gardener program and many more resources that are helpful for this growing season.

The breakout sessions were presented by three of the University of Tennessee’s experts that are very strong in each of their fields.

To check out more information about next year’s Fruits of the Backyard Field Day visit their website middletennessee.utk.edu. t

By Jessica Sarten TFBF Summer Intern

Get your grilling on and celebrate July Beef Month Ah! Finally, the relaxing sounds of summer. Kids are playing in the backyard, neighbors greet one another on evening walks and the best sound of all – steaks sizzling on the grill, the mouthwatering aroma letting everyone know someone’s grilling beef tonight!

It’s always grilling time in Tennessee, but somehow the lazy days of summer just make it that much better. July is Beef Month in Tennessee and that is something to celebrate!

Beef is a savory tasting, lean and nutritious source of protein, zinc, iron and B-vitamins, all important nutrients your body requires. Calorie for calorie, lean beef is one of the most nutrientrich foods: a 3 ounce serving of lean beef has only 179 calories. That same serving supplies more than 10 percent of the USDA daily value for essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health and weight. It’s an extremely versatile protein source. With 29 lean beef cuts to choose from, including favorites such as tenderloin, sirloin, and flank steaks you can’t go wrong.

So “Get Your Grill On” in July. You’ll be known as the “Hero of House” with your family and who knows, you may even earn the title, “Grill Master of the Neighborhood.”

For a list of lean cuts of beef and great tasting healthy beef recipes visit www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com. t

www.tnfarmbureau.org

Beef Cattle Outlook

By Dr. Emmit L. Rawls

Transition time, a look ahead This may be my last article for the Tennessee Farm Bureau News. Dr. Andrew Griffith came to work on May 14 and began his career at the University of Tennessee as the new Extension livestock economist. Dr. Griffith grew up on a beef cattle and tobacco farm in Hampshire, Tenn. He was active in 4-H. He received his B.S. degree in agriculture business from Tennessee Technological University, his M.S. degree in agricultural economics from the University of Tennessee and recently his Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University. His family has marketed feeder cattle in the Tennessee Beef Alliance sales for several years, so he is very familiar with Farm Bureau, especially its marketing activities with Tennessee Livestock Producers.

I will be working with Andrew over the next several months to assist him in meeting people in our organization and those in the business of producing and marketing livestock across the state. He is excited to have this opportunity in Tennessee, and I am very happy to have him here.

I hope to assist him in making a great start in supporting our county Extension agents, area specialists in farm management, working with our other Extension specialists and supporting livestock organizations such as Farm Bureau.

I want to thank the Tennessee Farm Bureau for the opportunity to provide educational information in the Tennessee Farm Bureau News.

Hopefully, the information has been helpful to producers in their effort to make informed production and marketing decisions. Market outlook work is tough business. Most of all one does not want to be far wrong, especially on the downside. You may have noticed that my forecasts have not been very precise since prices rose into the stratosphere. It is tough enough to make forecasts based on fundamental supply/demand information. However, when disruptions like BSE (mad cow) or LFTB (lean finely textured beef, erroneously called “pink slime”) come along, it can make the

best forecast look very wrong. I once heard that the epitaph on a market outlook economist’s tombstone read, “No one remembers when I was right, but no one forgets when I was wrong.”

Fortunately, I have not had many reminders of when I was wrong.

Looking ahead, the supply/ demand situation for beef cattle should be very favorable for the next two or three years. Though the price/ profit situation is favoring expansion, very dry conditions in Tennessee and other parts of the country are likely to constrain significant growth in the cattle herd. This year we will import more beef and export less. This is due to our high prices, a strong dollar, low U. S. production of cow beef, and increased production in other countries such as Australia. This fall the corn crop is the wild card on what calf prices may average. Calf supplies will be tighter, so prices should continue to be strong.

Volatility will continue with U.S. and world events rattling the markets. As you know, I am an advocate of price risk management. While it may cost money, it can keep you in business.

Looking way ahead, world gross domestic product is expected to double by 2050. The needed growth in meat production is more than we can produce using all our productive farmland. Crop yields will need to more than double to accomplish that. I am concerned about legal constraints being placed on U.S. agriculture. I am also concerned about the loss of land and producers, and some of our infrastructure, especially publically funded research. We must decide if we want cheap fuel or cheap food, because much of the cause of higher food prices today are the result of higher crop prices.

I will still have the same address, phone number and email, at least until June 30, 2013. I will respond to requests for information, but will involve Andrew during this transition.

Again, I have been very blessed to have the opportunity to serve the state of Tennessee and University of Tennessee Extension. t

It’s time to get geared up for the Tennessee Junior Livestock Expo The 41st Tennessee Junior Livestock Exposition is coming up July 9-July 19, 2012. Ten full days with the focus being on Tennessee’s rural youth and their beef and sheep projects.

The Expo attracts 4-H and FFA boys and girls from Shelby County in the

west to Sullivan County in the east and Polk County in the southeast to Obion County in the northwest.

Expo is the largest agricultural annual event of the University of Tennessee Extension Service.

The cattle events will be carried out

July 9-11 at MTSU’s Tennessee Livestock Center in Murfreesboro and the sheep events are set for July 16-19 at TTU’s Hyder-Burks Pavilion in Cookeville.

Everyone should make plans to attend these activities and events to support and encourage the youth in

their endeavors. These youth will be the future leaders in agriculture, education and government.

More information can be found at http://animalscience.ag.utk.edu or you can contact Professor Jim Neel at jneel@utk.edu or 865-974-7294. t

www.tnfarmbureau.org 14 Tennessee Farm Bureau

News - May 2010

YF&R REPORT

Mary Margaret Chester - 2012 YF&R Reporter It is June and you know what that means? Dairy Month!!! I hope all of you are enjoying some good wholesome dairy products this month along with your homegrown fruits and vegetables. Be sure and thank a farmer for those out of this world, fresh foods. Here in the United States, we are so blessed to have the safest and most abundant food supply, we need not take that for granted.

Well June is here and that means SUMMER. So what are Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers doing across the state this summer?

First of all, you want to be sure you attend the Tennessee YF&R Summer Conference held in Columbia, Tennessee at TFBF Headquarters. It is July 20th and 21st, it is a great time to network Farm Bureau

®

with other young farmers while having lots of fun too!

Second, here are some activities that young farmer chapters across the state are participating in. White County’s YF&R are getting involved with USDA and TEMA to be part of an Animal Disaster Response Team in case of natural disasters in their area. Rutherford County YF&R is taking a trip to Fair Oaks Dairy in Indiana June 23rd and 24th and it is open to all that would like to go.

These are just a few of the many ways that YF&R chapters are staying busy promoting agriculture in their communities and helping others at the same time!

Remember to contact your elected officials and have a voice when it comes to ensuring agriculture’s future. t

Young Farmers

& Ranchers Program

YF&R Gives producers a Leg up

11

July 2012 - Tennessee Farm www.tnfarmbureau.org Bureau News

County Farm Bureau Annual Meetings Bedford County Farm Bureau Friday, August 3 at 7:00 P.M. at the local Farm Bureau. A catered meal will be provided. There will be door prizes.

Cheatham County Farm Bureau The two-year annual meeting will be August 14, 2012 at the Ashland City Farm Bureau office at 7:00 P.M. All members are invited to attend.

Coffee County Farm Bureau Held at the Ada Wright Center in Manchester on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 5:00 P.M. The Ada Wright Center is located in the Fred Deadman Park on Woodland St. All business pertaining to the annual report will be reviewed.

A barbecue dinner will be served by the Coffee County Farm Bureau Women.

There will be live music and door prizes will be given away. Guest speaker will be Carol McDonald, Assistant Commissioner for Policy and Legislation with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. All voting members are invited to attend. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Brenda at 728-4637.

Crockett County Farm Bureau Thursday evening, August 16, 2012 at 6:30 P.M. at the Farm Bureau building in Alamo.

Cumberland County Farm Bureau Saturday, July 28, 2012. Community Complex Exhibit Building. Serving begins at 6:00 P.M. All members invited.

Sullivan County Farm Bureau October 15, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. at the Farm Bureau building in Blountville.

Annual reports will be given. All members are invited. Refreshments will be served.

Warren County Farm Bureau Saturday, August 25 at 5:00 P.M. at Farm Bureau office building. All members welcome. Reservations only! Call by August 17 at 931-473-4481.

Tennessee State University

“The Changing Face of Agriculture in Tennessee” Being involved in YF&R gives young producers an advantage! Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program prepares producers for their future in agriculture by providing networking opportunities as well as training on leadership, ag issues, business and more.

August 30, 2012

8:00 am - 2:00 pm

3500 John Merritt Blvd.

Attend the Expo: -- Visit vendors -- Attend workshops -- Enjoy a free lunch -- Recognize the outstanding small farmer in Tennessee

Field Demonstrations:

--21st Century Greenhouse Technology Today: Tour and Demonstration of TSU’s new Greenhouse

--Organic Vegetable Research: A Showcase of Organic Vegetable Research at TSU

-- Community Gardens: Do’s and Don’ts of Coordinating a Community Garden

Educational Workshops:

-- Benefits of Safe Pesticide Use and Handling: Pesticides can be a valuable

-- Small Farms Diversification:

For more information about YF&R competitive events and how you can get involved, contact your state’s Farm Bureau office or the American Farm Bureau Federation® at yfr@fb.org or 202-406-3600.

tool for good living and best management practices

-- Social Media Marketing -- Exploring Potential New Markets & Enterprises

-- Small Flock Chicken Production: Is “Backyard Poultry Production” for you and your home or small farm?

-- Farm Financial Planning:

-- Equipment 101 for Small Farms:

-- Ways to Improve and Manage

Get the Right Equipment for your Operation

your Farm’s Credit Portfolio

Public notice by Tennessee Pork Producers Association and the National Pork Board The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2013 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 7, 2012 in conjunction with an Executive Committee meeting of the Tennessee Pork Producers Association in the Ed Jones Auditorium at the Ellington Agriculture Center, 440 Hogan Rd., Nashville, TN 37204.

Any producer, age 18 or older

who is a resident of the state and has paid all assessments due may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their name and the check-off deducted. For more information, contact the Tennessee Pork Producers Association, 13994 Versailles Road, Rockvale, TN 37153, 615-274-6533. t

Nashville, TN 37209

Outstanding Small Farmer

Nominate an outstanding farmer today Best Management Practices

Innovative Marketing

Alternative Enterprises

You could be the next Tennessee Small Farmer of the Year. For more information contact Chris Robbins at 615-792-5744 or crobbins@tnstate.edu.

Also, visit www.tnstate.edu/extension/smallfarmexpo.astx to print the nomination form.

The winner of the Small Farmer of the Year will receive a free trip to the 2012 National Small Farms Expo.

To preregister for the Small Farms Expo, reserve a space to become a vendor or nominate an outstanding farmer contact: Chris Robbins at 615-792-5744 or crobbins@tnstate.edu Vendor Space is limited. Vendor set-up begins at 7:00 am and registration at 7:30 am.

Pesticide points are avilable.

12

Tennessee Farm Bureau News - July 2012

www.tnfarmbureau.org

Tennessee’s Agri-Events Value-added dairy workshop planned Good records are essential to knowing costs of production, so says John Campbell, area farm management specialist with University of Tennessee Extension. “Dairy farmers who know their costs and understand their financial position are better able to evaluate value-added opportunities.”

In July, Campbell and Hal Pepper from the Center for Profitable Agriculture will present “Taking a Look at Value-Added Dairy Opportunities,” a brief workshop designed to help dairy farmers calculate milk production costs and assess the costs associated with onfarm milk processing. “Taking a Look” highlights the impact of adding an onfarm processing enterprise on a dairy farmer’s financial statements, prospects for value-added dairy products and

costs associated with on-farm processing of milk into products like fluid milk, yogurt and cheese. Examples will focus on cow dairies but the principles may also be applied to smaller goat and sheep dairies.

“Taking a Look at Value-Added Dairy Opportunities” will be held in Athens on July 10 with an early registration deadline of July 3. The workshop begins at 11:00 AM and ends at 1:30 PM. All times are local time.

There is no registration fee for the workshop; however, pre-registration is required as space is limited and a meal is included. Pre-registration information for the workshop is available on the Center’s website at http://cpa.utk.edu.

Contact Hal Pepper at 931-486-2777 or e-mail hal.pepper@utk.edu. t

Plan for a fun at UT’s Summer Celebration It’s Thursday, July 12, and you’ve just arrived at the University of Tennessee West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center among a throng of garden enthusiasts, all anxious to hear from their favorite plant experts and shop for those unique and hard-tofind trees, shrubs and perennials.

So now what?

Well, if you like food (and who doesn’t), we suggest you first go to Room 162 to pick up a reservation ticket for the UT Extension Kitchen Divas hourly cooking show. There’s no extra cost for this event, but seating is limited, so you need to reserve a space.

This year the Divas will be cooking with honey. Sweet!

Once that’s taken care of, you can enjoy one of the 17 garden talks, which begin at 10:00 AM. These presentations are led by gardening experts from around the region and will be repeating throughout the day.

Learn about glorious vines, tenacious turf, unorthodox shrubs, and edible landscapes. Many of the talks will focus on the care and cultivation of this year’s featured plant—hydrangea!

Hopefully, in your excitement for the day, you didn’t forget to pack along a specimen of that pest or disease that’s been troubling your garden. You can have it identified for free by experts from the UT Extension Soil, Plant and Pest Center at their mobile

diagnostic clinic. And if you have a cup of soil from your home garden or lawn, you can get a free pH test.

Of course you came to learn, but you also came to shop. As always, the Master Gardeners’ Plant Sale has an amazing collection of great plants, and this year they have a large selection of new and hard-to-find hydrangeas.

Don’t forget to check out our vendor tent for garden tools, unique outdoor art and locally grown produce.

If by now you need a break, take a ride on the relaxing AgResearch wagon tour. You’ll get to see areas of the farm not generally open to the public, as UT scientists fill you in on their cutting-edge research that’s contributing to the success of Tennessee farmers. You can also visit the 4-H AllStars food tent for a hamburger right off the grill with all the fixings.

By the end of the day your feet may be tired, but armed with new plants and fresh ideas, you’ll be ready to tackle any garden challenge.

The Summer Celebration Lawn and Garden Show takes place on Thursday, July 12, 2012 from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM at UT’s West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center.

Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 17 and under. For more information, including directions to this event, visit the website http://west. tennessee.edu. t

Tobacco and Forage Field Day scheduled The University of Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center at Greeneville will hold a Tobacco and Forage Field Day, Thursday, July 19, beginning at 3:00 PM. The event, which is free to attend, features UT Institute of Agriculture researchers and Extension specialists and includes three concurrent tours.

The tobacco tour will explore different aspects of burley production research, including new variety development and how variety selection and harvest impact leaf quality. Insect control strategies and controlling suckers using reduced rates of MH will also be discussed. Visitors are invited to see first-hand how burley varieties are performing in the field this year.

Concurrent to the tobacco tour, two separate programs on forage will be presented. Speakers on the first forage tour will discuss establishing cool-season pastures and UT forage variety recommendations, which are based on five years of variety trials. Visitors will have the opportunity to walk through the research trials and ask questions.

The second forage tour will focus on establishing and maintaining native

warm-season grasses. Visitors will also hear about gain results of grazing beef steers on native warm-season grasses.

Each tour will be presented two times throughout the evening, so visitors will have to choose their program options. A trade show featuring private vendors and educational and informational displays will also be available for visitors to enjoy.

Transportation will be provided to each tour stop. If you need to request an accommodation for accessibility, call 423-638-6532 or notify us at the registration table the day of the event.

A sponsored dinner will be served at 6:45 PM courtesy of Dupont Crop Protection, the Burley Stabilization Corporation, Chemtura Corporation Inc., and the Wax Company.

The field day site is located on East Allens Bridge Road, off Highway 70 in Greeneville. Directions to the Center are available online at http://greeneville.tennessee.edu/ For more information regarding the field day, contact your county UT Extension office or the AgResearch and Education Center at Greeneville, 423-638-6532. t

Mid-South Ag Finance Conference set Register now for the 11th Annual MidSouth Agricultural Finance Conference at The University of Tennessee at Martin, August 1, 2012.

Featuring renowned agricultural experts and speakers, David Kohl (AgriVisions, LLC), Allen Motew (QT Information Systems) and Richard Brock (Brock Associates).

Agricultural lenders, producers, and service providers will not want to miss this informative conference focusing on sustaining profitability, managing risk, forecasting economic conditions, commodity prices and long range weather patterns. Our experts will provide

lenders and producers with tools and best practices in ag management and financial planning. Specific economic indicators, financial tools, and associated information will help good ag operations become great ag operations. This is an excellent business development opportunity for lenders and ag service providers. Agricultural producers are also encouraged to bring family members and business partners.

Conference registration information is available at www.utm.edu/ agconference or by contacting Tom Payne at (731) 881-7324 or tpayne@ utm.edu. t

TPA annual meeting and summer getaway The Tennessee Poultry Association’s annual convention, August 10-11, 2012, includes the business meeting and industry speakers, golf tournament, sporting clays, silent and live

fundraising auction items. Saturday night banquet entertainment features up and coming country music artist, Bucky Covington. Contact 931-2251123 or info@tnpoultry.org. t

www.tnfarmbureau.org

July 2012 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News

13

Classified Ads Animals

Cattle

Tennessee Livestock Producers Genetics Bred Heifers For Sale. 200 Head, A.I. First Service (Approx. 55% Settled A.I.) most black and black white face. Contact Richard Brown 931-239-9785

Angus (Black) For Sale Registered Black Angus Bulls and Open Heifers. Excellent Bloodlines. Bulls meet TAEP requirements. Jimmy Mathis & Sons 931-729-3864 FOR SALE: Angus bulls - 20 months old and ready for service. Low birth weights and milk in their genetics. Good selection to choose from.

Norman Amonett, 99 Amonett Lane, Byrdstown, TN 38549. 931-864-6481 For Sale: Registered Angus heifers open/ exposure to registered Black Angus Bull, good EPDs and gentle. Mulberry, TN 931-993-7401 FOR SALE: Registered Black Angus bulls and heifers, excellent bloodlines. Rock Haven Angus, Lewisburg, TN. Days 931-703-9894; 931-364-3670 after 6PM For Sale: Registered Black Angus Heifers. A.I. Sired. Breds and Opens. Jared Brown & Son, Kent Brown. Rickman, TN 931-265-9200 Registered Black Angus Bulls and Heifers for sale.

Call Greg Moss Alexandria, TN 615-408-4173 Registered Black Angus cows 5-7 years old, Calves September and October. Good producers bred to top-gaining bull 2010 Spring Hill Test Station.

Also 3 registered Angus Bulls 21 months old.

Wyatt Angus 731-549-3742

Angus (Red) Reg. Red Angus Bull 2 yr old Excel. EPD’s Field and Herd Ready. 931-729-2318

For Sale: AI and naturally sired registered Red Angus young bulls and heifers. Also 3 year old proven herd sire. 931-858-2429 Registered Red Angus- Service Age Bulls and bred Heifers available. Low birth weight, gentle, lots of milk. Shady Bottom Ranch, Crossville, TN 931-200-0036

Beefmaster Good, gentle BBU bulls & heifers for sale. Visitors welcome. James & Carolyn Vaughn, 9512 Bates Trail, Lyles, TN 37098. 931-670-4605 Polled Bulls/heifers. Our guarantee since 1972: If after the sale of his first calf crop you are not satisfied, return any bull purchased from us for full refund. HUDSON BEEFMASTER, 3140 Buffalo Road, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464. 931-829-2637; 931-629-5246 cell

Chiangus Chiangus bulls and heifers. 865-856-3947

Hereford (Polled) Registered Polled Hereford bulls and females for sale, priced reasonably. Stan Webster, Chestnut Mound, 615-897-2333 Registered Polled Hereford bulls. Quality Sires, great EDP’s, Herd improving genetics. KBee Herefords, Shelbyville, TN 931-684-6582; kbartley@bellsouth.net

Limousin FOR SALE: Limousin bulls and heifers - black, red, polled and homozygous black. Riverside Valley Farm, Hohenwald, TN, 931-628-6730 Limousin Bulls: Registered Purebred Bulls, Heifers.

Proven Predigrees, Balanced EPD’s. Easy Calving, Super Gentle Seedstock. Dreamtime Limousin Farm, Mosheim, TN 423-422-6099

Santa Gertrudis DOUBLE-POLLED gentle Santa Gertrudis, registered bulls and heifers. kelsoclough@aol.com; 256-566-7878 Santa Gertrudis - Myers Farms - Poll bulls & heifers for sale. 144 Sub-Station Road, Unionville, TN 37180. 931-294-5653

Shorthorn Registered Shorthorn bulls and heifers for sale - top international blood lines, EPDS available.

Charles Curtis, Rickman, TN. Home 931-498-2847; office 931-388-7872, ext. 2215

Horses

For Sale: Purebred Hampshire boars and gilts.

David Chester, Clarksville, TN 931-358-2879

Birds Poultry POULTRY HOLLOW HACHERY, located 45 miles east of Nashville, can fill all your poultry needs starting with over 57 breeds of chickens, bantams, turkeys, guineas, ducks, geese, rare breeds. Dayold-sexed-pullets start at $2.25 NPIP CERTIFIED! Visit our website at www.poultryhollow.org or call 615-318-9036 or 615-477-7936

Exotic & Other Birds CANARIES $75-$100 731-934-4119

Baby Horses and Burros For Sale To Good Homes, $25.00 to $200. www.carrranch.com; rpcarrfarm@aol. com. 615-654-2180; 615-430-7777; 615-594-8480

Goats & Sheep

For Sale Hair Sheep Dorper Katahdin For Sale: Purebred Kiko goats. 931-987-2826 Culleoka, TN GOAT/SHEEP SALE: 2nd & 4th Monday.

Tennessee Livestock Producers, Columbia, TN. 931-212-9962; 931-982-9086 Reducing Show Flock. Big Suffolk Ewes Average 37” High 300.00 Ea. Will have Ram Lambs for sale in Sept. 400.00 Ea. 1- 2 yr. Suffolk Ram - 400.00 423-539-6003

Hogs

FOR SALE: Purebred Duroc, Yorkshire and Landrace boars and gilts. Bart Jones, Lafayette, TN, 615-666-3098

Dogs

Australian Cattle Dogs (Heelers) Pets to Show Quality, Reds, Blues. 423-626-7519; relindsey2@ yahoo.com; www.lindseysrockytopkennel.com; lindseyrockytopacd.com Australian Cattle Dogs most AKC “Heelers” Pet to Show Quality. relindsey2@yahoo.com; www.lindseysrockytopacd.com; www.lindseysrockytopkennel.com Border Collie Pups Registered Excellent Stock dogs and pets $250.00; $350.00 Dan Vickers 931-939-2426; 931-607-2426 Ladybug Kennel Big Sandy TN. Border Collie and Dachshund puppies Registered W&S, $200 each.

731-593-3807 For pictures e-mail: bettyewatkins@ bellsouth.net

Exotics

Legal Pet Raccoon Babies. State and USDA Licensed.

Email ringoscrossingpetfarm@yahoo.com 931-2680739 Make Great Pets, Ringo’s Crossing Pet Farm

“My beef checkoff can help raise consumer confidence in beef.”

i g r a e Y e i n n o R

n

“Simply put, our beef checkoff promotes safe, nutritious beef. All beef producers invest in the checkoff — so folks like you and me decide how to allocate these dollars to keep our product top-ofmind with consumers,” says Ronnie Yeargin, a cowcalf and stocker producer from Greenfield, Tenn.

The checkoff is working to build demand for beef by educating consumers about beef’s role in healthful diets.

My beef checkoff…reaching consumers with the benefits of beef.

AUCTION MARKET SERVICES

tn Livestock producers Hwy. 64E, Fayetteville sale Every tuesday Bobby Eslick, Manager 931-433-5256 931-433-4962 Ronnie Yeargin Yeargin Farms Greenfield, Tenn.

somerville Livestock market Hwy. 59, Somerville sheep & Goat sale Every tuesday Don Terry, Manager 901-465-9679/731-695-0353

VIDEO CATTLE SALES

SHEEP & GOAT SALES

SPECIAL SALES

COLUMBIA Every 2nd & 4th Monday

Graded Sales every Tuesday in Fayetteville

SOMERVILLE Every Tuesday

ORDER BUYING H.M. Eslick Frank Poling Bobby Eslick David Alexander

or scan this QR code

Funded by the Beef Checkoff.

sheep/Goat 2nd & 4th Mon. Frank Poling, Manager 931-223-8323 931-212-9962

Management provided for Lower Middle Tennessee Cattle Assoc.

Consignment information contact: 2012 sale dates 9 AM Central Frank Poling 931-212-9962 Aug. 3; Sept. 7; Oct. 5 Richard Brown 931-239-9785 Nov. 2; Dec. 7

July 9, 23; Aug. 13, 27 Sept. 10, 24; Oct. 8, 22; Nov. 12, 26; Dec. 10

Hear more from Ronnie at MyBeefCheckoff.com

columbia Livestock center Cattle sale Every thurs.

931-433-5256 931-212-9962 931-433-5256 615-300-3012

Weaned Sale 1st & 3rd Thursdays in Columbia Fall Cow Sales being planned for all barns.

TN Beef Alliance-9AM - July 31, Sept. 18, Dec.12 SEE WEBSITE FOR CURRENT LIST

PRODUCER GENETICS Alliance Development, Herd Sire Purchasing, Cattle Breeding & Marketing Consultation 200 Bred Heifers For sale

Richard Brown - 931-239-9785

darrell ailshie, general manager P.O. Box 313 • Columbia, TN 38402 • 931-388-7872 tennesseelivestockproducers.com

14

Tennessee Farm Bureau News - July May 2012 2010

www.tnfarmbureau.org

Classified Ads Plants

Grasses

For Sale Sericea Lespedeza Seed. 931-934-2745 Get Vaughn’s #1 Bermuda Grass from the original farm where developed. High Yields- High Digestibility- High Quality- High Palatable. Finish freezer beef without grain, grassfed and get proven excellent taste- Permanent stands with proper management- Have planter will travel to your farm and plant from April to August. Call for additional information. 931-657-2584

Bermuda Bermuda Sprigs, High protein hay & pasture, Plant June & July, Vaughn’s hybrid produces 100 sq. bales per acre, per cutting, cut 4 to 5 times each year, Carl Paschal 615-529-2444

Hay & Straw

FOR SALE: Vaughn’s #1 Hybrid Bermuda Hay. Premium Quality Hay available in small squares or 4x5 rolls. Jerry Roach, Linden, TN. 931-593-2673

Vegetables & Fruits

ANTIQUE APPLE TREES - Summer Rambo, Virginia Beauty, Yellow Transparent. Catalog $3.00. Write: Urban Homestead, 818-G Cumberland Street, Bristol, VA 24201. www.OldVaApples.com. 07-08

Lawn & Garden

Morton’s Horticultural Products, Inc. Free Catalog - Greenhouses & Growers Supplies. Drip Tape, Irrigation Supplies. We Manufacture our Greenhouses. Online Catalog - www.mortonproducts.com 800-473-7753; mortonprod@ blomand.net 07-05

Forestry

Panther Creek Forestry: Forestry, Timber, Wildlife Managers. Receive top timber prices. Hunting leases available - Cumberland Plateau & Land Between the Lakes. 931-474-6203; benmyers@ panthercreekforestry.net 07-14

Equipment

Tractors & Implements

Next issue is Sept. Ad deadline is Aug. 10.

Name _________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________ City_________________________________ State _______ Zip__________________ Phone (_________)_______________________________________________________

Disc Mower Curtains for most brand mowers $250.00 615-489-5355 Disc Mower 7 foot Good Mechanical Condition $1,875.00 423-253-7820, leave message John Deere 2130 Diesel. Great condition, frontend loader, economical, stored inside $9,600.00 Call 615-418-4823 Middle Tenn.

Trucks & Trailers

2003 Freightliner FL80 Tri-Axel Feed/ Grain Truck, $55,000, “cat” 3126 Engine, 300 H.P., 10 Speed, 20’ Dump Aluminum Bed, 48” sides, 24” Sleeper, Dual 75- Gal. Fuel Tanks, original owner, 615-330-3683 Gooseneck Livestock Trailers: Many sizes and options. Must see Prices you want believe.

Wholesale Trailers, Lebanon, TN 615-714-3894

Other Equipment

Used portable sawmills! Buy/Sell. Call Sawmill Exchange 800-459-2148; US & Canada; www.sawmillexchange.com 07-01

Property

Hunting Land for Sale: 150 acres of lightly wooded hunting land in Van Buren County, TN. Private entrance. Some wetlands. Deer, turkey, rabbit, quail, grouse, waterfowl, predators. $1750.00 per acre. Ralph at 931-224-9077 Mini Farm- 13.5 acres, Log home, 3 bdrms, 2 baths, barn, fenced pastures with ponds, 2 miles from I-75, Riceville. 423-462-2400 day; 423-4622160 evening Nice 21.82 Acre Horse Farm in Greene County, Tennessee. There is a 20 stall horse barn ready for your horses as well as well established pasture land. Located at 1800 Whirlwind Road. Listed at $142,900. Call 423-636-5055 07-18 Sevier County’s most desirable subdivision just minutes from downtown Pigeon Forge. The Summit offers breath taking views, paved roads, power, water and much more. 11 Lots to choose from call 423-636-5055 07-21 Timeshare Mariners Pointe Resort Crossville Tennessee, 1 bedroom unit 105A, week 33 Aug 17-24 $750.00, Interested? Call Irene Hay, owner 615-274-6367 or Sheila 1-800-960-6676 Mon-Fri 8-12 or 1-5

Vacation Rentals

Real Estate

29 Residential lots located in Cocke County TN. Lots ranging from $4900-$26,900 are available.

Call 423-636-5055 07-20 Beautiful 30.5 acre Nolichuckey River tract located on Bright Hope Rd in Greene County, Tennessee. This property has good building sites and already has power service on the property.

The property is listed for $229,900 obo. Call 423636-5055 07-19 Easttennesseefarmsforsale.com View online listings for farms, homes, mountain land in North East Tennessee. East Tennessee Realty Services, Greeneville TN 423-639-6395 07-11

Beautiful Smoky Mountain log cabins - near Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge. Jacuzzi, hot-tubs, porches and rockers, on trout stream, stone fireplaces, cable TV, fully furnished, hiking, $85 nightly and up. www.moorecabins.com; 423487-5615 07-15

OLD AERIAL PHOTOS: Over 500,000 Tennessee aerial farm photos as early as the 1980’s.

Call 888-402-6901 or visit

www.VintageAerial.com/TNFB

Travel DiscounTs

County of Farm Bureau Membership________________________________________ Place Ad Under Which Heading?____________________________________________

for Tennessee Farm Bureau Members

Place in Which Issue(s)?: ❏ Jan. ❏ March ❏ May ❏ July ❏ Sept. ❏ Nov.

Please print the copy for your ad in the spaces provided.

Clip this form and mail with correct payment to: Tennessee Farm Bureau News • P.O. Box 313 • Columbia, TN 38402-0313 $6 off an Adult or Child 1-Day Admission Visit the travel section of our website to purchase tickets and print membership card. TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED ONLINE. www.tnfarmbureau.org/memberbenefits Cannot combine with other offers. Not transferrable, must present proof of membership before entering park.

CAR RENTAL DISCOUNTS

10%

To make reservations call (800) RENT-A-CAR (800-736-8222) or go online at www.enterprise.com Corporate rate plan 56MFARM; PIN# TEN *Internet rates may be lower than phone rates.

Number of words in ad ____________

20%

X 50¢ or $1.00 = ____________ X Number of issues ____________ = TOTAL COST OF AD____________

CHOICE HOTELS DISCOUNTS

: Amount enclosed with ad

To make reservations call (800) 258-2847 or go to www.choicehotels.com

HH New Farm Bureau ID# 00214480 HH

There are two types of classified ads:

Old code expires June 2012

1. FARM BUREAU MEMBERS - selling items that they make, produce, or raise themselves; or surplus equipment. Each member ad costs 50¢ per word.

*Reservations required before check-in. Subject to availability at participating Choice Hotels. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Blackout dates may apply.

2. NON-MEMBERS or COMMERCIAL MEMBER ADS - in which the member is acting as an agent or dealer (real estate, health products, mail order business, etc.). Each ad costs $1.00 per word.

Price, phone number, e-mail address and website count as one word each.

Ads not accompanied BY payment will be returned to sender.

Ads received in our office after deadline will be held for next issue.

;

tnfarmbureau.org/memberbenefits

)

1-877-363-9100

f

TN Farm Bureau Member Benefits

www.tnfarmbureau.org

July 2012 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News

15

Classified Ads CABINS ON COSBY CREEK - Gatlinburg, Smokies area. Hot tub, Jacuzzi, Fireplace, Kitchen, Porches, CATV. Comfy! Cozy! Clean! 423-487-2646; www. cosbycabins.com 07-06 Farm House - near Rock Island Park - furnished, daily-weekly rates. 931-668-4554; 931-235-8054; www.vrbo.com/89925 07-07 GULF SHORES CONDO- 2BR, pool/beach access.

Spring $600/week, Summer $800/week, Fall $500/week. 931-296-4626 07-10 LOG CABIN RENTALS, GATLINBURG. Call Parkside Cabin Rentals 1-866-808-7715; www.parksidecabinrentals.com Old Creek Lodge, Gatlinburg. Private Balconies over Mountain Stream and Gas Fireplaces. 866418-7116 PIGEON FORGE cabins, chalets, cottages, units sleeping 1 to 36 people. Near Dollywood.

Middle Creek Rentals, 1-800-362-1897; www. mcrr93.com 07-17 SMOKY MOUNTAIN vacation chalets and cabins in Pigeon Forge near Dollywood, spacious, fireplace, views, $75/$85 nightly. 1-800-382-4393; www.pantherknob.com 07-16

Hunting Leases

Hunting Lease Wanted: 2 experienced, middle aged hunters need to lease farmland or timberland for deer and turkey hunting. Prefer Middle TN area. 865-659-8816 Responsible hunter would like to lease land for deer and turkey hunting. 423-479-4149; 423-7158936

Home Improvement Construction ATTENTION MOBILE HOME OWNERS: Take a punch at inflation with our super insulated roof over system by Roof King. No more leaks, never roof coat again, save $$ on heating and cooling costs, maintenance free, 100% watertight guaranteed. Call 1-800-276-0176, Roof King. 07-04

BUYING old comics and old toy collections. 615897-2573 CURRENTLY FARMING WITH A DISABILITY? The Tennessee AgrAbility Project is a state-wide non-profit service that provides assistance to agricultural workers with disabilities. For further information, please call 731-855-7656 “PLAY GOSPEL SONGS by ear!” Add chords. 10 lessons $12.95. “LEARN GOSPEL MUSIC”. Chording, runs, fills - $12.95. Both $24. “LEARN CHORD PLAYING”.

Piano -$12.50 Davidsons, 6727HT Metcalf, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66204 913-262-4982 07-02 Storage and Road Trailers: For Sale or Rent.

Delivery Available. 615-714-3894

SAWMILLS- Band/Chainsaw - Cut lumber any dimension, anytime. MAKE MONEY and SAVE MONEY. IN STOCK ready to ship. Starting at $995.00 www.NorwoodSawmills.com/651 1-800-578-1363 Ext: 651 07-09 WANTED: I collect World War I and II military relics - American, German, Japanese. Helmets, metals, knives, bayonets, guns, swords, daggers, etc.

423-842-6020 WANTED: Old millstones, cash paid, will pick up.

423-727-6486 West Tennessee Quail and Pheasant Preserve Guided Hunts Large or Small Groups Call for Prices and Book early 731-234-2959

He’s going to need more help than he thinks.

You remember when he was a little boy, always ready to help his dad.

Now he’s a strong young man who believes he can do it by himself.

But if something happens to you, will he have the means to see it through?

Farm Bureau Insurance has affordable life insurance plans to make sure your farm will live on after you.

Talk to your Farm Bureau Insurance agent today.

Home Security DRIVEWAY ALARMS, $209.95, 1000 feet, no wiring. TN DRIVEWAY AND DOOR CHIME CO 1-800342-9014 07-12

Business

Insurance Stock

Buying TN Farmers Life and Assurance stock.

731-285-1424 Wanted to buy TN Farmers Life and Assurance stock. 931-381-3580

Financial Services

CASH! Holding a mortgage on property you sold? Sell it for CASH! 615-898-1400 Murfreesboro; 1-800-862-2744 nationwide 07-03

Miscellaneous

25,000 mile oil change: www.lubedealer.com/ rust 07-13

OLD ENGINE LOVERS BEWARE The EPA changes in oil removed most of the Zinc Dialkyl Dithio Phosphate, (ZDDP) to lengthen the life of catalytic converters.

ZPlus-AG was developed to restore levels to proportions needed by pre-1996 engines.

ZDDP reduces wear on flat tappets, camshafts, and high pressure surfaces in tractors and old engines. Add one 4 oz. bottle to a 5 quart oil change to bring the ZDDP up to what is needed.

Contact us at www.zplusag.com or call:

919-926-8516

Tennessee Turns To Us ®

Get a free life insurance quote any time at fbitn.com

16 14

Tennessee Farm Bureau News - July May 2012 2010

www.tnfarmbureau.org

2012 Ford Focus

2012 Ford F-150

2012 Lincoln MKT

ExclusivE $ 500 savings for farm BurEau mEmBErs Now Tennessee Farm Bureau members can get $500 Bonus Cash* savings off vehicle MSRP toward the purchase or lease of any eligible 2011/2012/2013 Ford or Lincoln vehicle.

Enjoy valuable savings on your choice of vehicles from our hard-working, technologically advanced new lineup of cars and trucks—including the 2012 Ford F-150 with available 4.2-inch productivity screen and 11,300 lbs. maximum towing capacity (when properly equipped).

Take advantage of this special offer today. Visit: www.fordspecialoffer.com/farmbureau/tn

* Program #33834: $500 Bonus Cash offer exclusively for active Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. Offer is valid from 1/04/2012 through 1/02/2013 for the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2011/2012/2013 model year Ford or Lincoln vehicle (not available on Shelby GT/GT500, Mustang Boss 302, Focus Electric, Edge SE AWD, F-150 Raptor and Taurus SE). This offer may not be used in conjunction with other Ford Motor Company private incentives or AXZDPlans. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply. You must be an eligible Association member for at least 60 consecutive days and must show proof of membership. Limit one $500 Bonus Cash offer per vehicle purchase or lease. Limit of five new eligible vehicle purchases or leases per Farm Bureau member during program period. See your Ford or Lincoln Dealer for complete details and qualifications.

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