Go native! Drought proof your pasture strategy by adding warm-season grasses
Dayton 4-H, a BIG success
Sales tax breaks for farmers?
WInter2013
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1 Offer available through 4/1/14. Available on all 2012 and 2013 Chevrolet vehicles (excluding Volt). This offer is not available with some other offers, including private offers. Only customers who have been active members of an eligible Farm Bureau for a minimum of 60 days will be eligible to receive a certificate. Customers can obtain certificates at www.fbverify.com/gm. Farm Bureau and the FB logo are registered service marks of the American Farm Bureau Federation and are used herein under license by General Motors. 2 Based on Vincentric 2012 Model Level Analysis of 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton and 1-ton pickups in the U.S. retail market.
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3Arkansas Agriculture
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Farm Bureau Perspective by Sue Billiot 3Faces of Agriculture — Kirbi Allenby Tara Johnson 22
Go native! by Keith Sutton 4
Policy Update by Michelle Kitchens 26
Inside...
Rural Reflections Photo 32
Spotlight on Youth — Small town, BIG successby Keith Sutton 30
On the cover – Severe drought the past two summers have made it difficult to produce enough forage to feed cattle. Incorporating drought tolerant warm-season grasses into your pasture strategy could help.
Photo by Keith Sutton
F e a t u r e s
C o l u m n s
VOLUME 10IssUE 1
WIntEr2013
Executive Editor: Steve EddingtonEditor: Gregg PattersonContributing Writers: Ken Moore, Keith Sutton, Chris WilsonResearch Assistant: Brenda Gregory
3Arkansas Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultureis an official publication of
Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation.
Arkansas Agriculture is distributed to almost 42,000 farming and ranching households in Arkansas.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Included in membership dues.
ArkAnsAs FArm BureAu OFFicers: President
randy VeachManila
Vice President rich Hillman
CarlisleSecretary/Treasurer
Tom Jones Pottsville
Executive Vice President ewell Welch
Little Rock
DirecTOrs:Richard Armstrong, Ozark
Troy Buck, Alpine Jon Carroll, Moro
Joe Christian, Jonesboro Terry Dabbs, Stuttgart Mike Freeze, England
Bruce Jackson, Lockesburg Tom Jones, Pottsville
Johnny Loftin, El Dorado Gene Pharr, Lincoln Rusty Smith, Des Arc Allen Stewart, Mena
Mike Sullivan, Burdette Leo Sutterfield, Mountain View
ex OFFiciOSherry Felts, Joiner
Brent Lassiter, NewportJanice Marsh, McCroryBrian Walker, Horatio
Arkansas Agriculture is published quarterly by the
Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation, 10720 Kanis Road, Little Rock, AR 72211. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Arkansas Agriculture, P.O. Box 31, Little Rock, AR 72203.
Publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. All rights reserved.
Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
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Send comments to:[email protected]
My service to agriculture didn’t end in December when I completed my two-year term
as chair of the Arkansas Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. In fact, upon being selected
as a Southern Region representative for the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership
Committee (AFBWLC), it’s just expanded to all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
I’m humbled and honored to follow in the footsteps of Martha Ahrent of Corning, the
last Arkansan to fill a role on the national women’s committee more than 20 years ago.
From my view, this is a continuation of the agricultural awareness I’ve been involved
with for the past 12 years as a member of the Sharp County Farm Bureau board of direc-
tors. My six years on the state Women’s Committee only increased my appetite and con-
vinced me of the need for greater ag promotion and education.
My husband Ken and I enjoy the people of Farm Bureau and are privileged to ride for
and with the Farm Bureau brand. We’ve been in the cattle and forage business for more
than 20 years. We also spent 10 years in the poultry business. While raised in Louisiana,
we’ve made our home in beautiful Sharp County for almost 20 years.
Women play a significant role in agriculture and in Farm Bureau. The most recent
Census of Agriculture found that 13.9 percent of farms and ranches had female principal
operators. As women take a more active role in production, they’re also becoming more
involved in organizations that represent farmers and ranchers.
AFBWLC contributes an essential perspective to the organization and provides oppor-
tunities for women to become involved in all aspects of Farm Bureau. The AFBWLC mem-
bers are elected at the AFBF annual meeting. In addition to the committee chair and vice
chair, there are two members representing each of the four regions.
The committee develops programs and materials that will empower women in Farm
Bureau to strive for and attain leadership positions to strengthen the overall organization.
Both the program of work and the committee budget are approved by the AFBF board of
directors.
Engaged, Empowered & Strong is the theme for the AFBWLC for the coming year. The
committee members determined the theme to describe how the members feel about their
role.
• Engaged: AFBWLC provides opportunities for women to get involved in an
organization that represents all of agriculture.
• Empowered: AFBWLC empowers women to tell their stories in authentic,
dynamic ways to decision makers, lawmakers, teachers, students and consumers.
• Strong: AFBWLC helps women build on their strengths as agricultural
professionals and leaders who are effective at speaking up and speaking out
about agricultural and legislative issues.
I’m honored to serve on the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee.
Please reach out to me at [email protected], and let me know how I can be the most
effective voice for our state and the Southern Region.
Farm Bureau Perspective
by Sue Billiot
ŒŒŒ*
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Edition 28
4 Arkansas Agriculture
According to the University of
Arkansas Division of Agriculture,
ranchers in Arkansas lost at least
$128 million due to drought
conditions from August 2011
through July 2012. The losses
were mostly the result of an
inadequate hay supply and
rising hay costs. It became too
expensive to feed cattle, and
many ranchers were forced to sell
part of their stock.
During this period, up to 85
percent of pastures were in poor
or very poor condition. This led
to lackluster hay production and
the smallest hay yields since the
mid-1950s.
Some parts of Arkansas,
particularly south and east of
Little Rock, benefitted from big
rains in late summer and early fall
of 2012, but less rain fell in the
north and west. At Texarkana, the
yearly deficit was more than 17
inches. In late December, a severe
to extreme drought still affected
most areas north and west of a
line from Texarkana to Morrilton
to Hardy, with rainfall deficits
from 12 to 16 inches.
Many ranchers worry that
dire conditions could persist,
compounding the negative
impacts of drought and thus
ruining even more livelihoods.
In response, Mark Svoboda, a
climatologist with the National
Drought Mitigation Center said,
“You roll the dice every year.
Nothing will make you drought-
proof.”
Making sure warm-season grasses are part of your forage mix can help during droughtby Keith Sutton
Go native!
Keith
Sut
ton
There is one action that can
help, however, and the Arkansas
Game & Fish Commission (AGFC)
is touting it as a long-term solution
to filling the summer forage gap
that often happens in the Natural
State. Establishing stands of native
warm-season grasses on a portion of
one’s property can help assure cattle
have quality forage even during the
hottest, driest summers.
What are native warm-season grasses?
As the name suggests, warm-season
grasses reach maximum productivity
during summer. Growth begins
when the soil temperature reaches
approximately 55º F, and growth
rate increases with temperature to a
maximum of about 90º F.
At one time, native species such
as big bluestem, little bluestem,
indiangrass, sideoats grama, switchgrass
and eastern gamagrass grew on
hundreds of thousands of acres of
unforested land in Arkansas. But today,
most stands of native warm-season
grasses are gone, plowed to make room
for crops or replaced with bermudagrass,
tall fescue and other plantings.
BenefitsNative warm-season grasses
will grow on virtually any site
in Arkansas where you might
normally try to produce forage, but
establishment of healthy stands may
require extra effort and costs. The
benefits are numerous, however,
including high yields, nutritious
forage, low input cost, exceptional
drought tolerance and positive
wildlife values — all qualities
ranchers are looking for.
“Given our record of severe
drought this year and in recent
years, the opportunity is perfect
for ranchers to drought-proof
pastures with natives and avoid
extensive summer pasture losses
in the future,” said AGFC private
lands supervisor David Long. “I tell
ranchers to think of native warm-
season grasses as drought insurance
with no annual premium payment.
Replanting natives in this year’s
dead pastures can help landowners
achieve protection against future
losses while providing unequaled
forage dividends and peace of mind.
Benefits to our soil, water, fish and
wildlife resources also are realized
that will pay additional dividends for
many years to come.”
Native warm-season grasses have
characteristics that enable them to
thrive when and where turfgrasses
cannot.
“These grasses evolved here
and are quite hardy against dry
conditions,” said AGFC quail/
small-game program coordinator
Clifton Jackson. “Consider the
root structure. Roots of native
grasses grow much deeper than
fescue or bermuda and can use
nutrients and moisture that are
simply out of reach for the so called
‘improved’ grasses. Native grasses
also are naturally well-adapted to
the state’s soils, climate, insects
and diseases, so ranchers experience
fewer problems with them. One
drawback in transitioning to natives
is the time required to establish a
good stand of grass. This can take
a year or two, but the drought-
resistance properties and the forage
produced will certainly offset this
inconvenience.”
Certain features also increase
native grasses’ wildlife values. For
example, unlike turfgrasses, which
typically grow as short, dense,
interwoven carpets of runners and
leaves, natives grow in tall, upright
bunches with open areas between
each plant. The sheltered openings
beneath the clumps provide
protected nesting sites, travel
corridors and feeding sites for a wide
variety of birds, small mammals and
other wildlife including bobwhites,
rabbits and wild turkeys. And after
fields are established, the landowner
can develop a haying/mowing/
grazing regime that perpetuates these
wildlife benefits.
Recompense for ranchersOf course, you’ll want to know
more about the benefits of native
warm-season grasses from a forage
production aspect, and these, too,
are many.
Better summer forage
production. Most forage production
in Arkansas is based on cool-
season grasses, such as tall fescue
and orchardgrass, species that
grow best during cooler parts of
the year (March through May and
September to November). Cool-
season grasses are not adapted to
summer conditions and do poorly
that time of year. Native warm-
season grasses are more efficient with
their water use and more adapted to
hot, dry summer conditions. They
complement cool-season forages
by providing production during
summer. By growing both cool- and
warm-season forages, your farm can
produce an adequate supply of high-
quality forage for a much greater
portion of the year.
Improved summer weight
gains. Cattle show excellent weight
gain when grazing native warm-
season grasses in summer. Recent
grazing trials in Tennessee reported
gains between 1.1 and 2.4 pounds
per day on 650-pound weaned steers
5Arkansas Agriculture
Keith
Sut
ton
6 Arkansas Agriculture
Burnt to a crisp Some pastureland was so damaged from the drought that it will have to be reseeded. Cattleman Gary Rowlands and Pope Co. Extension Service Chair Phil Sims assess the extent of the damage to Rowlands’ bermudagrass pasture in this July 11, 2012 photo. Conversely, this July 20, 2012 White Co. photo of a warm-season grass pasture mix of gammagrass, big bluestem and switchgrass is healthy and growing well despite the drought.
Gar
rick
Dug
gar
Ken
Moo
re
7
during a 90-day grazing
season. This indicates there’s
an excellent opportunity to
hold stocker calves longer
and produce additional gain.
In another Tennessee study,
bred 1,000- to 1,200-pound
Holstein heifers gained nearly
1.9 pounds per day during
2010, one of the hottest
summers on record. Four tons
of forage per acre is common
on soundly managed native
warm-season grass plots.
Opportunity to rest
cool-season grass pastures.
Better summer forage
production from warm-
season grasses results in less
dependence on cool-season
grass pastures for summer
grazing. Rested pastures can
remain in better condition,
need less frequent reseeding
and are less prone to soil
erosion. This is also an
opportunity to allow tall
fescue to be “stockpiled;” that
is, allowing late summer/early
fall growth to accumulate
until well into the fall. In
addition, cool-season pastures
can be more fully used in
spring, because it’s not
necessary to conserve spring
growth for summer use.
Reduced acres needed
for hay production. Because
of their higher per-acre yields
(3 to 6 tons, depending on
species and site quality),
native warm-season grasses
can meet hay production
targets from fewer acres than
required for cool-season
grasses (typically 2 to 3 tons
per acre). Using fewer acres
for hay production can free
up other acreage for grazing.
Arkansas Agriculture
Compare and contrast Brown and dying cool-season grasses are showing drought intolerance in the pasture in the background of this photo, while the more drought tolerant, native warm-season grasses in the foreground are green and healthy.
Mic
hael
J. B
udd/
VDG
IF
-
8 Arkansas Agriculture
Wildlife benefits Songbirds, small mammals and game birds like wild turkeys and bobwhite quail all benefit from
native warm-season grasses. The clump-like grasses provide nesting habitat, and the open areas at the base of the grass
clumps provide natural travel lanes for wildlife.
Mik
e W
intr
oath
Ted
Zaw
isla
k
Little bluestem
Reduced production costs.
Recent studies (using January
2011 prices) have determined
production costs are greatly
reduced when using native warm-
season grasses. For example, the
annual production cost for an
acre of big bluestem/indiangrass
was $239.42 compared to
$452.78 for bermudagrass. This
is because native grasses can be
produced with far less fertilizer.
Recommended nitrogen rates for
big bluestem/indiangrass are 60
pounds per acre for hay or pasture.
Nitrogen rates for bermudagrass
pastures are two to four times
greater.
9Arkansas Agriculture
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Got hay? This photo shows an Arkansas warm-season grass field that was baled in late August of 2012 at the height of the drought. Native warm-season grasses traditionally have higher yields per acre (3 to 6 tons) than do cool-season grasses (2 to 3 tons per acre).
Getting assistanceIt’s beyond the scope of
this article to provide details
about proper establishment and
management of native warm-season
grasses, and no doubt you’ll want
answers to many questions. What
species should I plant, and when?
How many acres? What costs can
be expected? How should I manage
grazing and haying? What potential
pitfalls should I be aware of?
“Ranchers will find there’s a
considerable amount of technical
information and assistance available
for establishing and maintaining
theses grasses. For example, the
Game & Fish Commission has
private lands wildlife biologists
who will come out free of charge
and give sound technical assistance
for practices that are beneficial
for wildlife and can set up the site
visit to the landowner’s property
to include an NRCS or CES forage
specialist to provide specific advice
on grazing and haying.” Jackson
said. “Between the forage specialist
and biologist, they can assist
landowners in establishing native
grasses and address landowners’
forage and wildlife objectives
though sound advice and a plan.
“Also, our Acres for Wildlife
program provides a native forage
mix and herbicide to establish up
to 20 acres of native grass free of
charge. This program presents a
great opportunity for farmers to try
to establish these grasses on their
farm and see how well they grow.”
Information on these programs is
available at the agfc.com website or
by contacting Jackson at 501-223-
6471.
Federal financial assistance
also may be available through the
Environmental Quality Incentives
Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentives
Program or other programs
administered through USDA’s
Natural Resource Conservation
Service. For additional information,
visit with personnel at your local
USDA/NRCS field service center.
Excellent research publications
and technical guides are available
in the Publications section of
the Center for Native Grasslands
Management website at
nativegrasses.utk.edu.
10 Arkansas Agriculture
From weather, to soil, to technology, you have a lot to keep up with. Thankfully, you’ve got real insurance
that keeps up with you. If there’s anything you need to know, just call us. You’ll always have questions.
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11Arkansas Agriculture
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12 Arkansas Agriculture
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natural moisture here since October of 2010. We are very pleased with the results and plan on continuing using it as we are seeing improvement in production with each cutting. July 30, 201 –W Dilts, Belen, NM
• Apply any time during the growing season.• $8 per application ( 3 times per year recommended for $24lacre)• Works as a soil fertility supplement that re-mineralizes the soil• Contains 85 or more minerals and trace minerals in the same proportions that those same minerals occur in the blood of healthy animals.• Applied as a foliar spray on green plants. Dissolves easily.• Can be mixed with other ingredients (weed killers, other fertilizers)• Great free-choice mineral for cattle (average consumption 1# per month)
Farm Drainage, Irrigation & Culvert Pipe
• Heavy - Wall Stell, 4” thru 96”, up to 50’ Lengths
• Used High-Pressure Line Pipe and Gas Line Pipe
• New Structural Steel Piple, 2” thru 20”
• Large Diameter Pipe - 60”, 78”, 96”
Will Deliver for Small Cost.
ADS plastic pipe dealer and Corrugrated pipe dealer.
1-800-553-1373NORTHSIDE STEEL
Highway 63 BypassJonesboro, AR
13Arkansas Agriculture 13Arkansas Agriculture
Ask your equipment dealer for AgDirect® financing.
*Subject to approval.
AgDirect is an equipment financing program offered by Farm Credit Services of America and the partners of AgDirect, LLP.
AgDirect® offers the best equipment financing option in the business – highly competitive rates, exceptional terms and quick credit decisions. An equipment financing program offered by Farm Credit Services of Western Arkansas and other participating Farm Credit System associations, AgDirect is only available through your ag equipment dealer. When you’re in the market to buy, lease or refinance equipment, ask for AgDirect financing. Learn more by calling 888-525-9805 or visiting agdirect.com.
• Buy, lease or refinance
• Variable or fixed rates
• New or used equipment
Check our attractive financing rates at agdirect.com.
• Financing terms from 2-7 years*
• Delayed payments – up to one year*
• Easy application & quick turnaround
14 Arkansas Agriculture
ABsOLuTe LAnD AucTiOn
Wynne, Ar
soybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybeanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanssoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybeanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanssoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybeanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanssoybsoyb
So do pigs, cows and fish. In fact, animal ag is your number one customer – eating 98 percent of your soybean meal. That’s one good-looking figure.one good-looking figure.
Source: USB Market View Database
wwwwwwwww.BEYOND.BEYOND.BEYOND.BEYOND.BEYOND.BEYONDwww.BEYONDwwwwwwwww.BEYONDwww.BEYONDwww.BEYONDwwwwwwwww.BEYONDwww ELEVATOR.ELEVATOR.ELEVATOR.ELEVATOR.ELEVATOR.ELEVATOR.comcomcomTHE
THE
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© 2012 United Soybean Board
47601 AR ChickenWhimsy 8.375x10.75.indd 1 12/3/12 3:07 PM
15Arkansas AgricultureArkansas Agriculture
WILSON ReaL eState aUCtIONeeRS, INC.HOt SPRINGS, aR 71913
Leading Real Estate Auctioneers “Since 1961”501-624-1825 * FAX: 501-624-3473 * TOLL FREE: 1-877-BID2BUY
E-MAIL: [email protected] - AAL#4WEBSITE: www.wilsonauctioneers.com
Hello, I’m Joe R. Wilson, president of Wilson Real Estate Auctioneers, Inc., Arkansas’ premier real estate auction company specializing in the fast, effective liquidation of all types of farms and large tracts of land. Since 1961 we have successfully sold hundreds of farms all over the state of Arkansas at auction. A well-marketed and professionally conducted auction creates the type of exposure and excitement that ensures your property will bring top dollar on auction day. Please, visit our website today @ www.wilsonauctioneers.com to find out for yourself why the auction method of marketing real estate has quickly become a first choice instead of a last resort for motivated sellers.
Joe R. Wilson
Arkansas’ Leading Real Estate Auctioneer
“Call Wilson Auctioneers today and let us put “SOLD” on your Farm or Acreage”
ABsOLuTe LAnD AucTiOn
Wynne, Ar
Thursday, march 7, 2013
11:00 Am
Arkansas Agriculture16
Rural Reflections
Photo Contest 2013
$1,000 in prizes
F arm Bureau members have the opportunity to spotlight their creativity, their perception
and their flair for the dramatic — or the comical or even the tragic — in our fifth Rural Reflections Photo Contest.
This competition offers amateur photographers the chance to explore the many activities, seasons, triumphs, disappointments and faces of agriculture, our state’s key industry. The photos that win this competition will capture the image and spirit of agriculture, and Farm Bureau, in Arkansas.
The contest includes two divisions, High School (ages 14–18) and Adult (19 and older). The winner of each receives $250. In addition, one entry will receive a Grand Prize of $500. The winners and honorable mentions may have their works published, with credit, in Front Porch and Arkansas Agriculture magazines, on Farm Bureau’s website, arfb.com, and in other publications.
Complete contest rules at:
www.arfb.com/get-involved/contests
17
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All of us depend on farmers to provide a safe, inexpensive
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Leadership and Innovation Within the Field of Rice
RTI 1212 009 GrowSmart_7.875x10.25Live_4C.indd 1 1/3/13 3:56 PM
Kirbi Allen has been a fixture on
the rodeo circuit in Arkansas and the
surrounding states for many years. Kirbi is
from Springdale and was recently crowned
2013 Miss Rodeo Arkansas. She’ll compete
for the title of Miss Rodeo America next
December. Kirbi sat down to answer a few
questions about how she is involved with
agriculture.
1. How are you involved in agriculture?
My whole life revolves around
agriculture. I’ve been involved in rodeo
since I was very young, and I will
graduate this spring from the University
of Arkansas with a degree in agricultural
communications. I’ve always loved horses,
and it’s important to me that I stay
involved in the horse industry, particularly
where I can use my ag communications
degree.
2. In your own words, what is agriculture?
Agriculture, to me, is unlike any other
industry. It’s a unique process that involves
raw goods, manufacturing, distribution,
selling and consuming of goods grown
or produced through animals, grains and
other raw materials.
3. Why do you think agriculture is important?
Agriculture is important, because
everything we buy in a grocery store can
be traced back to the farm. It’s a huge part
of our daily lives, even if we don’t live on
a farm. Plus, if we didn’t have agriculture
to produce feed grains and livestock, we
wouldn’t have rodeo. They go hand in
hand.
4. What is the one thing you want everyone to
know about agriculture and farming?
I’d like people to know that farmers and
ranchers are good people who work hard
every day to produce a superior product.
I’d also like for people to understand that
rodeo and agriculture are synonymous;
they make great partners in preserving the
farming and western way of life.
5. How will you use your role as Miss Rodeo
Arkansas to promote agriculture?
I feel fortunate to be an ag
communications degree holder. My
college classes emphasized how important
agriculture is to many different industries. I
can use that knowledge to educate the
general public on the virtues of preserving
the western way of life but also the benefits
of a healthy and productive agriculture
industry. Miss Rodeo Arkansas gives me
a great platform to reach many different
audiences.
Britt
any
Cof
fee
18 Arkansas Agriculture
compiled by tara Johnson
Faces of Agriculture
Kirbi Allen
ŒŒŒ*
Britt
any
Cof
fee
19Arkansas Agriculture
Food, like nothing else, brings us together.
After all, everyone eats.
On Taste Arkansas, a food blog
by Arkansas Farm Bureau, this simple truth
is connecting those interested in
food production with the farmers and ranchers
who provide us with an abundance
of Arkansas agricultural products.
TASTE ArkAnsAs.com
from farm to table
20 Arkansas Agriculture
Hunters do more to conserve habitat than any other group. And they have achieved great things for wildlife and wild places by supporting conservation organizations like Ducks Unlimited. With their support, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres of habitat across the continent. Come share our vision of skies filled with waterfowl today, tomorrow, and forever. To find out more go to www.ducks.org
hunter: another word for conservationist
FoR AdvERtising inFoRmAtion
Call or e-mail Tom Kennedy
1.800.561.4686 [email protected]
21Arkansas Agriculture
The Division of Agriculture offers innovative ways to help you control input costs.
division.uaex.edu
Economic Solutions• Optimized Fertilizer Applications• Fuel-saving Techniques• Field Water Reclamation
• 300 Day Grazing• PHAUCET• Crop & Livestock Enterprise Budgets
• Drought Management & Recovery• Improved Yields
To learn more, contact your local county extension office.
22 Arkansas Agriculture
by Michelle Kitchens
In the Arkansas Farm Bureau policy
book, there is a rather long section
on taxes. Indeed taxes are cussed and
discussed a lot during Farm Bureau’s
policy development process. The
organization follows tax policy closely
and has been heavily involved in
shaping the state tax code through the
years.
Arkansas Farm Bureau will work
on multiple tax issues during this
legislative session, but there are two
pieces of legislation that will need
grassroots support.
Utility tax relief Farmers have worked for several
years to reduce the sales tax rate
on their utilities. A bill has been
introduced in the 2013 session that
will zero out the sales tax on utilities
(LPG, natural gas and electricity) for
poultry, swine, dairies, aquaculture and
horticulture farms. HB1039 authored
by Rep. Jeff Wardlaw and cosponsored
by 60-plus members of the General
Assembly is the legislation supported
by Farm Bureau. All these farms have
seen increasing energy costs in recent
years, none more so than poultry. The
average poultry farm now spends about
$10,000 per house annually on energy.
Multiply that number by two or four
or 10, and you have some idea how
much farmers are spending for energy.
Both the rising cost and use of energy
contribute to this large input cost. For
most poultry farms, this is the largest
expense aside from the building itself.
These utilities are taxed, and farmers
pay several hundred dollars — even
thousands in taxes annually — just
on utilities. Energy input expenses for
poultry farms is 40 percent of the total
input cost for the farmer.
Poultry has a huge impact on the
state’s economy. It has allowed citizens
in rural parts of the state to establish
some financial security, and it supports
thousands of jobs beyond the farm.
Agriculture is Arkansas’ economic
foundation, and poultry is the largest
agricultural product produced in
Arkansas in terms of cash receipts,
providing 47 percent of the total in
2010. According to the Census of
Agriculture, 6,089 farms in Arkansas
produced some type of poultry in
2007. The census also shows poultry
farms in every county in Arkansas. If
the legislature adopts the proposed
tax cut, farmers in every county will
have more dollars to spend. Around
$6 million annually would return to
farmers and be circulated in those rural
economies; modestly multiplied that
could mean a $20 million impact for
those communities.
The economic struggles of the past
few years have seen the numbers of
swine, dairy and aquaculture farms
dwindle. Tax relief even in small
amounts may be critical to the survival
of these family farms.
The legislature will consider dozens
of tax cuts this year, income tax cuts,
sales tax exemptions, tax credits. Why
is this tax cut good public policy?
It keeps Arkansas farmers on a level
playing field with their counterparts in
other states. Most of the surrounding
states have full or partial exemptions
for agriculture utilities. While no one
is going to pick up the farm and move
to Oklahoma, it still makes sense to
help our rural communities with this
tax relief.
The structure of the poultry,
dairy and swine industries doesn’t
allow farmers to pass on their costs
Policy Update
23Arkansas Agriculture
to consumers, so farmers are simply
absorbing the increase in utility costs.
All livestock sectors of agriculture were
hit hard by the drought, but higher feed
costs absorbed by the companies means
that the Tysons, Pilgrims and dairy
cooperatives of the world haven’t been
able to give raises to farmers. This tax cut
would mean a small bonus for farmers
who haven’t seen one in these tight
economic times.
This tax relief also makes sense from
a tax code consistency standpoint.
Manufacturers have a reduced tax rate
on utilities, which means the processing
plant and feed mill have seen tax relief
but not the farmer. During the past few
years, the legislature has adopted tax cuts
for manufacturers, the trucking industry,
on groceries and a school supplies
sales tax holiday. Now is the time for
agriculture.
Forest fire protection tax actSince 1969, the state has levied a
special tax for a dedicated revenue
stream for detection, prevention and
suppression of forest fires. This tax is paid
only on forested acres, but it provides
fire protection equipment that serves
the entire state. The Arkansas Forestry
Commission uses proceeds from this
15 cent per acre tax to purchase and
maintain firefighting heavy equipment.
Arkansas Farm Bureau and others are
supporting an increase of 5 additional
cents in the timber tax, which will raise
$1 million annually.
The extended drought and devastating
winter storms have more dead wood
on the ground. It’s critical to maintain
support for the Forestry Commission’s
firefighting efforts. While no one likes
taxes, this tax doesn’t just protect trees.
During the 2012 fire season, Forestry
Commission tankers and the state’s
helicopters were able to save 1,313 homes
and 964 outbuildings valued at $295
million. The service funded by this tax
helps keep citizens and property safe in
Arkansas. The tax hasn’t increased for 20
years. Arkansas Farm Bureau is supporting
SB5 by Senator Bill Sample to increase this
dedicated revenue stream to the needed
levels.
It’s time to let your legislator know
you support these changes to the tax
laws. The legislature meets only for a
short time. If these bills don’t pass, it
will be two years before we can try again.
Call the Capitol and speak with your
legislator. The House number is 501-
682-6211; the Senate is 501-682-2902. If
you have personal contact information
for your legislator, then let them know
you support this tax relief for farmers
and additional funding for wildfire
suppression and protection. We’ve built
strong support for this legislation, but
it won’t pass without support “from the
country.” We need farmers to speak out.
Now is the time. ŒŒ*
Quality. Reliability. Service.All in the family.
From lawn and garden tractors to
compact tractors, excavators and
gasoline and diesel utility
vehicles, Kubota delivers the
highest standards for quality and
service. So, climb abord the
kubota of your choice and join
the family.
AUTHORIZED DEALER
Arkansas Agriculture24 w w w . g r o w i n g a r k a n s a s . o r g
Meet Lacy GloverFormer Miss Arkansas and Spokesperson for the Arkansas Foundation for Agriculture
J o b s
E n v i r o n m E n t
F o o d
Arkansas Farm and Ranch Families Provide…
ArkansasFoundation for AgricultureSafe, affordable food
24% of Arkansas Jobs
75% of Wildlife Habitat
Protecting the Environment
Arkansas Agriculture 25
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26 Arkansas Agriculture
World War II was barely over
when the Dayton 4-H Club in the
small Sebastian County community
of Huntington was founded. In the 66
years since, this youth organization has
become an inseparable and important
part of the community.
“We currently have more than
50 members, most of whom are very
active,” said club leader Ann Russell.
“We’ve had two state 4-H presidents
and two state officers from our club,
along with numerous Teen Stars and
Ambassadors.
“Our club is successful for many
reasons, but most importantly because
of community and parent involvement.
The community provides a place for our
meetings at the Dayton Community
Building. And our parents and local
citizens are very supportive of all our
events and activities throughout the
year.”
The focal point of 4-H has always
been practical, hands-on learning, which
came from the desire to make public
school education more connected to
rural life. Such is the case in Huntington,
where 4-H members meet monthly and
regularly participate in the activities of
three main project groups.
“The music group has a regular
meeting and often plans visits to the
local nursing home to play for the
residents,” Russell said. “In the monthly
chicken and rabbit group meetings,
younger members gain confidence by
doing talks and demonstrations about
their animals in front of small groups.
The creative arts group concentrates on
crafts and learning skills, such as sewing
and crotchet.”
Many Dayton 4-H members are also
part of the county shooting sports club
and the horse club.
“I think that is one of the great
aspects of 4-H,” Russell said. “Kids get
exposure to many different areas. They
probably won’t become an expert in all
of them, but at least they will have tried
them.”
One of Dayton 4-H’s biggest annual
events is the fall festival, which includes
fun outdoor games, a silent auction, a pie
auction and a cake walk.
“This one activity provides the funds
needed to support our club activities
year-round. We use the money to assist
with county camp fees, club T-shirts and
other items we need,” Russell said. “It
even helps buy pizza for the kids each
time they pick up trash on our one-mile
stretch of Adopt-A-Highway. There’s
nothing like a little food incentive to get
the job done quickly.”
Sebastian County Cooperative
Extension agent Jesse Bocksnick, who
works directly with the Dayton 4-H Club,
said, “Clubs like this one make my job
as an extension agent very busy but also
easier and more fun. The kids are very
active in all aspects of 4-H, not only
with traditional projects such as raising
animals, but also technology, music and
shooting sports. The Dayton 4-H Club is
a great example of a community 4-H club
and a model for clubs around the state to
follow.”
Little BIG town The tiny community of Huntington actively supports the 50-member-plus Dayton 4-H Club. One of the club’s many activities is its Adopt A Highway litter pickup.
ŒŒŒ*
Mar
ilin
Bran
um
Spotlight OnYouth
Small town, BIG successOpportunities key to Dayton 4-H Club
by Keith Sutton
27Arkansas Agriculture
Mol
lie D
ykes
Mar
ilin
Bran
um
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Rural Reflections Reflections
days gone by This beautiful snow scene features an old McCormick-Deering thresher popular during the early 1900s. Farm Bureau member Debra Henry took this photo in January 2011 in Vanndale, saying she “... just couldn’t resist” pulling her vehicle over and taking the picture. We’re glad she did!
28 Arkansas Agriculture
Arkansas Agriculture 29
MeMbership pays.
More than $100 million has gone back into Arkansas members’ pockets since 1997…with another $14.9 million to come this spring! 10,000 fellow Farm Credit members across Arkansas look forward to Patronage Refunds. Because Farm Credit is a financial cooperative it shares profits with members when the association has a good year. Patronage Refunds are just one of the many benefits of doing business with folks who understand Arkansas agriculture and the rural lifestyle. Farm Credit membership pays—are you Farm Credit?
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Purchase or refinance the agricultural equipment you need today to grow your business for the future. Plus take advantage of your membership with dedicated service, special rates, flexible terms and payment plans up to 7 full years. Hurry, this limited-time o�er expires April 30, 2013. Finance today and save!
Grow Your Agriculture Business
Existing Farm Bureau Bank equipment loans are excluded from this offer.*Rate disclosed as Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and based on exceptional credit. Some restrictions may apply based upon the make and model of the equipment offered as collateral. Up to 90% financing for new and 85% for used equipment loans subject to credit approval. Rates are accurate as of 1/1/2013. Rates and financing are limited to farm equipment model years 2003 or newer and are subject to change without notice. A down payment may be required for new or used equipment purchases. Financial information required for loan requests over $50,000. Commercial vehicles and trailers may be subject to an additional documentation fee. Farm Bureau Bank does not provide equity or cash out financing on commercial vehicles and equipment. Banking services provided by Farm Bureau Bank, FSB. Farm Bureau, FB, and the FB National Logo are registered service marks owned by, and used by Farm Bureau Bank FSB under license from, the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Presorted standardU.s. Postage PaId
LittLe Rock, ARPeRmit No. 1884