In Farm Bureau Wallace named President-CEO The board of directors of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company has selected Duff Wallace to succeed Robert Jarratt as the president and chief executive officer. Wallace will serve as the senior vice president–chief operating officer until the effective date of Jarratt’s retirement, at which time he will assume the position of president and CEO. Wallace Wallace is a proven leader with experience in all aspects of the insurance operation. He began his career with Louisiana Farm Bureau insurance companies in Jan. 1984 as an accountant. He accepted the position of accounting manager for Arkansas Farm Bureau insur-
Twenty-six students from across the state attended the National Leadership Forum June 2-7 on the Harding University campus in Searcy. County Farm Bureaus sponsor these young leaders who attend the conference to learn more about leadership issues, family values, foreign policy, free enterprise and more. The American Studies Institute at Harding University plans and conducts the forum, which includes students from several states besides Arkansas. ance companies in Oct. 1990. In Jan. 1998, Wallace was promoted vice president–general manager of Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas and Moore senior vice president–state manager of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty
On May 20, St. Francis Co. FB President Andy Williams (right) presented Shane Dallas of St. Francis Co. Emergency Services with a Res-Q-Tube for its emergency team. The tube helps extract a person engulfed in grain in a grain bin. Dallas will determine grainbin locations in the county to allow quicker response time in emergencies.
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Insurance Company. “I congratulate Duff on this promotion and have great confidence in his ability to continue his effective leadership at the Southern Farm Bureau level,” said ArFB President Randy Veach. David Moore of Bryant will succeed Wallace as vice president–general manager of Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas and senior vice president–state manager
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A Publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation
June 7, 2013 • Vol. 16, No. 11
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Commodity Division meetings June is the month for ArFB’s summer commodity division meetings. The schedule is as follows: June 19: Cotton, conference call, 8 a.m. June 19: Specialty Crops, UofA Fruit Substation, Clarksville, 9 a.m. June 20: Aquaculture, conference call, 1 p.m. June 20: Forestry, Sevier Co. FB office, DeQueen, 10 a.m. June 21: Dairy, June Dairy Days, Bentonville, 10 a.m. June 25: Rice, Soybeans, Brinkley Convention Center, 9 a.m. June 26: Beef Cattle, Equine, Poultry, Swine, Lake Point Conference Center, Russellville, 9:30 a.m.
Miller Co. FB and Little River Co. FB held a joint legislative appreciation dinner at Cattleman’s Steakhouse in Texarkana on May 23. Miller Co. FB board member Charlie Dieffenbacher (left) visited with Arkansas Sen. Jimmy Hickey during the event.
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of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, effective July 1. He most recently served as chief financial officer for Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas. “We are excited about having someone with David’s background and knowledge of Farm Bureau to step into this position,” said Veach. “David’s experience in Farm Bureau will provide continuity with the programs currently being implemented, which are designed to strengthen our insurance operations here in Arkansas.”
Philip Campbell (left), co-owner of C&H Farms in Mount Judea, explains birthing facilities at the farm. Members of the Arkansas General Assembly toured the hog farm on May 22 to better understand environmental safeguards there and address questions about the Dept. of Environmental Quality permitting process. June 28: Wheat & Feed Grains, Jefferson Co. FB office, Pine Bluff, 9:30 a.m. Interns join ArFB staff Arkansas Farm Bureau has two new interns this summer, giving the college students an opportunity to gain real-world experience. Lindsey Emerson is the intern for the Public Relations department. She is the daughter of Bryan and Ginger Emerson of Neelyville, Mo. Emerson is a senior at the University of Arkansas and is pursuing bachelor’s degrees in agricultural communications and agricultural business. “I’m honored and excited to have Emerson been selected to intern with Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation,” Emerson said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to broaden my skills and gain a lot of valuable experience while working with an amazing organization.” Ethan Branscum, son of David and Jody Branscum of Marshall, is the intern for the Organization and Member Programs, Governmental Affairs, and Commodity and Regulatory Affairs departments. He graduated
Around 150 food-industry representatives from across the country attended the National ValueAdded Agriculture Conference in Rogers on May 19-21. ArFB cosponsored the event. Here, ArFB’s Bruce Tencleve (center) talks with Ron Rainey (right) with the UofA Division of Ag and Andy Goldring with Del Monte. from the University of Arkansas with a degree in kinesiology and a minor in agricultural business. Branscum will begin graduate studies in agricultural economics in Branscum the fall as a research assistant. “I feel extremely honored to have the opportunity to be a part of ArFB,” Branscum said. “This is a great chance to learn from one of the most well-respected organizations in agriculture, and I’m very excited for the experiences this summer holds.”
In Arkansas Calhoun: Rural Advocate of Year Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Butch Calhoun of Des Arc has been named Rural Advocate of the Year for 2013. The honor was presented by the Arkansas Rural Development Commission and the Arkansas Department of Rural Services at their annual Rural Development conference on May 15. “This is the biggest award I have ever gotten in my life, truly a great honor,” Calhoun said. “It is very humbling to be recognized for do-
Deadline for conservation funds Landowners have until June 14 to apply for 2013 cost-share funds from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s CSP and WHIP programs. The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a voluntary program that encourages producers to conserve and enhance soil, water, air and related natural resources on their land. A self-screening checklist is available on the NRCS website, www.nrcs.usda.gov, to help you deter-
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ing something I love. I’ve enjoyed the years in public service, and it’s touching to receive this award. I want to thank Gov. Beebe for giving me the opportunity to work with the small town mayors, county judges, firefighters, community leaders and now in the agricultural industry. Rural Arkansans are great people.” “Butch is one of those kinds of people that if you don’t like him, there is something wrong with you,” said Gov. Mike Beebe, in presenting the award. “He’s a thoughtful, kind person who loves agriculture and rural Arkansas. He grew up in it. He’s been a great advocate for the Arkansas farmer since I’ve known him. He’s extremely well thought of by virtually everybody who comes in contact with him.” said Beebe.
UofA Extension fruit specialist Dr. Elena Garcia discussed growing strawberries in high tunnels at Horticulture Field Day on May 30 in Hope. The event at the Southwest Research and Extension Center also included programs on growing shiitake mushrooms, bee farming, establishing a pecan orchard and more. mine whether or not your operation is suitable for the program. In Arkansas, Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) money is available in six different funding categories: cave ecosystems, elk habitat, stream bank stabilization, uplands, wetlands and quail habitat. Each of these categories has specific practices that are eligible for cost-sharing. Stream bank restoration, upland and wetland funding categories are available to applicants statewide, while the others are only available in specific areas. Sign up for both programs at your local USDA Service Center.
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Elsewhere
Taylor McCuin, granddaughter of Washington Co. FB Women’s Committee member LaJoyce Duncan, went to Moore, Okla. to help distribute backpacks filled with coloring books, crayons, snacks, water and other items donated by the Women’s Committee, office staff and businesses to aid tornado victims.
Web tool could save lives The National Farm Medicine Center at the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation has introduced an interactive web tool that allows farmers to map their farms to provide information about hazards and physical layouts to emergency responders. Farm Mapping to Assist, Protect and Prepare Emergency Responders, or Farm MAPPER, trains first responders to scan QR code stickers, placed on mailbox poles or nearby objects, with smart devices to receive secure, farm-specific information in hopes of saving both time and lives in emergency situations. For more
information on the pilot program, visit www.marshfieldclinic.org/NFMC/. 40 Under 40 Awards Vance Publishing is asking for nominations for their 40 Under 40 Awards, which recognize innovative young leaders in the agriculture industry. Nominees must be 40 years old or younger and nominated by a colleague or fellow agriculture professional. The deadline for submissions is July 30. Visit www.vancepublishing. com/40-under-40 for contest information. Leadership program The Rice Foundation is accepting applications for the 2014 Rice Leadership Development Program. Rice producers or industry-related professionals between the ages of 25 and 45 are eligible to apply. The application deadline is Oct. 5. The Rice Leadership Development Program provides a comprehensive understanding of the rice industry, with an emphasis on personal development and communication skills. During a two-year period, class members attend four one-week sessions designed to strengthen leadership skills through studies of all aspects of the rice industry. For additional information, go to www. usarice.com and click on the 2014 Rice Leadership icon. Editor Keith Sutton
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In the Market As of June 5, 2013 CORN planting is pretty much done, given the prevented planting date for corn lapsed in the Midwest on May 31. The June 3 crop progress report showed 91 percent of corn planted, so now traders are left to try and estimate how many acres were actually planted and what USDA will peg the final acreage number at in the June 28 acreage report. The acreage report has potential to move corn prices higher, as it could reduce carryover in the July supply-and-demand report to between 1.5 and 1.8 billion bushels. However, it is unclear how much of a reduction the market has already factored in. For now, December corn does not appear poised to test resistance at $5.75. Instead, hopefully it will stay above support at $5.40. A close below this support may lead to trying to fill the gap left after the Memorial Day holiday. Were that gap to be filled, prices may test previous contract lows of $5.12. SOYBEANS. Delayed planting has resulted in sharp gains in soybean futures over the past two weeks. USDA says only 57 percent of the crop was in the ground at the end of May, compared with 93 percent a year ago and a five-year average of 74 percent. Forecasts for good weather for the acres already in the ground have resulted in deferred contracts backing off the week’s highs. However, forecasts for intermittent showers could cause further delays as farmers try to get the remainder of the crop planted. Nearby contracts continue to be supported by the fact that a late harvest could result in a tight supply situation in the U.S. before the new crop is harvested. November is now testing support at $13 while Monday’s high of $13.31 is the first level of resistance. July WHEAT prices have remained resilient after the discovery
of RoundUp Ready wheat in Oregon. While there has been some suspension of exports from major trading partners, the market has not reacted anything like it did with rice. Wheat prices have become less of a follower of corn and soybeans in the last week to 10 days as harvest prepares to get underway. With short supplies of U.S. corn, the livestock and poultry industry are anxious to get a new feed ingredient. The poultry industry in Arkansas is no exception. Before selling your wheat, you may want to check with your broker about selling to a feed mill. Wheat prices have resistance at $7.40 and support at $6.65. December COTTON continued its kiddie roller coaster ride this week, topping 85 cents. Since February, cotton has traded in about a nickel range between 82.5 and 87.5 cents, except for a few days in March and April when prices made an unsuccessful run at 90 cents. As prices move close to either end of the range, be prepared for a bounce. If prices move above 87.5 cents, give strong consideration to pricing more of your cotton. Fundamental support for cotton is weak at best, with the outside funds being the primary mover of the market. RICE futures have broken out to their highest levels in four months. Good export demand and tightening U.S. stocks are supportive. Cash bids are improving as buyers attempt to convince farmers to let go of old-crop rice. According to USDA, farmers have most of the crop planted. Arkansas was reported as 95 percent planted at the end of May. Emergence is catching up with the five-year average. Arkansas’ crop
is reported at 86 percent emerged compared with a five-year average of 91 percent, although very heavy rain over the weekend could cause some acres to be lost due to flooding. Large world supplies could limit the upside potential of the market. September futures are now within a nickel of resistance at the February spike high of $15.89. CATTLE futures are attempting to consolidate and chop along sideways after trending sharply lower for the past six months. Seasonal weakness in the cash markets will likely keep a lid on prices for the time being as there are indications beef prices are at a seasonal top. Feeders are also attempting to consolidate as futures are currently trading at a wide discount to cash prices. Disappointing employment news this week has also fueled concerns that meat demand could weaken. August live futures have support just below $119. The 38-percent retracement objective, just below $124, seems like a long shot at this point. Overhead trendline resistance is seen at $121.40 HOG futures have seen strong gains in recent weeks. Recent strength has come from news that a Chinese company will buy Smithfield Foods in the U.S. This has created optimism that export sales to China will increase. However, the sale is likely to come under intense scrutiny from concerns about foreign investment in U.S. companies and from the food safety standpoint. Cash market strength has also been supportive. July is overbought and could turn lower at any time. For now, the market seems to have found resistance at $95.
Contact • Brandy Carroll 501-228-1268, brandy.carroll@arfb.com. • Bruce Tencleve 501-228-1856, bruce.tencleve@arfb.com. • Matt King 501-228-1297, matt.king@arfb.com.