In Farm Bureau “How to Win an Election” Arkansas Farm Bureau and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/ Associated Industries of Arkansas have joined to sponsor “How to Win an Election,” a campaign-management training seminar scheduled for Nov. 21-22 at the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/AIA office (Bob Lamb Conference Room, 1200 W. Capitol Ave.) in Little Rock. The seminar will be conducted by Linda Himmel, director of Policy Implementation for American Farm Bureau in Washington, D.C. Attendees will learn how to select a campaign theme and issues, identify voters, target precincts and special interest groups, develop a calendar to win and more. Budget preparation, fundraising, using a finance committee, the role of the campaign manager, working with news media and other topics will be discussed. Candidates, their spouses and campaign managers are all urged to attend. The seminar is open to any candidate regardless
Butch and Beth Eggers check some freshly cut sunflowers from their Wye Mountain Flowers and Berries farm Aug. 15. The Eggers grow three acres of sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds, lilies and other flowers on the farm west of Little Rock near Roland, which they established in 1998. The Eggers added pick-your-own blueberries and blackberries to the operation three years ago. of party affiliation who is interested in learning how to run a successful campaign and in becoming a winner. Space is limited, so early registration is suggested. The deadline for registration is Nov. 12. Additional information and a reservation form are available at www. arfb.com/legislation-regulations/electioninformation/htw.aspx, or contact Stanley Hill at 501-228-1564 or stanley.hill@arfb. com. Cross Co. FB held its annual meeting in Wynne on Aug. 13. One highlight was the introduction of the county’s Farm Family of the Year: (l to r) Dennis, Jenna and Jennifer Martin of Hickory Ridge. County Farm Bureau President Jay Boeckmann (right) made the introduction. Jenna recently was named Miss Arkansas Rice.
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McChrystal to speak at convention Gen. Stan McChrystal, a retired fourstar general and former commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan, will deliver the keynote address at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2014 Annual Convention, Jan. 12-15 in San Antonio. More than 7,000 Farm Bureau members from across the nation are expected to gather there to hear from distinguished leaders and participate
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A Publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation
August 30, 2013 • Vol. 16, No. 17
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in a grassroots policy-setting process that will guide AFBF through 2014. McChrystal has been referred to as “one of America’s greatest warriors,” dedicating 34 years of military service to the U.S. He is a former leader of the Pentagon’s Joint Special Operations Command, which oversees the military’s most sensitive forces. His leadership of JSOC is recognized for the capture of Saddam Hussein and Abu Mousab al-Zarqawi, the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq. You can learn more about convention events and related activities at http://annualconvention.fb.org/. Arkansas Farm Bureau is offering landonly travel packages to the conference, available for three or four nights, with single- or double-occupancy rooms. All packages begin Jan. 11 and include lodging at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio, convention registration and admission to the Arkansas President’s Reception and the Foundation for Agriculture Flapjack Breakfast. For more information, including prices, contact MaLeta Stephens at 501228-1470.
UofA graduate student Mallory Everett (left) discusses research on rice seed insecticide treatments with assistance from Dr. Gus Lorenz during the Pine Tree Research Station Field Day on Aug. 15. Dozens of attendees participated in rice and soybean research tours during the event in St. Francis County. Lalman of Palestine, a St. Francis Co. FB board member; were appointed to the State Plant Board until Aug. 15, 2015. Jon Carroll of Moro, an ArFB state board member, was reappointed to the Arkansas Corn & Grain Sorghum Promotion Board until July 1, 2015. Rusty Smith of Des Arc, an ArFB state board member; Gary Sitzer of Weiner, a Poinsett Co. FB board member; Joe Thrash of Conway, a Faulkner Co. FB board member; John Freeman of Dumas and Donald Morton, Jr. of Des Arc were appointed to the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board until June 30, 2015.
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ArFB leaders chosen for ag boards On Aug. 20, Gov. Mike Beebe appointed 63 Arkansans to serve on state boards and commissions. A number of those bodies are ag-related, and a number of the appointees are Arkansas Farm Bureau leaders. Troy Buck of Alpine, an ArFB state board member, and George “Tommy”
ArFB state board member Jon Carroll (left) of Moro and Rodney Baker (center), director of Governmental Affairs for ArFB, talk with Greene Co. FB president Terry Norwood following the county’s annual meeting in Paragould Aug. 20. Baker, who has been named to succeed Ewell Welch as ArFB executive vice president Nov. 1, was the guest speaker at the event.
Terry Mohajir, who is in his first year as director of athletics at Arkansas State University, was guest speaker at St. Francis Co. FB’s annual meeting in Forrest City on Aug. 20. Mohajir spoke about the many changes that have occurred with the ASU Red Wolves during the past year and expectations for coming months. Several hundred people attended the meeting.
Arkansas’ Secretary of Agriculture Butch Calhoun was a guest speaker at the Arkansas Livestock Show Association annual meeting in Little Rock on Aug. 16. The theme of this year’s state fair and livestock show, scheduled for Oct. 11-20, is “Let the Fun Begin.” Arkansas Farm Bureau will once again be a major sponsor.
In Arkansas Arkansas Steer Feedout Program Registration is now open for a program that enables Arkansas’ cow-calf producers to see how their stock fits the needs of the beef industry. Beef cattle producers who want to enroll calves in the Arkansas Steer Feedout Program for 2013-2014 must return their nomination forms by Oct. 18. “The information generated by the program can help producers determine if they need to change their herd’s genetics or their management practices to be more competitive in the cattle market,” said Tom Troxel, professor and associate department head of animal science. “At a time when the market has been so tough, ranchers should see every advantage they can.” Enrollment forms are available from your county extension office and should be returned along with payment to Dr. Tom Troxel, Cooperative Extension Service, 2301 S. University, Little Rock, AR 72204. The cost is $30 per head. Make checks payable to Cooperative Extension Service. New this year is elimination of limits on the number of calves nominated and the requirement that calves be nominated in lots of five, Troxel said. However, a consignor must nominate at least five calves. Calves should weigh between 500 and 850 pounds when they arrive at the feed yard. The extension service will coordinate the shipping of the calves or a producer can ship his or her own calves, which will be sent to Wheeler Brothers Feedyard near
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Special flags for special EHC members Twenty-seven women have spent 50 years or more lending their hands in community service through the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council (EHC). This month, they earned a special honor for their commitment. “A club member recently called to tell me of the beautiful American flag and impressive plaque that she received in the mail,” said Betty Oliver, a retired Pulaski County extension staff chair who is now volunteer coordinator for EHC. “She was so excited.” The flags were no ordinary flags. Each had flown over the U.S. Capitol this summer. Oliver said the honor came about when Tony Windham, UofA’s associate vice president of agriculture extension,
At its Aug. 15 board meeting, Washington Co. FB presented ten $1,000 college scholarships. Recipients were (l to r) Savannah Roberson of Farmington; Lauren Lichty, West Fork; Skylar Dyke, Elkins; Caleigh Moyer, Prairie Grove; Katlyn Tunstill, Elkins; Cheyenne Moyer, Prairie Grove; Will Pohlman, Prairie Grove, and (not pictured) Loren Gragg, Prairie Grove; Megan Grumieaux, Farmington; and Kory Reed, Lincoln.
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Watonga, Okla., on Nov. 7. Once calves are nominated, a background information form will be provided and must be completed for each calf. Ear tags will be furnished. Participating producers will receive the average daily gain, break-even, net return, dressing percent, carcass weight, ribeye area, fat thickness, USDA yield grade and USDA quality grade for each of their calves. For more information, contact your county Cooperative Extension Service office or visit extension’s website at www. uaex.edu. Select Agriculture, Beef and then Arkansas Steer Feedout Program.
At a luncheon in Little Rock on Aug. 22, ArFB Rural Health Programs coordinator Jennifer Victory (left) recognized three organizations that have provided key support for the state’s M*A*S*H program for 20 years. Rene Lovett accepted for Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Dr. Mark Mengel for the UAMS Rural Health Program and President Randy Veach for Arkansas Farm Bureau. stopped by her office in June. Each of the 27 members was recognized for her length of service during the annual Arkansas Extension Homemakers meeting in Hot Springs. They are Ruby Ethridge of Malvern; Mary Ross, Malvern; Velma Sandage, Donaldson; Lorene Burrow, Oil Trough; Imodean Floyd, Franklin; Jane Bachmann, Lamar; Wanda Pearson, Lamar; Louise Eckart, Subiaco; Madlyn Mason, Hindsville; Stella Starnes, Hindsville; Katherine Denton, North Little Rock; Hazel Morehart, Mabelvale; Lennis Ledbetter, Fayetteville; Susie Coffey, Searcy; Alta Dempsey, Gurdon; Arnetta Tubbs, Jonesboro; Fredia Butler, Batesville; Ernestine Goodman, Batesville; Betty Johnston, Batesville; Naomi Crowley, Booneville; Tressie Bryant, Austin; Connie Hardin, Ward; Jo Spanhanks, Nashville; Mevalene Ashford, Waldron; Millie Peters, Rogers; Marie Price, DeValls Bluff; and Effie Hanks, Sherwood.
Elsewhere “Bee” safe with pesticides The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed new pesticide labels that prohibit use of some neonicotinoid pesticide products where bees are present.
The announcement, made in midAugust, affects products containing the neonicotinoids imidacloprid, dinotefuran, clothianidin and thiamethoxam. EPA said it will work with pesticide manufacturers to change labels so that they meet the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) safety standard. In May, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency released a comprehensive scientific report on honey bee health, showing scientific consensus that there are a complex set of stressors associated with honey bee declines, including loss of habitat, parasites, disease, genetics, poor nutrition and pesticide exposure. Women’s summit Over 400 attendees are expected at this year’s Women in Agribusiness Summit, Oct. 22-24, at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis, Minn. Goals for the summit are twofold: to make the agriculture and food sectors career destinations for todays talented women, and to provide tools for women to become informed leaders in our industry. Visit www.womeninag.com for detailed event information and to register. You can use code WIA92013 to receive a 10-percent discount. Editor Keith Sutton
keith.sutton@arfb.com
In the Market As of August 27, 2013
November SOYBEANS began the week with huge gains on concerns about the yield potential for the crop. Hot, dry conditions across the country will likely impact the crop. With 84 percent of the crop setting pods at the end of last week, this crop isn’t quite made just yet. USDA said that at the end of last week, 58 percent of the crop was still in good to excellent condition, 29 percent was fair, and 13 percent was in poor to very poor condition. That shows some deterioration from the previous week, and judging by the price action that began the week, traders are expecting to see further deterioration in subsequent reports. USDA still says the national average yield will be 43 bushels per acre, but that is becoming less likely by the day. With tight supplies heading into this year, losses in production will force additional rationing, which could potentially reduce U.S. competitiveness in the international market. November soybeans ran out of buying interest when prices moved above $14. Resistance at $14.09, high charted back in September, has so far proven to be solid. WHEAT also opened the week with strong gains. The strength was mostly related to carryover strength from soybeans and corn, but there was some positive fundamental news as well. A late frost has been reported in one of the major growing regions in Argentina and is likely to reduce the size of their crop. This could result in increased demand for U.S. wheat from Brazil. Monday’s highs of $6.76 and $6.89 will be the first level of resistance for December and July, respectively. CORN prices look to be confirming a bottom. December has broken out of the long-term downtrend and is building solid support near $4.50. Continued
dry weather is expected to cause crop conditions to continue to deteriorate in key growing regions. USDA confirmed deterioration in the crop last week, with 58 percent now rated good to excellent. This comes as the crop continues to trail the five-year average for where it should be maturity wise. While the crop in the Midwest remains a question, we are beginning to get a look at our crop here. The USDA forecasts Arkansas’ corn yield at 170 bushels per acre, and in early reports, yields over 200 bushels per acre are common. COTTON futures have been on a roller coaster ride over the past few weeks. December charted an impressive rally, putting about 9 cents on the market. However, it only took the market two days to give it all back. It appears the market is now attempting to reestablish the consolidation pattern of the past few months. The USDA crop condition report showed crop conditions improving to 47 percent good/excellent last week, compared to 46 percent the week prior. Hot, dry conditions this week, though, have tempered the market’s reaction to the report. That improvement could turn around quickly. Export sales were surprisingly brisk at the higher price levels earlier this month, so we should expect demand to be even stronger now that prices are back down around 84 cents. The market is establishing support at 83.91 cents, with solid support near 82 cents. September RICE futures have shown strength this week, with prices testing the waters near resistance at $16.47. November,
on the other hand, stalled near resistance at $16 and has given back a big portion of the gains charted on Monday. The condition of this year’s rice crop continues to look good. USDA says 70 percent of the crop is in good to excellent condition, 25 percent is rated fair, and only 5 percent rated poor. Extremely hot weather this week, though, could impact the quality of the crop during grain fill. Extremely low prices for Vietnamese rice continue to weigh on the world market. Thailand is still trying to reduce government stocks of 17 million metric tons, but their prices are 21 percent above Vietnam. That means that even lower prices will be needed to move that rice off the market. CATTLE futures are technically trending higher. USDA says the total on feed inventory is only 94.1 percent of last year’s total. That was smaller than expectations and, overall, supportive for prices. December live cattle currently have trendline support near $128. Strong wholesale beef prices have been supportive but could weaken after Labor Day needs are met. HOG futures have been on a bit of a wild ride the past couple of weeks. Cash hog and wholesale pork prices have been weaker, and that has carried over into futures. Supplies have begun the typical seasonal increase, and that has forced prices lower. Technically, December charted a bullish reversal on Friday and has shown good follow-through this week. The market will find resistance at $84 and then at $84.80 on continued strength, though.
Contact • Brandy Carroll 501-228-1268, brandy.carroll@arfb.com • Matt King 501-228-1297, matt.king@arfb.com • Bruce Tencleve 501-228-1856, bruce.tencleve@arfb.com