In Farm Bureau ArFB State Convention, Dec. 4-6 The 79th Arkansas Farm Bureau Convention is Dec. 4-6 at the Marriott Hotel and Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. This year’s theme is “Farm Bureau Strong.” Convention registration starts Dec. 4 at 9:30 a.m. The first general session starts at 1 p.m. A number of special awards will be presented during this session, which will be highlighted with addresses by Gov. Mike Beebe (invited) and Arkansas political observer Rex Nelson. Leaders who are no longer with us will be honored and remembered during the memorial service. Numerous commodity conferences will be held Dec. 4-5 to provide the latest information from noted experts in their fields. Special conferences also are scheduled for Environmental Issues, Local Affairs, Public Policy, Rural Funding Opportunities and the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet finals. Other events on Dec. 5 include the Women’s Luncheon and Cotton Fashion Show and the Sew with Cotton Contest. Back again is
Arkansas Farm Bureau was once again a major supporter of the Sale of Champions, a program that provides scholarship money for junior livestock exhibitors at the Arkansas State Fair and Livestock Show. This year’s sale was held Oct. 18 at Barton Coliseum in Little Rock. Before the auction started, ArFB Secretary-Treasurer Tom Jones of Pottsville (left) and state board member Allen Stewart of Mena discussed strategies for buying some of the champion animals up for sale at the annual event. the silent auction with proceeds providing for Ag in the Classroom programs. The general session on Dec. 5 will be highlighted by membership awards and addresses by Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach and 19-year old Texarkana native Taylor Wilson, a young nuclear physicist who first attracted national attention when, at the age of 14, he became the youngest individual to achieve nuclear fusion — in his
At an Oct. 9 reception, ArFB’s Rodney Baker (left) presented EVP Ewell Welch a framed photo of the I-430/I-630 construction site. Of the humorous gift, Baker said, “We wanted to give you something to help you remember your last few years at Farm Bureau.” Welch is retiring Nov. 1 after 36 years with ArFB.
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parents’ garage! A reception honoring Executive Vice President Ewell Welch’s 36 years of service to ArFB will be held at 4 p.m. Dec. 5 in the Statehouse Convention Center. VIP experience for county presidents County Farm Bureau presidents will enjoy a special VIP experience during the 2014 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in San Antonio. Presidents
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A Publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation
October 25, 2013 • Vol. 16, No. 20
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and their guests will be invited to a special event on the Convention Trade Show floor at 8:45 a.m. on Jan. 12, prior to the opening general session. AFBF President Bob Stallman will recognize leaders for their hard work and dedication to Farm Bureau’s federated grassroots structure. In addition, county presidents will be among the first to interact with trade-show exhibitors and will receive a special gift in recognition of their service to the organization. Visit the convention website at http://annualmeeting.fb.org/ for more details. Ag Hall of Fame seeks nominations The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame is seeking nominations from the public for its class of 2013. The deadline is Nov. 15. The Agriculture Hall of Fame recognizes Arkansans who have contributed significantly to the state’s largest industry, while spotlighting their contributions to the state’s economic development. Since its first class was selected in 1987, 136 men and women have been inducted. Hall chairman Cal McCastlain says anyone can nominate a person believed worthy for the honor. “The men and women of agriculture have some truly compelling success stories,” he said. “The role of the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame is to help tell their stories, to honor the worthy individuals who made a profound
Earlier this month, Scott Co. FB President Dan Wright (left) presented a check for $16,351 to Scott County Judge James Forbes. The money, donated by Arkansas Farm Bureau and six county Farm Bureaus surrounding Scott County, will be distributed to farm families affected by the May 31 flood in southern Scott County.
Madison Co. FB reached a milestone on Oct. 10 by becoming first in the state to reach its membership quota. Area coordinator Steve Hignight (left) presented an award of $1,000 from ArFB to agency manager Jimmy Peacock (center) and county president Jeremy Miller at the organization’s October board meeting.
impact on Arkansas agriculture.” The Farm Bureau Center in Little Rock houses the Agriculture Hall of Fame, which is sponsored by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Arkansas Farm Bureau. “It is a great honor to be able to recognize some of the finest farmers, ranchers, business people and scientists connected to agriculture,” McCastlain said. “The success
of these individuals has not just been for them personally. It has impacted countless communities around our state, and touched people across the country and the world, in fact.” Additional information and online nomination forms are available at www. arkansasaghalloffame.org. Forms also can be requested by calling MaLeta Stephens at 501-228-1470. The induction ceremony for the next class will be March 7, 2014 in Little Rock.
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In Arkansas
On Oct. 10, Eddie Tackett (left) and Pope Co. extension agent Phil Sims examined Tackett’s soybean crop near Atkins. Tackett is one of four growers who’ve exceeded 100 bushels per acre in the “Race for 100” contest sponsored by the Ark. Soybean Promotion Board and Ark. Soybean Association. His 5-acre plot yielded 104.83 bushels per acre, earning him part of a $50,000 prize.
On Oct. 10 at the Brinkley Convention Center, Vice President Lonnie Medford (left) presented Brinkley Fire Department Chief Jolly Bussell with a new Res-Q Tube purchased by Monroe Co. Farm Bureau. The lightweight, aluminum tube will provide first responders a means for rescuing victims of grain-engulfment accidents at area farms and storage facilities.
Reed named to Hall of Fame On Oct. 7, the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas announced its 2014 inductees to the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame. Among them is Stanley E. Reed of Marianna. Reed, a lawyer and row-crop farmer, served on Arkansas Farm Bureau’s board of directors from 1987 to 2008 and was president of the organization from 2003 to 2008. He was also a member, and later chairman, of the University of Arkansas System’s Board of Trustees. Reed passed away in 2011. The Arkansas Business Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place Feb. 7, 2014 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.
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On Sept. 27, Rodney Baker (left), Arkansas Farm Bureau’s incoming executive vice president, was named Distinguished Alumnus of the Year for the agricultural economics and agribusiness department in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas. Steve Halbrook, head of the department, presented the honor.
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Beef industry seeks ambassadors The 2013 Arkansas Beef Ambassador competition will take place Nov. 9 at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. The deadline to enter is Nov. 1. Beef Ambassadors are passionate youth advocates for the beef community who provide American consumers and students with positive nutritional, economic and environmental stewardship information related to beef consumption and the beef industry. Participants learn how to effectively address issues and misconceptions, accurately share industry practices and promote the versatile uses of beef. Any Arkansas youth between the ages of 9 and 20 is eligible to enter. There are three divisions: the Youth Division for ages 9-12, the Junior Division for ages 13-16 and the Senior Division for ages 17-20. Three monetary awards will be given in each division: First place will receive $150; second, $100; and third, $75. The $1,500 Arkansas Cattle Women’s Foundation Scholarship will be awarded to the first-place winner of the Senior Division. The first-place winner also will represent Arkansas at the National Beef Ambassador Competition in 2014. The first place winner of the Junior Division also may be invited to represent Arkansas in the junior competition of the National Beef Ambas-
Victoria Maloch (right), former Arkansas FFA state president, engaged in mock interviews on Oct. 14 with Arkansas Farm Bureau staff members (from left) Michelle Kitchens, Stanley Hill and Warren Carter. Maloch, daughter of Bruce and Martha Maloch of Emerson, is a national FFA officer candidate and was preparing for the selection process.
sador Competition in 2014. For more information, complete contest rules and a registration form, visit www. arcattlewomen.com/programs/arkansasbeef-ambassador/.
passion for gardening all across Arkansas.” In 2012, the Master Gardener program had 3,234 members who reported more than 55,000 learning hours and more than 118,500 service hours.
25 years: Master Gardeners Program This month, Arkansas Master Gardeners are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the program’s founding. “The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service started a Master Gardener volunteer program 25 years ago with a class of 30 people,” said Janet Carson, extension horticultural specialist. “Today, we have more than 3,200 volunteers in 65 of Arkansas’ 75 counties.” Master Gardeners is an education and volunteer program that offers 40 hours of education to those who are gardening enthusiasts in exchange for 40 hours of volunteer work. After the first year, Master Gardeners are required to obtain 20 hours of continuing education and pay back 20 hours of volunteer service. “Their handiwork is visible in counties across the state from beautification projects in local communities, to demonstration gardens in schools and nursing homes, to farmer’s market projects, educational seminars and annual plant sales,” Carson said. “These trained volunteers share their knowledge and spread their
Elsewhere S.D. ranchers relief fund Three South Dakota organizations have joined together to establish the Rancher Relief Fund with the Black Hills Area Community Foundations to provide support and assistance to ranchers affected by the early October blizzard that resulted in the death of as many as 60,000 head of cattle. According to the National Weather Service, 19 inches of snow fell in Rapid City, shattering a nearly 100-year-old record for accumulation in October. Donations to the Rancher Relief Fund can be made online at https://www.giveblackhills. org/27677. Checks also are accepted and can be mailed to Black Hills Community Area Foundation, SD Rancher Relief Fund, P.O. Box 231, Rapid City, SD 57709. Checks should be payable to “Rancher Relief Fund.” The fund will be administered by the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association and South Dakota Sheep Growers Association. Editor Keith Sutton
keith.sutton@arfb.com
In the Market As of October 22, 2013 November SOYBEANS have staged a nice little mid-harvest rally after finding support at $12.61. Reports continue to indicate impressive yields, making a national average of 42 bushels per acre a possibility. A sharp increase in planted acreage in South America will limit the upside potential of the market, with Brazil reporting an expected increase of 3.45.9 percent over last year’s crop. For the time being, November has run into resistance at $13.05. With the shutdown, we missed the October crop report, so the November report could be a big market-mover. Remember, USDA’s last report showed an average on-farm price of $11.50 per bushel. December CORN is still trending lower but is attempting to consolidate, with prices remaining just below resistance at $4.50. Support remains at contract lows of $4.32, but if prices fall below this, we could see prices move to $4.25 or $4.00. Yield reports are coming in much higher than expected, and the November crop report could be a big shock for the market. Having said that, the market is extremely oversold, so a corrective bounce is certainly possible. WHEAT fundamentals are stronger than corn and soybeans, and current prices reflect that. A weaker dollar has been supportive, but carryover weakness from other markets has limited the upside. Planting both in the U.S. and Europe is moving along well. USDA says that 79 percent of the U.S. crop is now in the ground, and 65 percent is in good to excellent condition. Thirty-one percent is in fair condition, with only 4 percent in poor to very poor condition. Now is a good
time to price some wheat for 2014. As we move throughout the winter into spring and other countries have an opportunity to plant more wheat, it is likely we will see wheat in the $6 range rather than the $7 range. December COTTON is attempting to consolidate, with prices barely holding above key support at 82 cents. The first level of resistance will be the recent high of 84.40 cents. The market continues to feel the weight of large global supplies and no bullish news to support prices. Declines over the last week have pushed prices close to oversold territory, which may help prices rally by the end of the month. There is talk of increased cotton acreage next year in light of recent declines in corn prices. RICE futures have been on a roller coaster ride over the past few weeks. November bottomed early in the month, finding support at $14.69 before putting nearly $1 back on the market and establishing resistance at $15.52. Significant weakness in the dollar has been supportive, and news of some strong export sales also has been supportive. World supplies are comfortable, with a large stockpile of rice in Asia looming over the market, limiting upside potential. Live CATTLE futures have moved to new eight-month highs. Prices are being supported by the devastating blizzard in South Dakota that has
killed up to 5 percent of the cattle herd there. Futures are trading at a premium to cash, though, and that could limit the upside potential. Negative packer margins will keep a lid on bids despite relatively tight market-ready cattle supplies. HOG futures are trading near contract high levels. December will have tough resistance at the recent spike high of $89.90 but have ignored a bearish key reversal charted earlier in the month. This week has seen lower cash hog values with improving product values, which should give packer margins a boost. DAIRY. Milk supplies continue to be tight due to the combination of good Class I demand and seasonally lower milk production. Forage supplies are becoming a concern in the Northeast as the unusually wet summer has reduced hay harvest yields and quality. Producers are beginning to put more fresh cows online. Milk production in the Southeast is about in balance with Class I demand needs, with manufacturing supplies near contract levels. Cream demand is active with good pulls coming from cream cheese, butter, ice cream and bottling manufacturers. The good cream demand has tightened available supplies and moved prices higher. According to NASS, milk production for August 2013 in the 23 reported states totaled 15.7 billion pounds, up 2.7 percent from August 2012.
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
2013 ARKANSAS STATE FAIR & LIVESTOCK SHOW
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his year’s State Fair & Livestock Show kicked into gear Oct. 11 on the state fairgrounds in Little Rock. Arkansas Farm Bureau and agriculture were once again well represented at the annual festivities. Take a look at some of the people and events that made the 10-day event very special. • photos by KEITH SUTTON and CAROL ROLF •
Attendance figures show 445,314 people attended this year’s fair, just 2,000 shy of last year’s attendance. Attractions included the livestock competitions, carnival rides and food prepared in a wide array of styles.
Above: Judge Mark Hoge (right) of Good Hope, Ill., examines a finalist in the Market Hog competition. Expert judges from throughout the U.S. are important to the livestock show’s success. Above right: The midway featured lots of special attractions, including 9-foot-tall Rock-It the Robot. Right: Karen Kirkpatrick of Arkadelphia won the Best of Show award in ArFB’s Rice Cooking Contest for her Brunch Sausage Casserole recipe. Right: Thirteenyear-old Kaylie Stone of Gurdon showed several grand champion animals, including this Grand Champion Market Goat. Bottom right: Visitors to the Arts & Crafts building saw dozens of winning entries in the home-canning division.
Above: Arkansas FFA President Taylor McNeel (left) and Reporter Caleigh Sue Moyer posed with state FFA advisor Marion Fletcher before participating in opening ceremonies for the Sale of Champions.
Right: This baby llama was a favorite of the many children who dropped in to visit the FFA Children’s Barnyard. Far right: Ten-year-old Chancee Clark (left) of Romance exhibited the Grand Champion Market Steer at the Sale of Champions. President Randy Veach purchased the animal for ArFB.
2013 S TAT E FA I R
Left: The Grand Champion Single Fryer Rabbit was shown by 10-year-old Haeden Barber of Austin. ArFB Vice President Rich Hillman purchased the animal for ArFB. Above: Fair food favorites included everything from a 2-pound mega-burger and alligator on a stick to fried Twinkies and pork chop sundaes. Emma Williams of Searcy took home a blue ribbon for her Mandarin Orange and Rice Salad, the first-place salad dish in ArFB’s Rice Cooking Contest.
Above: Ten-year-old Colby Daniell of Arkadelphia was named the 2013 Arkansas 4-H State Giant Watermelon Growing Champion at the Arkansas State Fair. His watermelon weighed 125 pounds.