arkansas
farm
bureau
committee comments
L
abor Day has come and gone and school is back underway! I hope everyone had an enjoyable summer and are already planning Ag in the Classroom activities with your local schools. It’s also county fair time and I know many of you will be involved promoting Farm Bureau and your local agriculture. Your state committee was very busy this summer. We attended the national Ag in the Classroom conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and came back with some great ideas to share with you. We have also met Sue Billiot, to discuss our acchairwoman tivity at the State Fair, which includes judging the Rice Recipe contest. The annual convention is scheduled for Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 at the Peabody Hotel in Little Rock. I encourage all of you to start making plans now to attend. When it comes to educating your local students about agriculture and where their food comes from Arkansas Farm Bureau has many tools available for you to take advantage of. This includes the Mobile Ag Experience trailer, Milking Cow and Combine Simulator. I encourage you to contact Andy Guffey to inquire about their availability this fall. Thanks again for all you do to promote agriculture in your local communities. I’ll look forward to seeing you at convention in Little Rock!
keith sutton photo
On Sept. 7, in a ceremony with Brittney Johnson of Cherry Valley, this year’s Miss Arkansas Rice, Gov. Mike Beebe signed a proclamation officially declaring September Arkansas Rice Month in recognition of the rice industry’s significant contributions to the state’s economy. Gov. Beebe and Miss Johnson were joined by rice-industry leaders, including representatives of the ArFB, USA Rice Federation, Ark. Rice Council and Ark. Rice Federation.
county activities The following activity summaries were submitted by the county Farm Bureau Women’s Committees:
Arkansas: The committee provided a meal for the FFA Alumni dinner and arranged for a Stroke Detection Plus screening in Stuttgart. Baxter: The committee arranged for the Mobile Ag Experience Trailer to visit Hackler Intermediate School in Mountain Home. Matt Jackson demonstrated the cotton gin and rice miller. The committee also arranged for safety coordinator Jason Kaufman to present an ATV safety program to first and second grade students at Della Ruth Herron elementary school.
Benton: The committee participated in a Farm Expo at Centerton Elementary school which reached 130 fourth grade students. They rotated through 10 stations where they learned about beef, dairy, poultry, food safety, and water quality. The expo also featured the milk cow and combine simulator. A committee member made a presentation about dairy farming in Benton county to the Rogers Kiwanis Club.
Boone: The committee served lunch to more than 60 people attending the Rotational Grazing field day at Rick Crunkleton’s farm.
Third Quarter 2011 ®
continued on page 2
1
county activities ®
arfb state women’s committee
A
s your state women’s committee, we are here to be a resource and assist you in your ag promotion activities. Please feel free to contact us at any time. Sue Billiot chairwoman Sharp County, District 2 870-528-3617 kajunsue@centurytel.net Janice Marsh vice chairwoman Woodruff County, District 2 870-731-5660 rmarsh@centurytel.net Deborah Dooly Columbia County, District 7 870-547-2437 debdooly@hotmail.com Sherry Felts Mississippi County, District 1 870-537-4772 Jeannie Hornsby Washington County, District 3 479-549-4273 jhornsby@uark.edu Linda Parish Scott County, District 4 479-928-5098 jlparish@juno.com Cara Parker Lonoke County, District 6 870-552-7090 parker@arkansasducks.com Renee Thrash Faulkner County, District 5 501-336-9652 thrashr@conwayschools.net
Carroll: The committee arranged a program for the Mobile Ag Experience trailer at Green Forest where students learned about Arkansas commodities and saw the rice mill, cotton gin and milking cow. Ag readers dealing with beef, dairy, poultry and soybeans were handed to the students. The committee also conducted a program with the trailer at Berryville for 175 third graders. The committee also led a “Wagonmasters” program for Berryville 5th grade students. As part of the program the students learn how people bartered for food in the settling of the western U.S. and the commodities produced at the time, including beef. Carroll County ranks third in beef production in Arkansas. Chicot: The committee conducted a “Kids in the Kitchen” program that involved exercise, taught them about food safety and food preparation. Students participated in two hands-on cooking demonstrations and received a cookbook of recipes prepared. Clark: The committee purchased and delivered ice cream to area daycare programs and conducted programs on the dairy industry. The committee also promoted National Dairy and Ice Cream days on local radio broadcasts. The committee also recognized National Teacher Day by presenting area teachers with gift bags. Cleburne: A committee member read the book “Grow Smarter” to 40 second grade students at Concord Elementary School. Conway: The committee sponsored a
field trip to Heifer International headquarters in Little Rock for county 4-H members. The children learned about crops grown in other countries and how Heifer donates animals and helps people in other countries produce their own food. The committee also participated in a youth camp where children learned about local agriculture and where their food comes from through various livestock and horticulture projects.
Craighead: Committee members donated ag literature and commodity materials including the Farm Bureau Ag-tivities workbook, the Garden Chef book, Good Things from Arkansas book, and Ag Readers on cotton, beef, dairy, corn, soybeans, poultry and forestry to six schools in the county. The committee conducted the 2011 Miss Craighead County Rice contest and supported the winner by helping her obtain and prepare promotional materials including recipe cards and make presentations in the local community. Crawford: The committee furnished coloring books and crayons for the Ag Day at the Ag
2
clark co. fb photo
Charles Failla (left), a representative of Great Beginnings Learning Enrichment Center in Gurdon, presented Becky Baumgardner with a Community Service Award at the organization’s graduation. Becky was representing the Women’s Committee of Clark Co. FB, which educates area residents on the many benefits and healthy lifestyle available through agriculture. Station event and provided tractor rides for children who participated.
Cross: The committee participated in the 4-H day fishing derby and distributed coloring books and brochures promoting local commodities at the Wynne Farm Fest. Faulkner: The committee conducted a program on “Growing a Garden” for some 400 students at Ellen Smith school. The committee also participated in a local “Pizza Ranch” event which educates students about how the ingredients in a pizza are grown and produced, including wheat and dairy products. Some 1,600 students took part. Garland: The committee conducted a Farm Safety event for students at Lake Hamilton Intermediate School which featured 11 different stations dealing with farm and personal safety. The committee also sponsored a field trip to the Britt livestock farm for Lake Hamilton fifth grade students. Howard: The committee sponsored the annual 4-H egg and dairy foods recipe contest. A monetary donation was made to help award prizes. Approximately 30 children participated. Winners in each category represented the county in the state competition. Committee members also volunteered in the “Real continued on page 4
2011 Ford Fiesta
2011 Ford F-150
2011 Lincoln MKX
EXCLUSIVE $500 SAVINGS FOR FARM BUREAU MEMBERS Ford Motor Company is pleased to announce an exclusive offer for Arkansas Farm Bureau members: $500 Bonus Cash* savings off vehicle MSRP toward the purchase or lease of any eligible 2010/2011/2012 Ford or Lincoln vehicle. With this valuable offer, you can enjoy savings on the vehicle of your choice from our exciting new lineup of hard-working and technologicallyadvanced cars and trucks — including the Ford F-150 with its impressive power, fuel efficiency** and best-in-class trailer towing capacity.***
Take advantage of this special $500 offer today by visiting www.fordspecialoffer.com/farmbureau/ar * Program #33466: $500 Bonus Cash offer exclusively for active Arkansas, Michigan, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. Offer is valid from 1/4/2011 through 1/3/2012 for the purchase or lease of a new eligible 2010/2011/2012 model year Ford or Lincoln vehicle excluding Mustang Shelby GT/GT500, Edge SE AWD, F-150 Raptor and Taurus SE. This offer may not be used in conjunction with other Ford Motor Company private incentives or AXZD-Plans. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply. You must be an eligible Farm Bureau member for at least 60 consecutive days and must show proof of membership. Limit one $500 Bonus Cash offer per vehicle purchase or lease. Limit of five new eligible vehicle purchases or leases per Association member during program period. See your Ford or Lincoln Dealer for complete details and qualifications. ** EPA estimated 16 city/23 highway/19 combined MPG 3.7L V6 4x2. *** Class is full size pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR, non-hybrid.
county activities Deal” career financial program for students at Nashville Junior High School. The program is designed to help students learn to budget and their manage their finances wisely.
Independence: The committee conducted a CPR certification program. 48 - 6th grade students were certified in American Red Cross CPR. A committee member hosted visitors from California who toured a local poultry and cattle farm and learned about hay and forage production. Jackson: The committee participated in an ag day event at Castleberry Elementary school. Committee members distributed 400 gift bags which included coloring books and soy crayons. They arranged for the Farm Bureau milking cow and Mobile Ag Experience trailer to be a part of the event. The committee also arranged for safety coordinator Jason Kaufman to conduct an ATV safety program for local 4-H members. Lee: The committee assisted Miss Lee County Rice by distributing her rice recipes and helping arrange her speaking engagements. Lonoke: The committee conducted the Miss Lonoke County Rice contest. Miller: The committee again participated in the “Back to Nature” summer field day at the Turner Farm which reached 165 children. Numerous county and state agencies participate including Farm Bureau, the Arkansas Beef Council, Ark Game and Fish Commission, Corps of Engineers and local Conservation District. The prepared and helped serve lunch to all of the participants. Monroe: The committee sponsored an agriculture education program as part of the Brinkley library’s summer reading program. The committee arranged for the combine simulator and Farm Bureau milking cow to be part of the program. Committee members also assisted with a bicycle safety program and contest at the Clarendon “Rolling on the River” festival. 30 young people completed an obstacle course and winners received a new bike. Montgomery: The committee
participated in the annual Ag Fair at the county fairgrounds in Mt. Ida. 211 students from Oden, Caddo Hills and Mt. Ida took part. The fair included a variety of demonstrations including the portable rice mill and cotton gin, mobile dairy, and sessions on poultry and how to grow healthy foods. The committee also donated the books, “Clarabelle Making Milk and so Much More” and “Good Things Come From Arkansas” to the Montgomery County Library and Oden first grade. 4
mississippi co. fb photo
Darlene Musick (left), co-chairwoman of Mississippi Co. FB’s Womens Committee, presented a check for $4,000 to President Benton Felts. The contribution will support the county’s Joe Musick Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of Mrs. Musick’s late husband, a respected farmer and educator who was past president of the county FB and first to suggest the establishment of a scholarship foundation.
North Logan: The committee submitted article to the Paris newspaper promoting the benefits of milk and dairy products during dairy month. The committee also sponsored the “Body Walk” program for students at Scranton Elementary. Committee members supplied water for all the workers at the event. Newton : The committee promoted dairy and poultry products by sponsoring a countywide brunch at the Farm Bureau office. Recipes were provided for the dishes that were served. The committee also supported the Extension Service in teaching nutrition classes for local residents. Perry: Committee members informed
county elementary school teachers about the materials available to them through the Ag in the Classroom program. The committee also assisted in selecting recipients of the county Farm Bureau scholarship.
Phillips: The committee sponsored bicycle and internet safety programs for elementary school students and a drinking and driving safety program at the Phillips County library. Polk: Committee chair Rita Keener attended training for the Arkansas Crisis Response Team to learn how to offer assistance to victims following natural or man-made disasters. She also provided assistance following the Franklin County tornado.
craighead co. fb photo
At a special rice tasting held at Regions Bank in Jonesboro Sept. 2, Craighead County Judge Ed Hill (fourth from left) signed a proclamation declaring September as National Rice Month. In attendance were Regions Bank executive vice president Jim Tubbs (left), several members of Craighead Co. FB’s Women’s Committee and Miss Craighead County Rice, Lexie McEntire.
Pope: The committee sponsored a Stroke Prevention screening program which attracted 30 area residents. Prairie: The committee assisted Miss Prairie County Rice in her activities by attending the Rice Expo in Stuttgart where she had samples of her rice dish and handed out recipes. The committee provided her with Rice Krispie Treats which she handed out to children attending the Zoo Animals day at the Hazen Library. The committee also donated more than 100 ice cream cups to the three county libraries to promote dairy month. Pulaski: The committee conducted gardening projects at College Station Elementary and Mabelvale Magnet Schools. They also sponsored a Stroke Prevention Plus program at the county office. South Logan: The committee presented a program on the importance of cotton to students at Magazine Elementary school. The committee also sponsored the mobile dairy at two county schools and helped harvest the produce garden at Booneville Elementary. South Mississippi: The committee purchased and donated supplies to area schools for students who are unable to purchase their own. continued on page 5
county activities Saline: The committee purchased and donated art supplies to a local school. Scott: The committee is working with local elementary schools and organized materials for teachers to order from the committee as needed. The committee is also planning the upcoming elementary fair day. Searcy: The committee donated the “Grow Smarter” book to area schools and the Searcy County library for the summer reading program. The committee also assisted in serving breakfast during the “Spring Fling” to benefit the county’s Veterans Memorial and helped 4-H members place flags on veteran’s graves in the cemetery. Sharp: The committee set up and manned
booths promoting Farm Bureau and the Beef Industry at the county fair. Distributed beef recipes and information about Farm Bureau member programs. Sue and Ken Billiot attended the Louisiana Farm Bureau annual convention where they obtained ideas and information about getting more young farmers involved in their county organization.
Van Buren: The committee arranged
for Sean Blackburn, a professional forester to assist committee chair Cindy Wilson in presenting classes on forestry to 110, 4th grade students at Clinton Intermediate school. The students learned about the similarities
van buren co. photo
On Aug. 24 and 25, the Van Buren Co. FB Women’s Committee hosted appreciation “coffees” in Fairfield Bay and Clinton to recognize local media representatives for their support of Farm Bureau. At Fairfield Bay, committee chair Cindy Wilson (left) and her husband Leon (blue shirt), president of Van Buren Co. FB, welcomed Bob Connell (brown shirt), general manager of radio station KFFB 106.1, and Fairfield Bay News managing editor Dan Feuer.
Washington co. fb photo
At the county fair Aug. 31, Washington Co. FB’s Women’s Committee recognized Lisa Taylor (holding sign), a fourth-grade teacher at Willis D. Shaw Elementary in Springdale, for being selected ArFB’s 2011 Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year. Standing with Taylor are Women’s Committee members LaJoyce Duncan (left) and Barbara Horn.
to crop farming and about the various aspects of forest management including thinning, clear cutting, and prescribed burns. Blackburn also demonstrated how to identify different tree varieties and a tree’s age. The committee conducted a reception honoring the county’s Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year, Marilyn pond of Shirley High School, as well as two Family and Consumer Science teachers who retired from Clinton and Southside Bee Branch High Schools. The committee compiled photo books spotlighting the activities they participated in with the committee over the years and awarded them as gifts.
Washington: The committee conducted numerous activities during the period. Some of these included taking a horse to Walker Elementary and conducting a session on equine and horse safety for first graders; presented a $500 garden grant to T.J. Smith Elementary; assisted the YF&R committee in a tractor rollover and emergency rescue activity where EMTs learned how to extract victims from rollovers and other farm equipment accidents; and co-sponsored the county 4-H breads contest and awarded cash prizes to the winners White: The committee participated in a
local “Day of Caring” event where they distributed a variety of school supplies to students who attended. Child Safety and Booster seats were displayed with information about how to purchase them. The committee also conducted a program on soil conservation and planting seeds for area students. They read the books “Grow Smarter” and “Oh Say Can
You Seed” and gave demonstrations on erosion and how plants emerge.
Woodruff: The committee conducted a Stroke Detection Plus screening for local residents at the county office and distributed Fun on the Farm coloring books and crayons to students at Augusta Elementary school. Yell: The committee conducted a workshop on biofuels and demonstrated how biofuels are produced for more than 60 area students.
staff contacts • Harry Willems, associate director of O&MP 501-228-1247, harry.willems@arfb.com • Autumn Wood, O&MP special programs assistant 501-228-1306, autumn.wood@arfb.com
5
activity spotlight
Fun with Seed Packs Use a simple seed pack to engage students in interdisciplinary lessons involving science, math, and language arts What’s Growing on in Your Window? Objective: Germinate your seed inside the seed pack Supplies: Seed packs, cotton balls, scissors, water, tape, jewelry-sized plastic baggies, snack-sized plastic baggies How To: 1. Carefully cut the top of the seed pack open. Empty seeds into a snack-sized baggie, reserving 2-3. 2. Cut along the right side and bottom of the pack, so that it now opens like a book. 3. Cut a square out in the middle of the front of the pack. 4. Place a moistened cotton ball in the jewelrysized baggie. Place 2-3 seeds on top. Zip up the baggie.
6
5. Tape the baggie behind the window so that the seed can be viewed. 6. Tape up the sides of the seed pack. 7. Watch your seed begin to grow! Extension: Before re-taping the seed pack, glue graph paper behind the baggie to graph the plant’s growth.
Seed Stories Objective: Record the progress of your plant in a seed pack Supplies: Seed packs, paper, scissors, stapler or rubber bands How To: 1. Follow steps 1 and 2 above. 2. Fold paper and trim to fit inside your seed pack like a book. 3. Secure paper using a rubber band or by stapling it. 4. Use your seed journal to track a seed’s germination progress. This can be down through pictures, sentences, or graphs. Extension: After tracking your seed’s germination in the journal, turn it into a descriptive paragraph titled “This Seed’s Life.”
Connect with Arkansas Ag in the Classroom on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ arkansasagintheclassroom
arfb women’s committee calendar Sun.
Mon.
Tue.
Wed.
Thu.
Fri.
Sat. 2 October 1 National Pork Month
2
9
3
4
5
6
10
11
12
13
Columbus Day
7
8
14
15
Gold Star Application Deadline Arkansas State Fair
16
17
18
19
21
22
27
28
29
2
3
4
5
9
10
11
12
18
19
in
Moultrie, Ga.
Arkansas State Fair
24
25
resolutions from
November 1
31
Halloween
6
Little Rock
26
county
30 to
in
Deadline for
Arkansas State Fair
How
Win
an
Election Seminar
in
Farm Bureaus
Little Rock
7
8
State Resolutions Committee
13
Little Rock
20
Sunbelt Ag Expo
23
in
14
16
15
in
Veterans Day NLR
17
YF&R
AITC Poster Contest Deadline
Excellence in Ag applications due
20
21
22
23
24
YF&R
Thanksgiving
FB Center closed for Thanksgiving holiday
25
26
2 December 1
2
3
Discussion Meet entry deadline
27
28
29
30
ArFB Board
ArFB’s 77th Annual Convention
meeting
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
23
24
YF&R Committee Trip AFBF Board
18
25
Christmas
to
Washington, D.C.
meeting
19
20
21
22
26
27
28
29
FB Center closed for Christmas holiday
Jan. 8-11, 2012 — AFBF 93rd Annual Meeting
in
FB Center closed for Christmas holiday
30
Honolulu, Hawaii
31
New Year’s Eve
7
White (Ag in the Classroom)
Baxter (Honeybee lesson)
C O U N T Y c l o s e - u ps
Independence (CPR class)
Stone (Fishing derby)
Howard (Egg and dairy foods contest) 8
Carroll (Ag day)
S. Logan Co. (Cotton lesson)