Arkansas Agriculture - Winter 2012

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WINTER 2012

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 4

FARM

THEFT! Biting the hand that feeds you p4

Beebe FFA builds leaders p 26

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WINTER 2012

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1

Inside...

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Stealing from the hand that feeds you The farm theft epidemic

by Keith Sutton

C

www.arfb.com

WINTER 2012

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2 22 26 28

Farm Bureau Perspective

by Randy Veach

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 4

Policy Update

by Michelle Kitchens

FARM

THEFT! Biting the hand that feeds you p4

Beebe FFA builds leaders

Spotlight on Youth Building a tradition of excellence

by Ken Moore Rural Reflections Photo

p 26

On the cover – High prices have made farm commodities, fuel, metal, agrichemicals, vehicles and other products targets of thieves nationwide.

According to the Urban Institute, agricultural thefts cost farmers $5 billion in 2007 alone.

Executive Editor: Steve Eddington Editor: Gregg Patterson Contributing Editors: Ken Moore, Keith Sutton, Chris Wilson Research Assistant: Brenda Gregory

Arkansas Agriculture

31

Farm Bureau

Arkansas Agriculture

Perspective

is an official publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation.

Arkansas Agriculture is distributed to almost 32,000 farming and ranching households in Arkansas.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Included in membership dues.

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU OFFICERS: President Randy Veach Manila Vice President Rich Hillman Carlisle Secretary/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 OFFICIO Sue Billiot, Smithville Janice Marsh, McCrory Kirk Meins, Suttgart Brian 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.

The Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation reserves the right to accept or reject all advertising requests.

Send comments to: arkansasagriculture@arfb.com Created by Publishing Concepts, Inc. Virginia Robertson, Publisher vrobertson@pcipublishing.com 14109 Taylor Loop Road Little Rock, AR 72223 501.221.9986 or 800.561.4686

For advertising information contact:

Tom Kennedy at 501.221.9986 or 800.561.4686 tkennedy@pcipublishing.com Edition 24

2

Arkansas Agriculture

By Randy Veach, President, Arkansas Farm Bureau

P

olitics makes for strange bedfellows, the old saying goes, and the recent introduction of legislation that changes the game for the nation’s egg producers may be the strangest union I’ve ever seen.

The Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012 – introduced in late

Jan. by U.S. Reps Kurt Schrader (Ore.), Jeff Denman (Calif.), Elton Gallegly (Calif.) and Sam Farr (Calif.) – has the joint backing of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the United Egg Producers (UEP). Strange bedfellows, to say the least.

HSUS, contrary to its highly polished commercial image designed to generate millions in donations in the name of pet safety and security, is a radical animal rights group whose objective is to put animal agriculture out of business.

Their tactics are threatening, and their playbook filled with deceptive (though admittedly effective) strategies. HSUS is not; repeat NOT, your local humane shelter. Your local humane shelters actually perform those needed acts of pet security and safety and are worthy of our financial support. Meanwhile, HSUS works on ways to systematically eliminate animal agriculture.

The proposed legislation would set national requirements on cage size, limitations on animal density and would ban a number of proven, sciencebased egg production methods. The bill ignores the consensus of mainstream agricultural veterinarians, animal scientists and livestock producers.

It also sets a dangerous precedent that some egg producers, along with national pork and cattle groups, approach with great hesitation. I have no doubt that HSUS will use this as a first step to federal legislation that impacts more than just egg production and will put more and more restrictions on livestock production. It also would set mandated animal care standards based on the political goals of an animal rights group. I’ve listened to both sides of this debate. I have talked to egg producers and those who work for the egg companies. I just can’t answer the question of ‘why?’ when considering the political union between HSUS and UEP. Obviously, eggs are an important source of protein and a regular part of many people’s day. Farmers, as we all know, have a responsibility to produce eggs with professional care for their animals, while being effective stewards of the land and understanding their critical role in food safety.

Far be it from me to sound like Chicken Little (“The sky is falling. The sky is falling.”), but allowing HSUS to be involved in creating legislation that mandates how farmers and ranchers raise animals is a dangerous and unprecedented development. Ignoring years of proven science is possibly even more hazardous.

The correct thing for the U.S. House of Representatives to do is vote down the proposed legislation. Then UEP, which purports to represent ownership of 95 percent of the nation’s egg production, can engage the people who work with farm animals daily – meaning veterinarians, animal scientists and livestock producers – not HSUS. When that happens, any proposed legislation that would come from that group could be viewed with credibility.

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Arkansas Agriculture

T

The farm theft epidemic

by Keith Sutton, Arkansas Farm Bureau

S

ome called him a modern-day cattle rustler. Cattle thief is a better description, as it doesn’t romanticize the criminal’s

deeds.

Seven times in spring 2010, he drove cattle onto a trailer at an acquaintance’s Searcy County ranch, then took the animals to a local livestock market and sold them. His total haul: 81 cattle valued at tens of thousands of dollars. *** It wasn’t easy rolling 800-pound hay bales onto the flatbed trailer, but, working together, the four determined thieves did it 100 times.

Each time, they stole one to three round bales from a farmer’s field in Howard County. The hay was then sold to unsuspecting buyers.

During 2011, round bales that once sold for $20 were topping $150 in some areas, making the sale of 100 bales a lucrative proposition, indeed. *** During a three-week period in fall 2011, two small-time thieves made a big heist from a Lonoke County farm shop, stealing 3,000 gallons of diesel fuel valued at $6,800. Diesel tanks from the farm were loaded on a borrowed truck, driven to Little Rock and sold. The cost of the thefts to the farmer was exponential beyond the cost of the fuel. He had to cease operations for hours waiting for fuel shipments, which slowed his harvest and cost him thousands of dollars. *** She was an absentee landowner. Her forested property was in Fulton County. She lived in another state. One day, an unscrupulous logger on an adjoining property crossed her fenced boundary line and cut 30 acres of the lady’s timber. The logs then were loaded and transported elsewhere for sale. The landowner didn’t find out until five years later when she hired a forester to sell her timber. Her loss was valued at more than $30,000. The timber thief was never caught.

Arkansas Agriculture

5

*** In spring 2011, an anonymous tipster told police about an anhydrous-ammonia tank concealed in a rural-area storage shed near Little Rock. Investigating officers found a stolen 1,000-gallon tank filched from a Mississippi County farmer who used the ammonia for fertilizer. Several small, portable tanks also were in the shed. The thief planned to fill these with anhydrous ammonia and sell them to drug dealers who use the chemical when manufacturing illegal methamphetamines. *** When she went to sleep that night in summer 2011, her blueberry bushes were loaded with thousands of ripe berries. But when the Benton County farm owner awoke, someone had made off with the fruits of her labor — literally. Berry bandits plucked an estimated 120 gallons of blueberries that night, despite a barbed-wire fence and locked gates. The lady lost approximately $3,000 of fruit that would have been sold for income. *** On a moonless night in 2011, the thieves Keith Sutton

backed up to an irrigation well on the Lee County rice farm. Within seconds, they had disconnected conduit from the switch box, pulled out the valuable copper wire inside and attached it to their truck. They then used the truck to rip away all the wiring inside the tubing and well system. The farm owner discovered the destruction the next

Bale out Shortages of hay in 2011 led to record-high prices and an unusually high theft rate. Getting bales out of fields and into secure storage reduces the probability they’ll be stolen.

day, the third such incident in just a few weeks. “They probably got less than $100

building materials, horse tack and more.

the costs of such losses would total many

when they sold the copper wire,” he said,

The costs of these crimes are passed along

millions of dollars.

“but the damage to my irrigation systems

to consumers in the form of higher prices or

cost thousands to repair, plus much more in

are absorbed by farmers in the form of lower

crimes, but according to the Urban Institute

down time and damage to my crops.”

profits. And the costs are staggering.

in Washington, D.C., agricultural theft cost

*** The incidents described above are true.

Unfortunately, they are but a few of the

Few agencies keep statistics on farm

U.S. farmers $5 billion in 2007. That’s billion

The price we pay According to underwriting manager

with a B, an amount equal to the average annual financial loss from house fires. As

thousands of thefts plaguing farmers and

Richard Sims, Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance

many farmers do not report thefts, experts

ranchers throughout Arkansas and the

Company of Arkansas paid approximately

believe the actual farm loss is as much as 10

U.S. Theft of farming-related commodities,

$1.7 million in farm-equipment theft losses

times greater.

supplies and equipment has reached

in 2011, plus an additional $230,000 for

epidemic proportions in many areas as

losses on thefts of farm-related vehicles.

criminals steal livestock, crops, vehicles, farm

Were we able to obtain the same type

implements, trailers, tools, feed, seed, fuel,

of information from the dozens of other

farm theft has received little attention

fertilizer, pesticides, scrap metal, metal parts,

Arkansas insurance companies, no doubt

from criminal-justice policymakers. In

6

Arkansas Agriculture

Metal theft crackdown Despite the magnitude of these crimes,

7

Rip and run Farm implements like this center-pivot irrigation system often operate on electricity and must, by nature, be left in fields. This makes them prime targets for thieves who slip in under cover of darkness and strip out copper wiring, pipes and other metal components that are sold for quick cash at scrap yards. New laws are helping reduce metal theft problems, but a single incident can cost a farmer thousands of dollars in repairs and down time.

8

Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Agriculture

9

Arkansas, one exception is metal theft, a

and a statement indicating the seller has

incidences of theft have risen dramatically

problem impacting agricultural operations

authority to sell the metal. This information

the past two years. High beef prices are

statewide. Thieves usually target high-priced

is collected and made available to law

driving the increase, but “cattle rustling”

copper in pipes and wiring, which often are

enforcement in a statewide database.

appeals to thieves for other reasons as well.

components of farm equipment. Bronze,

Act 390 also increased the penalty

Many ranchers don’t brand cattle these

aluminum and steel also are stolen and sold

for sellers accepting stolen copper

days, so it’s often difficult for buyers to

for a quick buck. Victims include not only

and other metals, making it a Class A

differentiate between legitimate and stolen

farmers but homeowners, contractors, utility

misdemeanor punishable by up to a year

goods. And unlike some items such as

companies and many others.

in jail and a $1,000 fine. Theft of utility,

electronics, which usually fetch only 25 to

telecommunication or essential farm metal

50 percent of their actual value when sold

to combat metal theft, which it referred to

became a Class D felony punishable by up to

to pawn shops or on the black market, hot

as “a threat to public safety and national

six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

cattle usually net 100 percent.

A 2008 FBI report called for tougher laws

security.” The following year, Arkansas’

Apparently, having to provide the

“You may have thought cattle rustling

legislature unanimously passed Act 390,

identifying information law officers can use

was a thing of the past, a common theme

which states, in part, “It is unlawful for a

to catch them has, to some extent, deterred

in old western movies,” said Tom Troxel,

person to injure or destroy, steal, or remove

thieves from stealing metal. Officials say

extension professor of animal science for

any electric power line, gas line, water line,

metal theft has abated somewhat since the

the University of Arkansas Division of

wire or fiber insulators, electric motors or other

act was passed.

Agriculture. “But nothing could be further from the truth.” The unemployment rate

apparatus connected to farm shops, on-farm grain drying and storage complexes, heating and cooling systems and environmental control systems, animal production facilities, irrigation

Cattle rustling, timber theft and other crimes The incidence of other forms of farm

has increased in many rural areas, and, “Oftentimes, desperate people do desperate things,” he said.

Timber theft, a crime many people have

systems, dwellings or alterations that could

theft continues to surge. Take cattle theft,

result in physical injury.” The act also requires

for example. Despite the fact that stealing

never even heard of, also continues to be

scrap-metal sellers to provide a copy of their

a cow valued at $200 or more is a Class C

a huge problem. The Arkansas Forestry

driver’s license, a digital thumbprint, a digital

felony punishable by a fine of up to $10,000

Commission (AFC) investigated 79 cases in

photo of themselves and the scrap metal,

and a prison term from three to 10 years,

2011. These usually involve contract fraud

Stumped Here yesterday, gone today. But who took it? Timber theft often occurs on the property of absentee landowners, causing losses in the tens of thousands of dollars and frequently going undiscovered for months or even years.

10

Arkansas Agriculture

and/or forged timber deeds. In other cases, the timber is cut, removed and sold, but the landowner never receives payment.

Thefts often amount to tens of thousands of dollars. AFC timber-theft convictions in 2008 resulted in more than $600,000 in restitutions paid to landowners that lost timber.

Another serious problem is the theft of anhydrous ammonia, which farmers commonly use as a fertilizer. This agrichemical has been safely used for more than a half century by farmers growing corn, soybeans and other crops. But it’s also used in production of illegal methamphetamines, prompting more thefts in recent years.

Thieves often remove locks from tanks with

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bolt cutters and siphon off ammonia. If valves or tanks are damaged in the process, dangerous leaks can develop that threaten humans, livestock and the environment.

Clean-up can be extraordinarily expensive.

Fruit, nut and vegetable farmers report more thefts, too, involving everything from

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tomatoes, peaches and corn to commodities such as pecans, which this year are selling for record prices. As one law-enforcement official said, “If you can eat it, they’re stealing it.”

Several years of a soft economy have led to a rise in all types of farm theft throughout Arkansas. High unemployment, foreclosures and drug abuse have made criminals more desperate, officials say. As a result, thieves steal anything they can quickly load, carry away and sell, everything from batteries, ATVs, bags of seed and tools to chickens, scrap iron, farm-raised fish and even bees.

Bolder bandits sometimes steal equipment like combines and tractors.

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Farmers and ranchers have been fending off thieves since the heyday of cattle rustling in the nineteenth century, but

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Drug ties Preventing the theft of even small amounts of anhydrous ammonia is extremely important as this commonly used farm fertilizer is also a key ingredient used in a dangerous production process to manufacture illegal methamphetamines.

the duty of battling farm theft now falls

• Post your property, including signs

other equipment.

• For insurance and law enforcement

to law enforcement. Unfortunately, there

around the perimeter warning thieves

aren’t enough enforcement officers and

there are alarm systems/guard dogs/

purposes, shoot photographs and/

judicial employees to catch, prosecute and

watchful neighbors/a reward program,

or videotape of all farm inventory,

etc.

including fences, gates, buildings and

incarcerate all the criminals. It falls upon the farmer or rancher then to implement

• Restrict access by fencing farm/ranch

preventive measures that stop farm theft

boundaries with the most secure fencing

before it happens.

you can afford.

• Secure road entrances with sturdy gates,

General precautions Toward that end, here are tips to help you thwart thieves before they cause

making sure to keep gates closed and locked except when used.

• Maintain a complete list of all tools,

other things that could be damaged or stolen by determined thieves.

• Keep work areas well lighted and tidy, so thieves can’t waltz in and steal things without the likelihood of being seen.

• Keep valuables inside behind securely locked doors whenever possible,

machinery and equipment, including

including agrichemicals, seed, vehicles,

time, but farmers and ranchers who follow

serial/model numbers on items that

farm implements, building materials

these guidelines are much less likely to deal

have them and personal identification

and harvested commodities. Items that

with thievery than those who don’t.

numbers you’ve permanently marked on

must be left on unsecured areas of the

Keith Sutton

problems. No security measure works every

Nut case Arkansas was one of very few states reporting a bumper pecan crop in 2011.

Tight supplies worldwide led to record-high prices paid by wholesalers. As a result, orchard owners reported much higher-than-normal problems with thefts in recent months.

12

Arkansas Agriculture

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• Maintain complete livestock records with identification numbers. List livestock you buy or sell, and record births and deaths.

• Use strong chains and locks on all gates, access routes and loading ramps.

• If possible, place loading chutes and livestock yards away from roads or access points.

• Make daily head counts of livestock; -

know if an animal is missing.

Hang ‘em high Brands and ear tags tie cattle to a specific ranch or owner, often alerting buyers at livestock yards when cattle thieves are trying to sell stolen animals.

Farm equipment • Remove the key, and lock everything when it’s not in use.

• If machinery must be left in the field,

property should be out of sight from

be used to pinpoint the location of

roads.

stolen goods. With today’s advanced

disable it by removing the distributor

technology, many options are available.

cap, rotor or battery. Secure separate

• Use bars to secure high-risk windows.

• Patrol your farm or ranch daily, yearround, and at different times, day and night. If a thief is watching, you want to

implements together or around a

Livestock

large tree with heavy chains and case-

• All cattle, hogs, sheep and goats should

hardened padlocks.

make it clear you frequently check your

be properly earmarked or branded for

• Batteries are favorite targets of thieves

property, but not on a set schedule.

identification as required by Arkansas

and should have lockable cases over

statutes. Bear in mind, however, ear tags

them. Transport wheels should be

can be removed.

lowered to prevent easy removal.

• Consider installing video surveillance systems, alarms and devices that can

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Arkansas Agriculture

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• Don’t leave tools or other equipment in

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a truck bed where they’re easily stolen.

Fuel

• Place lockable caps on fill ports of vehicles, power equipment and supply tanks.

• Pump nozzles should stay properly locked. Control switches on electric pumps should be inside a locked

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building or house. Turn electricity off when the pump is not in use.

• Place supply tanks where they are visible from the home or work areas, not behind outbuildings or equipment.

• Fill tanks kept on isolated parts of the property only when they’re being used — during planting and harvesting, for example.

• Park gas- or diesel-powered vehicles and machinery in secure, well-lit areas, preferably behind closed, locked doors.

• Monitor fuel purchases and usage daily, so you know if there are unexplained losses.

• Use security fencing around supply tanks.

Timber • Maintain a current inventory of your timber, so you can prove the extent of losses if theft occurs.

• Mark valuable trees with a painted stripe down one side for identification.

• Clearly mark your property boundaries, so thieves cannot plead ignorance of boundary locations. Clearly mark salearea boundaries, too.

• Visit your property and walk the

Get real answers.

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to look elsewhere.

• Enlist the aid of adjoining landowners

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Arkansas Agriculture

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15

Keith Sutton

In plain sight Thefts of farm equipment often occur when items are left on remote parcels of land where they are visible from roads. When possible, vehicles and implements should be kept in locked enclosures or garages, or placed where they are less likely to be seen. a notification system whereby all parties are informed when trees will be harvested.

Hay • Transport hay from fields to a secure storage location as soon as

• Deal only with reputable timber buyers, using a well-written legal contract that clearly defines all terms of the sale. Samples are available from the Arkansas Forestry Commission.

possible after harvesting.

• Mark large bales with spray paint

Anhydrous ammonia and other agrichemicals • Do not have tanks delivered to the field. Instead, take tanks to fields when you will use them. Request

for identification, which makes

that chemicals be delivered on

them less attractive to thieves.

days you need them and not

• Where practical, cut the string on small-bale hay to deter thieves.

before. Promptly return tender tanks back to the supplier.

• Use locking devices on nurse tank valves.

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residence or work area.

• Post no-trespassing signs, and mark tanks with caution labels to warn of hazards. This could reduce

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16

Arkansas Agriculture

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• Place tanks in lighted, secure areas

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Take advantage of this exclusive $500 private offer1 and you can hand down more than your love for an honest day’s work—you might just hand them the keys to your trusty 2012 Chevy Silverado when they grow up. With a reputation as the most dependable, longest-lasting full-size pickups on the road2 and the best full-size pickup coverage in America, including a 100,000-mile/5-year transferable powertrain limited warranty,3 plus Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation programs, you know that, like every life lesson, your Silverado is there for the long haul.

And because sometimes there’s more to life than pickups, this offer is also good toward the purchase or lease of most new Chevy vehicles—from Cruze to Camaro. Get your authorization number at fbverify.com/gm and visit your Chevrolet dealer today.

FPO

1 Offer available through 4/1/12. Available on all 2011 and 2012 Chevrolet vehicles (excluding Volt).

This offer is not compatible with other 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. 2 Dependability based on longevity: 1981–July 2010 full-size pickup registrations. 3 Whichever comes first. See dealer for limited warranty details.

FRONT PORCH

I

arf b .com

®

17

5

Ask your equipment dealer for AgDirect financing. ®

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 of Western Arkansas, 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.

• Purchase, lease or refinance • Variable or fixed rates • Financing terms from 2-7 years* • No manufacturer rebate/financing restrictions • Delayed payments – up to one year* • Easy application & quick turnaround

Check our attractive financing rates at agdirect.com.

*Subject to approval.

AgDirect is an equipment financing program offered by Farm Credit Services of America and the partners of AgDirect, LLP.

18

Arkansas Agriculture

Our FOOD. Our FUEL. Our FUTURE. Soybeans are crucially important to the economy and people of our state. Arkansas is ranked tenth in soybean production nationally producing 122 million bushels valued at more than a billion dollars.

But this miracle bean isn’t limited to food production. It’s widely used in paint, cosmetics, soaps, hand lotions, body oils, hair care products and many other products. And nowhere is the potential for environmental sustainability greater than in the area of biofuels.

Locally grown and refined soybean oil is crucial in helping us move away from our national reliance on petroleum and reducing fuel costs.

Arkansas soybeans are helping feed the world, fuel our vehicles, protect our health and grow our state. Harvesting the potential of this miraculous bean means a better future for all of us.

TheMiracleBean.com

Arkansas Agriculture

19

hunter: another word for conservationist

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

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.

1-800-553-1373

NORTHSIDE STEEL Highway 63 Bypass Jonesboro, AR

20

Arkansas Agriculture

We’re searching Arkansas to find the one nurse we can say is the most outstanding in our state. Do you know a nurse that you feel is the most compassionate, caring and empathetic caregiver? A nurse who has given comfort or care to you, a family member or friend? We are asking you to send us their name, where they work, phone number and a short message expressing why you think they are the most deserving nurse in Arkansas.

Deadline March 31, 2012.

We hope to have nominees from every county and every medical facility in Arkansas. From approximately 48 finalists, we will choose two “Runners Up” and finally, one nurse will be named Arkansas’ Most Compassionate Nurse at a special ceremony. The nurses will be recognized in the ASBN Update magazine and the Winner will be featured inside and on the cover. Watch for more details coming soon!

June

er 3 e 15 Numb 2011 Volum

.org

www.arsbn

Send or email your nomination to: NURSING COMPASSION P.O. Box 17427 Little Rock, Arkansas 72222 sramsel@pcipublishing.com

2011 Nursing Compassion Award Winner, Elaine Peterson, RN

NS TULATIO CONGRA terson, RN Elaine Pesroads Cros Clinic Medical

Public

ation

of the

Arkan

ate sas St

Board

rsi of Nu

PUBLISHING CONCEPTS, INC.

ng

Total farm production expenses have increased over 68% since 2002, according to the Economic Research Service. Has your marketing program kept pace with these increased costs?

Price Risk Management Group 800-459-5694 Email: price-risk@price-risk.net

TOTAL FARM PRODUCTION EXPENSES Source: Economic Research Service

330

310

290

270 BILLIONS OF DOLLARS

Price Risk Management Group is committed to providing customized advisory and hedging services in cash markets, futures and options to improve the competitive position of a select group of clients. Located in Little Rock, we have worked with buyers and sellers of agricultural commodities for the last 18 years. Owners include Billy Herrington, former Extension Economist and Market Master instructor, Mike Walsh, a former banker, and Patrick Matthews, a former floor trader in Chicago. If you are not working with a marketing consultant, or if you are unhappy with your current consultant, we would love to talk with you.

250

230

210

190

170

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150

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Arkansas Agriculture

21

PolicyUpdate

By Michelle Kitchens, Arkansas Farm Bureau

W

hen Rep. Davy Carter suggested the state Revenue and Taxation Committee

use part of its time during this fiscal legislative session to review the state’s sales tax exemptions, he got the attention of everyone from businesses to churches and charities to farmers.

The idea wasn’t to necessarily do away with any of the existing exemptions, just evaluate them.

Rep. Carter is on record saying all the state’s sales and use tax exemptions could

force, agriculture has established several

especially during this recession. ARFB

tax breaks for farmers, integrators and

whole-heartedly supports agriculture’s tax

be warranted. There are approximately

processors. The past three sessions ARFB

exemptions. And ARFB and our farmer

120 sales and use tax exemptions on

has led an effort to establish a sales tax

members should always be prepared to

the books in Arkansas. As Chairman

exemption for energy sales for farms

discuss those exemptions and champion

of the House Revenue and Taxation

and supported several other tax saving

their existence. Not just because they’ve

Committee, Carter has a responsibility to

measures. However, one can’t talk about

historically been there or because we

review Arkansas’ tax law. The House and

tax cuts without talking about the state

want them but also because they make

Senate Revenue and Taxation committees

budget.

good fiscal sense, keeping Arkansas

are the primary guardians of the state’s

In 1945, Arkansas Gov. Ben Raney

competitive with other states, adding

revenue. It’s their job to shape the best

proposed the creation of the Revenue

purchasing dollars to rural Arkansans

tax policy for the state while ensuring

Stabilization Amendment, which allowed

and by providing a measure of stability

adequate revenue for the state’s budget.

budget makers to evaluate general revenue

to one of the largest economic engines in

The committees often have to hold the

and expenses and make adjustments as

the state.

line during a legislative session, making

needed. Every year, Arkansas looks at the

sure any tax cuts are responsible tax

income and financial obligations and

the review of tax exemptions until after

policy. In recent years, several members

assigns priorities to its expenses. The state

the fiscal session, but there are still plans

of the state legislature have pitched ideas

constitution prohibits deficit spending.

to do an in-depth discussion of the

of reshaping tax law either through

It isn’t a novel idea, but it’s one most

state tax code. So while the legislature

expanding the tax exemption list,

states have abandoned. In these economic

examines agriculture’s exemptions,

eliminating the exemption list entirely or

hard times, it’s made Arkansas the envy

perhaps we should do the same,

restructuring the income tax levels.

of the nation; a state with a solid budget.

developing reasoned arguments for the

Farmers and ranchers can appreciate that.

ones we have and hope to secure while

Simple revisions in tax law are common in Arkansas. Arkansas Farm

Lawmakers have decided to postpone

Agriculture is woven throughout

evaluating what’s the best tax policy

Bureau policy contains support for many

Arkansas’ economy and contributes

for agriculture and the state moving

others. As befitting a major economic

considerably to the state’s stability,

forward.

22

Arkansas Agriculture

Œ*

Getting Back To The Basics: Conventional Cotton Seed

• Plant Early • Yield More • Make More $ Seed Source Genetics offers COLD TOLERANT, high yield, conventional cottonseed at a low cost to producers in the Mid-South, Southeast and Texas. Our goal is to make cotton farming profitable again.

* New Varieties available from Seed Source Genetics for the 2012 growing season in limited supply. • UA103 • UA222 Varieties • HQ 110 CT • HQ 210 CT • HQ 211 CT • HQ 212 CT • HQ 310 CT • CT Linwood For more information contact:

SEED SOURCE GENETICS, INC.

Edward Jungmann • 5159 FM 3354 • Bishop, TX 78343 Office: 361-584-3540 Mobile: 361-548-7560 Fax: 361-584-4472

eejungmann@gmail.com www.seedsourcegenetics.com Glover Truck & Trailer Sales 8608 Hwy. 70, No. Little Rock, AR 72117

Office: (501)945-1550 (501) 607-0103 Or (501) 960-3935 Fax: (501)945-1552

www.glovertruckandtrailer.com 1995 FREIGHTLINER FLD120, 3406 Cat, 435+ HP, 10 Spd, Air Ride, 3.90 Ratio, 22.5 Tires, Great farm truck . . . . . . . . . $13,500

(5) 00-03 Freightliner FLD120 1 owner, lease maint., 480-650K, N-14 Red Top & 12.7 Detriots, 435+HP, jake, 10 spd, air ride, 3.90, More In, . . . . . $27,500 Or Less

george@glovertruck.com chris@glovertruck.com • beau@glovertruck.com Buying, Selling & Trading TruckS & TrailerS For over 35 yearS!

2000 PETERBILT 357 HEAVY DUTY CRANE (Qty. 3) Cat, 3406, 675K, 18 Spd, Heavy Chalmers, 20K Front, 600C Natl. Crane, 18 Ton, . . . $49,750

2004 Freightliner Columbia, Mercedes, 537K, 410 HP, , 1 Owner, Lease Maint., 10 Spd, Air Ride, Very Nice, Southern Clean, . . . . . . $29,750

1976 FORD L9000, Big Cam Cummins, Jake, 15 Spd, Hendrickson 4 Bolt, 11R 24.5’s, Tri Axle, 20 Ton 2 Spd. Tulsa Winch, Heavy Susp$29,500

2005 VOLVO VNL Cummins, ISX, 450 HP, 499K, Jake, 10 Spd, Air Ride, 3.70 Ratio, 226” WB, 1 Owner, Lease Maint., Raised Flat Top, . . . . . $38,750 22.5 Tires, All Steel Wheels, 72” Mid

2004 INTERNATIONAL 9200i Cat Engine, C12, Jake, 10 Spd, Air Ride, 3.70 Ratio, 11R 22.5 Tires, 1 Owner,. . . . . . . .$19,750

2005 VOLVO VNL Volvo V12, 435 HP, 1 owner, Lease Maint., 630K, Jake, 10 Spd, Air Ride, 3.70 Ratio, 205” WB . . . $25,750

2005 TRAILSTAR Full Frame End Dump Aluminum, 28’ x 102”, Heavy Duty Spring, Good Condition, Southern,. . . . . . $26,900

2006 KENWORTH T800, 296K, 1 Owner, Lease Maint., C-15 Cat, 435+ HP, Jake, 10 Spd, Air Ride, Very Nice!!!, . . . . . $65,750

Arkansas Agriculture

23

Picture this!

Brad Mayhugh

AgProfile

--

Dust off your cameras and take part in Rural Reflections, FB’s Front Porch photo contest.

F

arm Bureau members now have the opportunity to spotlight their creativity, their perception and their flair for the dramatic — or the comical or even the tragic — in Front Porch’s third 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, www.arfb.com, and in other publications.

Arkansas Farm Bureau has the final decision on any and all questions or concerns regarding rules, judging, eligibility,

24

prizes awarded or anything else that may arise pertaining to the Rural Reflections Photo Contest.

Arkansas Agriculture

RULES • Any photo taken between Jan. 1, 2012 and Oct. 31, 2012 may be entered.

• Files must be high-resolution jpegs (at least 300 dpi).

• Each entrant may enter only one photo.

• Enter by uploading your photo at: http://www.arfb.com/programs_ activities/contests/photo_gallery.aspx.

• All entries must be submitted by midnight Oct. 31, 2012.

• The Rural Reflections Photo Contest is open to members of Arkansas Farm Bureau and their immediate families.

Employees of Farm Bureau, its affiliated companies and service companies are not eligible.

• Winning or honorable-mention photos also may be published on Œ* Arkansas Farm Bureau’s website, www.arfb.com, and in other Farm Bureau publications, as appropriate.

Kittler Construction, Inc. 318 W. Durkee St. Carlisle, AR. 72024 Office (870) 552-3831 Sid Sheets (501) 690-0220 Don L Kittler (501) 690-6534 Sales, Service and Parts for all your Grain Storage Needs

They are Arkansas 4-H . . . and you can make a difference.

Nothing is as powerful or rewarding as watching a child light up when he or she masters a skill or reaches a goal. In 4-H, the volunteers who donate their time to put smiles on the faces of our youth are inspiring the next generation — and you can be a part of it!

Share Your Interests. We want your expertise! 4-H project areas are as varied as robotics, GPS, livestock, gardening, public speaking, photography, community service, health, citizenship and so much more.

Join With Your Children. Spend time

with your family as they learn skills for life, help others in their community and travel to new places. Oh, and sometimes they even make new friends and have fun along the way!

A Perfect Fit. With a variety of flexible

DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE RESEARCH & EXTENSION University of Arkansas System

sas n a k Ar -H

4

volunteer opportunities, choose your level of involvement based on your skills and time available. Want to learn more? Contact your county extension office today!

Arkansas Agriculture

25

Spotlight OnYouth Building a tradition of excellence - Ken Moore

Beebe High School FFA program

Building leaders Beebe High School’s 130-member FFA chapter now meets in the new Career and Technical Center on campus. Onehalf of the building is dedicated to agriculture. There are three new classrooms, three new shops, three new offices, an ag computer lab, a new greenhouse and a new animal science center.

by Ken Moore

T

roy Weatherly, Dusty Baxter and

they go on to become an electrician. Or

“Hopefully, once we get the new

Darren Hawkins are building

if they’re on the poultry judging team,

equipment installed, all three of us will

something special at Beebe High

they end up majoring in poultry science.

be AI instructor certified, so we can

These are real life skills they are learning

certify our students before they leave.”

School.

They are vocational agriculture instructors and advisors to the school’s

here,” Weatherly said.

A staunch supporter of FFA and

Only about half of the 130 FFA members come from farm families or

the agriculture program is Beebe’s

have an agricultural background. And,

superintendent Dr. Belinda Shook. She

of the 300 or so who take ag classes,

summer of 2009, Weatherly and Baxter

graduated from Beebe High, and her

more than half are female.

say their goal is to develop a “tradition

children were both FFA members.

130-member FFA chapter.

Hired to enhance the program in the

of excellence” through the leadership and skills training the FFA program provides.

Baxter says the program wouldn’t be advancing as it is without her influence.

This past August, the agriculture

“It’s about a 60/40 split now in favor of the girls,” Baxter said. “Many of them are taking welding and ag mechanics classes and participating in

program moved into a new

those competitions. They’re not just for

have a well-rounded program here,”

65,000-square-foot Career and Technical

boys any more.”

Weatherly said. “It’s very diverse. We

Center on the high-school campus.

have a bunch of kids with a lot of

Weatherly says one-half of the facility

program as one which makes a

different interests and are competitive

is dedicated to agriculture. It includes

positive difference in students’ lives

in just about everything. Nine out of

three classrooms, three shops and offices.

by developing their potential for

our 10 Career Development Event teams

Additionally, the program features a new

leadership, personal growth and career

qualified for the state FFA contest last

animal-science center and greenhouse.

success.

“What we’re most proud of is we

Weatherly is excited about future

year.”

Weatherly says being involved in FFA and performing well in state contests is

Weatherly promotes his FFA

“”I want to see it become a program

teaching opportunities the facility will

that is self-sustaining where word

offer.

will spread about how fun it is to be

“The animal-science center will

involved in FFA, and more students will

universities that host the competitions

eventually allow us to teach artificial

want to get involved without having to

offer scholarships to winners.

insemination (AI) and ultrasound and

be recruited,” he said.

beneficial to the students’ futures as some

“A lot of times the kids on the electricity team are really good, and

26

Arkansas Agriculture

at some point embryo transfer,” he explained.

“That’s where I want our program to go, and I think we’re on our way.”

Œ*

FARM BUREAU MEMBERS EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS AND OFFERS. SAVE OVER $2,000!

EXCLUSIVE

DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS; CREDIT CARDS; AUTO AND MORTGAGE LOANS

$500

SAVINGS FOR FARM BUREAU MEMBERS on the purchase or lease of most new Chevy vehicles. Certain restrictions apply.

Complete details at www.arfb.com.

1-800-492-3276

www.farmbureaubank.com

Arkansas Farm Bureau Purchase Program We make it ~ easy ~ to purchase the latest appliances for your home, particularly if you are remodeling or relocating.

In addition, you can select and purchase these additional great products for your home:

This unique program from Sears Commercial features — •

A private selection consultation, with a professionally trained specialist

• Preferred Affiliate Program Pricing, backed by our Price Matching Plus policy

Visit www.strokedetectionplus. com to see a live screening!

1-877-732-8258

• Craftsman® Garage Storage

• Sealy® and Sears-O-Pedic® Mattresses

• Program and pricing is only available through Sears Commercial Sales

• NordicTrack® Exercise Equipment

• This offer is not available through Sears retail or dealer stores

• Craftsman® Lawn Tractors

• Kenmore® Outdoor Grills, Televisions and more!

Save up to $250 on equipment and $10 per month monitoring on a Securenets security camera system 866-420-3020 www.securenets.us

Arkansas Farm Bureau Purchase Program 3 Easy Steps for Farm Bureau Members

Discounted Pricing not available in retail or dealer Sears stores.

Complete details from ron.rowe@searshc.com or Ph. 931-553-2173.

Step 1: Members simply go to sears.com and find the product(s) they are interested in and write down the product/model number(s).

Hearing Healthcare Benefits Plan

MBERS avings

Statewide network of Professional Audiologists and Specialists

mbers are guaranteed Free automatic approval -FREE Hearing tests and discounted k of Professional Audiologists & Specialists hearing instruments for members & Discounts on Hearing Instruments d Custom Fit / 60 Day Trial 20-25% ACTUAL SAVINGS ply of Batteries (1 case per instrument)

1-888-497-7447 FREE membershipwww.clearvaluehearing.com TODAY!

99 Instant Credit

$

on new account activations for Farm Bureau Members only.

Call 1-866-556-9661, have your Farm Bureau membership number available when you call.

Save up to 20% off at Participating Choice Hotels

Step 3: Members can then use a credit card to purchase the discounted item and it will be delivered via a custom freight company.

Have your Farm Bureau Membership number and discount code CUO88430 in your email, or ready if calling.

All manufacturer warranties apply with the option to purchase extended Sears Protection Agreements. Installation is not included with delivery.

FARM BUREAU APPAREL

Official Arkansas Farm Bureau-identified apparel and more now available.

www.FBApparel.com

for special requests and details contact John Speck 847-622-4892 jspeck@promac.com

40% OFF CARPET

866-758-0801 Ext. 203 North Little Rock, AR 72113 Contact: Bill Ross

High Speed Internet by Satellite.

Step 2: Members email the product number(s) to Farm Bureau’s designated contact at Sears Appliance Select : ron.rowe@searshc.com for a quote. To receive this pricing a member must include their Farm Bureau membership number and Farm Bureau discount code CU098430 in the email.

Call 800-258-2847 Mention your State ID# 00058417 Online Booking – www.choicehotels.com enter your ID#

DISCOUNT PRESCRIPTION

SAVE UP TO

20% Off Hard Surfaces

Effective 3/1/12

DRUG PROGRAM 10% discount on Grainger Products Account Number 805-059-599 Free Shipping for Online Orders 1-877-202-2594 • www.grainger.com

For information on program availability

call 1-877-673-3688

CHILD SAFETY SEATS for $25 each and

CHILD BOOSTER SEATS

for $15 each Contact County Farm Bureau

)497-7447 toll free

®

arvaluehearing.com

Visit our website to learn more about savings www.arfb.com

Arkansas Agriculture

27

RuralReflections

Ashlee Buck of Bismarck took this unique photo.

28

Arkansas Agriculture

Our Capital and Your Hard Work Go Hand In Hand Farm Credit members are getting their hands on $13.1 MILLION this spring through our Patronage Program.

For 95 years, we’ve worked hand in hand with farmers, ranchers and rural residents. Farm Credit—the financial partner you can count on!

•

Competitive Interest Rates

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Dependable Credit

•

We’re a Cooperative—so our members share in the profits.

$107.7 MILLION patronage dollars in members’ hands since 1997!

No other lender does what we do— work hand in hand to share the profits!

Call or visit a Farm Credit office near you.

800-444-3276

farmcredit.com Arkansas Agriculture

29

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LIttLE ROCk, AR PERMIt NO. 1884