arfb.com
Winter 2013
Go native! Drought proof your pasture strategy by adding warm-season grasses
Sales tax breaks for farmers? Dayton 4-H, a BIG success
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Arkansas Agriculture
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Winter 2013
Inside...
VOLUME 10 Issue 1
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Go native! by Keith Sutton
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Farm Bureau Perspective by Sue Billiot Faces of Agriculture — Kirbi Allen by Tara Johnson Policy Update by Michelle Kitchens Spotlight on Youth — Small town, BIG success by Keith Sutton Rural Reflections Photo On the cover – Severe drought the past two summers have made it difficult to produce enough forage to feed cattle. Incorporating drought tolerant warm-season grasses into your pasture strategy could help. Photo by Keith Sutton
Executive Editor: Steve Eddington Editor: Gregg Patterson Contributing Writers: Ken Moore, Keith Sutton, Chris Wilson Research Assistant: Brenda Gregory
3 22 26 30 32
Farm Bureau
Arkansas Agriculture
Perspective
is an official publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation. Arkansas Agriculture is distributed to almost 42,000 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 Sherry Felts, Joiner Brent Lassiter, Newport Janice Marsh, McCrory 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
by Sue Billiot My service to agriculture didn’t end in December when I completed my two-year term as chair of the Arkansas Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. In fact, upon being selected as a Southern Region representative for the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee (AFBWLC), it’s just expanded to all 50 states and Puerto Rico. I’m humbled and honored to follow in the footsteps of Martha Ahrent of Corning, the last Arkansan to fill a role on the national women’s committee more than 20 years ago. From my view, this is a continuation of the agricultural awareness I’ve been involved with for the past 12 years as a member of the Sharp County Farm Bureau board of directors. My six years on the state Women’s Committee only increased my appetite and convinced me of the need for greater ag promotion and education. My husband Ken and I enjoy the people of Farm Bureau and are privileged to ride for and with the Farm Bureau brand. We’ve been in the cattle and forage business for more than 20 years. We also spent 10 years in the poultry business. While raised in Louisiana, we’ve made our home in beautiful Sharp County for almost 20 years. Women play a significant role in agriculture and in Farm Bureau. The most recent Census of Agriculture found that 13.9 percent of farms and ranches had female principal operators. As women take a more active role in production, they’re also becoming more involved in organizations that represent farmers and ranchers. AFBWLC contributes an essential perspective to the organization and provides opportunities for women to become involved in all aspects of Farm Bureau. The AFBWLC members are elected at the AFBF annual meeting. In addition to the committee chair and vice chair, there are two members representing each of the four regions. The committee develops programs and materials that will empower women in Farm Bureau to strive for and attain leadership positions to strengthen the overall organization. Both the program of work and the committee budget are approved by the AFBF board of directors. Engaged, Empowered & Strong is the theme for the AFBWLC for the coming year. The committee members determined the theme to describe how the members feel about their role. •
Engaged: AFBWLC provides opportunities for women to get involved in an organization that represents all of agriculture.
•
Empowered: AFBWLC empowers women to tell their stories in authentic, dynamic ways to decision makers, lawmakers, teachers, students and consumers.
•
Strong: AFBWLC helps women build on their strengths as agricultural professionals and leaders who are effective at speaking up and speaking out about agricultural and legislative issues.
pcipublishing.com Created by Publishing Concepts, Inc. David Brown, President • dbrown@pcipublishing.com For Advertising info contact Tom Kennedy • 1-800-561-4686 tkennedy@pcipublishing.com Edition 28
I’m honored to serve on the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee. Please reach out to me at kajunsue@centurytel.net, and let me know how I can be the most effective voice for our state and the Southern Region.
Œ„´*
Arkansas Agriculture
3
Go native!
Making sure warm-season grasses are part of your forage mix can help during drought by Keith Sutton
or very poor condition. This led
line from Texarkana to Morrilton
Arkansas Division of Agriculture,
to lackluster hay production and
to Hardy, with rainfall deficits
ranchers in Arkansas lost at least
the smallest hay yields since the
from 12 to 16 inches.
$128 million due to drought
mid-1950s.
According to the University of
Many ranchers worry that dire conditions could persist,
conditions from August 2011
Some parts of Arkansas,
through July 2012. The losses
particularly south and east of
compounding the negative
were mostly the result of an
Little Rock, benefitted from big
impacts of drought and thus
inadequate hay supply and
rains in late summer and early fall
ruining even more livelihoods.
rising hay costs. It became too
of 2012, but less rain fell in the
In response, Mark Svoboda, a
expensive to feed cattle, and
north and west. At Texarkana, the
climatologist with the National
many ranchers were forced to sell
yearly deficit was more than 17
Drought Mitigation Center said,
part of their stock.
inches. In late December, a severe
“You roll the dice every year.
to extreme drought still affected
Nothing will make you drought-
most areas north and west of a
proof.�
During this period, up to 85
Keith Sutton
percent of pastures were in poor
4
Arkansas Agriculture
for ranchers to drought-proof
leaves, natives grow in tall, upright
help, however, and the Arkansas
pastures with natives and avoid
bunches with open areas between
Game & Fish Commission (AGFC)
extensive summer pasture losses
each plant. The sheltered openings
is touting it as a long-term solution
in the future,” said AGFC private
beneath the clumps provide
to filling the summer forage gap
lands supervisor David Long. “I tell
protected nesting sites, travel
that often happens in the Natural
ranchers to think of native warm-
corridors and feeding sites for a wide
State. Establishing stands of native
season grasses as drought insurance
variety of birds, small mammals and
warm-season grasses on a portion of
with no annual premium payment.
other wildlife including bobwhites,
one’s property can help assure cattle
Replanting natives in this year’s
rabbits and wild turkeys. And after
have quality forage even during the
dead pastures can help landowners
fields are established, the landowner
hottest, driest summers.
achieve protection against future
can develop a haying/mowing/
losses while providing unequaled
grazing regime that perpetuates these
forage dividends and peace of mind.
wildlife benefits.
There is one action that can
What are native warmseason grasses?
As the name suggests, warm-season
Benefits to our soil, water, fish and wildlife resources also are realized
grasses reach maximum productivity
that will pay additional dividends for
during summer. Growth begins
many years to come.”
when the soil temperature reaches
Native warm-season grasses have
Recompense for ranchers Of course, you’ll want to know
more about the benefits of native warm-season grasses from a forage
approximately 55º F, and growth
characteristics that enable them to
production aspect, and these, too,
rate increases with temperature to a
thrive when and where turfgrasses
are many.
maximum of about 90º F.
cannot.
At one time, native species such
“These grasses evolved here
Better summer forage production. Most forage production
as big bluestem, little bluestem,
and are quite hardy against dry
in Arkansas is based on cool-
indiangrass, sideoats grama, switchgrass
conditions,” said AGFC quail/
season grasses, such as tall fescue
and eastern gamagrass grew on
small-game program coordinator
and orchardgrass, species that
hundreds of thousands of acres of
Clifton Jackson. “Consider the
grow best during cooler parts of
unforested land in Arkansas. But today,
root structure. Roots of native
the year (March through May and
most stands of native warm-season
grasses grow much deeper than
September to November). Cool-
grasses are gone, plowed to make room
fescue or bermuda and can use
season grasses are not adapted to
for crops or replaced with bermudagrass,
nutrients and moisture that are
summer conditions and do poorly
tall fescue and other plantings.
simply out of reach for the so called
that time of year. Native warm-
‘improved’ grasses. Native grasses
season grasses are more efficient with
Benefits
also are naturally well-adapted to
their water use and more adapted to
the state’s soils, climate, insects
hot, dry summer conditions. They
will grow on virtually any site
and diseases, so ranchers experience
complement cool-season forages
in Arkansas where you might
fewer problems with them. One
by providing production during
normally try to produce forage, but
drawback in transitioning to natives
summer. By growing both cool- and
establishment of healthy stands may
is the time required to establish a
warm-season forages, your farm can
require extra effort and costs. The
good stand of grass. This can take
produce an adequate supply of high-
benefits are numerous, however,
a year or two, but the drought-
quality forage for a much greater
including high yields, nutritious
resistance properties and the forage
portion of the year.
forage, low input cost, exceptional
produced will certainly offset this
drought tolerance and positive
inconvenience.”
Native warm-season grasses
wildlife values — all qualities ranchers are looking for.
Certain features also increase
Improved summer weight gains. Cattle show excellent weight gain when grazing native warm-
native grasses’ wildlife values. For
season grasses in summer. Recent
example, unlike turfgrasses, which
grazing trials in Tennessee reported
drought this year and in recent
typically grow as short, dense,
gains between 1.1 and 2.4 pounds
years, the opportunity is perfect
interwoven carpets of runners and
per day on 650-pound weaned steers
“Given our record of severe
Arkansas Agriculture
5
Garrick Duggar
6
Arkansas Agriculture
Ken Moore
Burnt to a crisp Some pastureland was so damaged from the drought that it will have to be reseeded. Cattleman Gary Rowlands and Pope Co. Extension Service Chair Phil Sims assess the extent of the damage to Rowlands’ bermudagrass pasture in this July 11, 2012 photo. Conversely, this July 20, 2012 White Co. photo of a warmseason grass pasture mix of gammagrass, big bluestem and switchgrass is healthy and growing well despite the drought.
during a 90-day grazing season. This indicates there’s an excellent opportunity to hold stocker calves longer and produce additional gain. In another Tennessee study, bred 1,000- to 1,200-pound Holstein heifers gained nearly 1.9 pounds per day during 2010, one of the hottest summers on record. Four tons of forage per acre is common on soundly managed native warm-season grass plots. Opportunity to rest cool-season grass pastures. Better summer forage production from warmseason grasses results in less dependence on cool-season grass pastures for summer grazing. Rested pastures can remain in better condition, need less frequent reseeding and are less prone to soil erosion. This is also an opportunity to allow tall fescue to be “stockpiled;” that is, allowing late summer/early fall growth to accumulate until well into the fall. In addition, cool-season pastures can be more fully used in spring, because it’s not necessary to conserve spring growth for summer use. Reduced acres needed for hay production. Because of their higher per-acre yields Michael J. Budd/VDGIF
(3 to 6 tons, depending on species and site quality), native warm-season grasses can meet hay production targets from fewer acres than required for cool-season grasses (typically 2 to 3 tons per acre). Using fewer acres for hay production can free up other acreage for grazing.
Compare and contrast Brown and dying cool-season grasses are showing drought intolerance in the pasture in the background of this photo, while the more drought tolerant, native warm-season grasses in the foreground are green and healthy.
Arkansas Agriculture
7
-
Mike Wintroath
Little bluestem
Ted Zawislak
Wildlife benefits Songbirds, small mammals and game birds like wild turkeys and bobwhite quail all benefit from native warm-season grasses. The clump-like grasses provide nesting habitat, and the open areas at the base of the grass clumps provide natural travel lanes for wildlife.
8
Arkansas Agriculture
David Covington/AGFC
Got hay? This photo shows an Arkansas warm-season grass field that was baled in late August of 2012 at the height of the drought. Native warm-season grasses traditionally have higher yields per acre (3 to 6 tons) than do cool-season grasses (2 to 3 tons per acre).
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Reduced production costs. Recent studies (using January 2011 prices) have determined production costs are greatly reduced when using native warmseason grasses. For example, the annual production cost for an acre of big bluestem/indiangrass was $239.42 compared to $452.78 for bermudagrass. This is because native grasses can be produced with far less fertilizer. Recommended nitrogen rates for big bluestem/indiangrass are 60 pounds per acre for hay or pasture. Nitrogen rates for bermudagrass pastures are two to four times greater.
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Arkansas Agriculture
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Getting assistance
for practices that are beneficial
available at the agfc.com website or
for wildlife and can set up the site
by contacting Jackson at 501-223-
this article to provide details
visit to the landowner’s property
6471.
about proper establishment and
to include an NRCS or CES forage
management of native warm-season
specialist to provide specific advice
also may be available through the
grasses, and no doubt you’ll want
on grazing and haying.” Jackson
Environmental Quality Incentives
answers to many questions. What
said. “Between the forage specialist
Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentives
species should I plant, and when?
and biologist, they can assist
Program or other programs
How many acres? What costs can
landowners in establishing native
administered through USDA’s
be expected? How should I manage
grasses and address landowners’
Natural Resource Conservation
grazing and haying? What potential
forage and wildlife objectives
Service. For additional information,
pitfalls should I be aware of?
though sound advice and a plan.
visit with personnel at your local
It’s beyond the scope of
“Ranchers will find there’s a
“Also, our Acres for Wildlife
Federal financial assistance
USDA/NRCS field service center. Excellent research publications
considerable amount of technical
program provides a native forage
information and assistance available
mix and herbicide to establish up
and technical guides are available
for establishing and maintaining
to 20 acres of native grass free of
in the Publications section of
theses grasses. For example, the
charge. This program presents a
the Center for Native Grasslands
Game & Fish Commission has
great opportunity for farmers to try
Management website at
private lands wildlife biologists
to establish these grasses on their
nativegrasses.utk.edu.
who will come out free of charge
farm and see how well they grow.”
and give sound technical assistance
Œ„´*
Information on these programs is
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Conditions change. From weather, to soil, to technology, you have a lot to keep up with. Thankfully, you’ve got real insurance that keeps up with you. If there’s anything you need to know, just call us. You’ll always have questions. Your Farm Bureau agent always has answers.
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Arkansas Agriculture
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Arkansas Arkansas Agriculture Agriculture
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soybeans soyb eans
So do pigs, cows and fish. In fact, animal ag is your number one customer – eating 98 percent of your soybean meal. That’s one good-looking figure. THE
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Arkansas Agriculture
Source: USB Market View Database
© 2012 United Soybean Board
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Arkansas Agriculture
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F
arm Bureau members have the opportunity to spotlight their creativity, their perception and their flair for the dramatic — or the comical or even the tragic — in our fifth 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, arfb.com, and in other publications.
Grow Smart. Grow RiceTec. All of us depend on farmers to provide a safe, inexpensive and reliable food supply. We count on them to make smart decisions about what they grow and how they grow it. And today’s farmer has more choices than ever – not only about his own future, but about the future of his family and his land. They have to grow smart – and the smartest grow RiceTec Hybrid Rice. RiceTec growers are focused on the sustainability of their livelihood, their families and their land. They have a plan for the future that spans generations. They see the wisdom, as well as the potential, of producing more rice using less land, fewer pesticides and less water. Smart farmers grow RiceTec Hybrid Rice. They are the future of agriculture, and they hold the key to feeding the world’s growing population.
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Leadership and Innovation Within the Field of Rice 17
Faces of Agriculture
Kirbi Allen
Brittany Coffee
compiled by Tara Johnson
Kirbi Allen has been a fixture on
2. In your own words, what is agriculture?
I’d like people to know that farmers and ranchers are good people who work hard
the rodeo circuit in Arkansas and the surrounding states for many years. Kirbi is
Agriculture, to me, is unlike any other
every day to produce a superior product.
from Springdale and was recently crowned
industry. It’s a unique process that involves
I’d also like for people to understand that
2013 Miss Rodeo Arkansas. She’ll compete
raw goods, manufacturing, distribution,
rodeo and agriculture are synonymous;
for the title of Miss Rodeo America next
selling and consuming of goods grown
they make great partners in preserving the
December. Kirbi sat down to answer a few
or produced through animals, grains and
farming and western way of life.
questions about how she is involved with
other raw materials. 5. How will you use your role as Miss Rodeo
agriculture. 3. Why do you think agriculture is important?
Arkansas to promote agriculture?
1. How are you involved in agriculture? Agriculture is important, because
I feel fortunate to be an ag
everything we buy in a grocery store can
communications degree holder. My
agriculture. I’ve been involved in rodeo
be traced back to the farm. It’s a huge part
college classes emphasized how important
since I was very young, and I will
of our daily lives, even if we don’t live on
agriculture is to many different industries. I
graduate this spring from the University
a farm. Plus, if we didn’t have agriculture
can use that knowledge to educate the
of Arkansas with a degree in agricultural
to produce feed grains and livestock, we
general public on the virtues of preserving
communications. I’ve always loved horses,
wouldn’t have rodeo. They go hand in
the western way of life but also the benefits
and it’s important to me that I stay
hand.
of a healthy and productive agriculture
My whole life revolves around
industry. Miss Rodeo Arkansas gives me
involved in the horse industry, particularly where I can use my ag communications
4. What is the one thing you want everyone to
a great platform to reach many different
degree.
know about agriculture and farming?
audiences.
18
Arkansas Agriculture
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TAST om farm fr
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abl t o t
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ge us to
s ring b , e . ls eats ng e i e h n t o no ry og d bl , eve , like h l o l d a o o f r trut a Fo , e l s a p Afte ns im Arka his s t e , t u in s a ted urea s rs B On T e r te che arm n n i F a r e s d sa os rs an g th rkan e n A i t m y c b far nce nne the nda u h is co t b i na nw ts. th a i ctio u duc w d o s r o u r p p de ral rovi food ultu p c i r o ag wh nsas a k r of A
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
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20
Arkansas Agriculture
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21
Policy Update by Michelle Kitchens In the Arkansas Farm Bureau policy book, there is a rather long section on taxes. Indeed taxes are cussed and discussed a lot during Farm Bureau’s policy development process. The organization follows tax policy closely and has been heavily involved in shaping the state tax code through the years. Arkansas Farm Bureau will work on multiple tax issues during this legislative session, but there are two pieces of legislation that will need grassroots support.
Utility tax relief Farmers have worked for several years to reduce the sales tax rate on their utilities. A bill has been
on utilities. Energy input expenses for
could mean a $20 million impact for
introduced in the 2013 session that
poultry farms is 40 percent of the total
those communities.
will zero out the sales tax on utilities
input cost for the farmer.
The economic struggles of the past
Poultry has a huge impact on the
few years have seen the numbers of
poultry, swine, dairies, aquaculture and
state’s economy. It has allowed citizens
swine, dairy and aquaculture farms
horticulture farms. HB1039 authored
in rural parts of the state to establish
dwindle. Tax relief even in small
by Rep. Jeff Wardlaw and cosponsored
some financial security, and it supports
amounts may be critical to the survival
by 60-plus members of the General
thousands of jobs beyond the farm.
of these family farms.
Assembly is the legislation supported
Agriculture is Arkansas’ economic
by Farm Bureau. All these farms have
foundation, and poultry is the largest
of tax cuts this year, income tax cuts,
seen increasing energy costs in recent
agricultural product produced in
sales tax exemptions, tax credits. Why
years, none more so than poultry. The
Arkansas in terms of cash receipts,
is this tax cut good public policy?
average poultry farm now spends about
providing 47 percent of the total in
It keeps Arkansas farmers on a level
$10,000 per house annually on energy.
2010. According to the Census of
playing field with their counterparts in
Multiply that number by two or four
Agriculture, 6,089 farms in Arkansas
other states. Most of the surrounding
or 10, and you have some idea how
produced some type of poultry in
states have full or partial exemptions
much farmers are spending for energy.
2007. The census also shows poultry
for agriculture utilities. While no one
Both the rising cost and use of energy
farms in every county in Arkansas. If
is going to pick up the farm and move
contribute to this large input cost. For
the legislature adopts the proposed
to Oklahoma, it still makes sense to
most poultry farms, this is the largest
tax cut, farmers in every county will
help our rural communities with this
expense aside from the building itself.
have more dollars to spend. Around
tax relief.
These utilities are taxed, and farmers
$6 million annually would return to
pay several hundred dollars — even
farmers and be circulated in those rural
dairy and swine industries doesn’t
thousands in taxes annually — just
economies; modestly multiplied that
allow farmers to pass on their costs
(LPG, natural gas and electricity) for
22
Arkansas Agriculture
The legislature will consider dozens
The structure of the poultry,
to consumers, so farmers are simply
Arkansas. The tax hasn’t increased for 20
legislator. The House number is 501-
absorbing the increase in utility costs.
years. Arkansas Farm Bureau is supporting
682-6211; the Senate is 501-682-2902. If
All livestock sectors of agriculture were
SB5 by Senator Bill Sample to increase this
you have personal contact information
hit hard by the drought, but higher feed
dedicated revenue stream to the needed
for your legislator, then let them know
costs absorbed by the companies means
levels.
you support this tax relief for farmers
that the Tysons, Pilgrims and dairy
It’s time to let your legislator know
and additional funding for wildfire
cooperatives of the world haven’t been
you support these changes to the tax
suppression and protection. We’ve built
able to give raises to farmers. This tax cut
laws. The legislature meets only for a
strong support for this legislation, but
would mean a small bonus for farmers
short time. If these bills don’t pass, it
it won’t pass without support “from the
who haven’t seen one in these tight
will be two years before we can try again.
country.” We need farmers to speak out.
economic times.
Call the Capitol and speak with your
Now is the time.
Œ„*
This tax relief also makes sense from a tax code consistency standpoint. Manufacturers have a reduced tax rate on utilities, which means the processing plant and feed mill have seen tax relief but not the farmer. During the past few years, the legislature has adopted tax cuts for manufacturers, the trucking industry, on groceries and a school supplies sales tax holiday. Now is the time for agriculture.
Forest fire protection tax act
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stream for detection, prevention and suppression of forest fires. This tax is paid only on forested acres, but it provides fire protection equipment that serves the entire state. The Arkansas Forestry Commission uses proceeds from this 15 cent per acre tax to purchase and maintain firefighting heavy equipment. Arkansas Farm Bureau and others are supporting an increase of 5 additional cents in the timber tax, which will raise $1 million annually. The extended drought and devastating winter storms have more dead wood on the ground. It’s critical to maintain support for the Forestry Commission’s firefighting efforts. While no one likes taxes, this tax doesn’t just protect trees. During the 2012 fire season, Forestry Commission tankers and the state’s helicopters were able to save 1,313 homes and 964 outbuildings valued at $295
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Arkansas Agriculture
23
Arkansas Farm and Ranch Families Provide‌ 24% of Arkansas Jobs
Jobs
Protecting the Environment
EnvironmEnt 75% of Wildlife Habitat
Meet Lacy Glover Former Miss Arkansas and Spokesperson for the Arkansas Foundation for Agriculture
Food
Arkansas Safe, affordable food 24
Arkansas Agriculture
Foundation for Agriculture www.growingarkansas.org
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All manufacturer warranties apply with the option to purchase extended Sears Protection Agreements. Installation is not included with delivery.
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Arkansas Agriculture
25
Spotlight OnYouth Small town, BIG success Opportunities key to Dayton 4-H Club by Keith Sutton
World War II was barely over when the Dayton 4-H Club in the small Sebastian County community of Huntington was founded. In the 66 years since, this youth organization has become an inseparable and important Marilin Branum
part of the community. “We currently have more than 50 members, most of whom are very active,” said club leader Ann Russell. “We’ve had two state 4-H presidents and two state officers from our club, along with numerous Teen Stars and Ambassadors.
Little BIG town The tiny community of Huntington actively supports the 50-member-plus Dayton 4-H Club. One of the club’s many activities is its Adopt A Highway litter pickup.
“Our club is successful for many reasons, but most importantly because
younger members gain confidence by
year-round. We use the money to assist
of community and parent involvement.
doing talks and demonstrations about
with county camp fees, club T-shirts and
The community provides a place for our
their animals in front of small groups.
other items we need,” Russell said. “It
meetings at the Dayton Community
The creative arts group concentrates on
even helps buy pizza for the kids each
Building. And our parents and local
crafts and learning skills, such as sewing
time they pick up trash on our one-mile
citizens are very supportive of all our
and crotchet.”
stretch of Adopt-A-Highway. There’s
events and activities throughout the
Many Dayton 4-H members are also part of the county shooting sports club
year.” The focal point of 4-H has always been practical, hands-on learning, which
and the horse club. “I think that is one of the great
nothing like a little food incentive to get the job done quickly.” Sebastian County Cooperative Extension agent Jesse Bocksnick, who
came from the desire to make public
aspects of 4-H,” Russell said. “Kids get
works directly with the Dayton 4-H Club,
school education more connected to
exposure to many different areas. They
said, “Clubs like this one make my job
rural life. Such is the case in Huntington,
probably won’t become an expert in all
as an extension agent very busy but also
where 4-H members meet monthly and
of them, but at least they will have tried
easier and more fun. The kids are very
regularly participate in the activities of
them.”
active in all aspects of 4-H, not only
three main project groups.
One of Dayton 4-H’s biggest annual
with traditional projects such as raising
“The music group has a regular
events is the fall festival, which includes
animals, but also technology, music and
meeting and often plans visits to the
fun outdoor games, a silent auction, a pie
shooting sports. The Dayton 4-H Club is
local nursing home to play for the
auction and a cake walk.
a great example of a community 4-H club
residents,” Russell said. “In the monthly chicken and rabbit group meetings,
26
Arkansas Agriculture
“This one activity provides the funds needed to support our club activities
and a model for clubs around the state to follow.”
Œ„´*
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27
RuralReflections
Days gone by This beautiful snow scene features an old McCormick-Deering thresher popular during the early 1900s. Farm Bureau member Debra Henry took this photo in January 2011 in Vanndale, saying she “... just couldn’t resist” pulling her vehicle over and taking the picture. We’re glad she did!
28
Arkansas Agriculture
D E N W O R ELWAYS B M A ME
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NE OW D TH R
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MEM BE
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No
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MeMbership pays. CoMMitted. StRong. ReliABle. tRuSted. MeMBeR-owned. More than $100 million has gone back into Arkansas members’ pockets since 1997…with another $14.9 million to come this spring! 10,000 fellow Farm Credit members across Arkansas look forward to Patronage Refunds. Because Farm Credit is a financial cooperative it shares profits with members when the association has a good year. Patronage Refunds are just one of the many benefits of doing business with folks who understand Arkansas agriculture and the rural lifestyle. Farm Credit membership pays—are you Farm Credit?
800-444-3276 farmcredit.com
Arkansas Agriculture
29
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Little Rock, AR Permit No. 1884
Grow Your Agriculture Business Purchase or refinance the agricultural equipment you need today to grow your business for the future. Plus take advantage of your membership with dedicated service, special rates, flexible terms and payment plans up to 7 full years. Hurry, this limited-time
offer expires April 30, 2013. Finance today and save!
Contact your local agent today! Existing Farm Bureau Bank equipment loans are excluded from this offer.
*Rate disclosed as Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and based on exceptional credit. Some restrictions may apply based upon the make and model of the equipment offered as collateral. Up to 90% financing for new and 85% for used equipment loans subject to credit approval. Rates are accurate as of 1/1/2013. Rates and financing are limited to farm equipment model years 2003 or newer and are subject to change without notice. A down payment may be required for new or used equipment purchases. Financial information required for loan requests over $50,000. Commercial vehicles and trailers may be subject to an additional documentation fee. Farm Bureau Bank does not provide equity or cash out financing on commercial vehicles and equipment. Banking services provided by Farm Bureau Bank, FSB. Farm Bureau, FB, and the FB National Logo are registered service marks owned by, and used by Farm Bureau Bank FSB under license from, the American Farm Bureau Federation.