Spring 2014
Heritage Month celebrates
Arkansas agriculture
Tomato farming (p4) Grape growing (p10)
Exclusive $500 Member Private Offer is Available at any Arkansas Chevy, GMC or Buick Dealer. Offer valid toward the lease or purchase of new 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet, GMC and Buick models. This offer is not available with some other offers, including private offers (for example, Owner Loyalty). Offer is available with GM Business Choice. Not valid on prior purchases. Valid FB Membership Verification Certificate must be presented to dealer prior to delivery of
new vehicle. One Certificate per vehicle. Eligible FB members may obtain an unlimited number of valid Certificates. Certificates do expire. To be eligible, customers must be an active member of a participating state Farm Bureau for at least 60 consecutive days prior to date of vehicle delivery. Program subject to change without notice. See dealer for complete details.
Everett
$500
Everett
PRivATE OFFER
Chevy of Fayetteville
Stanley Wood George Kell
Rhodes
Smith
Gwatney Buick/GMC Bale Allen Tillery
3 Smart Drive White Hall 71602 www.smartdrive.com
Gwatney Chevy Russell Everett
Gerren
Smart
1310 W Showroom Dr, Fayetteville, AR
479-695-7500
chevroletoffayetteville.com
Classic
Lucky’s
2600 Rivercreek Malvern 72104 www.smartdrive.com
Holt
Rhodes Chevrolet 2800 Alma Hwy.Exit 2A/I-540 Van Buren 1-866-679-2438 www.rhodeschevy.com
1275 Exchange Ave Conway Ar, 72034 888-486-3126 CONWAYCHEVROLET.COM
Smith Chevrolet-Cadillac Co. 1215 Hwy 71 S, Fort Smith
GMC 421 E. 9th St., Rector, AR. 877 808-3787 www.glensain.com
Chevy, Buick, GMC 6345 Hwy 49 South, Paragould, AR. 870 565-4353 www.glensain.com George Kell Motors 501 Hwy 367 North Newport 870-523-2792 www.georgekellmotors.com MOTORS INC
NEWPORT, ARKANSAS
Holly
Bull
Orr
Hug
- GM Dealership locations - Select dealer
Central
Bull Motor Company Bull Motor 729 Hwy 64 W, Wynne 870-238-2800 Company www.BullMotorCo.com
Russell Chevrolet 6100 Landers Road, Sherwood 800-511-5823 www.russellchevrolet.com
Gerren Motor Company Chevrolet Buick GMC 2190 US Hwy 165 W, England 501-842-2527 Central ChevroletCadillac 3207 Stadium Blvd, Jonesboro 870-935-5575
Lucky’s of Monticello 1215 hway 425 North, Monticello 870-367-6000 www.autobylucky.com
Farm Bureau members can get a $5001 private offer toward the purchase or lease of most new GM vehicles,including the Chevrolet Silverado 2500hD and 3500hD lineup. Visit fbverify.com for more details. They get tough jobs done with a maximum payload of up to 6,635 lbs.2 and a conventional towing capacity of up to 17,000 lbs.3And through the GM Business Choice Program,4 business owners receive even more when purchasing or leasing an eligible Chevrolet or GMC truck or van for business use. Visit gmbusinesschoice. com for details.
905 Unity Rd., Crossett 870-364-4424 www.holtautogroup.net
5700 Landers Road – Sherwood 866-366-0548 • www.GoGwatney.com
Gregory Street Exit • Jacksonville 800-697-9586 • www.GoGwatney.com
® Everett Buick-GMC I-30 Alcoa Exit, Bryant 501-315-7100 EverettBGMC.com
Everett Chevrolet I-540 at Elm Springs Road, Springdale 888-536-0352 EverettChevroletNWA.com Everett Buick-GMC Moberly Lane, Bentonville 866-812-3307 EverettNWA.com
Holly Chevrolet 6601 Interstate 55 N, Marion Arkansas870-739-7337 Agriculture
3
Spring 2014
VOLUME 11 Issue 2
Inside...
F
e
a
t
u
r
e
s
Pink and Red are beautiful … and flavorful by Lamor Williams Grape growing in Arkansas by Lamor Williams
C
o
l
u
m
n
s
Farm Bureau Perspective by Randy Veach Faces of Agriculture — Barbara Sutton by Gregg Patterson SPRING 2014
Heritage Month
Policy Update by Michelle Kitchens
celebrates
Arkansas
agriculture
Rural Reflections Photo
Tomatoes Grapes
On the cover — May is Arkansas Heritage Month, and this year celebrates agriculture’s contribution to the state’s rich culinary culture.
Executive Editor: Steve Eddington Editor: Gregg Patterson Contributing Writers: Ken Moore, Keith Sutton, Chris Wilson Research Assistant: Brenda Gregory
4
Arkansas Agriculture
4 10 3 18 22 28
Arkansas Agriculture
Farm Bureau
is an official publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation.
Perspective
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 Joe Christian Jonesboro Executive Vice President Rodney Baker Little Rock Directors: Troy Buck, Alpine Jon Carroll, Moro Joe Christian, Jonesboro Terry Dabbs, Stuttgart Sherry Felts, Joiner Mike Freeze, England Bruce Jackson, Lockesburg Tom Jones, Pottsville Johnny Loftin, El Dorado Gene Pharr, Lincoln Rusty Smith, Des Arc Allen Stewart, Mena Leo Sutterfield, Mountain View Joe Thrash, Conway
by Randy Veach, President Arkansas Farm Bureau
C
California is attempting to set standards for the rest of the United States when it comes
to egg production.You may recall six years ago California’s citizens passed Proposition 2. It mandates laying hens be raised in cages of a certain size, though scientific studies showed no connection between the expanded cage size and the hens’ welfare, wellness or laying capacity. That’s one of the reasons it’s important for the men and women of agriculture to help educate consumers about farming practices. California has overstepped the boundaries of Proposition 2, which goes into effect in
2015, with additional state laws that require all eggs sold in the state – regardless of where they were produced – follow the same cage-size laws. Egg producers must spend a lot of money to comply with California’s mandate or face being shut out of its large consumer market. The attorney generals in six states, initiated by our neighbors in Missouri, have joined in a lawsuit against California, claiming the law extending California’s standards to all eggs sold within its borders is unconstitutional. “California is attempting to regulate agricultural practices beyond its own borders,” the lawsuit claims. I couldn’t agree more! Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel has indicated he doesn’t plan to sign onto the lawsuit, though we’re seeking his involvement. The implications of California’s decisions – and the outcome of the lawsuit – could have far-reaching implications for every segment of Arkansas agriculture.
Ex Officio Josh Cureton, Jonesboro Brent Lassiter, Newport Janice Marsh, McCrory Peggy Miller, Lake Village 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. Issue #32. 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
Should California – or any state, for that matter – get to define the production practices for the rest of the country, just by virtue of its purchasing power? If this precedent is allowed to stand, will California pass laws limiting the number of broilers we can grow per house, how many cattle we can stock per acre, or whether we can grow GMO crops? Of course not! Our farmers and ranchers shouldn’t operate at the whim of California’s voters. Two years ago, California narrowly rejected (51.4 percent voted “no”) a ballot initiative that would have greatly restricted the sale of GMO products in the state. That law would have sent tremors across the agriculture landscape, and no doubt will be brought up again in the future. Access to foreign markets for agricultural products is tricky enough, and foreign trade is critical to the success of Arkansas agriculture. Now we have California wanting to enforce laws like it’s a stand-alone country. The overreaching of California’s Proposition 2 laws must be struck down. It’s an obvious violation of the U.S. Constitution’s Interstate Commerce Clause. Blake Hurst, my friend and president of the Missouri Farm Bureau, sized up the situation pretty concisely: “This (lawsuit) is not important because of how chickens are housed. It is important because of the precedent it sets.” I believe deeply in the power of the people. While the science didn’t support Proposition 2, I don’t question the outcome. Unless it’s repealed by a vote of the people that law should be implemented in California. But, frankly, they have no right to dictate the production
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 33
practices of a farmer in Arkansas, simply because eggs produced in our state could be sold there. God bless you and your families. God bless our farmers and ranchers. And God bless Arkansas Farm Bureau.
Arkansas Agriculture
3
d e R k Parein beautiful … and flavorful and
A lookowners at tomato tem notifies when wires cut, electrical system compromised farming in Arkansas
teve
ngton by Lamor Williams
I
It’s an age-old debate, at least in
some circles: tow-MAY-tow or towMAH-tow. But when your blood is just as likely to have seeds and soil as platelets and plasma, you call them “’maters.” Arkansas ranks 12th in the
nation for the production of tomatoes, according to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Some of the state’s southeastern counties – Bradley, Ashley and Drew – are known nationally for producing pink tomatoes so good they “make you want to slap yo’ mama” as Southerners are so fond of saying. “I guess it’s our soil,” said Darren Eubanks, fresh off the tractor on a cloudy April afternoon after rushing to get mulch laid down on his 16 acres before an expected downpour. “We have folks who drive out here and pass right by their neighbors who have tomatoes. We have people come over here to get plants from us. Our ’maters just don’t taste like everybody else’s.” According to UA’s 2013 Economic Contribution of Arkansas Agriculture report, the state harvested 1,000 acres of tomatoes with a value of $1.8 million. May marks the start of Arkansas Heritage Month, a time when the Department of Arkansas Heritage (DAH) encourages residents to celebrate the rich and diverse culture of the state.
4
Arkansas Agriculture
This year, DAH is focusing on the state’s flavorful food traditions that date back to campfire cooking with Dutch ovens (the state’s official cooking vessel) to today’s influx of food trucks, microbreweries and upscale eateries. “In early Arkansas, all food came from the land. Native Americans and early settlers hunted for meat, grew vegetables and fruits, and knew what plants and berries were edible. Over the years, we became less dependent on the land, but many of our food traditions have remained,” said Melissa Whitfield, DAH communications director. “Today, the food movement in Arkansas is still growing and evolving. We thought this would be an excellent year to honor the state’s rich culinary culture, so we chose as our theme this year ‘Come to the Table: Celebrating the Flavors of Arkansas’.” Among those flavors, for example, are the state’s tomatoes, especially those from Bradley County, home of the 58-year-old Pink Tomato Festival. “Botanically speaking, there are red tomatoes and pink tomatoes. With pink tomatoes, the outer skin is a little more translucent,” said tomato expert and Bradley County Extension Agent John Gavin. “Red tomatoes are slower to ripen, have a firmer skin and more defined pigment.” Gavin says from the 1950s to the mid1980s, Bradley County farmers raised true pink tomatoes. The University of Arkansas even bred several varieties – the Bradley, Traveler, Traveler 76, VF Pink and Ozark Pink – specifically for Arkansas. However, Gavin says, because the red ones are heartier, growers found it more profitable to switch. “They did well for three decades, then everybody switched,” he said. So how can Bradley County still be home of the pink tomato? “Because we harvest in the pink stage of maturity, when the fruit is turning from green to pink, which means the ripening has started naturally,” he said. Gavin says the vine-ripening of Arkansas’ tomatoes is what sets them apart from those grown in other states. “So many of the tomatoes in this country are harvested green, then placed in a climate-controlled environment and basically ripening is induced. This takes a toll on the flavor,” he said. “Also, we have very good soils that are highly adaptive for tomato production, and the climate is a factor, but I’d say the vineripening is the main advantage.”
Arkansas Agriculture
5
Keith Sutton
Important crop Nationally, Arkansas ranks 12th in tomato production, harvesting 1,000 acres valued at $1.8 million.
6
Arkansas Agriculture
However, vine-ripening comes with a cost. Growers have to gamble, betting against the elements that when their fruit starts to ripen, they’ll have time to harvest before
Gavin says Subway has been buying large tomatoes for its sandwiches. “Tomatoes are graded by size,” he said. “You have
Arkansas’ sometimes erratic weather changes from desert-
jumbo, extra large and large. The large ones sell at a
like heat and drought to drowning deluges that are equally
lower price, but they’re the perfect size for Subway’s
damaging.
use. You’ll notice that one slice covers the width of the
“Picking them green means you have more time from harvest to sale,” Gavin said. “If you’re letting your fruit ripen on the vine, you likely will have more waste than a grower who picks them green and induces ripening.” At 59 years old, the Bradley pink tomato is considered an heirloom variety. “The term heirloom refers to a variety that is at least 50
bread.” Eubanks says no matter the size of your farm, farming isn’t for the faint of heart. “If you’re going to be a farmer, you’ve got to love farming,” he said. “I’ve been able to make a living, but there have been a lot of bad years. I’d say last year was the first time in 20 years that I made any money
years old,” Gavin explained. “The seeds produced by fruit
to speak of. Usually, I get the bills paid and that’s just
from the parent plants are saved and passed down through
about it.”
the generations.” David King, president of the Bradley County Chamber of Commerce, says when people come to the Pink Tomato Festival, “They come looking for the Bradley pink tomato. “We started marketing tomatoes in 1924, and it has
Eubanks says Drew County was once home to 30 tomato farmers. Today, there are only four including him. “In 2000, people started pulling out. The market wasn’t good, and they weren’t making money,”
been the lifeline of the county,” King said. “The farmers
Eubanks said. “You got to love the tomato business
who took up raising the tomatoes have passed the craft
to stay in it. After college, I worked some years in a
down through the years.”
suit, but I decided I didn’t want to live on concrete. I
At 16 acres, Darren Eubanks’ Drew County farm is one
came back here as much as I could. My daddy has been
of the smaller commercial outfits in the state. The biggest
doing this for 50 years. He’s 76, and just the other day,
operation in the state is Bradley County’s Clanton Farms
somebody asked him when he was gonna give it up. He
with 400 acres. In Ashley County, Triple M Farms has 150
said, ‘Whenever they put me in the ground.’”
restaurants in Arkansas.
That rich ground that grows some of the world’s best ‘maters.’
Keith Sutton
acres and provides tomatoes and bell peppers for Subway
Arkansas Agriculture
7
’Mator magic
Sliced for sandwiches, cut into wedges for salads, diced
indeterminant. A determinant plant will only grow so big
for salsa or pureed for sauces, tomatoes are the lynchpin
and produce fruit of a certain size, Gavin says. However, an
of many an Arkansas meal. Using heirloom tomatoes,
indeterminant plant will continue growing and the size of
considered top-shelf in terms of taste, could only make
the fruit yielded will depend on the care given to the plant.
those dishes better. However, because so many store-bought tomatoes are
“Decide what you want. Do you want fewer large tomatoes or lots of small ones, because that determines
picked green then allowed to ripen in a climate-controlled
what type of pruning you have to do,” he said. “And you’ll
room rather than on the vine, many people miss out on
need to learn how to prune a tomato plant.”
the flavorful versions that farmers know so well. As a result, more people are turning to growing their own tomatoes. Bradley County Extension Agent John Gavin has the following tips for having a successful
Control insects and disease Begin a recommended spraying program using a
backyard garden.
fungicide and insecticide.
Sample your soil
fungus and insects,” Gavin said. “If you wait for disease to
“Tomatoes are soft fruits and are very vulnerable to
Collect a soil sample and take it to the local
show up, it’s hard to get the upper hand on it, hard to stop it once it starts.”
Cooperative Extension Service for a free analysis. “This is the first step for growing any vegetable,” Gavin said. “The analysis will tell you what nutrients you have in your soil and what nutrients you need.” For example, a soil pH below 6 can mean there’s a
Water, water, water “There are ways for people with limited space to produce tomatoes,” Gavin said, noting that a plant can
calcium deficiency. “That leads to a condition called
thrive in a container with as little as four to five gallons of
blossom-end rot,” Gavin said. “You can add lime to raise a
soil.
low pH.”
“As the plant gets bigger, you have to pay close attention to moisture,” he said. “In four to five gallons of
Know your tomato There are two types of tomato plants: determinant and
8
Arkansas Agriculture
soil, a full-grown plant can suck that dry quick. You may have to water twice a day on hot, dry days. Basically, you’re going to have to spoon-feed it.”
Œ„´*
REDUCING SOYBEAN MEAL COSTS BY UP TO $48 PER TON F O R P O U LT R Y A N D L I V E S T O C K F A R M E R S A D D I N G 7 4 C E N T S P E R B U S H E L T O T H E B O T T O M L I N E O F S O Y B E A N FA R M E R S
Biodiesel Works Because higher biodiesel demand means more beans in the crusher, biodiesel helps to keep the cost of soybean meal down for poultry and livestock farmers. During a five-year period, biodiesel demand has saved animal ag farmers $4.8 billion in soybean meal costs while adding 74 cents per bushel to the bottom line of soybean farmers. Biodiesel works. And thanks to farmer support and the soy checkoff, its success continues to grow. www.UnitedSoybean.org
Š2014 United Soybean Board
Arkansas Agriculture
9
Grape growing in Arkansas Heritage Month seeks to raise awareness of state’s food culture by Lamor Williams
W
When discussing wine country, most people
probably don’t think of Arkansas, but that’s probably because most folks don’t know that our state ranks 13th in the nation for the production of grapes. The Department of Arkansas Heritage (DAH)
includes the rise of wineries, microbreweries and upscale eateries. “When people think of Arkansas, there are things that come to mind. Obviously most people are aware that we have a former president [Bill Clinton]
wants to change that along with others. Responsible
from this state and we’re the home of Wal-Mart,
for preserving the state’s history, the department
but there’s so much more to this state,” said Martha
celebrates those things that make Arkansas unique.
Miller, DHA director.
One way DAH does this is through Heritage Month, which runs through May. This year, DAH has chosen to focus on the state’s
“In the early days, all our food came from the land. People hunted for meat and grew vegetables and fruits such as muscadines,” Miller said. “That’s
flavorful food culture that dates back to the time of
part of our history and heritage, and we need to
wood-burning stoves and hand-churned butter but
preserve and celebrate it. So we chose ‘Come to the
10
Arkansas Agriculture
Table: Celebrating the Flavors of Arkansas as the
the Arkansas River Valley is ideal for growing grapes,
theme for Heritage Month 2014.”
says Franklin County Extension Agent Michael
Miller also notes that many people are aware that Arkansas is the No. 1 state for producing
Sullivan. “The arid climate is excellent for grape growing,”
rice, but she says her hope is to raise awareness of
Sullivan said. “Also, grapes need to be planted
other thriving segments of the Arkansas food and
on the tops of hillsides so the frost settles at the
agriculture industry.
bottom. And the soil needs to be able to drain
For example, last year Arkansas vineyards harvested nearly 600 acres of grapes with a value of about $1.3 million, according to the UA Division of Agriculture’s 2013 Economic Contribution of Arkansas Agriculture report. This level of production is made possible because
very well. Places in the river valley like Altus and Clarksville are perfect for that.” Sullivan says Clarksville also produces strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, adding that Arkansas ranks 13th for the production of blueberries.
Arkansas Agriculture
11
Good juice Nationally, Arkansas ranks 13th in grape production. About 600 acres of grapes are harvested in Arkansas with a value of almost $1.3 million.
From his cellar, Post sold wine to passengers on the Iron Mountain Railroad when the train stopped by his farm for fuel and water. “Since 1880, five generations of Posts have cultivated and harvested their grapes to make Post Familie wines,” the history states. Also in 1880, Johann Andreas Wiederkehr and his family arrived in Altus from Switzerland. According to the Wiederkehr Wine Cellars history, Johann Wiederkehr chose St. Mary’s Mountain as his home, because the valleys and ridges reminded him of the grape-growing terrain in Europe. Also in the Altus area are Mount Bethel Winery and Chateau aux Arc Winery. Each has some connection to either the Wiederkehrs or Posts. For example, Chateau aux Arc owner Audrey House bought her vineyard land from the Wiederkehrs in 1998, and members of the Post family founded The Arkansas River Valley area of the state is
Mount Bethel.
also well-known for growing muscadines, which are
In Altus, grapes are a big deal.
a type of grapes native to the southeastern United
Each year for the past three decades, the town of about
States. Sullivan says muscadines have been cultivated
800 people hosts a grape festival. Scheduled for July 24-25,
in Arkansas for more than 400 years.
this will be the 31st year for the event, says Altus Mayor
“Muscadines differ from other grapes in that they do not grow in bunches like European grapes and
Larry Stacy. “It is one of the larger festivals that we have here in
American grapes, but more in a cluster type fashion,”
Altus. All the grape growers and wineries come together
he said. “Many homeowners in the river valley have
in the city park to unite and display their wares. One man
muscadines growing in their yards. Those plants are a
even sells grapes out of a refrigerated truck,” Stacy said.
bountiful resource for muscadine jelly. To me, they’re addictive with an incomparable flavor.” Any discussion of grape growing in Arkansas would have to include the Post and Wiederkehr families. Post Familie Vineyards in Altus is the largest winery in the state. According to the company’s history, the founder was Jacob Post, who immigrated from Germany to America in 1872.
12
Arkansas Agriculture
The festival has its roots in the harvest time tradition of gathering in town to sell goods. As is customary, the opening ceremony will feature a blessing of the vine, Stacy says. “They’ll actually bring a vine down and there will be a cutting of the vine. A Catholic priest will bless the vine and each grower will get a piece,” he said. And while he isn’t a wine drinker, Stacy says he does have a favorite winery product.
River Valley The Arkansas River Valley in the western part of the state is the primary grape growing area because of its arid climate and numerous hilltops where the grapes grow best. “Post makes a great muscadine juice,” he said. “My wife and I buy it in cases and give it away for presents at Christmas. They bottle it up just like wine. The people we give it to love it so much we have to send it to them every year.” Miller says festivals are a perfect opportunity for people to observe Heritage Month even if they aren’t held in May. “It doesn’t have to be May to celebrate the state’s rich history and heritage,” she said. “The spirit of Heritage Month can be observed year-round.”
Your Water Well and Irrigation Specialists P.O. Box 450 700 East Park St. Carlisle, AR 72024 870-552-7010 Fax 870-552-7012
Markets Served: Agricultural • Minicipal • Industrial Products/Services at Competitive Prices New Wells Drilling Pumps Lineshaft Turbine Submersible Vertical Turbine Relift In House Repairs to all Brands Underground Irrigation Pipe Fittings Installation Frank Elder
President 501-658-1828
Clay Elder 501-454-8855
Providing Well and Pump Service for over 30 Years
Arkansas Agriculture
13
Health benefits of muscadine grapes and wines muscadines, which are native to the While medical professionals often talk about the benefits of wine drinking, the majority of that research centers around traditional wines. Recently, M.D. News dedicated an article to the benefits of muscadine grapes and wines. The article, “The Health Benefits of Muscadine Grapes, Wines and Nutraceuticals,” states that
southeastern United States, have myriad health benefits. For example, Michael Sullivan, a Franklin County Extension Agent, notes that “depending on the type of processing, muscadine wine may contain 3-4 times more beneficial compounds than California red wine. They also help for anti-inflammatory purposes for people who suffer from arthritis and other joint issues.” The article, which can be found in full on the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website at ncagr. gov, makes the following observations: • Muscadine grapes are fat-free, high in fiber and are high in antioxidants, especially ellagic acid and resveratrol. • As we age, the body produces fewer antioxidants and skin begins to show the cumulative damage. Damage to collagen and microcapillaries in the skin causes a decrease in nutrients that get to the skin, which leads to the loss of youthful appearance. The smallest of a body’s blood vessels, microcapillaries enable the interchange of nutrients between blood and the surrounding tissues. Antioxidants strengthen capillary walls and keep them flexible and unobstructed. • The ellagic acid found in muscadines has demonstrated anti-carcinogenic properties in the colon, lungs and liver of mice. Resveratrol is reported to lower cholesterol levels and the risk of coronary heart disease.
14
Arkansas Agriculture
• Subjects fed resveratrol were healthier, leaner and lived up to 30 percent longer, even though they were on high-calorie, high-fat diets, according to an ongoing Harvard study. • France’s heart attack rate is one-third that of the U.S. The answer is the French custom of drinking wine with meals. “The Copenhagen City Heart Study,” published in the British Medical Journal, showed that among more than 13,000 men and women age 30 to 70 who were tracked for 12 years and consumed wine daily, were 50 percent less likely to die during the study than those who consumed other alcoholic beverages or nondrinkers. It’s important to note that health benefits were greatest with only two or three glasses of wine per day (one for women). Drinking more increased health risks.
Œ„´*
Hay just met its match.
Order Today, Pick Up Today! We manufacture metal roofing and steel buildings, built to your individual needs. 1 mi. west of exit 114 on the south frontage road
12655 I-30 South Benton, Arkansas
501-77-METAL 501-776-3825
Introducing a new line of Kubota Hay Tools designed to save you time and money. With rugged construction and efficient working widths, Kubota Hay Tools are field proven for precise forage handling.
Saturday June 7, 2014 DM Series Disc Mowers 5'6" to 10'6" working widths with 3-bladed counter-rotating discs
RA Series Rotary Rakes 13'9" working width with rugged, high-lift tine arms
TE Series Tedders 17'1" working width with one-piece chassis and hydraulic transport
6 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Burns Park Soccer Complex Tour de Rock is central Arkansas’ premier ride offering an exciting experience for cyclists at any level. All proceeds benefit CARTI.
www.kubota.com
Optional equipment may be shown. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2014
For more information or to register, visit carti.com or call 501-296-3406. Like CARTI’s Tour de Rock on Facebook.
Arkansas Agriculture
15
Ag Chemicals Direct to the farm The BEST prices on these items: • Generic Glyphosate • Herbicides • Fungicides • Plant Growth Regulators • Crop Oil • Surfactant
David Johnston and Ted Stewart 918 East Lincoln, Suite 1 Searcy, AR 72143 Mobile: 501-281-6389
• Pasture Products • FREE DELIVERY to Your Farm
Ag Chem Direct is an established company that can provide all the products you need, with low overhead, which means savings in your pocket!
World Leader of Broadcasting Live Interactive Auctions!
16
Arkansas Agriculture
Every Seed. Every Field. Every Farmer Counts. ™
Thank A Farmer Today — Did you know every farmer feeds 133 people in a year? Without American farmers there wouldn’t be an abundant American food supply at your local market. Farming is one of the toughest jobs in the United States. And nearly 97% of farms are family farms. These are just a few reasons why Every Farmer Counts and each farm family that’s just down the road deserves a big thank you.
www.ArmorSeed.com
Arkansas Agriculture
Faces of Agriculture
Barbara Sutton Professional volunteer by Gregg Patterson
B
Barbara Sutton was president of
Miller County Farm Bureau, and she believes in getting things done. She’ll tell you the strength of Farm Bureau is “… bringing everybody together for a purpose.”
And Barbara Sutton lives a life of Keith Sutton
purpose.
“I’m a professional volunteer,”
she said. “I get a kick out of helping people and getting things done.” She joined Farm Bureau with her husband Donald in 1972. He was an
Love in action Farm Bureau volunteer leader Barbara Sutton is motivated by doing good things for others.
electrical engineer who worked back and forth overseas when they were
involved all do a great job,” Sutton
700 children in the county. Events
said. She says the children attending
run a cow-calf operation.
include the Four States Fair, 4-H
are primarily underprivileged and
Fishing Derby, the Back to Nature
from the city. “We show them how
would mess up everything on the
day and the Runnin’ WJ Ranch
things were done in the past on the
farm,” she recalled. “Then he’d come
program.
farm and how they’re done now, and
“He would go overseas, and I
home and have to spend a month or
The latter program is a favorite for
they get to go on a hayride. They get
so getting everything back in order
Barbara. “Kids with handicap issues
to see and participate in things they’d
before he left again.”
regularly go to the ranch and are in
probably never get to do.” The Four States Fair is another
Getting things in order hasn’t
charge of taking care of their horse
been a problem for Barbara Sutton in
the whole time they’re with them,”
big event to prepare for, and the
doing her volunteer work for Farm
she said. “Those horses are so well
county Farm Bureau and other ag
Bureau. She’s been active with her
trained, and the bond those children
partners and volunteers are involved
county Women’s Committee, which
forge with them while they’re
in numerous activities with children
she now co-chairs, and has served
together is a special thing to see.”
throughout it. The 4-H Fishing Derby
as county president. She credits her
The Back to Nature day is another
is always popular with the kids. Bringing everybody together
fellow board members and friends
great event for children 8 to 18
who either work for or volunteer
years old who, otherwise, would
for a purpose, helping people and
– like she does for other local ag
probably never get the opportunity
getting things done: these are the
organizations – for helping her get
to see agriculture-related or natural-
things that motivate Barbara Sutton
things done.
resources-based activities.
and her Miller County Farm Bureau
“All I have to say is, ‘Guys, I need
18
What gets done serves more than
raising their son and daughter. They
“That one-day event takes a
volunteers. “It’s a great group of
…,’ and they’re there to get it done,”
lot of effort to prepare for, but the
people getting together and doing
Sutton said.
agencies, ag partners and volunteers
things for our fellow man. I love it.”
Arkansas Agriculture
Œ„´*
SeaMinera s 2.125x2.5 F N Jan2013.pdf 1 1/18/20
®
The Ag Industry’s C
BEST M
Y
CM
SELLING MY CY
Copper Theft CMY
Detection Solution K
(800) 961-9549 www.wirerat.com
Fertilize NOW With CLEAN Sea Minerals FA • Apply any time during the growing season
• Apply as a follar spray on green plants
• Does not require moisture to activate
• Can be mixed with other ingredients (weed killers, other fertilizers)
• Contains 85+ minerals and trace minerals
Go to the website to see us on RFD TV.
800-967-0452
www.SeaMineralsFA.com Arkansas Agriculture
19
®®
$500
ExclusivE
for farm
$2500
Members Save up to… savings
BurEau mEmBErs
on the purchase or lease of most new GM vehicles. Certain restrictions apply. Visit www.fbverify.com/gm.
Save up to 20% off at Participating Choice Hotels
$500
Members Save up to… Off Select Tractors & Equipment See Complete details at www.arfb.com
10% Account Number 805-059-599 We make it ~ easy ~ to purchase the latest appliances for your home, particularly if you are remodeling or relocating.
This unique program from Sears Commercial features —
discount on Grainger Products
In addition, you can select and purchase these additional great products for your home: ®
• Sealy
®
and Sears-O-Pedic
Mattresses
•
A private selection consultation, with a professionally trained specialist
• Preferred Affiliate Program Pricing, backed by our Price Matching Plus policy • Program and pricing is only available through Sears Commercial Sales
Free Shipping for online orders 1-877-202-2594 • www.grainger.com • NordicTrack® Exercise Equipment
• This offer is not available through Sears retail or dealer stores
• Craftsman® Lawn Tractors ®
• Kenmore Outdoor Grills, Televisions and more!
DepoSiT accoUnTS; creDiT carDS; aUTo anD eqUipmenT LoanS
Call 800-258-2847 Mention your State ID# 00223030
Hearing Healthcare Benefits Plan
ERS gs
Statewide network of Professional
are guaranteed Free automatic approval Audiologists and Specialists ofessional Audiologists & Specialists -FREE Hearing tests and discounted counts on Hearing Instruments hearing instruments for members om Fit / 60 Day Trial Batteries (1 case per instrument)
20-25%
ACTUAL SAVINGS
Contact Your Local Farm Bureau Agent! 1-800-492-3276 www.farmbureaubank.com
Free
Screen for Stroke, Aneurysm and Heart Disease.
1-888-497-7447 www.clearvaluehearing.com 7-7447 toll free
R
aluehearing.com
Save Up To
auto Buying Program Save time & money on your next new or used car or truck purchase. Program users have seen an average MSrP. savings of
$2,572 off
Visit FBVerify.com/Drive to get started
20%
off hard Surfaces
Arkansas Agriculture
40%
oFF carPet
866-758-0801 ext. 203 North Little Rock, AR 72113 Contact: Bill Ross
To Learn More About These Valuable Member Offers Visit…
20
osteoporosis screening &
4 Ultrasound screenings only $135 for Members
EE membership TODAY!
®
10% off hardware & special pricing on plans through T-Mobile
Arkansas Farm Bureau Purchase Program
• Craftsman® Garage Storage
Online Booking – www.choicehotels.com enter your ID#
Advanced Security Products
http://sites.google.com/site/cellsigninternational E-mail: info@cellsigntechnologies.com Telephone: (888) 639-9040
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).
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. 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
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 Bureauidentified apparel and more now available.
www.FBApparel.com
for special requests and details contact John Speck 847-622-4892 jspeck@promac.com
Child Safety SeatS
$25each Child BooSter SeatS $15each
Contact Your County Farm Bureau Discount PrescriPtion Drug Program
For information on program availability
call 1-866-292-7822
www.arfb.com
College of
Agriculture & Technology
“Moving forward - Growing stronger in teaching, research and service.” (870) 972-2085
AState.edu/CoAT
AState.CoAT
@AStateCoAT
Scan for more info.
800-941-1138 www.greatamericansteel.com
Made in America
No Trusses!
Ideal for Storage of: Equipment/ Livestock/Bulk Grain Storage/ Hay/Fertilizer
30 YEAR WARRANTY
No Posts! 100% Usable Space! Nowhere for birds to roost! Complete Foundation Plans Included! Easily Expandable! Easy to Erect! THIS IS THE FINAL YEAR THE IRS WILL ALLOW AN IMMEDIATE 50% DEDUCTION FOR BUILDINGS
Go to our Website and Click the “Hay Video” to see what customers have to say about our hay barns! www.badweatherbuildings.com
Hay Storage
Equipment Storage
Livestock
Corn Bulk Grain
Arkansas Agriculture
21
Policy Update
T
by Michelle Kitchens The application of science is
part of a farmer’s daily life. Farmers apply known scientific truths to everyday practices on the farm. One of the most talked about sciences in use is biotechnology or genetically modified (GM) plants. The advances
An efficient, science-based
new, beneficial technologies. The
of science allow farmers to produce
regulatory process – Since 1986,
underlying message is harmful things
more food on fewer acres, with less
the Coordinated Framework for
have mandatory labels, i.e., cigarettes,
water and pesticides than ever, feeding
Regulation of Biotechnology has
alcohol, household chemicals.
more people and resulting in less
successfully governed how the USDA,
impact on the environment. Few,
the Food and Drug Administration
authorities — including the United
if any, Americans aren’t consuming
and the Environmental Protection
Nations Food and Agriculture
GM plants, and there’s a lot of
Agency work together to regulate
Organization, the World Health
misinformation out there about them.
new biotech products. The regulatory
Organization, the National Research
The fact is top credible scientific
process is important. American
Council of the National Academies
both sides of the debate are well
farmers don’t want unsafe food on
of Sciences, the American Medical
represented online. The research
the world’s table. However, the path
Association and the American Dietetic
and anecdotal evidence is on
for regulations should be efficient and
Association — have all concluded that
the side that products created
not ruled by emotion or inaccurate
foods with biotech-derived ingredients
through biotechnology are safe for
information.
pose no more risk than any other
A simple Internet search reveals
food. Farm Bureau supports the Food
consumption. Biotechnology most commonly
Coexistence and protecting
and Drug Administration’s current
means taking a desirable gene from
property rights – Agriculture
one plant and using it in another
is diverse, including organic,
plant. Today, roughly 90 percent of
conventional and modern
continue to be evaluated for safety.
corn, cotton and soybeans grown in
biotechnology. Farmers should be
Its use is an important element in
the U.S. have been improved through
allowed to choose practices best suited
keeping the world fed. As the world’s
biotechnology, and farmers are
for their farm while respecting the
population approaches 9 billion
choosing biotech traits when growing
rights of neighboring farmers. Efforts
by 2050, we can’t reject legitimate
other crops such as alfalfa, sugar beets
to educate farmers about effective
options because they’re hard to
and canola.
stewardship and good neighborly
understand or activists say we should.
communication help strengthen
The benefits of biotechnology are real
attempts to increase regulation
coexistence. Regulating biotech crops
but many online stories condemning
on biotechnology are gaining
so they’re no longer viable isn’t a
it aren’t.
momentum. Legislators and agencies
solution for anyone.
Largely because of misconceptions,
Biotechnology is and will
To learn more, we recommend www.gmoanswers.com. Farm Bureau’s
deal more frequently than ever with bills/rules to restrict the use of
policy on labeling.
Labeling – Mandatory labels
policy on biotechnology is at www.
would mislead consumers about
fb.org. Public policy should be
important part of agriculture, Arkansas
the safety of biotechnology,
based on reliable science, reason
Farm Bureau members have defined
erode the credibility of the Food
and what’s best for the citizens. We
some policies related to biotechnology
and Drug Administration and
encourage you to be informed about
and GM.
discourage consumer acceptance of
biotechnology.
22
biotechnology. Because it’s such an
Arkansas Agriculture
Œ„*
“SEA MINERALS” “Let’s Do It Natures Way” “Do The Math”
1, 2 and 4 Person Models Multi-Speed Easy to Pedal - 4 Wheel Stability 18 Models, Starting at $1,354 Electric Motor Option Solar-Powered Options Save Gas AND Lose Weight!
Forage applied materials work within hours. Cost 1/4 of most ground applied materials. Stimulates life in the soil. Organisms farm around the clock.
Apply To Any Growing Forage
Download a FREE BROCHURE visit www.RhoadesCar.com or call 888-518-4963 Ext. 32286
$4 Per Acre • $12 Per Year $50 Per 50 Lb. Bag • $1,600 A Ton
918-367-5146 free shipping ton lots 918-698-5308 www.osm100.com
DID YOU
KNOW
I helped develop six new heart-healthy-certified beef cuts? “Thanks to our checkoff investment, consumers can now easily spot heart-healthy beef cuts in the grocery store or when dining out. Our checkoff identified six new extra-lean beef cuts — along with easy-to-prepare recipes — that have been certified as “heart-healthy” by the American Heart Association and now carry the Heart-Check mark. Nearly 75% of shoppers say that the Heart-Check mark improves the likelihood they will purchase a product.” While you and Roger are managing your operations, your checkoff is sharing beef’s nutritional benefits to help keep beef center of the plate.
TASTE ArkAnsAs.com from farm to table
Food, like nothing else, brings us together. After all, everyone eats. On Taste Arkansas, a food blog by Arkansas Farm Bureau, this simple truth is connecting those interested in food production with the farmers and ranchers who provide us with an abundance of Arkansas agricultural products.
MyBeefCheckoff.com Funded by the Beef Checkoff.
Rog e r Clift
Stocker & feedlot operator
Arkansas Agriculture
23
Share Your Thoughts • facebook.com/ArkansasFarmBureau • youtube.com/ArkansasFarmBureau • twitter.com/ARFB • www.arfb.com
15707 Hwy 79 N • Altheimer, AR 72004 (870)766-8416 • (870)766-4542 Fax www.deanhendersonequipment.com
24
Arkansas Agriculture
®
Larry Porter Seed, LLC
Porter’s Seed Cleaning, Inc.
• Conventional & Round-up Soybeans • Certified & Registered Rice & Wheat
• On site service • Rice • Oats • Beans • Wheat
Larry Porter, Seed Dealer • Roe, Arkansas Office: 870-241-3516 • Toll: 800-242-3516 • Cell: 870-672-1318
Download your MOBILE Agent today! • Visit app store on iPhoneTM or AndroidTM • Search for Farm Bureau Mobile Agent • Download Free App • Register for online account by selecting “Register” in the upper left corner of page (If you have already registered on afbic.com, you do not need to re-register) • Login using either your member number and password or your registered e-mail address and password
ARMLPR42312
Real Service. Real People. afbic.com
Farm Bureau® Mutual Insurance Co. of Arkansas, Inc. Southern Farm Bureau® Casualty Insurance Co. Southern Farm Bureau® Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS
Arkansas Agriculture
25
New Board Member Profiles
J
Right there with you.
Updated phone & tablet apps allow you to take our farm friendly resources practically anywhere.
z News
z Member Benefits
NEW!
z Government The latest developments on policy debates that affect our nation’s food security. Coming soon: A legislator and agency database with quick-contact functionality.
Joe Thrash
26
Arkansas Agriculture
Sherry Felts
z Weather Location-specific weather reporting from Telvent DTN contains all the agro-meteorological metrics a farmer could need, plus five-day forecast and radar.
z Quotes Commodity futures and cash market prices updated every 10 minutes. Our unique interface allows you to customize which quotes you get.
Keith Sutton
Handy access to ID numbers and everything else you need to take advantage of our ValuePlus savings.
Keith Sutton
With access to farm and food news from around the world, being an informed Arkansas Farm Bureau member is easier than ever.
NEW!
z Food Facts Accurate information about your food and the people who grow it. Get it on
1-800-814-3311
For equipment sheds, barns, outbuildings, garages, and everything else under the sun, you can count on SBI Metal Buildings for competitive pricing and timely delivery of complete, precision fabricated building systems. SBI is a single-source manufacturer of all the major components for our pre-engineered metal buildings. Our quality control leads to superior quality, and that quality can also be found in our components, metal roofing panels, cee's, zee's and trim.
Mollie Dykes
www.sbimetalbuildings.com Hot Springs, Arkansas
When you want the best, you want SBI.
14-079 Arkansas Farm Bureau magazine ad.indd 1
4/2/14 2:45 PM Arkansas Agriculture 27
RuralReflections
Spring flavor Delicious strawberries provide one of the first flavors of spring. Rachel Martin of Prairie Grove took this photo.
28
Arkansas Agriculture
COMMITTED. STRONG. RELIABLE. TRUSTED. MEMBER-OWNED. More than 10,000 customer-owners across Arkansas trust Farm Credit with large and small financing needs. We serve Arkansas agriculture, communities and the rural lifestyle. Farm Credit customer-owners enjoy unique benefits like patronage refunds totaling more than $137.6 million since 1997. Are you Farm Credit?
800-444-3276
ARFarmCredit.com
Arkansas Agriculture
29
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Little Rock, AR Permit No. 1884
Cut Your Loan Rate Keep your property trim with a competitive Farm Bureau Bank equipment loan. We offer simple financing to help you purchase new or used ag equipment or can help you with lower refinancing rates for existing loans.
Ask your Agent how Arkansas Farm Bureau members save with a Farm Bureau Bank loan today!
Existing Farm Bureau Bank equipment loans are excluded from this offer. Normal credit criteria does apply. * Rate disclosed as Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and based on exceptional credit. Some restrictions may apply based upon the make and model of 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 03/1/2014. Rates and financing are limited to farm equipment model years 2004 or newer and are subject to change without notice. A down payment may be required for new or used equipment purchases. Minimum loan amount is $5,000. 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 cashout financing on commercial vehicles and equipment. Banking services provided by Farm Bureau Bank, FSB. EQUAL HOUSING
LENDER