FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | VOLUME 25 | ISSUE 4
Farm Bureau Press A PEEK INSIDE
POULTRY OWNERS TO INCREASE BIOSECURITY, MONITORING The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging poultry owners to increase biosecurity measures on their operations in response to several reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in other states to include some in the Mississippi Flyway. HPAI is caused by an influenza type A virus which can infect poultry and wild birds. HPAI virus strains are extremely infections, often fatal to chickens, and can spread rapidly from flock to flock. Symptoms can include sudden increase in bird deaths with no clinical signs, lack of energy and appetite, decrease in egg production, soft- or thin-shelled or misshapen eggs, and more.
Arkansas Farm Bureau YF&R Conference Rescheduled, page 2
Although there have been no reports of HPAI in Arkansas this year, there have been reported cases in a commercial turkey flock in Indiana, a commercial broiler chicken flock in Kentucky, and a backyard flock of mixed species birds in Virginia. Because of these nearby infections, Arkansas is at risk of infection and poultry owners should be on high alert. Arkansas State Veterinarian John Nilz said an increase in biosecurity should be a priority for Arkansas poultry owners. Biosecurity refers to everything people do to keep diseases – and the viruses, bacteria, funguses, parasites, and other microorganisms that cause diseases – away from birds, property, and people. Biosecurity measures can include keeping visitors to a minimum, changing clothes before entering poultry areas, cleaning tools or equipment before moving them to a new poultry facility, and more. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides resources on biosecurity for poultry operations through their Defend the Flock campaign, which can be found at https://bit.ly/USDA-DTF. Poultry owners should also monitor their flocks and report any possible symptoms to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture at 501-823-1746. More information on HPAI symptoms can be found at https://bit.ly/367voIB. Confirmed HPAI cases in the U.S. for 2022 can be found at https://bit.ly/ HPAI2022.
Ron Rainey Appointed to USDA Equity Commission, page 2-3
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ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU YF&R CONFERENCE RESCHEDULED The 2022 Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Conference has been rescheduled for July 22 – 23. The event will follow the 2022 Officers & Leaders conference in Rogers, Ark. Originally scheduled for Feb. 4 – 5, the event was postponed due to winter weather.
NORTHEAST RICE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER RECEIVES ENDOWMENT FUNDING The Arkansas Legislative Council has approved an allocation of $5 million to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture to complete a $10 million endowment to fund some of the operating costs of the Northeast Rice Research Station.
ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU AG YOU Arkansas Farm Bureau is pleased to announce the Ag Youth Leadership Seminar (AYLS). The three-day seminar, held July 6 –8, will provide an in-depth look at agricultural degrees and careers, an introduction to Arkansas Farm Bureau and the issues affecting agriculture and rural Arkansas.
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AYLS provides youth the opportunity to learn about several aspects of the agricultural industry such as, agriculture agencies, companies and Leadershi technologies. The seminar will explore career opportunities in agriculture and what educational path is needed for those careers. The group will tour the Arkansas State Capitol, and local farms and meet with representatives from Arkansas universities and colleges offering
RAINEY AND REED APPOINTED TO Ron Rainey, assistant vice president of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, and Hazell Reed, retired vice chancellor for research and economic development from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff have been appointed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s newly established Equity Commission. In addition to his appointment as assistant vice president, Rainey is also director of the Southern Risk Management Education Center and an extension economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
The Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board provided the remaining $5 million for the endowment, along with investments of $4 million for purchase of the land and for irrigation improvements; $1.4 million to build a shop and storage facility and $10 million for construction of the new research and education facility. The board has also pledged an additional $4 million for the research and education facility.
Reed is executive director of the National Black Growers Council.
Ron Rainey
The new station, located in Poinsett County, will be home to agriculture research and community outreach and education efforts.
The 15-member commission and its subcommittee on agriculture were authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act. The commission will hold its first public meeting Feb. 28. Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt, president of the University of Arkansas System, praised the selection of Rainey and Reed.
Dr. Hazell Reed 2
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“In a state like ours, where agriculture plays such a pertinent role in its overall economy and prosperity of its many diverse farming communities,
UTH LEADERSHIP SEMINAR agricultural degrees. We will conclude with a drawing for a $500 scholarship.
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The seminar will be limited to 20 high school students entering the 11th or 12th grade in the 2022-23 school year. A graded application system will be used to select the 20 participants. Guidelines and applications for AYLS are located on the Arkansas Farm Bureau website, www.arfb. com, under the Education section and on the Leader Portal. Deadline for applications is May 2. No applications will be considered after this date.
For more information, contact Lindsey Rucker at lindsey.rucker@arfb.com or 501-228-1843 or Brock Roberts at brock.roberts@arfb.com or 501-228-1575.
O USDA EQUITY COMMISSION
Washington Co. Farm Bureau Week | Washington County Farm Bureau board members and a Women’s Leadership Committee member gathered at Washington County Judge Joseph Wood’s office for a Washington Co. Farm Bureau Week proclamation signing. In attendance from left are Barbara Horn, Washington Co. Agency Manager Vince Massanelli, County Farm Bureau President Curtis Moore, David Daniel, Judge Wood, Brian Weaver, Lonnie Horn, and Membership Chairman Mike Stewart.
it’s wonderful to see representation on this newly formed committee that aims to strengthen equitable practices that will benefit us all,” Bobbitt said. “And to have both of those Arkansans doing meaningful work within the UA System is a tribute to the great work being done at both UAPB and at the Division of Agriculture. I look forward to learning more about the work of this commission and how we can use that to continue strengthening equitable practices within the System and our state.” The other commission members are: • Arturo S. Rodriguez, California
Stone Co. Legislation Appreciation | Stone County Farm Bureau hosted a Meet and Greet Legislators Appreciation on Feb. 11. Sen. Missy Irvin and city and county officials were in attendance and a variety of issues were discussed.
• Toni Stanger-McLaughlin, Washington • Derrick Johnson, Mississippi • Mireya Loza, District of Columbia • Charles Rawls, Virginia • Shorlette Ammons, North Carolina • Poppy Sias-Hernandez, Michigan • Todd Corley, Ohio • Yvonne Lee, California • Elizabeth Lower-Basch, Virginia • Shirley Sherrod, Georgia • Ertharin Cousin, Illinois • Rick Smith, Missouri More details on each member and about the first Equity Commission meeting can be found at www.usda.gov/equitycommission.
4 State Ag Expo | Miller County Farm Bureau was well represented with board members and staff at the Four States Ag Expo held Feb. 10 in Texarkana. Several hundred people attended the event that featured seminars on topics ranging from livestock and forages to home lawn and garden, commercial horticulture, wildlife and feral hog management.
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MARKET NEWS as of February 15, 2022 Contact Brandy Carroll 501-228-1268 brandy.carroll@arfb.com Livestock and Poultry In the February Supply/Demand report, the forecast for total red meat and poultry production for 2022 was lowered slightly from the previous report, as higher forecasted beef production was more than offset by lower pork, broiler, and turkey production. The beef production forecast was raised on estimates for larger placements during the first half of 2022, resulting in larger marketings late in the year. Pork production was lowered on the slower pace of slaughter so far this year. Broiler and turkey production forecasts were reduced on current hatchery data and higher expected feed costs. The egg production forecast was reduced from last month as higher feed costs are expected to temper production growth. For 2022, the beef import forecast was raised on strong demand and exports were unchanged. Pork exports were reduced on weakness in demand from China and increased competition in other markets. The broiler export forecast was lowered on weaker demand, mostly from Asian markets. Dairy In the February Supply/Demand estimates, USDA lowered the milk production forecast on lower dairy cow numbers. The dairy cow inventory on Jan. 1 was down 1% from the previous year, and the number of heifers held for dairy cow replacement was 3% lower. Annual product price forecasts for cheese, 4
butter, nonfat dry milk, and whey were raised due to lower expected milk production and tightening stocks. With higher product prices, both the Class III and Class IV prices were raised. The 2022 all milk price forecast was increased to $23.55 per cwt. Corn Corn futures continue to trade near contract highs. Old-crop March set a new high of $6.62¾. New-crop December continues to be capped by resistance at the key $6 level. Volume has increased in recent days, which is causing some concern that last week’s highs could prove to be tough resistance. Weekly export inspections were pegged at 57.3 million bushels, which is a marketing year high, but sales dipped to 23.2 million bushels. There were no changes in the February Supply/Demand report, and exports will need to pick up in order to meet USDA projections. Big losses on Tuesday were attributed to losses in crude oil futures and indications that a Russian invasion of Ukraine was not imminent this week. Harvest progress in South America and planting intentions in the U.S. will draw the focus of traders in coming weeks. Soybeans Soybean futures have been on a wild ride in recent days. The market rallied sharply last Thursday to set new contract highs $16.33 for March and $14.69¾ for November before turning lower. The market posted a bearish outside day on Monday, but although the market has lost a bit of ground, follow through selling has been limited. Soy meal futures charted a bearish key reversal on Thursday and weakness is expected to continue as evidence of a domestic bird flu outbreak has sparked concerns about demand. Export inspections for the week ended Feb. 10 were 42.4 million bushels, the lowest in five weeks. Inspections are down 22% from the
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previous marketing year. This week the market has been focused on the potential of a Russian invasion in Ukraine and growing conditions in South America. U.S. planting intentions could be a big market mover in the coming weeks. Cotton In the February Supply/Demand report, USDA raised their ending stocks estimate by 300,000 bales to 3.5 million bales. The increase was mainly due to a 250,000 bale cut to the export estimate. The cut was somewhat surprising given the relatively strong pace of export sales, but shipments have lagged a bit, which could mean cancellations down the road. USDA left its seasonaverage price unchanged at 90 cents a pound. Technically speaking, the charts look worrisome. December set a new 10½-year high on Thursday of last week, but the market sold off on Monday. Tuesday didn’t see followthrough selling, rather the market traded in a narrow range within Monday’s wide range. Rice USDA raised the all-rice ending stocks estimate by 500,000 cwt in the February Supply/Demand report, but the long grain ending stocks estimate remained unchanged at 21.4 million cwt. The season-average long grain project price was increased by 30 cents to $13.50. Weekly export sales were very strong at 193,000 metric tons, which was a marketing year high. Colombia bought 120,000 metric tons. The market has backed off contract highs in the past couple of weeks, and carryover weakness from other markets is having an impact on rice futures. March is currently holding above support at $14.61.
EDITOR Ashley Wallace ashley.wallace@arfb.com