Farm Bureau Press | March 8

Farm Bureau Press

A r FB STRENGTHENS FOCUS ON YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Lindsey Rucker will take on a new role as Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) programs coordinator at Arkansas Farm Bureau. Jennifer Craig, previous YF&R coordinator, will shift her focus to the organization’s leadership development programs. In her new capacity, Rucker will provide ArFB Federation staff leadership for the state YF&R program and will seek opportunities to bolster engagement and participation at the county Farm Bureau level. Rucker will also continue to focus on the development, implementation and oversight of elementary agriculture education curriculum programs.

As director of leadership development, Craig will focus her efforts on creating leadership training for new and existing leaders at the county and state level within ArFB. In her capacity, Craig will be responsible for ArFB’s new leadership development program, Arkansas Grassroots Leadership (AG Leaders).

Launched in 2024, AG Leaders is a two-year program that provides training and resources for emerging Farm Bureau leaders. AG Leaders introduces participants to all aspects of the organization, connecting them with current Farm Bureau leaders to ensure their success and offering leadership opportunities at the county, state, and

Lindsey Rucker

Jennifer Craig

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU CONTINUES PARTNERSHIP WITH ARKANSAS HUNTERS FEEDING THE HUNGRY

The Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation is partnering with the ArFB Young Farmers & Ranchers and Women’s Leadership Committees again this year for the Arkansas Hunters

Feeding the Hungry Program (AHFH). Arkansas Farm Bureau, along with county Farm Bureaus, have been working to fight food insecurities in the state for many years, through local and statewide monetary and food donations. This program is another way for county Farm Bureaus to continue efforts to feed hungry Arkansans.

AHFH is in its 23rd year of helping feed hungry Arkansans, and the ArFB Foundation is joining AHFH to support their Wild Game Snack Sticks Program. This program provides shelf-stable meat snack sticks to schools for their backpack programs, to provide a protein option for students.

This year the ArFB Foundation Board of Directors has approved a donation of $25,000 to the AHFH organization. In addition to the donation, $25,000 has been designated for matching donations made by county Farm Bureaus, individuals and other entities.

If you or your county Farm Bureau would like to be a part of this great program, please make a tax-deductible donation to the ArFB Foundation. Money donated to the ArFB Foundation, earmarked for the Hunters Feeding the Hungry Program, will be donated to the AHFH organization on your behalf.

You can find more information on how to donate here and learn more about how the partnership here.

Conservation Legacy Award | Brad and Joyce Doyle of Weiner were recently named national winners of the Conservation Legacy Award from the American Soybean Association. Brad is a third-generation soybean grower who serves on the ArFB state board. Joyce is a PhD soybean breeder and researcher. The family owns and operates Eagle Seed in Poinsett County. The award is designed to recognize outstanding environmental and conservation efforts.

Ag Achievement Award | Lori and Terry Dabbs (center) of Stuttgart recently received the Ag Achievement Award at the Southern Cotton Ginners Association’s annual meeting in Memphis. The award recognizes partnerships between farmers and university researchers that move the industry forward and the Dabbs were recognized for their work with the University of Arkansas’ Discovery Farms program.

Arkansas Ag Hall of Fame | The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame inducted six industry leaders for their service to agriculture in the state. Pictured are (from left) Eric Berger, who accepted on behalf of his later father, Dr. George Berger; Dr. Charles Looney; Dr. Mark Cochran; Gary Sitzer; Chris Daniel, who accepted on behalf of his late father Melvin Daniel; and Dr. Freddie Bourland. A full photo recap can be found here

County Farm Bureau Support | Boone County Farm Bureau was among several counties that helped contribute financially to support the Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry meat stick program.

A r FB FOCUS ON YF&R AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

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“With extensive experience in agriculture and leadership development, we are fortunate to have both Lindsey and Jennifer focused on building a strong leadership pipeline for Arkansas Farm Bureau,” said Justin Reynolds, vice president of Organization and Member Programs. “I look forward to the contributions they both will make to strengthen our agricultural community and support its sustainability for generations to come.”

Rucker was raised in Bonnerdale (Garland County) and represents a fifth-generation family farm. She holds a

bachelor’s degree in agriculture business from Arkansas Tech University and a master’s degree in agriculture and extension education from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She joined ArFB in 2021.

Craig was raised on a rice and soybean farm in Independence County. She holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business from Arkansas State University and a master’s in public health from the UAMS College of Public Health. She serves on the UAMS College of Public Health Advisory Board.

APPLICATIONS FOR 2024 YF&R COMPETITIVE EVENTS

The Excellence in Ag (EA) and Achievement Award (AA) applications are now available. There are two rounds of competition. In the initial round, applicants will fill out an Arkansas specific application, due March 15. The top three contestants will be chosen from these applicants. The second round will require the top three competitors to complete the more extensive American Farm Bureau applications and then participate in either an interview (AA) or presentation (EA). The interviews and presentations will be held, and winners announced during the Officers and Leaders Conference in July 2024.

The Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers in Arkansas who have excelled in their farming/ ranching operations and exhibited outstanding leadership abilities. The award is designed for an individual or couple involved full-time in production agriculture with a majority of their income subject to normal production risks. Competitors are judged on a combination of farming operation growth and financial progress, excellence in operation management and scope, and self-initiative displayed throughout the development of their operation.

The Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes the accomplishments of contestants who derive the majority of their income

from efforts other than agriculture, but are involved in farming and Farm Bureau. Competitors are evaluated on their understanding of agricultural issues, leadership experiences and achievement, ability to communicate their agricultural story, and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations (i.e. civic, service, and community).

These awards provide opportunities to give recognition for achievements in agriculture, business, and leadership to our young farmers and ranchers. The future of Arkansas Farm Bureau relies on the success of our young leaders and recognizing those leaders and their accomplishments is vital to the health of our organization. These contests play an important role in encouraging our younger leaders to strive for excellence at home, on their farms, in their community, and in their involvement with Farm Bureau.

We urge county Farm Bureaus to identify leaders who are eligible to apply. Applications are now webbased and must be submitted online. Submission links, applications and information on deadlines and announcements are available on the Arkansas Farm Bureau website and the Leader Portal.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, contact Lindsey Rucker at (501) 228-1843 or lindsey.rucker@arfb.com.

MARKET NEWS

as of March 6, 2024

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Rice

Old-crop rice futures appear to have put in a top in February. As March is about to expire, May has become the most active contract and moved to new four-week lows. The high of $19.35 ½ looks secure as the market drifts lower, with the next level of support at $18. Weekly exports were a respectable 60,900 metric tons, but that is down 27% from the fourweek average. High prices in Asia and India’s export ban continue to support old crop futures. New-crop September, on the other hand, has sold off hard in recent weeks and is now trading near the contract low of $14.23. USDA has currently pegged the U.S. crop at 2.89 million acres and some are projecting an even bigger crop. The first survey-based estimate will be released March 31.

Cotton

Chart action in old-crop cotton futures suggests that the market is topping. May futures exploded to the upside last week, setting a new high of $1.03 before retreating just as fast. Currently, the market is holding support at 92.89 cents. New-crop futures are also attempting to put in a top at the recent high of 85.25 cents. Recent volatility in crude oil prices has contributed to the big swings in cotton futures. Weekly exports were a disappointing 40,000 bales.

Corn

This week, market activity has remained subdued as traders finalize positions in anticipation of Friday’s WASDE report from the USDA, which is not anticipated to significantly

impact the market. Moreover, the market lacks substantial fundamental information to drive major price shifts. The nearby Mar24 contract is currently undergoing expiration, adjusting to align more closely with cash market values. However, the May contract has struggled to surpass the 20-day moving average. Limited gains in the corn market persist due to expectations of ample supply from South America.

Soybeans

Similar to corn, soybean prices have maintained a narrow trading range. The May24 contract faces resistance near $11.65, while finding support at last week’s low of $11.28. Despite attempts, May soybeans continue to encounter resistance near the 20-day moving average, sustaining a downward trend. Funds hold a historically large net short position in soybeans and appear content with it. Market focus remains on projecting Chinese demand, while Brazil increases its export volumes post-harvest

Wheat

Despite a weaker dollar aiming to boost U.S. export opportunities globally, wheat prices continue to decline. Persistent pressure stems from inexpensive Ukrainian and Russian wheat, as they work to alleviate excess old-crop stocks. Chicago’s May24 contract reached a fresh low this week, with support anticipated at the Dec23 low of $5.27 on the weekly chart. Crop conditions for US winter wheat declined in Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma, driven by drier-than-normal conditions in the southern plains over recent weeks.

Forestry

Here’s a concise overview of the forest industry market across different sections: In the Southeast, pine logs range from $19 to $22 per ton, chip-n-saw is priced at $12 to $14 per ton. Pine pulp varies between $0.50 and $1.00 per ton, hardwood logs at $50 to $53 per ton

and miscellaneous products at $30 to $33 per ton. In the Southwest, pine logs are trading at $23 to $24 per ton, chip-n-saw at $15 per ton, pine pulp at $1.00 per ton, hardwood logs at $57 per ton, and miscellaneous products at $35 per ton. Meanwhile, in the North Central region, pine logs are currently valued at $26 per ton.

Cattle

Live cattle futures have seen some weakness lately, but the uptrend remains intact for the time being. June’s inability to break through resistance at $185 could signal that that market is losing momentum. Firm cash cattle prices and strengthening wholesale beef prices have provided underlying support. Live cattle sales were reportedly steady to up $1 last week, and the choice cutout value is up approximately 3% in the past two weeks. However, large supplies of market-ready cattle and weak packer margins could limit further upside. Feeder cattle futures are also trending higher on carryover strength from live cattle futures and continued weakness in corn futures. March feeders are currently testing resistance at $255.

Hogs

The summer lean hog contracts, which have been trending sharply higher for the past couple of weeks, have charted a bearish key reversal, suggesting the rally has run its course. For June, that high is $103. A strong cash hog market has been providing support as good packer demand and robust pork demand from consumers has provided underlying strength despite a recent increase in production. The Cold Storage report showed a smallerthan-average seasonal increase in total U.S. pork stocks in January. Exports have slowed, but sales totals overall are supportive.

EDITOR