Dan Wright of Waldron was reelected Dec. 6 as Arkansas Farm Bureau’s president and Mike Freeze of Little Rock will continue as vice president for the agriculture advocacy organization. Both were elected during Farm Bureau’s state convention at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
Voting delegates elected Mark Williams of Lavaca to the state board of directors and re-elected seven board members, all serving twoyear terms. They are Magen Allen, Bismarck; Terry Dabbs, Stuttgart; Brad Doyle, Weiner; Jason Henson, Mount Judea; Caleb Plyler, Hope; and Dana Stewart, Judsonia.
Williams owns an Angus cattle ranch in Sebastian County that has been in operation for more than 70 years. He retired from the Arkansas Department of Transportation as a bridge superintendent. He and his wife Elaine have two children, Greg and Christy, five grandchildren, and one great grandson.
Board action later resulted in the re-election of Terry Dabbs of Stuttgart as secretary/treasurer, his second term in that role. A row crop farmer, Dabbs has served on the ArFB Board of Directors since 2004. He grows rice, soybeans, wheat, oats and corn. He and his wife, Lori, have one son, four daughters and 10 grandchildren.
Voting delegates also addressed a range of state and federal policy issues, including increased funding for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and continued agricultural sales tax exemptions with added Continued on page 2
2024 ArFB 90th Annual Convention Recap:
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• Heath Donner Earns ArFB Leadership Award
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ArFB Honors Women Leaders
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Lamar High School Teacher
Named ArFB Outstanding 2024 Ag Educator
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• YF&R Discussion Meet Winner
• Hempstead Named Top Farm Bureau County
Mike Freeze
Dan Wright
Mark Williams Terry Dabbs
A r FB SELECTS LEADERS
Continued from page 1 identification structure. The group also voted to support economic initiatives for rural counties, conservation district funding, private property rights and the right to farm. Delegates also approved policy supporting immediate economic assistance for farmers and ranchers, and a quick passage of a new federal farm bill that adequately addresses the current need of the agriculture industry.
Wright, 64, was selected for his second term as president. He has served 11 years on the organization’s state board, including four years as secretary/treasurer.
Wright is a poultry and hay producer. He and his wife, Belinda, have two grown children, Dustin and Megan, and six grandchildren.
“I’m deeply honored by the trust our membership has
placed in me to guide our organization into the next chapter of advocacy, education, and outreach for the state’s agriculture industry and rural communities,” Wright said. “It is more important than ever for our leaders and neighbors to recognize the dedication of farmers and ranchers who work tirelessly to feed families across America and around the world.”
Freeze, 72, begins his sixth term as vice president. He operates the Keo Fish Farm, the largest hybrid striped bass hatchery in the world. He is a past chairman of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. He and his wife Betty have two grown daughters, Rachael and Kelly.
“I’m deeply grateful to our members for their continued trust in me,” Freeze said. “I’m excited to work with our president and state board members as we tackle the important and challenging work ahead for Farm Bureau.”
DONNER EARNS A r FB 2024 LEADERSHIP AWARD
Heath Donner of Manila is the 2024 recipient of the Stanley E. Reed Leadership Award from the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation. Donner accepted the award Dec. 4 during the organization’s 90th annual conference at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Arkansas Farm Bureau President Dan Wright and Nathan Reed, son of ArFB’s late president, presented the award.
Donner serves on the executive board of Mississippi County Farm Bureau, the Arkansas Farm Bureau Cotton Commodity Division and the American Farm Bureau Issues Advisory Committee.
Donner is a fifth-generation farmer, growing cotton, soybeans, corn and peanuts in Mississippi County. He and his wife Melissa have four children Madison, Caitlin, Zeke, and Easton.
“To receive this award, named for the legacy of Stanley Reed, is such an honor for me and my family,” said Donner. “We are farmers because we care for those around us and consider it a gift to provide food and fiber for the world. This award is recognition of the work we do, day in
and day out, on the farm.”
The Stanley E. Reed Leadership Award was established in 2011 to honor the memory of the man who was president of Arkansas Farm Bureau from 2003-2008. It is awarded to an active member, 36 to 45 years of age, for outstanding leadership within their county Farm Bureau and community. It is intended to honor a county leader who has demonstrated the leadership qualities that were evident in Stanley Reed’s life and will help lead Farm Bureau into the future.
Stanley Reed Award | (From left) ArFB President Dan Wright, the Donner Family, Nathan Reed, Vice President Mike Freeze and Secretary/Treasurer Terry Dabbs presented Heath Donner (center) with the Stanley Reed Award.
A r FB HONORS WOMEN LEADERS
The Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC) from Lee County Farm Bureau is the Outstanding County Women’s Program award winner for 2024. The group was recognized Dec. 5 during Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 90th Annual Conference at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Committee chair Kerry Stiles accepted the award for the second consecutive year.
Each year, Arkansas Farm Bureau honors the county Women’s Leadership Committee that exhibits exemplary support of its county organization, activities and goals. These committees are a vital part of the county Farm Bureau organizations as they plan and implement programs and activities that are an important part of Farm Bureau’s mission. They conduct community-based activities and programs involving Ag in the Classroom, farm tours, commodity promotion, safety, health, agricultural policy and more.
Throughout the year, members of the Lee County committee visited local schools to teach students about agriculture, participated in farm safety training, and so much more.
Peggy Miller of Chicot County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee received the Arkansas Farm Bureau Women’s Diamond Award, which honors a county Farm Bureau leader whose volunteer efforts are above and beyond the norm.
Miller has been volunteering for Farm Bureau for more than three decades and has served as the chair of her county Women’s Leadership Committee for more than 20 years. She is also a past state chair for the WLC. Along with other committee members she donates supplies to local schools as well as supporting their local food pantries and school backpack programs.
2023 Diamond Award | (From left) ArFB Vice President Mike Freeze, President Dan Wright, Women’s Leadership State Chair Kerry Stiles, Women’s Leadership State Vice Chair Nita Cooper and Secretary/Treasurer Terry Dabbs presented Peggy Miller (center)of Chicot County with the Diamond Award.
2024 Outstanding Committee | (From left) ArFB Vice President Mike Freeze, President Dan Wright, Women's Leadership State Vice Chair Nita Cooper and Secretary/Treasurer Terry Dabbs presented Women's Leadership State Chair Kerry Stiles and Traci Beene of Lee County with the Outstanding Committee Award.
COLUMBIA COUNTY COMPETITOR NAMED
DISCUSSION MEET WINNER
Lindsey Holtzclaw, of Columbia County, won the Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet Dec. 5 at the Arkansas Farm Bureau 90th Annual Convention in Hot Springs. Holtzclaw advances to compete in January at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in San Antonio.
The discussion meet allows young farm leaders to demonstrate problem-solving and verbal presentation skills while sharing their views on agriculture issues. There were 20 competitors in the discussion meet. Holtzclaw won $7,000 courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co.
“The YF&R Discussion Meet is a great way for young farmers and ranchers to share ideas and work on solving problems together,” said Holtzclaw. “As a proud representative of Arkansas, it’s an honor to take the conversation to the national level. I’m excited to focus on the big challenges facing our industry as I get ready for the competition in January.”
Holtzclaw, director of marketing at Farm Credit of Western Arkansas, currently serves as president of Women in Agriculture and a member of the ArFB YF&R Committee. She and her husband Jes have two children, John Monroe and Porter.
HEMPSTEAD NAMED TOP FARM BUREAU COUNTY
Hempstead County is the state’s top county Farm Bureau organization for 2024. Arkansas Farm Bureau President Dan Wright and Vice President Mike Freeze presented the President’s Award to Hempstead County Farm Bureau President Mark Lloyd on Dec. 5 at the 90th Annual Arkansas Farm Bureau Convention at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
“Receiving the President’s Award is quite an honor, and we have worked really hard to bring this award back to our county,” said Lloyd. “Our key to success is in the team of hardworking people committed to advancing agriculture. Winning this award is an honor for everyone in Hempstead County.”
The President’s Award is the top award in the LEAD program, recognizing counties all over the state for their work in promoting agriculture and educating the public on the importance farmers and ranchers play in life. Other finalists for the President’s Award included Searcy and Stone counties.
Scott County earned the Membership Retention Award. This award goes to the county with the highest membership retention percentage in the state. Scott County Farm Bureau President Tedd Phipps and Agency Manager Roger Thompson received the award.
2024 President's Award | (From left) ArFB President Dan Wright, Vice President Mike Freeze and Secretary/Treasurer Terry Dabbs presented Hempstead County Farm Bureau President Mark Lloyd (center) with the President's Award.
2024 Discussion Meet Winner | (From left) Young Farmer & Rancher State Chair Brad Peacock, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company’s Stan Dickens and Young Farmer & Rancher State Vice Chair Stewart Warner recognize Lindsey Holtzclaw (center) as the 2024 YF&R Discussion Meet winner.
LAMAR HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER NAMED Ar FB 2024 OUTSTANDING AG EDUCATOR
Arkansas Farm Bureau recognized Chris Bacchus of Lamar High School in Johnson County as its Outstanding Ag Educator. Alma High School’s Kisia Holland earned the Outstanding New Ag Educator Award, and Prairie Grove High School grabbed the top spot as the Outstanding Ag Education Program. All were recognized Dec. 4 at Farm Bureau’s 90th Annual Convention at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
The Outstanding Ag Educator award recognizes a high school agriculture education instructor for efforts in teaching young people about agriculture, leadership and involvement in the National FFA Organization.
“I’m honored to lead an agriculture program full of students who are committed to agriculture and our community,” Bacchus said. “As educators, it’s our job to teach students about our industry, why it’s important and how they might contribute to its longevity for the next generation. I feel fortunate to play just a small role in securing our future.”
Holland earned the top New Ag Educator Award for her work at Alma High School. “I’m passionate with providing my students a place to become well-rounded individuals with leadership skills needed to succeed in life,” Holland said. “We’re teaching that with the basics of trades and the agriculture industry, which brings critical thinking, problem solving and technical skills.”
Prairie Grove High School was recognized for its ag education program, led by advisers Clint Hale, Sarah Hale and David Hays (retired July 2024). The Prairie Grove FFA program hosts one of the largest career development events in the state. The group also volunteers to clean up the Washington County Fairgrounds, hosts a fall agriculture adventure event annually and much more to enrich its members and their community.
“This program is steeped in tradition, and we continue to grow and transition into a future for the next generation of FFA students in Prairie Grove. The support of our alumni and community has been essential in our success, especially the recognition by Arkansas Farm Bureau this year,” said Clint Hale, Prairie Grove FFA adviser.
2024 President’s Award | (From left) ArFB Director of Education Matt Jackson, President Dan Wright and Vice President Mike Freeze presented Chris Bacchus (center) with the Ag Teacher of the Year award.
New Ag Teach of the Year | (From left) ArFB Director of Education Matt Jackson, President Dan Wright and Vice President Mike Freeze presented Kisia Holland (center) with the New Ag Teacher of the Year award.
Ag Education Program | From left) ArFB Director of Education Matt Jackson, President Dan Wright and Vice President Mike Freeze recognized Prairie Grove High School for its ag education program. Clint Hale, Sarah Hale and David Hayes have served as chapter advisors.
2024 STATE CONVENTION PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
1) ArFB President Dan Wright giving his address. 2) ArFB EVP Jarod Yates speaks with U of A Cooperative Extension Service during a livestream. 3) Keynote speaker Dwier Brown signs autographs in the trade show. 4) Foundation Night-In entertainment, Lonestar, engaged with the crowd. 5) Members debated policy positions the business session. 6) A joint meeting of the Senate and House Ag Committees was hosted during convention. 7) Members shared their emotion during award announcements. 8) Business from across the state were invited to participate in the Farmers Market. 9) Lonestar preformed for attendees the first night of convention. 10) Items from the Ag Mechanics show were on display and available for purchase. 11) Fans gathered for photos with friends during the concert. 12) The ArFB Silent Auction raised more than $8,750. 13) The 90th annual state convention concluded with the business session.
FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT ISSUES NATIONWIDE INJUNCTION ON FILING BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
INFORMATION
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a nationwide injunction Dec. 3 halting the required filing of Beneficial Ownership Information stemming from the 2021 passage of the Corporate Transparency Act. Prior to the injunction, the deadline for small businesses subject to the law to file this information with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network was Dec. 31.
ISSUE:
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) was included in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act as part of the Anti-Money Laundering Act. A bipartisan amendment with support from both chambers of Congress, the CTA requires companies to report information to the federal government’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) about the individuals who own or control them. The final rule implementing the legislation was issued in September 2022, and it was made effective as of Jan. 1, 2024, with a deadline for existing businesses as of that date to file their Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) by Dec. 31.
INFORMATION:
On March 1, the National Small Business Association prevailed in a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, which ruled the CTA was unconstitutional. However, this ruling was narrow and only prevented the government from enforcing the CTA against the plaintiffs, members of the National Small Business Association. The government appealed that case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, oral arguments were held in September 2024, and that court has yet to issue any further rulings. This recent decision on Dec. 3 from the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Texas is a preliminary injunction that applies to every small business subject to the CTA nationwide. It prohibits the government from enforcing the CTA nationwide, and further finds that “reporting companies need not comply with the CTA’s January 1, 2025, BOI reporting deadline pending further order of the Court.” This decision is likely to be appealed by the federal government; however, for now, this preliminary injunction provides clear relief for all businesses who have yet to file.
ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU NAMES JONES ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Jennifer Jones has been promoted to associate director of finance for the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation. She brings more than a decade of experience and expertise in tax, bookkeeping, payroll, financial reports and accounting systems to the Finance department.
Jennifer Jones
Jones will direct daily operations and personnel managing accounting systems, accounts payable and receivable, tax compliance, membership data and payments, accounting services, and payroll for Farm Bureau, its subsidiaries, and affiliated companies.
“I feel blessed with this opportunity to serve an organization dedicated to supporting Arkansas’ farmers, ranchers and rural communities,” said Jones.
Jones, originally from Sharp County and now a Saline County resident, holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Jones began her career in 2014 at Farm Bureau as a finance staff assistant and, in 2021, earned her first promotion to finance staff accountant.
Clay County Donation | Clay County Farm Bureau, along with Arkansas Farm Bureau and Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry, recently donated 1,000 meat sticks to the Piggott and Rector Schools to be used in their backpack program.
MARKET NEWS
as of December 11, 2024
Contact Brandy Carroll brandy.carroll@arfb.com
Tyler Oxner tyler.oxner@arfb.com
Corn
Corn markets saw a bullish turn with the latest USDA data revealing significant adjustments. U.S. ending stocks were slashed by 200 million bushels to 1.738 billion, falling 165 million below expectations. Exports were raised by 150 million bushels, while ethanol usage increased by 50 million bushels. Globally, corn stocks dropped nearly 8 million metric tons to 296.4 mmt, well below expectations of 303.6 mmt, driven primarily by reduced U.S. inventories. Notably, China lowered its 2024 corn production forecast by 3.2 mmt to 293.4 mmt, citing excessive rain, though this remains slightly above the USDA’s 292 mmt estimate. While South American production estimates were unchanged, Brazil saw a surge in ethanol demand. March 2025 corn futures reached a two-month high, testing the upper range of $4.20–$4.50.
Soybean
This month’s WASDE presented a neutral outlook for soybeans, with U.S. ending stocks unchanged at 470 million bushels, aligning with expectations. Global stocks saw little change, reaching 131.9 mmt, slightly below projections. Argentine production was revised up by one mmt to 52 mmt, while Brazil’s estimate remained steady at 169 mmt. In South America, weather conditions are mixed, with excessive rain causing isolated flooding in southern Brazil, while Argentina anticipates a drying trend. Chinese customs data revealed November soybean imports at 7.15 mmt, down 10% year-over-year but contributing to a cumulative 2024 import total of 97.1 mmt, up 9.5%.
Wheat
A neutral to slightly supportive outlook
for wheat, with U.S. ending stocks reduced by 20 million bushels to 795 million, coming in slightly below expectations. Imports increased by five million bushels, while exports rose by 20 million bushels. Global wheat stocks remained largely unchanged at 257.9 mmt, in line with expectations. Russian and EU export estimates were each reduced by 1 mmt, while Ukraine’s exports were raised by 0.5 mmt. Weather forecasts indicate bitter cold moving into Ukraine, southern Russia, and Kazakhstan, though adequate snow cover should protect crops from major damage. In the U.S., central regions face a brief cold snap midweek, followed by a rapid warmup and continued dry conditions for the Plains and Western Corn Belt. Despite tight global stocks among exporters, wheat markets may require a catalyst for a short-covering rally.
Rice
The December outlook for the 2024/25 U.S. rice market shows no changes to overall supply and use, but notable by-class export adjustments. Long-grain exports were reduced by 2.0 million cwt to 72.0 million due to sluggish demand from Mexico and other Latin American markets. Meanwhile, medium- and short-grain exports increased by 2.0 million cwt to 28.0 million, supported by strong shipments to Japan and South Korea. The season-average farm price remains steady at $15.60 per cwt. Globally, 2024/25 rice supplies decreased slightly to 712.8 million tons due to lower beginning stocks and typhoon-related production losses in the Philippines. World consumption declined fractionally to 530.3 million tons, while trade reached a record 58.1 million tons, driven by larger exports from key Southeast Asian producers. Ending stocks fell modestly to 182.5 million tons, with India accounting for most of the increase over last year.
Cotton
The 2024/25 U.S. cotton balance sheet includes modest revisions, with production increased by 64,000 bales to nearly 14.3 million. The national yield estimate rose by three pounds to 792 pounds per harvested acre, reflecting higher yields in the Southeast and
Delta regions but lower yields in the Southwest and West. Ending stocks were raised to 4.4 million bales, resulting in a stocks-to-use ratio of 34%. The season-average upland farm price remains unchanged at 66 cents per pound. Globally, 2024/25 projections show higher production, consumption, and ending stocks, with marginally lower beginning stocks. World cotton production increased by 1.2 million bales to 117.4 million, driven largely by a 1-million-bale increase in India. Additional gains are expected for Argentina, Benin, and Brazil, while Mali and Burkina Faso see declines. Global consumption rose by 570,000 bales, with growth in India, Pakistan, and Vietnam offsetting reduced use in China. Exports increased by 80,000 bales, with notable gains for Brazil and Benin. Ending stocks rose by 267,000 bales to reflect increases in Argentina, the U.S., and Pakistan, despite reductions in Brazil.
Livestock, Poultry & Dairy
The USDA’s December forecast for 2024 red meat and poultry production shows increases in beef and poultry output, offset by reduced pork and egg production. Beef production is raised on higher slaughter rates and heavier weights, while pork production declines due to lighter weights. Broiler and turkey production rose on updated data, but egg production dropped due to HPAI-related culling. For 2025, beef and pork production forecasts are lowered, reflecting Mexican cattle import restrictions and lighter pork weights. Broiler production rises, but turkey and egg forecasts remain constrained by HPAI. Trade forecasts for 2024 and 2025 show higher beef imports and broiler exports, while pork exports decline due to reduced supply. Prices are mixed: cattle and hog prices rise, turkey and egg prices increase with tighter supplies, and dairy prices fall due to weaker cheese and butter markets. The 2025 all-milk price is projected at $22.55 per cwt.
