Arkansas Agriculture - Spring 2016 by Arkansas Farm Bureau

SPRING 2016

New Ag

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Two (2) tracts for sale comprised of quality farmland offering excellent access, soils, and irrigation capabilities. Tract 1 is 945.91 (+/-) acres, and tract 2 is 40.4 (+/-) acres. $3,600,000.00 | $145,000.00

1,110 (+/-) total acres bordering the Cache River NWR. Cache Drain is one of Arkansas’s finest sporting properties offering outstanding green-timber duck hunting, deer hunting, and fishing. $11,100,000.00

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1,323 (+/-) total acres located in the Ozark Mountains. Recreational opportunities abound, as does a timber investment in the property’s mature pine and hardwood trees. $2,400,000.00

1,379 (+/-) total acres, located near Okolona, AR. The property is one of AR’s premier working ranch/country estates with year-round recreational opportunities and significant residential housing. $4,300,000.00

Jefferson & Lonoke Counties, Arkansas

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Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

SPRING 2016

Edition 41

features

New Ag Hall of Fame members

Ken Moore and Rob Anderson | Page 6

C O L U M NS

Farm Bureau Perspective Page 3

Faces of Agriculture â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kallem Hill

Page 18

Policy Update

Page 21

Rural Reflections Photo

Page 24

On the Cover

Photographer Keith Sutton took this photo of a tranquil early morning scene featuring these cattle near Damascus just as the clouds lifted following a rainstorm.

Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau â&#x20AC;˘ SPRING 2016

SUMMIT SAYINGS

FARM

POLICY

Arkansas Farm Bureau hosted its first Farm Policy Summit March 29-30 in Little Rock. The event brought Arkansas farmers and ranchers together with national farm policy leaders, government officials and the entire Arkansas Congressional delegation for an in-depth discussion of the challenges facing the agriculture economy, as well as potential solutions.

SU M MIT 2016

“WOTUS is clearly unconstitutional.” SENATOR JOHN BOOZMAN

“Study after study after study have proven that GMO foods are safe and affordable.” SENATOR TOM COTTON

“I think trade policy is something that our government owes the ag community.”

REPRESENTATIVE STEVE WOMACK

“We have to feed 300 million people in this country alone, and we have to rely on sound science to help do this.”

“I don’t know of any organization that touches every community in the state and nation like the Farm Bureau.” AMERICAN FARM BUREAU PRESIDENT ZIPPY DUVALL

REPRESENTATIVE RICK CRAWFORD

“How we view land use, how we manage natural resources, and how we strive to be good stewards makes me proud to be from Arkansas.” REPRESENTATIVE BRUCE WESTERMAN 2

“In the mainstream of America, people still have a high perception of agriculture.”

ALAN BJERGA, AGRICULTURE POLICY REPORTER, BLOOMBERG NEWS Arkansas Agriculture

“340,000 jobs in this state are dependent upon trade.” REPRESENTATIVE FRENCH HILL

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

Farm Bureau Perspective By Randy Veach | President, Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation

Farm Policy Summit a success

ur first Arkansas Farm Policy Summit is complete. And from the feedback of our grassroots leaders, it was a successful way to Bring Capitol Hill Back Home, the theme for this inaugural event. Arkansas Farm Bureau has traditionally taken its county presidents to Washington, D.C. every two years to advocate on critical agricultural issues and meet with federal regulatory agencies. With the tight Congressional calendar this time of year, we chose instead to bring the lawmakers and regulators to Arkansas. While planting season was well underway when we met in late March, several leaders told me it was easier to get to Little Rock for two days during planting season than it would have been to get to Washington, D.C. American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall joined us for the summit and was very well received by those in attendance. Zippy has been to Arkansas several times. In fact, he spoke at the 2015 state convention while campaigning for his new role. His challenge to Farm Bureau members was to be the country’s most responsive membership organization. Zippy asked us to help engage our grassroots membership in ways we haven’t done successfully in the past, so when an action request goes out on a legislative issue we can generate thousands of contacts in just a few hours. I pledged to help Arkansas Farm Bureau make that happen by communicating to our members in new and different ways. We must be assured that our grassroots leaders understand the issues well enough that they’re comfortable reacting to those action requests. To that end, we had each member of the state’s Congressional delegation speak to us during the summit along with senior members of several federal regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, USDA’s Risk Management Agency and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The most notable federal official in

Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

attendance, was U.S. Trade Ambassador Darci Vetter, who is chief ag negotiator for the Trans-Pacific Partnership discussions. She came to explain the administration’s view of TPP and explain why she believes Congress should pass the provision. The net benefits of TPP are far too detailed to cover here, but it’s fair to say Ambassador Vetter is an imposing presence and compelling voice on the subject of international trade. She has dealt intimately with the challenges of bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations, which is no walk in the park. Bloomberg News agriculture policy reporter Alan Bjerga gave us a national perspective on hot-button agriculture issues, while Talk Business & Politics publisher Roby Brock led an entertaining discussion joined by political strategists Bill Vickery and Jessica Sabin. Their lively dialogue was among the summit’s most enjoyable segments. Vickery closed their session by offering his personal view of Farm Bureau, calling us “an extremely powerful organization.” “Yes, you have really smart people working for you at the Capitol. You have really smart people at the top. But the power of this organization comes from the fact that you all participate in it, and you are active and engaged in your communities. That, to me, is the essence or our democracy.” That sums up Farm Bureau pretty well. I also believe the first Arkansas Farm Policy Summit pretty well identified the challenges of today’s agriculture. Those who attended the Summit told us clearly that they appreciated the effort to “Bring Capitol Hill Back Home.” We must now be willing to respond to President Duvall’s challenge to us, to be that engaged, responsive grass-roots organization that lives up to the example of democracy that others see in us. God bless you and your families. God bless our farmers and ranchers. And God bless Arkansas Farm Bureau. *

EST.1974

An official publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation distributed to more than 41,000 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 • Warren Carter, Little Rock Directors:

Troy Buck, Alpine Jon Carroll, Moro Terry Dabbs, Stuttgart Sherry Felts, Joiner Mike Freeze, England Bruce Jackson, Lockesburg Tom Jones, Pottsville Gene Pharr, Lincoln Caleb Plyler, Hope Rusty Smith, Des Arc Leo Sutterfield, Mountain View Joe Thrash, Houston Dan Wright, Waldron

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Contact Tom Kennedy at Publishing Concepts for advertising rates tkennedy@pcipublishing.com (501) 221-9986 Fax (501) 225-3735 Arkansas Agriculture is published quarterly by the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation 10720 Kanis Rd., Little Rock, AR 72211 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Arkansas Agriculture, P.O. Box 31, Little Rock, AR 72203 Issue #41

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Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau â&#x20AC;˘ SPRING 2016

New Ag Hall of Fame members Six honored for lifetime achievements

Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau â&#x20AC;˘ SPRING 2016

The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame honored six individuals whose leadership and service have brought distinction to the state’s largest business sector: (left to right) Henry Caldwell (accepting for his late father William Henry Caldwell of Rosebud); John Frank Pendergrass of Charleston; Phillip Tappe, dean of UAM’s School of Forestry Resources (accepting for the late Hank Chamberlin of Monticello); Rep. David Hillman of Almyra; Bobby Huey of Newport and Gary George of Springdale. Photo by Keith Sutton

Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

William Henry “Bill” Caldwell, Rose Bud

The late Bill Caldwell developed a legacy of service and leadership in agriculture in White County. “Mr. Bill,” as he was known to family and friends was instrumental for helping in the development of the town of Rose Bud, both economically and politically. A pioneer in the poultry and cattle industry in the county, Caldwell served on the town council for seven years, prior to serving as mayor of Rose

Bud for five years. In 1948, he established a Grade “A” dairy which he ran until 1957 when he converted the operation to brood cows. Caldwell later purchased equipment to grind and mix feed for his cattle and that of his neighbors. This was the foundation of Caldwell Farm Supply and Caldwell Milling Co., which would grow to employ more than 140 people at seven stores throughout Arkansas. Under his leadership the company received numerous Presidents’ Awards from Purina for leading the company in sales. Beginning in the late 1970s and continuing for 12 years, Caldwell Milling was the sales leader in the U.S. for Vigortone Mineral. His son Henry was a co-owner of the farm supply and milling company and, along with his grandson Billy, they oversee the business today. Additionally, his Sidon Mountain Brangus Ranch won many championships in national livestock shows and was a top 10 producer nationally in registrations for the Brangus breed. In 1966, Caldwell ventured into the commercial egg business with the formation of Caldwell & Son Eggs. Throughout the years, there were more than 50 growers in the county who produced eggs for “Mr. Bill.” All these ventures, plus others, came together to become Caldwell Milling Company and Caldwell Foods. “Mr. Bill” Caldwell was a man who never forgot the people who worked for him or his community. He was a strong supporter of 4-H and FFA and was a highly respected leader in Rose Bud and White County. Ken Moore

Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

Henry “Hank” Chamberlin, Monticello The late Hank Chamberlin devoted his life to the timber industry and is known as the “Father of Forestry Education” in Arkansas. He founded what is now the School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Chamberlin launched the forestry program with only three students in 1945 and remained as head of the school until 1972. He continued teaching until his retirement in 1980. A native of Pennsylvania, Chamberlin earned an undergraduate degree in forestry from Penn State University and a master’s degree from Yale University in 1940. That same year he joined the faculty at Louisiana State University, eventually becoming head of the forestry program there. In 1945, he left LSU for Arkansas to establish the forestry program at what was then Arkansas Agricultural and Mechanical College, later becoming the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Its School of Forest Resources remains Arkansas’ only forestry school. It became a four-year program in 1950, and in 1984, the Society of American Foresters gave it full accreditation. In 1995, the building housing the School of Forest Resources was named the Henry H. Chamberlin Forest Resources Complex in his honor. Henry Chamberlin was an inspiration to forestry students since founding the program. Numerous foresters are graduates of the school and one rose to the top position of the U.S. Forest Service as its chief.

Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

Chamberlin served on the State Board of Registration for Foresters from 1971-1980 and as chairman of the board the final two years. In 1981, he was selected as a Fellow of the Society of American Foresters and in 1994 was an inaugural inductee into the Arkansas Forester’s Hall of Fame. Ken Moore

Gary C. George, Springdale Arkansas-based poultry firm George’s Inc. traces its history back to the 1920s, when Gary George’s grandfather, C.L. George, opened a small general store and began hauling live poultry to customers in Kansas City, St. Louis and Chicago. Almost 100 years later, George’s is a fourthgeneration, privately held company with operations in multiple states with more than 4,700 employees and sales close to $1 billion. Much of the company’s tremendous growth occurred during the past three decades under the leadership of Gary George. George is now chairman of the board of George’s. He was first appointed president of George’s and its subsidiaries in 1980 at the age of 30, after several years working in sales and other positions at the company. In 1994, he was named chief executive officer. Throughout his years guiding the company, George adhered to the vision established by his forbearers to “. . . to set the standard by providing consistently quality poultry products worldwide every day.” George graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1972 with a degree in business administration. He immediately began working for George’s, which was then led by his father, Gene. And he proudly admits that was always his intention and “nothing else ever crossed my mind.” Through the years, George has held positions in a variety of industry organizations, including the Arkansas Poultry Federation, the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, the American Egg Board and the National Chicken Council. He’s also been active in civic groups such as the Northwest Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute and the Springdale Water and Sewage Commission. He served appointed terms on the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission and as chairman and member of the University

of Arkansas Board of Trustees. He presently is on the board of J.B. Hunt Company and is chairman of the board of Legacy National Bank. George now oversees his sons Carl and Charles, who share the duties of CEO and president of George’s Inc. Rob Anderson

Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

Representative David W. Hillman, Almyra

A fourth-generation farmer, David Hillman is one of just 10 men to serve as president of the Arkansas Farm Bureau, the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading agricultural advocacy organization. In 2012, he was elected as state representative for District 13, which encompasses parts of Arkansas, Lonoke, Prairie and White counties. He presently serves as vice chairman on the

Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau â&#x20AC;˘ SPRING 2016

House Committee for Public Transportation and the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee. He also serves on the Committee for Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development. A rice farmer, Hillman has served on the board of Producers Rice Mill, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Crop Advisory Committee (Rice) and the U.S.A. Rice Council board. He is past chairman of the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board and served as a director for the Arkansas County Conservation District. In 1980, he was chosen Arkansas Outstanding Young Farmer and, in 1984, he and his family were selected as North Arkansas County Farm Family of the Year. The Arkansas County native was elected to the Arkansas Farm Bureau board of directors in 1995 and after serving as secretary-treasurer and vice president, he was elected president of the organization in 1999, a post he held until 2003. One of his most memorable accomplishments was leading a delegation of Arkansas farmers and Farm Bureau officers, along with U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln and 1st District Congressman Marion Berry to Cuba to meet with Fidel Castro and explore trade opportunities. This leadership position, along with serving on the Producers Rice Mill and USA Rice Council board of directors for a combined 24 years, prepared Hillman to seek and be elected to serve and represent farmers and rural Arkansans at the state capitol. As a rice farmer from the Grand Prairie, Hillman understands the need for water conservation and in 2005 was named the Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts Conservationist of the Year. Hillman grew his first crop of rice and soybeans in 1969 and through his service in the state House of Representatives continues to be an advocate for Arkansas agriculture and the rice industry. Ken Moore

Bobby A. Huey, Newport

Born in Remmel in Jackson County to a tenant cotton farmer, Bobby Allen Huey went on to spend 33 years working on behalf of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. In 1970, Huey became the first fulltime rice extension specialist at the university’s rice branch experiment station in Stuttgart, where he would spend the last 20 years of his career. Huey graduated with honors from Newport High School and in 1955 earned a Bachelor of Science degree in

agronomy-soils from the University of Arkansas. In his early years, Huey played semi-professional baseball in the Delta League and in the Southeast Missouri League and in 1965, he earned a Master of Science degree in agronomy-soils. Through the years, Huey got to know the state and its variety of crops through positions as an assistant county extension agent in Cross County, an extension farm management position in Clay County and as an associate county extension agent in Corning. He served as Lonoke County extension staff chairman from 1965-1970. During his tenure as rice extension specialist, Arkansas experienced dramatic growth in rice acreage, from a little more than 300,000 acres to more than 1.8 million acres. Huey supported this growth by helping ramp up educational efforts on new rice research and assisting Arkansas farmers as they tried new growing techniques. Huey received numerous honors for his work through the years, including an Extension Specialist of the Year Award, an Arkansas Farm Bureau Service Award, the Arkansas Rice Festival Appreciation Award, John White Outstanding Extension Award and a “Friend of the Farmer” Award from Riceland Foods. In addition, Huey received “emeritus” rank by the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees in appreciation for “contributions to the progress of the University of Arkansas,” and he was recognized for 30 years of service to Arkansas agriculture by the Arkansas Plant Food Educational Society. Awards aside, Huey says the greatest honor in his years of work was “. . . to know that I helped my family and a good number of families in Arkansas improve their standard of living by producing a little more income.” Rob Anderson

Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

John Frank Pendergrass, Charleston Born in 1936 in Paris (Logan County) John Frank Pendergrass is a fifthgeneration cattle rancher who has become known as an innovator in the stocker and feeder cattle business. As president of Pendergrass Cattle Company in Charleston, Pendergrass is still active on the Pendergrass Ranch in Franklin County, which sits on land his great, great-grandfather first settled after the Civil War. He took over operations of Pendergrass Cattle from his father in 1972 and has built one of the top beef herds in the state. He was one of the first in the state to implement a program of preconditioning weaned calves and this, along with his continued focus on innovation and efficiency and dedication to animal care, helped earn him recognition as 2008 Arkansas Stocker of the Year by the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association and the 2008 National Stocker Award from Beef magazine, representative of the top stocker herd in the U.S. Pendergrass graduated from County Line High School in Franklin County in 1954 and he attended both the University of Arkansas and Arkansas Tech University. As a young man, he was a member of 4-H and FFA and continues to be involved in industry and community organizations. Pendergrass has served as a member and past president of the Franklin County Cattleman’s Association and has served as a member of the Arkansas Cattleman’s Association state board of directors. His commitment to improving rural life in Arkansas is illustrated by his long service on the Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative board of directors, which he joined in 1962. He served as chairman of that board twice and is also a member of the Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation board. In addition, Pendergrass was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to serve on the Arkansas State Committee of the Agriculture Stabilization Conservation Service in 1977

Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

and he’s a member of the National Beef Association, where he served as chairman of the Political Action Committee, the Food and Safety Committee, Foreign Trade Committee and Membership Committee. Rob Anderson *

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Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

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Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

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Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

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Faces of Agriculture

Photo by Keith Sutton

For poultry grower and ordained minister Kallem Hill, farming and faith go hand-in-hand. He’s a stickler for paying close attention to the details to grow the best birds he can. The things he can’t control he leaves to the Lord to see him through.

Winner, winner lots of chicken dinners

Kallem Hill by Gregg Patterson

allem Hill raises chickens, a lot of chickens. He raises broilers in poultry houses he built on land scattered at the base of Petit Jean Mountain between the communities of Perry and Oppelo. He started right out of high school with one chicken house, as well as continuing the family business started by his grandparents of growing sod. “I saw the opportunity to keep building chicken houses, so I just kept taking away sod and building chicken houses,” he said. By 2005, he was out of the sod growing business and began aggressively expanding his poultry growing operation. By 2009, he had nine chicken houses. His latest effort is adding four more houses, giving him a total of 18. Hill says raising broilers properly is a hands-on process. He grows his chickens

to nine pounds. “Details with poultry are what make you a good grower. It’s really what separates you,” Hill said. “We’re blessed to have some great facilities, and we pour a lot of money into keeping them top notch. With that said, there’s just something to paying attention to the details. The more you’re in there, the more you pay attention to the details.” He says one of the biggest things he’s learned is not to skimp on what’s necessary to grow a quality chicken. Hill helped design a sophisticated water system that’s dramatically improved the water quality to his chicken houses. It includes gas chlorination, iron removal and keeping the water at an optimal pH to ensure the bird’s digestive system gets the most when processing feed. It wasn’t cheap. He also put

in extra cooling pads and fans in his houses and pays more for a type of bedding he believes helps him grow a better bird. “I used to skimp here and skimp there,” he said, referring to his input costs. “But I had to make a decision to stop doing that, and I had to go all in. So I probably spend a lot more money than the average chicken grower. It’s tough to grow a chicken to nine pounds in the summertime. However, if I feel I’m doing the most possible I can do, than I think that gives me a competitive edge. And that’s how we’re paid.” Still, the best laid plans can be upset by surprises. Hill has had to overcome ice storms that collapsed chicken houses and a wild price swing in propane that dramatically increased his heating costs. It’s all part of the life of a farmer. Hill says he doesn’t lose any sleep at night worrying about the potential havoc avian influenza could cause. “It’s a concern, and it needs to be a concern. As long as I’m doing everything in my power to prevent things, that’s all I can do,” he said with a matter of fact shrug. “That’s literally all I can do.” He says strict biosecurity measures are followed for all of his chicken houses. “I’m a man of God and faith, so I trust in the Lord, too. I feel He is in control of that, Hill said. “And if my farm gets it, He will see me through it some way, somehow.” Hill, 35, is an active volunteer in Farm Bureau and his community. He’s the vice president of Perry County Farm Bureau and also chairs its Young Farmers & Ranchers and Poultry committees. “I get involved as much as I can,” Hill said. Wife Erin is on the Women’s Committee. The couple has two children, 10-year-old daughter, Ryley, and 7-year-old son, Ayden. Hill is an ordained minister and serves as youth pastor at Oppelo First Baptist church. And he’s also involved with the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at the UA Community College in Morrilton. “It’s several churches working together,” he said. “I try to help out as much as I can, doing whatever.” All while raising 12 million pounds of chickens. *

Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

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Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

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Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

Policy Update Photo by Keith Sutton

Data collection and what’s ahead by Will Rodger, AFBF Communications

he American Farm Bureau Federation and a host of other agricultural stakeholders revealed a ground-breaking data repository that supporters say will give farmers ultimate control over the ever-increasing business data gathered and transmitted by high-tech farm machinery. Tractors, tilling equipment, planters, sprayers, harvesters and agricultural drones are increasingly connected to the Internet. Farmers don’t always have the ability to precisely control where that data goes, nor transfer it from one data processor to another. The newly formed Agricultural Data Coalition (ADC) will empower farmers to better control, manage and maximize the value of the data they collect every day in the fields. The goal of the ADC, a non-profit venture, is to build a national online repository where farmers can securely store and control the information collected by their tractors, harvesters, aerial drones and other devices. Over time, that data can then be scrubbed, synced and transmitted in an efficient and uniform way to third parties — whether researchers, crop insurance agents, government officials, farm managers, input providers or any trusted advisor the farmer chooses. “The key is that farmers are in complete control, and they decide who is allowed access to their data,” ADC Interim Executive Director Matt Bechdol said. “That’s what sets ADC apart. This is not about profit for others. It’s about streamlining data management, establishing clear lines of control and helping growers utilize

Arkansas Agriculture

their data in ways that ultimately benefit them.” Farmers interested in learning more about data collection and organizations interested in joining ADC’s efforts, should visit www.AgDataCoalition.org. Another venture in data collection has been developed by a coalition of major farm organizations, commodity groups and agriculture technology providers (ATPs.) They have debuted a tool designed to help farmers understand how their data will be used when they adopt precision agriculture technologies. New technologies and products are constantly entering the marketplace and generating millions of bits of data about farmers’ fields, crops and equipment. A recent survey found that an overwhelming number of farmers do not know what happens to their data when they use these new technologies. The Ag Data Transparency Evaluator was created to help producers understand where their data is going and who has access and control over

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

it. The evaluator requires participating ATPs to answer 10 key questions about their technology products’ use and control of farmer data. A third-party administrator then reviews the answers and determines whether the products meet the standards of transparency set by the Privacy and Security Principles for Farm Data (Data Principles). Products that meet the standards will receive the “Ag Data Transparent” seal to be displayed on promotional materials and product pages. Additionally, farmers can go to the Transparency Evaluator website to see and compare all the products and services that have undergone the evaluation. The creation of the Ag Data Transparency Evaluator stems back to November 2014 when a coalition of ag groups and ATPs announced a data principles document, an agreement that identified key areas of concern for producers. To learn more about the Ag Data Transparency Evaluator and to see the full list of 10 questions, visit www.fb.org/agdatatransparent. *

S E A R C Y, A R K A N S A S THE BEST PRICES ON AG CHEMICALS WITH FREE DELIVERY TO YOUR FARM

Glyphosate (Brand name or generic) • Herbicides • Fungicides • Insecticides Plant Growth Regulators • Crop oil • Surfactant • Pasture & hay products Call David Johnston at 501.281.6389 or email us at DEJWR@swbell.net.

ATTENTION: FARM BUREAU MEM 20-25% Actual Sav

Farm Bureau Memb Statewide network o Free Hearing Test & 100% Guaranteed C 1 Year FREE Suppl

Activate your F

(888)

www.clea

Times are Tough. For farmers, there is no leeway. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s

science-based best management practices — for profit-based farming. DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE RESEARCH & EXTENSION University of Arkansas System

Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

®®

$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.

$500

Members Save up to… Off Select Tractors & Equipment See Complete details at www.arfb.com

Advanced Security Products

http://sites.google.com/site/cellsigninternational E-mail: info@cellsigntechnologies.com Telephone: (888) 639-9040

10% off hardware & special pricing on plans through T-Mobile

Save up to 20% off at Participating Choice Hotels

Call 800-258-2847 Mention your State ID# 00223030 Online Booking – www.choicehotels.com enter your ID#

Hearing Healthcare Benefits Plan

MBERS vings

Statewide network of Professional

bers are guaranteed Free automatic approval Audiologists and Specialists of Professional Audiologists & Specialists -FREE Hearing tests and discounted & Discounts on Hearing Instruments hearing instruments for members Custom Fit / 60 Day Trial ly of Batteries (1 case per instrument)

20-25%

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1-888-497-7447 www.clearvaluehearing.com 497-7447 toll free

arvaluehearing.com

DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS; CREDIT CARDS; AUTO AND EQUIPMENT LOANS

Contact Your Local Farm Bureau Agent! 1-800-492-3276 www.farmbureaubank.com

discount on Grainger Products 10% Account Number 805-059-599

$200-300 Off

Free Shipping for Online Orders 1-877-202-2594 • www.grainger.com

fbverify.com/Polaris

Members receive an annual membership fee discount of $10.00 upon completion of membership application Discounts also available on 3, 5 & 10 year memberships where available Call 1-800-793-0010 for your Air Evac Membership and use Plan Code # 8172 to take advantage of the discount.

FREE

For reservations call 800-364-6176 online wyndhamhotelgroup.com ID#1000000270

4 Ultrasound screenings only $135 for Members

Screen for Stroke, Aneurysm and Heart Disease.

25%

Up to off Call 800-422-3809

Discount #A298800

20%

$100

Up to 20% off

Osteoporosis screening &

SAVE UP TO

Members receive discount on 4’X6’ and 4’X8’ Saferooms w/ normal delivery and installation. Member discount of $200 on larger units.

select models

Off Hard Surfaces

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…

DISCOUNT PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM

For information on program availability

call 1-866-292-7822

www.arfb.com

RuralReflections

Emerald fields of winter wheat like this one in Lonoke County can be seen throughout much of eastern Arkansas this month. The soft red winter wheat grown by most of our stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farmers is primarily milled into flour for making cakes, cookies, pastries, crackers, flatbreads and pretzels. In 2014, almost 25 million bushels of wheat were produced in the Natural State. Photo by Keith Sutton 24 24

Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau â&#x20AC;˘ SPRING 2016

Can We Lease Your Land for Our Solar Farms?

Do You Have Large Power Lines on Your Land? Lease to Us Today!

This depicits 3 phase power,notice the 3 conductors on the top of the power pole.

Large Power Lines on Your Property?? Lease Us Your Land!

We Will Pay $750-$1,250/Acre/Year – 20 to 40 Yr. Lease We Require Large Tracts of Land (Over 125 Acres) w/ 3Phase Power for Our Solar Farms Large Land Tracts Needed – Land Cannot be in Flood Zone – Must Not Be Wetlands

Long Term Land Leases Needed-(20 – 40 Year Leases – $750-$1,250/Acre/Year)

CALL (828)-817-5400 Visit our website at www.InnovativeSolarFarms.com Email Us – InnovativeSolarFarms@gmail.com Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

Proudly produced in the U.S.A.

Mid-South • Edition 6 • 2016 63

INVITE BEST ONE TO YOUR NEXT

AGRICULTURAL, COMMERCIAL AND FLOTATION TIRES

COMPETITIVE

PRICING ON ALL MAJOR BRAND OF TIRES!

e All Sizes & Major Brands Of Light Truck, Passenger & ATV Tires e Over 3,000 Light Truck, Passenger & ATV Tires Available e 24 Hour Field & Road Service

e Commercial & Over-The-Road Retreading e Used Tractor And Truck Tires e New & Used Truck Wheels e New & Used Skidder Wheels e Free Delivery To Some Locations

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(731) 772-1504

Providing Well and Pump Service for over 30 Years

Your Water Well and Irrigation Specialists Markets Served:

P.O. Box 450 700 East Park St. Carlisle, AR 72024 870-552-7010 Fax 870-552-7012

Agricultural • Minicipal • Industrial Products/Services at Competitive Prices ▪ New Wells ▪ In House Repairs to all Brands ▪ Drilling ▪ Underground Irrigation Pipe ▪ Pumps ▪ Fittings Lineshaft Turbine ▪ Installation Submersible Vertical Turbine Relift

Frank Elder President 501-658-1828 Clay Elder 501-454-8855

“We were approached by another solar company, but after talking with Harvest Energy, we knew they were the company we wanted to work with.” - Tom Schroeder, Pork Chop Hill Farm

Have you recently been approached by a company selling the benefits of buying solar energy? Let Harvest Energy Solutions show you how we can save you more money than our competitors! “Not only were they honest and professional, they walked us through every phase of the project, and helped us get a grant that will significantly shorten our payback time. Their construction crew was pleasant and professional; working long hours, to get the job done as promised. We would highly recommend Harvest Energy – they were really great to work with!” - Tom Schroeder, Pork Chop Hill Farm

Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

Call Harvest Energy Solutions today! We will conduct a free energy and site assessment to show you how you too can save money on your power bills.

HarvestEnergySolutions.com

877-788-0220

AMERICA’S

PREMIER

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TurpentineCreek.org 479.253.5841

Donate & Volunteer Camping & Lodging Trolley Tours & Education

7 Miles South of Eureka Springs on Hwy 23

Motorcycles & Groups Welcome

239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs, AR 72632

Grind Away ANY Size Stump FAST!

We repair and Service all makes; ATVs

LOWEST

UTVs

PRICE EVER!

MOTORCYCLES DIRTBIKES GAS GOLF CARTS • Unwanted non-working units? We’ll pick them up for FREE • Consignments: We will sell units for you • Reasonable repair rates • 25 years experience • Factory trained technicians

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powersportsofconway@gmail.com East 493 US-64 Conway, AR M-F 9am-5pm Sat 9am-4pm

Call for FREE DVD and Catalog! TOLL FREE

877-721-6019 DRstumpgrinder.com

Arkansas Agriculture

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

650+ Stores Nationwide R PE ONRAPID PUMP® 1.5 TON SU UP ALUMINUM RACING JACK CO

SAVE $60

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating LOT 69252

• 3-1/2 Pumps Lifts 68053/62160 62496/62516 Most Vehicles 60569 shown • Weighs 34 lbs.

5999

comp at

$119.99

LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/29/16. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R PE ON SU UP CO

SAVE 66%

MECHANIC'S GLOVES

SIZE MED LG X-LG

LOT 62434/62426 62433/62428 62432/62429

20% OFF

ANY SINGLE ITEM

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, extended service plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day parking lot sale item, compressors, floor jacks, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Badland, CoverPro, Daytona, Diablo, Franklin, Hercules, Holt, Jupiter, Predator, Stik-Tek, StormCat, Union, Vanguard, Viking. Not valid on prior purchases. Nontransferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/29/16.

Customer Rating

YOUR CHOICE

$ 99

Item 62429 shown

comp at

$11.99

R PE ON SU UP CO

2.5 HP, 21 GALLON 125 PSI VERTICAL AIR COMPRESSOR Customer Rating

LIMIT 8 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/29/16. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R PE ON SU UP O C

LOT 69091/67847 shown 61454/61693/62803

SAVE $339

LOT 90018 shown 69595/60334 • 1500 lb. capacity

SAVE $100

7999

comp at

R SOLAR PE ON Customer Rating SU UP CO

ROPE LIGHT LOT 62533 68353 shown

R PE ON SU UP O C

SUPERT QUIE

LOT 6853 7/63088 LOT 68525/69677/6308 IA ONLY CALIFORN • 76 dB Noise Level

Customer Rating

SAVE $443 $ 55

$555

SAVE 44%

comp at

S GENERATOR 13 HP (420 CC) GA 0/63086/63085/69671 shown

599$99999 comp at

reight.com or by calling prior our stores or HarborF LIMIT 4 - Good at be used with other discount or coupon orreceipt. with original 800-423-2567. Cannot from original purchase be purchases after 30 dayss last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must day. supplie customer per Offer good while Limit one coupon per . 8/29/16 through presented. Valid

Arkansas Agriculture |

WOW

SUPER COUPON

SAVE 60%

LOT 62314/63066 66383 shown

SPORTS CHAIR

SAVE 55%

• 250 lb. capacity

$21

2799

comp at

$49.97

reight.com or by calling our stores or HarborF or prior LIMIT 4 - Good at be used with other discount or coupon original receipt. 800-423-2567. Cannot original purchase with coupon must be from days 30 l purchases after Non-transferable. Origina customer per day. last. s supplie while per Offer good 8/29/16. Limit one coupon presented. Valid through

DRIVE 1/4" 3/8" 1/2"

2199 comp at

$29.99

LOT 2696/61277 807/61276 62431/239

$ 98 VALUE

LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase. Coupon good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Offer good while supplies last. Shipping & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Nontransferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/29/16. Limit one FREE GIFT coupon per customer per day.

R PE ON SU UP CO

Customer Rating

WOWSAVESUPER COUPON AWER

Customer Rating

180

2500 LB. ELECTRIC WINCH WITH WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL

Item 239 shown

30", 5 DR TOOL CART

6999

comp at

R 29 PIECE TITANIUM PE ON Customer Rating NITRIDE COATED SU UP HIGH SPEED STEEL CO

DRILL BIT SET

$169

comp at

LOT 62340/62546 63104/96289 shown

Customer Rating

$ 99

comp at

$29.97

LIMIT 7 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/29/16. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

LOT 61637 shown 5889/62281

18999 $349.99 1500 WATT DUAL TEMPERATURE HEAT GUN (572°/1112°)

SAVE 66%

SAVE 75%

reight.com or by calling our stores or HarborF or prior LIMIT 4 - Good at be used with other discount or coupon original receipt. 800-423-2567. Cannot original purchase with coupon must be from days 30 after Original purchases s last. Non-transferable. per day. er supplie custom while per good Offer 8/29/16. Limit one coupon presented. Valid through

R PE ON SU UP CO

LOT 61258 shown 61840/61297/68146

LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/29/16. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

2 shown

• 704 lb. capacity

SAVE $90

$159.99

LOT 69397/61427/9527

• 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed • Over 30 Million Satisfied Customers

Arkansas Farm Bureau • SPRING 2016

• Accuracy within ±4%

Customer Rating

LOT 69052 shown 69111/65020 62522/62573

$1199

99$49comp.99at

COUPON WOWFOLDASUPBLEERALU MINUM

WITH ANY PURCHASE

3-1/2" SUPER BRIGHT NINE LED ALUMINUM FLASHLIGHT

YOUR CHOICE

4-1/4" grinding wheel included.

FREE

– Car Craft Magazine

Customer Rating

SUPER COUPON

"Impressive Accuracy, Amazing Value"

LOT 61613/68221 shown

$29.97

SUPER COUPON OW W RUNNING WATTS 000 K/7 8750 PEA S

$499

ELECTRIC CHAIN SAW SHARPENER

LIMIT 3 - Good at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/29/16. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

SAVE 66% $ 99 • 16 ft. lit, 22 ft. long

159 comp at

$179.99

We have invested millions of dollars in our own state-of-the-art quality test labs and millions more in our factories, so our tools will go toe-to-toe with the top professional brands. And we can sell them for a fraction of the price because we cut out the middle man and pass the savings on to you. It’s just that simple! Come visit one of our 650+ Stores Nationwide.

TORQUE WRENCHES

SUPER-WIDE TRI-FOLD ALUMINUM LOADING RAMP

Customer Rating

How Does Harbor Freight Sell GREAT QUALITY Tools at the LOWEST Prices?

1499

comp at

$59.97

R 20 TON PE ON PRESS SU UP • Pair SHOP of arbor plates included CO LOT 32879/60603 shown

SAVE $210

Customer Rating

15999

comp at

$369.99

• No Hassle Return Policy • Lifetime Warranty On All Hand Tools

• HarborFreight.com • 800-423-2567 1 29

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Little Rock, AR Permit No. 1884

ow As Now As L

4.08 36-Month

Term

% APR*

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TIME FOR A ROAD TRIP...

For more information, or to apply, contact your Arkansas Farm Bureau Agent or visit www.farmbureaubank.com Existing Farm Bureau Bank recreational vehicle loans are excluded from this offer. *Rates disclosed as Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and are based on excellent credit and acquiring Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP). The advertised APR of 4.08% is effective as of 04/08/2016. Final APR may differ from the loan interest rate due to additional fees (such as a loan documentation fee, which may be applicable). For a $25,050 recreational vehicle loan with a term of 36 months, a 45 day first payment date and a 4.08% APR, the monthly payment will be $740.12. To qualify for the disclosed rate, customer must be a Farm Bureau member. Rates may vary based on the amount financed, term and first payment date. Finance charges accrue from origination date of the loan. Rates and financing are limited to vehicle models 2006 and newer. All loans are subject to credit approval, verification, and collateral evaluation. Other rates and financing options are available. Non-member rates may be 1-3% higher than posted rates. This offer is not available in all states and rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Farm Bureau Bank does not finance totaled, rebuilt or salvaged vehicles. Banking services provided by Farm Bureau Bank, FSB. Farm Bureau, FB, and the FB National Logo are registered service marks owned by, and used by Farm Bureau Bank FSB under license from, the American Farm Bureau Federation.