FRONT FRONT PORCH PORC H RCH
March-April 2013
arfb.com
On the edge with
Edens Edge
P. Allen Smith’s poultry passion
a St. Patty’s day dessert
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Front Porch
Farm Bureau
Matters
March - April 2013 C
o
v
e
r
by Randy Veach
President, Arkansas Farm Bureau
O
One of my favorite Farm Bureau
On the cover — Roots run deep in Arkansas for the country music band Edens Edge that features Cherrill Green, Hannah Blaylock and Dean Berner. Photo courtesy of Variety Attractions
Send comments to: frontporch@arfb.com
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On the Edge with Edens Edge
3
Farm Bureau Matters Randy Veach Food for Thought Ewell Welch
Chris Wilson
activities is the bi-annual Farmers’
Arkansas has some of the most
Day at the Legislature. The event
restrictive term limits in the country
brings farmers and ranchers from
… but that’s another topic for
across Arkansas to the state capitol
another day and, possibly, another
to promote the issues important to
column.)
Arkansas agriculture.
While our county Farm Bureau
In speaking to the roughly 120 farm and ranch leaders who took part
leaders regularly meet with their
in the most recent Farmers’ Day effort
state representatives and senators at
in mid-February, I reminded them
home, coming to Little Rock delivers
they represent the largest economic
a strong reminder that our farmers
engine in our state. Agriculture
and ranchers pay close attention to
pumps $16 billion annually into
the activities that go on under the
our state’s economy. Most everyone
capitol dome.
knows Wal-Mart, one of the world’s
What makes the day so enjoyable
4
Assembly of that fact. (Side note:
largest companies, is headquartered in
for me is the response we receive
Arkansas. Not nearly as many, sadly,
from the members of the General
realize that the largest business sector
Assembly. They understand that
in our state isn’t retail, but instead is
Farm Bureau’s policy positions –
agriculture. That’s another key reason
Tara Johnson
defined and refined through a grass-
we get such a kind reception from
16 Garden Home Design
roots process that originates with
those in the General Assembly.
14 Taste Arkansas P. Allen Smith 18 Land & People Gregg Patterson 22 Building Wealth Allyson Hamlin 24 In the Kitchen Tara Johnson 26 Health & Safety Jennifer Victory
our members in every county – are something we take very seriously. As
our legislative agenda will stand by
a result, the members of the General
the time you read this. We’ll have
Assembly take those positions
likely won some issues, lost others,
seriously, as well.
and could well be waiting on others
Farmers’ Day at the Legislature,
For address changes, contact:
Rhonda Whitley at rhonda.whitley@arfb.com Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation Farm Bureau Center P.O. Box 31 • Little Rock, AR 72203-0031 Fax: (501) 228-1557 Please provide membership number. Edition 85
Created by Publishing Concepts, Inc. For Advertising info contact David Brown • 1-800-561-4686 dbrown@pcipublishing.com
to come to a vote. But the most
though, allows us to put a hometown
important thing to remember is we’ll
face to our policy book. It reminds
have been actively engaged in the
the members of the House and
legislative process for the benefit of
Senate the positions we define as an
the men and women involved with
organization aren’t just words on a
Arkansas agriculture.
page. They are thoughts and ideas
That single activity validates the
from their constituents. Especially
mission and purpose of Arkansas Farm
in the term-limited environment
Bureau. That’s why I enjoy Farmers’
in which we operate, where
Day at the Legislature so much.
institutional knowledge walks out
pcipublishing.com
There’s no way to predict where
God bless you and your families.
the door with the closing of every
God bless the farmers and ranchers
session, it’s important to remind
of our state. And God bless Arkansas
the men and women of the General
Farm Bureau.
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Front Porch Arkansas Farm Bureau © 2013 Official membership publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation. Front Porch is mailed to more than 200,000 member-families. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Included in membership dues.
Arkansas Farm Bureau Officers: President Randy Veach Manila Vice President Rich Hillman Carlisle Secretary/Treasurer Tom Jones Pottsville Executive Vice President Ewell Welch Little Rock Directors: Richard Armstrong, Ozark Troy Buck, Alpine Jon Carroll, Moro Joe Christian, Jonesboro Terry Dabbs, Stuttgart Mike Freeze, England Bruce Jackson, Lockesburg Johnny Loftin, El Dorado Gene Pharr, Lincoln Rusty Smith, Des Arc Allen Stewart, Mena Mike Sullivan, Burdette Leo Sutterfield, Mountain View
Food for Thought
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Ex Officio Sherry Felts, Joiner Brent Lassiter, Newport Janice Marsh, McCrory Brian Walker, Horatio Executive Editor: Steve Eddington Editor: Gregg Patterson Contributing Editors: Ken Moore, Keith Sutton, Chris Wilson Research Assistant: Brenda Gregory
by Ewell Welch
Executive Vice President, Arkansas Farm Bureau
Go to any coffee shop in Arkansas
renewed with proper documentation.
metal, copper or metal equipment
Convicted thieves would be ineligible.
stolen from them. It’d be rare
For the public’s occasional need to
if someone didn’t have a story.
clean up around the home, there
Churches, schools, businesses and
would be a short-term permit issued
homes across Arkansas are outfitting
by law enforcement, requiring proper
air conditioners with anti-theft
identification and accompanying tax
devices. Most cities and counties have
documents.
incidences of stolen equipment, even
get another layer of accountability.
find irrigation equipment stripped,
There would be a license to operate
electrical wires missing or other metals
a scrap yard, which would require
stolen.
a permanent location with proper
While getting property stolen
Quality permits and a full complement
of physical danger involved, too.
of utilities (water, sewer, electric and
Surprising a thief in an isolated area,
communication) sufficient to operate
where a lot of these crimes occur, or
required monitoring equipment. The
flipping on electrical power to a circuit
principal owner may not have a theft
damaged by theft can and has resulted
conviction record and must comply
in physical harm to our members.
with a monitoring program. The
Farm Bureau has worked for the past
proposed law would also levy fines
couple of legislative sessions to refine
for not reporting and monitoring in a
the law dealing with metal theft, trying
proper and timely fashion. This adds
to curb the problem. So far, those
punch to the existing law that requires
“fixes” aren’t having the desired results.
scrap dealers to report their purchases
So, we’ve joined our allies to work on
to law enforcement.
Front Porch (USPS 019-879) is published bi-monthly by the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation, 10720 Kanis Rd., Little Rock, AR 72211. Periodicals Postage paid at Little Rock, Ark. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Front Porch, P.O. Box 31, Little Rock, AR 72203.
4
Arkansas Department of Environmental
is tough, there’s a real element
an even tougher law to get metal theft
The Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation reserves the right to accept or reject all advertising requests.
Scrap metal dealers would also
manhole covers. Farmers repeatedly
ADVERTISING: Contact David Brown at Publishing Concepts, Inc. for advertising rates. dbrown@pcipublishing.com (501) 221-9986 Fax (501) 225-3735
Publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
limited time. Then the license must be
and ask if anyone has had any scrap
The scrap metal trade is important
under control. A coalition that includes
for sellers and buyers. It’s a good
law enforcement, utility providers and
way to recycle unwanted metals and
city and county representatives has
provides legitimate income for some,
been working for months on a proposal
but it’s being abused. It’s important
to put before the legislature.
for law-abiding citizens that Arkansas
Since catching thieves in the act is
gets control of this theft epidemic.
difficult, the law will focus on making
ARFB supports the proposed law on
it harder to sell stolen goods and
behalf of our members. I urge you to
providing more information to police
let your legislator know you support
on the items being sold through scrap
stricter controls on scrap metal dealing.
dealers. The legislation would establish
I assure you that they like to hear from
a tiered licensing program for metal
constituents on issues where they can
sellers. These licenses would be state
improve the law. Speak up and help us
issued, have fees and be issued for a
solve the metal theft problem.
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Arkansas Farm and Ranch Families Provide‌ Safe, affordable food
Food
24% of Arkansas Jobs
Jobs
75% of Wildlife Habitat
Meet Lacy Glover
EnvironmEnt
Former Miss Arkansas and Spokesperson for the Arkansas Foundation for Agriculture
While Protecting the Environment
Arkansas
Foundation for Agriculture Front Porch
I
www.growingarkansas.org
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5
On the edge with
Edens Edge
Success and a sense of place
Chris Wilson
by Chris Wilson
Farm Bureau family The musical group Hannah Blaylock and Edens Edge played at Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 2006 annual meeting (inset right). Now, having made it big, Edens Edge played at this year’s American Farm Bureau national conference in Nashville. The Arkansas band’s ARFB connections run deep. Lead singer Hannah Blaylock’s uncle, Mike Freeze, is on ARFB’s board of directors. Lead guitarist Dean Berner’s uncle, the late Arnold Berner was ARFB’s executive director from 1970-82. And his aunt, Charlene Reed is the widow of former ARFB President Stanley Reed. 6
F r o n t P o rch
I a r fb.co m
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Steve Smith’s left hand runs along
ceremony at the game,” Berner says. “So
week youth group educational program.
the surface of an old wooden harvest
there were all these different veterans
One week, they learned to turn pottery.
table on his back porch, fingers gently
who had served in each of the major wars
Another week, someone demonstrated how
searching.
throughout the last century. It had just
to change a tire. Then, one week, Berner’s
“There,” he says, fingers stopping.
cleared up from a downpour, and a light
former soccer coach, Steve Smith showed up
He leans forward and squints to focus
mist was coming down. You could hear
to teach the class a simple four-chord song
better. “The pine is so soft you can still
our voices echoing through the stands.”
on guitar.
see the pencil marks. There’s a … it
That Monday Night Football
looks like a D and an E minor, and some
performance stands out in Berner’s mind
G
lyrics I can’t quite make out. We used
as the most “jaw-dropping” moment
A- | mazing | Grace, how | sweet the | sound
to spend a couple of nights every week
of his music career. That’s saying
sitting around this table just playing and
something, because, since moving to
That | saved a | wretch like | me |
figuring out songs. That was such a great
Nashville from Russellville five years ago,
G
time.”
there have been a lot of those kinds of
I | once was | lost but | now am | found
moments.
“Is it bittersweet?” I ask. “Their success?”
Playing at the Grand Ole Opry
“I’m so happy for the three of them,”
C
G
Em D C
G
Em D G
Was | blind but | now I | see |
numerous times. Releasing the group’s
the 58-year-old Russellville financial
first album on Big Machine Records.
planner and part-time songwriter says.
Red carpet events at industry awards’
kids of different musical talent. “Dean,
“More than anything, I just miss making
shows. And they’ve shared the stage
though,” he says, “it was obvious he had
music with them.”
with a long list of country music greats:
a gift way beyond anything I could teach
Reba McEntire, Lady Antebellum, Brad
him. He was a natural musician.”
EEE
Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Eli Young Band,
On a Monday night last November, the members of Edens Edge – Hannah Blaylock, Dean Berner and Cherrill Green
Smith says there were about two dozen
About that same time, Smith recalls
Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, and Little Big
traveling with his family to nearby Perry
Town.
County to camp on his friend Melvin’s
Clearly, Edens Edge has made it. “Not yet,” Berner demurs. “Certainly
farm. “We had a big campfire, and we were
– stepped onto the grass at Pittsburgh’s
we’ve had success relative to what we
all sitting around playing music,” Smith
Heinz Field to sing the national anthem
were doing in Arkansas, but there’s still a
remembers. “I was playing guitar, and
for 65,050 Steelers’ and Kansas City
lot of ground to cover here in Nashville,
Melvin’s 8-year-old daughter, Hannah,
Chiefs’ fans and 12.8 million ESPN
and we’ll be pushing hard and fighting
climbed up in my lap. Then someone
viewers.
hard to get there. I think most artists are
said, ‘Why don’t you sing, Hannah?’ So,
that way. Always looking forward and
she starting singing ‘Somewhere Over the
trying to figure out what’s next, always
Rainbow,’ and it just knocked me out of
looking for a way to grow and to write
my chair. I thought somebody snuck Judy
that next song and learn that next step. I
Garland in and gave her a southern twang.
think we’ll always be going after that.”
The crispness to her voice and just, the
“They were having a Veteran’s Day
So it is with his band in the middle of full-fledged vertical takeoff that we find Dean Berner, level-headed, feet planted
range of it, and the quality of what she could do was incredible.” Almost a decade later, on a whim,
firmly on the ground. It’s impressive
Smith and the Blaylock family entered the
but not surprising given the tutelage the
Arkansas Acoustic Festival. Performing five
band has received along the way.
of Smith’s songs as Hannah Blaylock and Lost & Found, (Hannah on vocals, Smith
EEE
on guitar, Melvin on bass and Hannah’s
David Dodson
mother, Shannon, on mandolin) the group Berner was 12 years old when he learned to play guitar.
contest. That success led to playing shows
It was summer. First United Methodist Church in Russellville was hosting a six-
Front Porch
received a standing ovation and won the
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arf b .com
statewide and the self-release of an album, “Cover Me.”
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Berner joined the band as a Dobro/lead
in Virginia had already been playing for
guitar player in 2004. And a few months
years under the name Lost & Found. With
later, Cherrill Green of Magazine joined the
that, Hannah Blaylock and Edens Edge was
band, replacing Hannah’s mother.
born.
Smith says Green brought a lot to the
“We had a really good sound,” Smith
table. “She added beautiful harmonies,
says. “We made pretty music together.” He
played banjo, mandolin and guitar. She
tells of the first time his wife heard them
gave us a fuller sound and led us toward
playing. “She tells me she walked into the
bluegrass a little bit more.”
kitchen to get something and just stopped
Green, with her extensive bluegrass knowledge, told the group a bluegrass band
dead in her tracks when she heard what we were doing.”
On the right track The second iteration of the band, Hannah Blaylock & Edens Edge, came together in 2004. This photo was taken after a show the group did on the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Excursion train. From left, are: Steve Smith, Lonnie Eason, Hannah Blaylock, Cherrill Green, Melvin Blaylock and Dean Berner. EEE
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The walls in Smith’s office each tell a different story, different chapters of his life. One, pictures of him, his wife, kids and grandkids. Another, a pencil drawing of 1940s-era downtown Lurton and black-andwhite photos of front-porch jam sessions and country dances. “My earliest memories are of people
www.sfbli.com
coming over to the house, everyone bringing their instruments. Moonshine,
Keith Sutton
music, dancing … all that.” Another wall features framed professional certifications. He’s a chartered LILFPR41005
life insurance underwriter and a chartered financial consultant.
Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS
Edge wall, its space almost covered. There
The wall behind his desk is the Edens are concert posters, framed CDs alongside
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Ken Moore photos
Life is priceless. Insuring it should be affordable.
EEE
Soon Smith was on the phone with songwriter Kye Fleming, author of Ronnie Milsap’s “Smoky Mountain Rain”
Dean Berner remembers the meeting
and Charley Pride’s “Roll on Mississippi”
well. “We met her at a club called the
among numerous other country classics.
French Quarter Café. We played a show
Fleming had judged the CMT/NSAI
there for her and met with her the next
competition and was a big fan of “Songbird.”
morning and just talked about her ideas
She wanted to know more about the
and how she saw us being able to break
band. Eventually, she invited the band to
into the industry.”
Nashville.
Berner describes the meeting as
Courtesy of Steve Smith
“comfortable.”
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album art, band photos and a handful of national songwriting awards. One award is for “Songbird,” the ninth track on the 2006 Hannah Blaylock and Edens Edge album “Lights of Home.” The song was a finalist in the 2006 Country Music Television/Nashville Songwriters Association International (CMT/NSAI) Song Contest, one of the 15 picked out of more than 8,000. I thought I heard a bluebird sing, a song of life in early spring. He called out ’til he woke the world, and all her beauty was unfurled. The song he sang changed everything. from “Songbird”
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Smith listened in disbelief to the voice on the other end of the phone. It was a NSAI representative. “I’m calling to tell you that you’re going to get another phone call,” the respresentative said. “I want you to know this is the real deal. There’s nobody in Nashville who has more integrity than Kye Fleming, and when she calls you, I just want you to know this is a real person. Nobody is jerking you around.”
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Big Machine Records
Country cool Kye Fleming (back row, second from right), a Fort Smith native and nashville Songwriters hall of Fame member, is a key figure in the Edens Edge success story. She encouraged the band to move to nashville and mentored its budding career. She used her induction into the nashville Songwriters hall of Fame to catapult the group into the spotlight that resulted in a deal with Big Machine records.
“She was someone who understood who we were as people, and she also understood the way we wanted to go about it,” he says. “We didn’t want a quick road to success
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that was just going to be a flash in the pan. We wanted to develop something that was real and true to who we are.” Also, Fleming was from Fort Smith. Smith remembers, “Kye was aware of the Arkansas connection. She really was excited about seeing them succeed. She saw the raw talent was there, that there was an opportunity.” So in 2007, Berner and Hannah Blaylock moved to Nashville to attend the College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University. Green joined them in Nashville soon after. They spent the next few years developing under Fleming’s guidance. One of the few stipulations of her help, though, was that the band wasn’t allowed to play shows in Nashville. “Broadway (Nashville’s famed ‘Honky Tonk Row’) is an amazing place. There are great musicians, great singers everywhere,” Berner says. “But it can swallow people up. You’ve got to do the grind all the time
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let us develop organically on our own. So, instead, we would play little house concerts for our friends. This really helped us to get some opinions and responses to our music.” Then, in 2009, Kye Fleming was set to
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will play a Clarksville coffee shop with Melvin and Mary Blaylock, Boyd Burton
Steve Smith sits at his new
trying to find enough music to fill a two-
stringed Taylor in his lap and about
hour time slot.
two reams worth of sheet music
Chris Wilson
and Gail Green, Cherrill’s sister. He’s
dining room table. There’s a nylon-
“I’m not writing near as much these
strewn about in front of him. This
days. Now, I spend a lot more time
table top has no indentions.
playing with my grandkids and doing
“Must have a better topcoat,” he jokes.
other things,” Smith says. His energies are focused on different
The following night, Smith
things now.
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Friend and mentor on a recent Friday night at his home outside of russellville, Steve Smith (right) and his new band were preparing for a clarksville show. Also pictured and in the group are Melvin and Mary Blaylock, who are hannah’s father and stepmother.
be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. She asked the band to play a medley of her songs during her portion of the ceremony. So, on Oct. 19, Edens Edge played its first Nashville concert before Piers to Stable Clay
600 of country music’s most important executives, songwriters and musicians. “Funny story,” Berner says. “We were at our table having dinner, and there was a video screen that was supposed to play a Tammy Wynette video, because they were honoring her, too. Someone was supposed to come get us and take us backstage at that point. About three-quarters of the way through the video, we realized that nobody had come to get us, and we were next. So we got up, jumped backstage, grabbed our instruments and ran on stage. The second we
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Red carpet The members of Edens Edge (from left) — Cherrill Green, Hannah Blaylock and Dean Berner — arrive at the 2012 Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. “I talk to the three of them all the time, though,” he says. “I participated in Hannah’s wedding this past fall. Dean and I had a long phone conversation yesterday. Cherrill just e-mailed me some photos from Mexico, where they’re playing some shows
Real service. Real people.
right now.” That question drifts back into my head again. “Is it bittersweet … their success?”
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But I refrain from asking it. Yet, as if on cue, Smith answers. “You know, even when we were in Nashville talking with Kye, there was never a single moment when I thought, ‘Maybe
ARAUPR41596
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12
always knew this is where I should be, and
*Not all discounts are subject to semi-annual automatic review. *Discounts may vary, and do not apply to life insurance products. Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. of Arkansas, Inc. Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Co. Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS
I had every confidence that’s where they should be.”
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BACKYARD POULTRY WORKSHOP
SAT
APRIL 10AM PM 4 TH 20
What it’s about
AT MOSS
P. Allen Smith
Moss Mountain Farm
Dr. Mikelle Roeder
Ph.D., Nutritionist, Purina
+
Plus Round Table with Panel of Speakers
&
What you’ll learn
→ Best Practices for Best Results
Housing Seasonal Care Nutrition Predator Control → Heritage Poultry Conservation Selecting a Breed Sources Goals → Home Flock Pests and Diseases 101 Prevention and Treatment Basic Materials to Have on Hand The → Art of Reproduction Egg Production Genetics Fertility Incubation
Dr. Dustin Clark&Dr. Keith Bramwell University of Arkansas
IN ROLAND, ARKANSAS
ticket price $90 per person lunch included
TO
Fresh eggs, free fertilizer and friendly companions – three good reasons to raise chickens in your backyard. Come out to P. Allen Smith’s “Backyard Poultry Day” to learn from the experts about how to get a flock started. He’ll also cover topics such as expanding your flock from eggs and heritage breed conservation. Hatching eggs, chicks, and adult poultry for sale. It’s an event for both the newbie and the pro!
Who you’ll meet
MOUNTAIN FARM
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE FOLLOWING PRESENTERS
Space is limited. Visit www.PAllenSmith.com, email gardenhome@pallensmith.com or call Joyce at 501.519.5793 to make your reservation! Front PorCh
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Taste Arkansas From farm to table
A
compiled by Tara Johnson
As a kid I remember my mom
having a huge garden every year. She always grew cucumbers, asparagus, peas, corn, beans, tomatoes, potatoes, okra, squash and other random vegetables. I never loved pulling weeds, but I loved eating those fresh vegetables right out of the garden.
We always had extras at the end
of the season, and my mom would spend a day canning. She’d fill a cabinet with colorful Mason jars in just a few hours. The jars of vibrant red tomato salsa were my favorite. I couldn’t wait until they were cool before I’d ask to open them. This spring when you’re planning your garden, I suggest planting some tomatoes and using the recipe below to can your salsa.
Canned Salsa Ingredients
• 5 lbs. tomatoes • 2 (7-ounce) cans green chilies, chopped
• 3 jalapeno chilies, seeded and stems removed, chopped
• 1½ cups chopped onion • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 cup apple cider vinegar • ½ cup loosely packed fresh chopped cilantro
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano • ½ teaspoon ground cumin • 2 teaspoons salt • 1-2 teaspoons sugar, to taste Canning equipment needed:
• 5 to 6 pint-sized canning jars, with rings and new lids
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Mom’s salsa Every year my mom cans several jars of tomato salsa with fresh tomatoes from our garden. We spend the rest of the year eating some of the best salsa around.
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• A very large stockpot or canning pot
3. Put all of the ingredients into
sealed, either replace the lid and
a large 8-quart, stainless-steel
reprocess in a water bath for
pot. (Don’t use aluminum or
another 15 minutes or store in
place the filled jar for the water
the acidity of the sauce will
the refrigerator and use within
bath canning, so they don’t
cause its metallic flavor to leach
the next few days.
touch the bottom of the pan and
into the sauce.) Bring to a boil,
crack from excess heat
then reduce to a simmer. Cook
• A flat steamer rack on which to
uncovered for about 10 minutes. Canning equipment recommended:
• Canning tongs to make it easy to lift the jars in and out of boiling water
• Rubber- or latex-coated
4. While the salsa is cooking, place
Remember to label the jars with the date processed. Canned salsa should be eaten within a year.
the jar lids in a bowl and cover with boiling water to sterilize.
Yield: Makes about 5 pints.
5. Adjust seasonings. If too acidic to taste, you can balance it with
Tara Johnson is a contributor
gardening gloves to make
a little more sugar. If too sweet,
to Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Taste
it easier on your hands for
add a bit more vinegar.
Arkansas blog. For recipes, videos and
handling hot jars Directions
6. Ladle salsa into canning jars, leaving ½-inch head space
between the liquid and the top
1. Place steamer rack in the bottom
of the jar. Wipe the rims with
of a large 16-quart stock pot or
a clean, dampened paper towel
canning pot. Place new or clean
so there’s no residual food on
Mason jars on the rack. Fill the
the rims. Place canning lids on
jars with water, and fill the
the jars. Screw on the lid rings.
pot with just enough water to
Don’t over-tighten or you may
come to the top of the jars. Heat
not get a good seal. Air does
water to a simmer. Simmer for
need to escape from the jars
10 minutes. Keep the jars warm
during the next step.
while preparing the salsa. Have a
7. Place the filled and lidded jars
kettle half filled with water ready
back onto the rack in the large
to boil to sterilize the jar lids a
stock-pot of hot water you used
few minutes before canning.
to sterilize the jars in step one.
2. Peel tomatoes by blanching.
You may need to remove some
To blanch, score the ends of
of the water from the pot to
the tomatoes, and place them
prevent it from overfilling. Cover
in boiling water for a minute.
the jars with at least 1-inch of
Remove the tomatoes from
water. Bring to a rolling boil
the water and let cool to the
and process for 15 minutes (20
touch. Remove and discard the
minutes for altitudes 1,000 to
peels. Cut away any cores if you
6,000 ft.; 25 minutes above
haven’t done so already. Chop
6,000 ft.). Then turn off heat and
the tomatoes, taking care to save
let the jars sit in the hot water
any juices that may come out of them. Starting with 5 pounds
for 5 minutes. 8. Remove jars from the water
of tomatoes, you should end up
bath and let sit on a counter for
with about 8 cups of chopped
several hours until completely
tomatoes and juices. At least 7
cool. The lids should “pop”
cups of tomatoes must be used
as the cooling salsa creates a
in this recipe. Place them in a
vacuum under the lid and the
bowl and set aside.
jars are sealed. If a lid hasn’t
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farmer profiles visit tastearkansas.com today.
b
1. Freeze bananas to make smoothies. The frozen banana helps make the texture cold and extra smooth. 2. A few times a month, double a dinner recipe, and freeze the half you don’t need for those days you’re in a rush. 3. Freeze cubes of coffee to put into milk for iced coffee. Then as the coffee ice melts the drink just gets better and not watered down.
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Garden Home Design A passion for poultry Life lessons learned from chickens
M by P. Allen Smith
My passion for poultry goes back to
childhood and summers spent at my
grandparents’ farm. They fostered this budding interest and channeled my
competitive nature by encouraging me to
participate in the county fair poultry show.
It was a natural fit. I won a blue ribbon and met one of my first mentors.
A lucky trio
For years, Myra Elizabeth Chastain
oversaw the fair’s poultry barn. She was a retired Army major who ran the barn with military precision. I found her a
bit intimidating. Little did I know this overwhelming figure would become a lifelong friend, thanks to three special chickens. At age 9, I brought a trio of white Silkie bantams to the fair. These are fancy looking birds! They’re covered in downy feathers with a head crest and feathers around their ankles and toes. Think of a chicken wearing a fur coat, cap and boots. Pretty flashy on an ordinary day but for the show, I bathed them and fluffed their feathers with a blow dryer. I was the first to enter this type of Asiatic bird, and they created quite a stir. All the attention caught the eye of Elizabeth Chastain, who headed toward me with determination, barking orders all the way. Donna Evans
As she stood before my three finely coifed bantams, a flicker of delight crossed her otherwise stern expression. I realized then we had discovered our common ground. I won first, second and third place, because my birds were the only ones entered in that class.
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Old-time chickens P. Allen Smith developed the Heritage Poultry Conservancy to save the old farm breeds of yesteryear, like the Buff Orpington he’s holding, that are not used in today’s large-scale commercial chicken growing.
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An unlikely partnership
The importance of fostering a child’s interests
I made sure to spend time with
Larry and I were fortunate to
the major whenever I stayed with my grandparents. I came to rely on her
also have grandparents who raised
friendship and guidance. I think of
chickens and were enthusiastic about
her to this day whenever I’m feeling
it. This provided another important
a little overwhelmed or intimidated
layer of support. We believed the
and remember even the toughest of
adults around us understood and
characters has a soft spot. Fortunately
supported our interest in poultry.
for me, Elizabeth had a weakness for
My mother often loaded me, my
chickens.
birds and my friends into her station wagon to go to poultry shows. One
Elizabeth recognized my early
of the best moments was winning a
nurture it, even though she was a
Grand Champion ribbon with my
couple of generations ahead of me.
Buff Orpington pullet at the Arkansas
She was the first of many mentors,
State Fair when I was 15. My mother
each teaching me something new.
used the occasion to give me my first
It’s important for adults to recognize
copy of “The Standard of Perfection,”
a child’s stewardship interest in
the book American Poultry Association
animals and plants and help them
licensed judges use as a guide.
Hortus Ltd.
interest in poultry and helped
with encouragement and support.
Big change brings a growing support network My childhood bedroom was littered with catalogs from Murray McMurray Hatchery, Stromberg’s Chicks & Gamebirds Unlimited, Ideal
ATTENTION! The late Elizabeth Chastain (above), a retired U.S. Army major, ran the poultry barn when 9-year-old P. Allen Smith entered his first poultry show with a trio of white Silkie bantams like the one pictured above. Chastain became a life-long friend and mentor, exactly what all children need in their areas of interest.
Hatchery, Cackle Hatchery and many
I took raising birds seriously, making sure they were well cared for every day. I had no idea the important patterns I was developing for later in life — a work ethic, responsibility and a greater appreciation of nature. Nor did I know where this childhood passion would lead. But last year, I realized another dream in founding the Heritage Poultry Conservancy
more. At 10, I sold my first calf and used
in raising poultry. They always helped round
(HPC), which is dedicated to the preservation
the money to buy a 100-egg incubator from
up escaped birds, and one neighbor picked
and support of all threatened breeds and
Sears. Much to the chagrin of my mother,
up feed and would bring it to me. This
strains of domestic poultry.
I insisted on keeping the incubator in my
neighborhood support helped me remain
room. This was before I learned to candle
engaged in my hobby.
eggs, and there always wound up being a
Today, the HPC provides funding for prizes to encourage kids to get involved
Although I was a 4-H member, I found
raising heritage breeds. And I still have
few rotten ones. However, despite the awful
that the local chapter wasn’t as agrarian as I
friends helping me today, like Dr. Mikelle
smell that sometimes filled the house, my
was used to, and there was far less emphasis
Roeder, an animal nutritionist for Purina
mother always supported my growing love of
on poultry. However, I was lucky enough to
Animal Nutrition, who has taught me the
raising poultry.
meet Larry, who was my age and was equally
important relationship of feed and its impact
interested in poultry. We became fast friends.
on bird quality. She’s another in that long
father suddenly passed away, but my
Larry’s father built an incubator for him,
line of mentors and supporters – that all
mother allowed me to keep a few turkeys
and we both used it to hatch a lot of birds.
children need – who fueled my passion for
and chickens from the farm. From there,
My mother also supported Larry’s interest,
poultry, beginning with my grandparent’s
my suburban farm began to grow in our
and we’d often go to poultry shows and visit
prodding and a gruff ex-Army major. I had
backyard. Allowing me to continue raising
local farms to see what breeds were available.
Mikelle visit my farm and showed her that
birds helped me cope with the loss of my
We certainly did our fair share of haggling
blue ribbon from my first poultry show (and
father. A supportive network of neighbors
and trading, much like other kids did with
I still had my Purina feed tags from the early
was also vital to our family and my interest
baseball cards.
1970s to prove it!). She was impressed.
We moved to Little Rock after my
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Land&People Graceful determination A passion for agriculture
B by Gregg Patterson
Beth Killingsworth is not your typical
farmer. The 26-year-old redhead has been running her own farming operation – 700 acres in Morton – since 2009. A career in banking was hers for the taking, but the call of her grandfather’s farm brought her back to a life she’d grown up with farming rice, soybeans and wheat.
It was her grandparents, Cleo and Joyce Keith Sutton
Cain, who made the offer for her to take over the farm. A 2005 graduate of McCrory High School, she’d already earned her ag business degree with an emphasis in finance at Arkansas State University, and she possessed the moxie and hard-work attitude necessary to take on such an endeavor. She says her grandparents “have always
Lady Dirt The trials of farming aren’t for the timid, and 26-year-old farmer Beth Killingsworth can attest to that. Tornado, flood and drought have all been a part of her early experiences on her 700-acre farm. someone who leads by example, knowing
on the production side or working in
been the leaders in my life, and they have
when they make a mistake and is able to see
industrial agriculture. Not only do I think
always taught me that if I want something
strengths and weaknesses around them.”
it’s important to be involved in it, I love
done, then do it myself.” As if farming itself
Killingsworth says it’s essential for the
it,” Killingsworth said. “I have a passion for
isn’t challenging enough, Killingsworth is
agriculture community to develop leaders.
agriculture, and I will always be an advocate
also working on a master’s degree in business
“Many people aren’t educated or aware of
for it.”
administration at Harding University.
the impact of agriculture on our nation’s
Killingsworth jumped at the opportunity
At 26, Killingsworth is looking for
economy. We need leaders to step up,
opportunities to give back, to share the
to apply to be a part of Arkansas Farm
educate and promote agriculture,” she said.
knowledge that she’s already gained through
Bureau’s First President’s Leadership Council.
“There will be many changes with the
the blessings she’s received and worked hard
“I wanted to work on my leadership skills,”
market, policy, science and technology to
for despite a life that has experienced far
she said. “Also, I thought it would be
push for a more long-term sustainability in
more tragedy than a person so young should
important to meet other leaders not only
agriculture for the United States.”
have to face.
who were participating in the leadership
With four years of experience in the field
“I think giving back is important for me
council, but also those who were attending,
already and making all of the farm’s business
whether it’s in agriculture, my community
speaking and leading the program.
and day-to-day decisions, does she see herself
or anywhere I feel I’m needed,” she said. “In
still out there 50 years from now like her
Luke 12:48 it states: ‘From everyone who has
me that it’s important to appreciate and
beloved 82-year-old “Pepaw” who helps her
been given much, much will be demanded;
value leadership,” Killingsworth said. “Hard
every day?
and from the one who has been entrusted
“My parents have always instilled in
work goes into leadership, and it takes a strong person to be a leader. A leader is
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“I see myself always being involved in agriculture whether that means staying
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with much, much more will be asked’.” Beth Killingsworth believes that.
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DoItYourself
TRACTORS DON’T GET ANY TOUGHER.
DEALS DON’T GET ANY BIGGER.
T
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ConneCt yourself to the Conversation • www.facebook.com/ArkansasFarmBureau • www.youtube.com/user/arkansasfarmbureau • twitter.com/ARFB
Building a connection between phone callers with ease! Dial 7-1-1 and communicate with any caller – 24 hours a day! Arkansas Relay is a free service that provides full telephone accessibility to people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, and speech-disabled. This service allows TTY (text-telephone) users to communicate with standard telephone users through specially trained relay operators. For more information, contact Jeff Prail, Account Manager 501-221-1285 (Voice) email: jeffrey.prail@sprint.com (Email) visit our website: www.arkansasrelay.com
Captioned Telephone (CapTel®) Service – Talk, listen and read read! If a person with a hearing loss has difficulty hearing on the phone, not anymore! They can hear everything other callers say, just like a traditional call. At the same time, the captioning service transcribes everything they say into captions, which appear on the CapTel display window. For more information, - Visit www.arkansasrelay.com/captel - Contact Arkansas TAP at 800-981-4463 or 501-686-9693 (TTY/Voice) * Offered by the Arkansas Department of Career Education/Arkansas Rehabilitation Services Division. ©2012 Arkansas Relay. All rights reserved. CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc. Other marks are the property of their respective owners. Front Porch
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21
Wealth
Building
Keep your savings secure Pay attention to details when choosing a bank
by Allyson hamlin
O
One of the biggest concerns with
regard to banking today is the security of the funds deposited. Whether
with regard to the economic crisis or concerns having to do with Internet banking, consumers want to make sure
are well aware of their current and
the depositor to make a one-time rate
their money is secure. So, what are some
potential customers’ concerns. So don’t
increase during the term of the CD.
important questions to ask banks, as
hesitate to ask questions and request
With flexible options like these, Farm
well as what to look for when seeking
details, whether over the phone, in
Bureau Bank is making it easier for
the most secure banking services?
person at a local branch or via online
depositors to protect their finances and
banking. Banks appreciate their
grow their investments.
First, it’s always important to look
for a form of guarantee or insurance
customers’ business and want to keep
extended by a bank to its depositors.
them happy.
For instance, many banks insure up
your money without committing to
Everyone has unique financial needs,
a CD or other long-term investment?
to a certain amount, and it’s vital to
and only you know what works best for
If so, consider the Farm Bureau Bank
know what this is before depositing any
you. That’s why it’s important to choose
Money Market Account (MMA). With
money. The more you know about the
a bank that offers the kind of products
an FDIC-insured Farm Bureau Bank
insurance protecting the funds in your
and services that suit your lifestyle and
MMA, you’ll earn higher yields and
account, the more prepared and at ease
goals. Farm Bureau Bank continues to
get easy and immediate access to your
you’ll be.
stand strong, safe and secure and is
funds. This robust savings account
Another consideration is the history
22
Are you looking for a place to “park”
backed by the federal government FDIC
offers tiered interest that rewards higher
of the bank. How long has it been
insurance. For 13 years, Farm Bureau
balances, as well as free checks and a
operating? Is the bank well-established
Bank has focused on serving the needs
free Visa debit card with ATM access.
in processes, and is it reputable? Does
and financial goals of its members.
You already work hard for your
it have a record of proven growth?
Farm Bureau Bank’s Certificates
And finally, does its history display
of Deposit (CDs) can provide both
simply watch it grow? Whether you’re
commitment to its clients? If the bank
financial protection and growth. Farm
saving for a special purchase or need
has experienced turbulence in the past,
Bureau Bank offers several CD account
time to decide where to stash your cash,
you should consider how it dealt with
types with flexible terms ranging
Farm Bureau Bank is a good choice. Visit
those problems and its customers.
from three months to five years with
farmbureaubank.com or contact your
Finally, remember that in the midst
interest transfer options. Another is
local Farm Bureau agent for current rates
of the present economic climate, banks
called a “step-up” CD, which allows
and to apply.
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money. Why not make life easier and
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soybeans soyb eans
So do pigs, cows and fish. In fact, animal ag is your number one customer – eating 98 percent of your soybean meal. That’s one good-looking figure. THE
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Source: USB Market View Database Front Porch
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23
InTheKitchen A St. Patty’s Day dessert Indulge in a little luck o’ the Irish
by tara Johnson
T
The Irish love their beer. With my
Irish heritage, I’m no exception. I love beer, and I especially love to cook with beer. It adds a level of flavor you can’t find anywhere else. I can honestly say this is the only dessert I ever use beer in, but this cake is fantastic! It’s dark and rich with a warm, complex flavor that comes from the unlikely but complimentary combination of chocolate and dark beer. The light cream cheese icing has the feel of a frothy head of a dark beer. Last year, I made this cake for St. Patrick’s Day and will definitely be making it again this year.
Ingredients
Brew cake Leave it to the Irish to mix two iconic flavors – beer and chocolate – to make this wonderful dessert.
Instructions
1 cup Guinness (dark beer)
1. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper; set aside.
½ cup butter, cubed
2. In a small saucepan, heat beer and butter until butter is melted. Remove from the heat;
2 cups sugar
whisk in sugar and cocoa until blended. Combine the eggs, sour cream and vanilla;
¾ cup baking cocoa
whisk into beer mixture.
2 eggs, beaten
⅔ cup sour cream
3 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
3. Combine flour and baking soda; whisk into beer mixture until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan. 4. Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Remove sides of pan. 5. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar and cream; beat until smooth.
topping: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
6. Remove cake from the pan and place on a platter or cake stand. Ice top of cake so it resembles a frothy pint of beer. Refrigerate leftovers.
1 ½ cups powdered sugar ½ cup heavy whipping cream tara Johnson is a contributor to Arkansas Farm Bureau’s taste Arkansas blog at tastearkansas.com.
24
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25
Health&Safety Time to apply for M*A*S*H Get a look at a career in the medical field
W by Jennifer Victory
When most people think of summer
camp it usually brings to mind swimming,
horseback riding, maybe even arts and crafts projects or days spent in the sun and nights
Heather McClanahan
around a campfire. However, for some 400 Arkansas high school juniors and seniors
that attend M*A*S*H every summer, that term has a whole different meaning.
M*A*S*H stands for Medical Applications
of Science for Health. It’s a program
designed for students interested in a career in the medical field. The two-week camps
are free and will take place at 26 locations throughout the state. Students receive
Hold still, now M*A*S*H students (clockwise from bottom) Haley Everett, Shayleigh Thatcher, Emily Dixon, Jessica Thurman and Tori Lee (on the long board) were all part of the first M*A*S*H class held last year in Mt. View.
a unique opportunity for an intensive
hands-on experience in the medical field
and so did the other employees here. It
offers students a link to their community as
through shadowing medical professionals.
was great to interact with kids who are
they pursue a medical career and encourages
Participants do lab work, learn how to
passionate about what they want to do with
them to return to a rural setting to practice.
suture wounds, make casts, watch surgery,
their lives,” McClanahan said.
M*A*S*H is sponsored by county
as well as learn about dentistry, sports
In addition to the typical M*A*S*H
medicine, pathology and much more.
activities, Mt. View M*A*S*H students
Partnership, which includes Arkansas Blue
participated in team building exercises at
Cross and Blue Shield, Arkansas Farm
for young adults interested in pursuing a
the local ropes course and traveled to Little
Bureau, Baptist Health, the University of
career in the medical field,” said Mt. View
Rock to tour the University of Arkansas
Arkansas for Medical Sciences Regional
M*A*S*H Director, Heather McClanahan.
for Medical Sciences. Just like the other
Programs, and the Office of Oral Health.
“There are many job options in health care,
25 programs, Mt. View M*A*SH creates a
Many M*A*S*H camps also receive
and this program can help guide students in
unique experience for its students.
support from community businesses and
“M*A*S*H is an excellent program
the direction that’s the best fit for them.” This will be the second summer for
An added benefit to M*A*S*H is it provides participants a chance to build
Farm Bureaus and the Medical MENTOR
organizations. The M*A*S*H application period
the M*A*S*H program at Stone County
relationships with leaders in the local
runs through mid-April (though specific
Medical Center, one of many rural hospitals
medical community. Spending one-on-
deadlines differ for each site). Applications
recognizing the value of introducing
one time with these leaders allows them
are available from school guidance
students to the medical field at an early
to learn not only about the profession but
counselors and principles, or go online to
age. The students aren’t the only ones who
also about training requirements, the cost of
learn more about the program at ruralhealth.
benefit, though.
school and the advantages and challenges
uams.edu/M*A*S*H; or call Jennifer Victory
of practicing in a rural area. This connection
at 501-228-1269.
“I truly enjoyed the program
26
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SAVE When You Grow A Zoysia Lawn From Plugs! Zoysia Lawns are thick, dense and lush!
GRASS SEED WILL NEVER GROW A LAWN LIKE THIS! Save Water! Save Time! Save Work! Save Money!
Grass Seed Is For The Birds!
Eliminates Endless Weeds And Weeding!
No more pulling out weeds by hand or weeds sprouting up all over your lawn. Zoysia Plugs spread into a dense, plush, deep-rooted, established lawn that drives out unwanted growth and stops crabgrass and summer weeds from germinating.
Stop wasting money, time and work sowing new grass seed each spring, only to see birds eat the seed – or rain wash it away – Zoysia thrives in before it can root. Plant a partial shade to genuine Amazoy™ Zoysia full sun! lawn from our living Plugs only once… and never plant a new lawn again!
Environmentally Friendly, No Chemicals Needed!
No weeding means no chemicals. You’ll never have to spray poisonous pesticides and weed killers again! Zoysia lawns are safer for the environment, as well as for family and pets!
Zoysia Grows Where Other Grass Doesn’t!
Zoysia is the perfect choice for hard-to-cover spots, Cuts Watering & Mowing areas that are play-worn or have partial shade, and By As Much As 2/3! for stopping erosion on slopes. North, South, East, West – Zoysia will grow in any soil, no ifs, ands or buts! Many established Zoysia lawns only Each Zoysia Plug You Plant In Your Soil Is need to be GUARANTEED TO GROW mowed once or Within 45 Days Or We’ll Replace It FREE! twice a season. To ensure best results, we ship you living sheets of genuine Watering is rarely, We ship at the best Amazoy™ Zoysia Grass, harvested direct from our farms. Plugs are if ever, needed – not cut all the way through. Before planting, simply finish the planting time for you! separation by cutting 1"-sq. Plugs with shears or knife. Then follow even in summer! the included easy instructions to plant Plugs into small plug holes about a foot apart. Our guarantee and planting method are your assurance of lawn success backed by more than 5 decades of specialized lawn experience.
Meyer Zoysia Grass was perfected by the U.S. Gov’t, released in cooperation with the U.S. Golf Association as a superior grass.
©2013 Zoysia Farm Nurseries, 3617 Old Taneytown Rd, Taneytown, MD 21787
www.ZoysiaFarms.com/mag
✂
Stays Green In Summer Through Heat & Drought!
When ordinary lawns brown up in summer heat and drought, your Zoysia lawn stays green and beautiful. The hotter it gets, the better it grows. Zoysia thrives in blistering heat (120˚), yet it won’t winter-kill to 30˚ below zero. It only goes off its green color after killing frosts, but color returns with consistent spring warmth. Zoysia is the perfect choice for water restrictions and drought areas!
Our Customers Love Their Zoysia Lawns!
One of our typical customers, Mrs. M.R. Mitter of PA, wrote how “I’ve never watered it, only when I put the Plugs in… Last summer we had it mowed 2 times... When everybody’s lawns here are brown from drought, ours just stays as green as ever!”
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FREE!
PLANTING TOOL
With Order of 500 Plugs or More!
Saves time, work and effort when making holes for Plugs!
Order Now and Save Over 50% -- Harvested Daily From Our Farms And Shipped To You Direct!
FREE Shipping On Larger Quantities!
✂
Get Up To 900 Plugs — FREE!
Please send me guaranteed Amazoy plug packs as marked:
Quantity
# PLUGS
+ FREE Plugs
__
150 500
+ 100
Your PRICE
+ Shipping
$ 14.95
$ 5.00
YOU SAVE
__
+FREE
Planting Tool
__
Write price of order here
$
Free
Md. residents add 6% tax
$
Shipping
$
$ 45.60
$ 7.00
$27.20
Step-on Plugger
$45.20
Step-on Plugger
Free
750
+ 150
$74.50
$10.00 FREE
1100
+ 400
$99.10
$15.00 FREE
$100.40
Free Amazoy Power Auger
1500
+ 900
$147.50
$25.00 FREE
$171.70
Free Amazoy Power Auger AND Step-on Plugger
❑ Extra Step-on Plugger $8.95 + $3 Shipping ❑ Extra Amazoy Power AugerTM for 3/8” Drill $24.95 +$5 Shipping Amazoy is the trademark registered U.S. Patent Office for our Meyer Zoysia grass.
Mail to: ZOYSIA FARM NURSERIES 3617 Old Taneytown Road, Taneytown, MD 21787
ENCLOSED TOTAL
Payment method (check one) ❑ Check ❑ MO ❑ MasterCard ❑ Visa Exp. Date
$
Card # Name Address City Zip
Dept. 5003
State Phone
We ship all orders the same day plugs are packed at earliest correct planting time in your area.
Order Now! www.ZoysiaFarms.com/mag
Not shipped outside the USA or into WA or OR
Certificate of Deposit
Contact your local agent today! Increase Your Earnings with a Farm Bureau Bank Step-Up CD Farm Bureau Bank’s Step-Up option allows a one-time rate increase during the term of your CD. You have the flexibility to choose when to step-up and earn more interest. Invest in a Farm Bureau Bank CD today. *Annual Percentage Yield (APY). The APY is accurate as of 1/18/2013 and is subject to change without notice. Minimum initial deposit of $1,000. Fees could reduce earnings on the account and a penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal. The Bank reserves the right to limit deposits taken under this program. See complete terms and conditions at www.farmbureaubank. com. Banking services provided by Farm Bureau Bank, FSB.