Front Porch Magazine, Summer 2020 by Arkansas Farm Bureau

SUMMER 2020

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Diagnosis for

Rural Health Care in Arkansas?

A Winning

Plus, Veterans in Agriculture

Dairy Dish

WWW.SFBLI.COM

FROM OUR FARM OR RANCH FOR YOUR

COOKOUT

Porch Front

6 CONTENT

Farm Bureau Matters

Helping Farmers, Helping You

Rich Hillman

Warren Carter

A System on the Brink Ashlyn Ussery

Mobilizing Veterans to Feed America

Member Services Update

Rural Road Stories

Taste Arkansas

Delta Child

Keith Sutton

Autumn Wood Keith Sutton

Rob Anderson and Ashley Wallace Talya Tate Boerner

Cover design by Bryan Pistole

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU â&#x20AC;¢ SUMMER 2020

FARM BUREAU MATTERS

with Rich Hillman

ARFB PRESIDENT

s far as I know, there is not a formal rule book for living through a PANDEMIC. Better yet there is certainly not an owner’s manual for farming or ranching in one either! But regardless of that, the farmers and ranchers in Arkansas are bravely and resiliently getting it done. Overcoming constant obstacles and challenges has been the norm in our profession since the beginning. Dealing with Mother Nature, international trade, market fluctuations, etc., is just as much a part of our job as planting and harvesting a crop, or taking constant care of livestock. But the cliff-notes on doing all of that during a Pandemic have not been published yet. There have been some glitches in our food chain, but looking at the big picture, Arkansas farmers and ranchers have met the challenges in making sure groceries have been on the shelves in your favorite grocery store. Please keep them in your prayers every time you sit down to eat. We need those prayers now more than ever. In the middle of COVID-19, Arkansas Farm Bureau has taken great efforts to meet its members’ needs. In the case of our recent Officers & Leaders Conference – traditionally the second-largest gathering of the year for the organization – we met in a virtual gathering online. Gov. Asa Hutchinson joined us for the event, which we streamed live online for our county board members and volunteers who, like you, very much want things to return to something akin to normal. Gov. Hutchinson spoke passionately about the people of Arkansas, the value of agriculture to our economic and social wellbeing, and the challenges our state is facing during this trying period. We certainly appreciated the Governor taking valuable time out of his hectic schedule and addressing our members. That evening, we examined ballot issues, we talked about school reopening, we discussed the challenges of a virtual event when rural broadband service in our state is so limited and we planned our next steps in policy development. And while I would consider the virtual event a success, I can say with certainty that I hope we never have to hold a membership gathering in a similar virtual environment in the future. You see, Farm Bureau is not just about a meeting or the pomp and circumstance that goes with it. No, it’s about the fellowship, the friendships, embracing the hugs and handshakes from your fellow farmers who you get to see once or twice a year. Sharing stories about you and your family, and your farm and ranch.

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

Those interactions with our Farm Bureau friends and staff are irreplaceable. Because we were virtual, we missed that opportunity. But it is our Farm Bureau Family way that has been interrupted, but not stopped. We will look forward, with more anticipation than ever, to gathering in person soon. I want those of you reading this article who are not on the farm and ranch to know that our food supply will continue to be available. Again, there could be some glitches in that chain, but our farmers and ranchers will continue to provide. Consumers are linked to agriculture. Because of this virus, most Americans are more attuned to their food supply and its availability since the Great Depression. That small recognition has to be somehow, someway, a positive for all of us. As are all sectors of business, agriculture is still needing certain assistance from Congress. Arkansas Farm Bureau is still in constant conversation with our delegation in Washington D.C. to make sure they have all the information needed for that help. Our great staff is monitoring all those issues, national and state, and will continue to work for our members. In our nation’s history, it seems like whenever our country has had tough times or tragedies, great leaders have emerged and risen to the top. During this crisis, those leaders have been found in our health care system, the education system, the service industry and many others places as well. Our law enforcement personnel, for example, have had to continue to work every day and get the job done. We applaud all of these groups of men and women who have performed in during this pandemic. To all of elected and public officials, from Gov. Hutchison at the top, to the employees in the Department of Health, we offer a big “thank you” for the leadership in this historic time. As for our farmers and ranchers, we will continue to provide. We will continue to get the job done. We will continue to be resilient and make sure those grocery shelves are full. Like the others I’ve mentioned, our farmers and ranchers will rise to the top to meet the enormous challenges put in front of them each day. As I said in my last address to our members, there is something that is more contagious than this terrible virus. That is HOPE! Hope that comes from our faith. There is no doubt in my mind that hope will get us through these tough times. Please keep yourselves and your families safe, and may God bless our farmers and ranchers who feed so many hungry people. •

Porch Front

Official membership publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation mailed to almost 190,000 member-families. SUBSCRIPTIONS

Included in membership dues ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU OFFICERS:

President • Rich Hillman, Carlisle Vice President • Mike Freeze, Little Rock Secretary/Treasurer • Dan Wright, Waldron Executive Vice President • Warren Carter, Little Rock DIRECTORS:

Jon Carroll, Moro Joe Christian, Jonesboro Terry Dabbs, Stuttgart Sherry Felts, Joiner Chase Groves, Garland City Tom Jones, Pottsville Terry Laster, Strong Jeremy Miller, Huntsville Gene Pharr, Lincoln Caleb Plyler, Hope Rusty Smith, Des Arc Joe Thrash, Houston EX OFFICIO

Magen Allen, Bismarck Dustin Cowell, Mount Judea Kerry Stiles, Marianna Reed Storey, Marvell Executive Editor • Steve Eddington Editor • Rob Anderson Contributing Writers • Ken Moore, Gregg Patterson, Ashley Wallace, Keith Sutton ADVERTISING

Contact David Brown at Publishing Concepts for advertising rates dbrown@pcipublishing.com (501) 221-9986 ext. 103 Fax (501) 225-3735 Front Porch (USPS 019-879) is published quarterly by the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation 10720 Kanis Rd., Little Rock, AR 72211 Periodicals Postage paid at Little Rock, AR POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Rhonda Whitley at rhonda.whitley@arfb.com Front Porch • P.O. Box 31 • Little Rock, AR 72203 Please provide membership number Issue #116 Publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation reserves the right to accept or reject all advertising requests.

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

HELPING FARMERS, HELPING YOU

with Warren Carter ARFB EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

here are some things that can’t be put on hold. This year has seen a lot of postponements and cancellations, from summer movie blockbusters and major sporting events, all the way down to community festivals, business meetings and family gatherings. These decisions are the cost of efforts to keep the COVID-19 outbreak under control, however there are cases in which the show must go on, even if it means making some changes to the production. In my last column, I pointed out that Arkansas farmers and ranchers continued their essential work to feed our country despite the emerging pandemic and other challenges of this stressful year. I also highlighted the ways that Arkansas Farm Bureau was continuing its mission to support agriculture and all of those across the state who work in our state’s largest industry. Since then, we’ve continued to adapt and make the necessary adjustments to accomplish our goals, and we’ve been very successful, despite the circumstances. Most recently, we held our annual Officers & Leaders Conference “virtually,” for the first time in its 72-year history. Hundreds of viewers heard from our board leaders and Gov. Asa Hutchinson via live video stream and hundreds more visited the official Officers & Leaders website, which hosted more than eight hours of informative video on a variety of important topics, such as feral hogs, H-2A employment and ballot initiatives. We were also able to continue our tradition of recognizing the top Young Farmers & Ranchers in the state, thanks to video submissions and a livestreamed awards announcement. Now, these talented and hard-working young men and women will represent Arkansas at the national level, even if the American Farm Bureau must hold its January convention virtually as well.

Meanwhile, our membership held steady, even growing in recent months as we continued our work to identify new, exciting and useful benefits for our members and to highlight the many ways our low annual membership fee supports important education efforts, community outreach and farmers and ranchers throughout the state. As we approach the end of summer, we will carry out one of our most important functions as a grassroots organization: forming our official policy for the coming year. Like many things in 2020, the process may look a little different than in the past, but it will happen. Taking advantage of what we’ve learned from Officers & Leaders, we will plan safe, distanced and appropriate meetings. We will use virtual elements when necessary and adhere to all recommended state guidelines. Most importantly, we will – as we do each year – hear the key concerns and needs of our county leaders and members and we will use this to once again build the policy that will guide our efforts throughout the coming year, no matter what unexpected challenges my arise. We have moved carefully in returning to normal business operations, even as we’ve made the changes necessary to keep our employees and members safe. As we prepare to enter a new season, we face more uncertainty with a new school year, national and state elections and another harvest. Be it bad weather or the continued spread of coronavirus, there will be more challenges ahead, but we’ve now proven these obstacles can be overcome. Work can be accomplished and goals can be achieved. Food, fiber and shelter remain necessary, and Arkansas Farm Bureau remains committed to those who provide it. Farmers don’t get to put things off until a better year comes around and neither does Arkansas Farm Bureau. Whether we’re standing six feet apart or communicating through video, we will do what needs to be done for Arkansas agriculture. •

Food, fiber and shelter remain necessary, and Arkansas Farm Bureau remains committed to those who provide it.

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

A System on the Brink? Health Care in Rural Arkansas Faces Uncertainty by Ashlyn Ussery

ccess to a health care facility is critical to any community, yet rural hospitals face challenges that are vastly different than those in more populated areas. Financial stress, lack of technological advancements and the isolation of living in rural areas all contribute to health care challenges and hinder rural Arkansans ability to maintain a healthy living, and these problems have been highlighted during the ongoing pandemic. COVID-19 has caused economic devastation around the globe, but for rural health care, these challenges are far from new. In the southern United States, 55 rural hospitals have been forced to close their doors over the last 10 years. Arkansas is responsible for only one of those closures. Since passage of the Affordable Care Act, facilities in the state have seen an increase in revenue, a decline in uncompensated care costs and, in some cases, expansions and added locations. “In 2014 the uncompensated care cost was $254 million, by 2018 that number was around $212 million,” said Jodiane Tritt, executive vice president of Arkansas Hospital Association. “This decrease in cost is a result of more people being covered by Medicaid.” According to a 2019 Navigant study on rural hospital sustainability, 18 hospitals in Arkansas are at high financial risk; that is more than one-third of the state’s rural hospitals. “Though the 2014 expansion has helped Arkansas rural health care in recent years, it does not provide a long term fix,” said Arkansas Farm Bureau director of leadership development Jennifer Craig, who coordinates the organization’s rural health efforts. “Issues with the current payment and service delivery models need to be addressed in

order to find ways for rural hospitals to be sustainable.” Many critical access hospitals, or hospitals that are located 35 miles from any other hospital, are struggling to maintain the requirements needed to be reimbursed by Medicare and Medicaid. These reimbursements are given to facilities that are able to uphold a specific standard of care to a certain number of patients. Business plans for rural hospitals were designed in the late 1990s, when more inpatient procedures where being performed. Mellie Bridewell, CEO of Arkansas Rural Health Partnership, explains that most of the rural facilities either do not know how to change their business plans or that they even need to. “A critical access hospital has to have no more than 25 beds and an emergency department, but when you are only seeing 6 patients at a time, that does not equal a financial win,” said Bridewell. “There are so many financial gaps that could be filled if the business plans were focused on converting beds and departments to medical elements that are needed in each region.” Shifting the rural health facilities to “urgent care only” or designating beds to other departments are some of the tactics that Tritt says could help, but they could also lead to other challenges. “One of the problems that rural hospitals have is being able to recruit physicians with specialized skill sets that the patients in each community need,” said Tritt. “We can have all of the beds and ventilators in the world, but if a facility does not have appropriately trained staff who are eligible to work on particular cases, then they will continue to find themselves in a really hard spot.” continued on page 8>>

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

Innovation. Collaboration. Advocacy. Action.

ince 2010, 93 rural hospitals have closed across the United States. Of the 26 states with closures, most of them occurred in the South — leaving some of the 443,187 people in the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership’s (ARHP) 22 service-area counties without adequate access to care.

For more than 10 years, the ARHP has worked to unite providers and partners from business to healthcare leaders to improve the quality of life and health status of residents across southeast Arkansas.

INNOVATION

COLLABORATION

ARHP shapes population health by addressing the barriers to healthcare and the issues confronting access to care

ARHP partners with providers, businesses and organizations, big and small, that are invested in the people of southeast Arkansas

ADVOCACY

ACTION

ARHP finds creative solutions to issues in our communities, replicates them and shares their stories of success to affect positive change

ARHP strengthens rural healthcare by providing programs and services that address the needs of the community

Join our members and partners and find your place beside us as we work to make a lasting impact in rural Arkansas.

ARHP MEMBER HOSPITALS • Ashley County Medical Center — Crossett • Baptist Health Medical Center — Stuttgart • Bradley County Medical Center — Warren • Chicot Memorial Medical Center — Lake Village • Dallas County Medical Center — Fordyce • Delta Memorial Hospital — Dumas • DeWitt Hospital and Nursing Home — DeWitt • Drew Memorial Health System — Monticello • Helena Regional Medical Center — Helena-West Helena • Jefferson Regional — Pine Bluff • Magnolia Regional Medical Center — Magnolia • McGehee Hospital — McGehee • Medical Center of South Arkansas — El Dorado

870-632-7299 | info@arruralhealth.org | arruralhealth.org SOURCES: North Carolina Rural Health Research Program (2018) • US Census, 2017 and 2018

• Ouachita County Medical Center — Camden

<<continued from page 6

Piggott Community Hospital, a city-owned 25-bed Critical Access Hospital in Clay County, has embraced telemedicine. Recruiting health professionals to rural areas is challenging. “The lack of providers in rural hospitals and the cost to bring them in is increasingly high,” said Bridewell. “This is a result of having to go through contract agencies that cost the hospitals almost double to fill their necessary staffing positions.” The primary limitation on recruitment of doctors and nurses is many do not want to move to rural areas. Communities around the state are seeing younger generations move to cities and this is leaving the rural hospitals and clinical facilities with an older population to care for. “The older generation has a different kind of loyalty to their community than the younger generations. The young people have more opportunities to connect with other cities and people in those cities which enables them to have more choices outside of their community,” said Tritt. There are also limited resources for people moving to rural towns. Craig says graduating medical students in their 20s and 30s are not only seeking secure jobs within health care, but they want to live in a community with people their age and that can

provide a strong school system for their children.” Researchers at the Association of American Medical Colleges found in 2019 that only 4% of medical students are from rural areas across the country. The University of Arkansas Medical School established the Medical Application of Science for Health program, also known as M.A.S.H in 1988. This program has been critical in addressing issues with the rural health care system; showing students that there are medical opportunities in their backyard. “M.A.S.H camps are more of a homegrown healthcare,” says Craig. “They are taking individuals from rural areas and introducing them to possibilities in the medical field.” The thought behind this program is that young students raised in rural Arkansas are more likely to come back to rural areas than those who grew up in urban areas; providing an increased number in medical professionals in the years to come. Despite the challenges that have collected over the years, the rural health care system is necessary and many Arkansans are working diligently to keep it alive. “We are in the middle of a global pandemic and it is no secret that our hospitals are competing with one another on market share, patients and, most importantly, quality of care. Our hospitals are doing all they can to have higher quality care than their neighbor, which is a great thing for patients.” said Tritt. COVID-19 has added a number of stressors to rural facilities, such as elective procedures being delayed and patients being uncomfortable visiting their doctors face to face. In April of this year, Gov. Asa Hutchinson set aside $116 million in additional Medicaid funding for hospitals

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

continued on page 10>>

<<continued from page 9

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU â&#x20AC;¢ SUMMER 2020

to make up losses and build telemedicine capabilities. “Through this grant, it is neat to see the state picking up on elements that hospitals have been using for years,” says Tritt. “In fact, Piggott Community Hospital is the national model for embracing telemedicine.” This element in healthcare is an outstanding resource, but is being closely watched to avoid any unnecessary issues. “We do not want telemedicine to become a crutch for people who need to seek face-toface care,” says Tritt. “The relationship between the patients and their health care provider is vital to ensure the patient is seeking the care he or she needs.” Arkansas has had to close only one hospital in the last 10 years, thanks in large part to the collaborative work between hospitals and the state government. Supporting the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as programs like Arkansas Works, are efforts that Tritt says are, “absolutely critical to the success of hospitals.” Working with the state government and the connections made within each community impact the economic strength of the its hospital facilities, she adds. “We normally talk a lot about the acute care that hospitals provide to patients, but we rarely mention the economic impact hospitals have on their communities,” says Tritt. “In Arkansas, there are 38 counties that count their hospital among their five largest employers and, in 22 of those counties, the hospital is among the top three largest employers.” Rural hospitals are just one component in the rural health care system. Investments aimed at prevention and management of health within primary care offices are also important to eliminating the expensive costs attached to inpatient care at hospitals. “We have to do better at avoiding preventable diseases and managing chronic diseases in our communities. These efforts will help in eliminating unnecessary costs through emergency departments,” Tritt says. “But having the acute care centers available is just as critical so residents have a place to go when they need it.” The experts agree the keys to a better future for the state’s rural health care system are continuing to offer access to every Arkansan who needs care, serving each resident where they are and providing the highest quality care at the lowest cost. •

Front Porch

The Arkansas Farm Bureau has a long history of supporting and advocating for rural healthcare. M*A*S*H (Medical Applications of Science for Health) is a program designed for students interested in a career in the medical field. The two-week camps take place at locations around the state and students get a unique look into the health care industry while shadowing medical professionals. The camps were not held this summer due to COVID-19.

SPRING 2020 ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

ARKANSAS FERAL HOG TASK FORCE

FERAL HOGS Creating an eradication plan for private land owners

51 counties (72%)

eral hogs (Sus scrofa) are in every county in Arkansas. These non-native invaders likely escaped from a farm or were released for sport hunting. After a generation or two, progeny of a domesticated hog appear untamed, with thickened fur and tusks. Sows produce an average of six piglets per litter when 8 to 13 months of age, with 1 to 2 litters per year, for a lifespan of 5 to 8 years. Other than hunters, research indicates feral hogs have few predators once past 10-15 pounds. Wildlife biologists have sighted feral hogs in every county in Arkansas. County Extension indicated feral hogs were a major agricultural issue in 22 of 75 counties (29%) with all 75 counties (100%) reporting that feral hogs caused problems in their county in the past year. – (McPeake 2020)

reported “a little” to “a lot” of crop damage in their respective counties. Becky McPeake - Professor/Extension Specialist– Wildlife with the U of A Division of Agriculture, Research & Extension. (McPeake 2014)

DESTRUCTIVE HABITS Feral Swine costs Arkansas Farmers & Ranchers an estimated $19,000,000 in lost yield, crop and livestock damage 2019 Mr. James Mitchell, a Yell County Farm Bureau member, has successfully eradicated over 400 hogs on his 250 acres. Mr. Mitchell admits that his efforts were all about self-defense. His first attempts in eradicating these hogs was not without mistakes. But, with the help of workshops, Mr. J. P. Fairhead, Feral Hog Eradication Program Coordinator, Arkansas 12

Department of Agriculture, and trial and error he now considers himself efficient and successful. Mr. Mitchell stated, “equipment failure and Murphy’s Law are our biggest hurdles when learning. Attend demonstrations/workshops and ask for help.” Feral hogs feeding and wallowing behavior create several problems. Non-native feral hogs compete directly with native wildlife species for limited food supplies, consume small mammals, reptiles, the young of larger mammal (e.g., fawns), the eggs and young of ground-nesting birds (e.g., bobwhites, Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

wild turkey) and disturb the habitat. There are a vast number of effects from their wallowing and rooting. Their rooting destroys pastures, forest roads, and levees. Their wallowing causes soil disturbance, aids in the spread of invasive plant species, contamination of agricultural crops and attributes to the polluting of streams (e.g., sedimentation, E. coli). Feral hogs can carry diseases such as swine brucellosis (15%) and pseudorabies which are transmitted to livestock and in rare cases, people. Local “hot spots” for these diseases in feral hogs are monitored by USDA Wildlife Services – Arkansas, http://www.aphis.usda.gov

of the group should be avoided, as non-trapped hogs are now “educated” to avoid traps. Trap-shy hogs soon reproduce and problems return. Bruce Jackson, a Farm Bureau member in Lockesburg, AR., has trapped and killed over 250 hogs on his 450 acres in the last 18 months. He believes his success can be attributed to these four things: assistance from the task force, patience, persistence and a “2 gate” system of trapping. He laughed and said his wife told him after having her front yard violated by hogs that it was “either him or the hogs, one of you has to go.” I decided I wasn’t leaving and got mad. “You gotta get mad to win.” Scott Cagle, Nuisance Animal Control Contractor of Okolona adds, “Treat pig eradication like a military operation, know your enemy well and engage all or as many other surrounding landowners as possible in the process.” Baiting hogs with corn is a common practice for surveillance and trapping. If baiting feral hogs inside the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Zone, check first with a local wildlife officer from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission about baiting rules and regulations.

Meeks Farm, Bradley County, Arkansas 2020 Although, small herds of feral hogs have lived in Arkansas for generations, the feral hog population in the state has increased and expanded dramatically since the 1990’s. Controlling the prolific feral hog has proven difficult. Feral hogs are very adaptive and learn to avoid hunters and traps. Hogs are very mobile, and will range for miles in search of food and mates. Most feral hogs are nocturnal, and therefore often unseen until signs appear. Signs of feral hogs are rooting, tracks, wallows, nests or beds, tree and post rubs.

CONTROL OPTIONS FOR FERAL HOGS •

•

Shooting a few feral hogs in a group does little to control their numbers and typically “educates” survivors to avoid humans. If implementing a trapping program, do not shoot or otherwise disturb hogs from your trapping area. After your trapping program, shooting or dog hunting can be effective at removing the remaining hog (s) which refuses to be trapped. Corral trapping or capturing multiple hogs in a sounder or bachelor group at one time is considered the preferred most effective method for removing feral hogs. Trapping requires a strategy that involves a significant investment of time and equipment. Traps which capture only one feral hog or a portion

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

•

Snaring can be used to supplement corral trapping. Snares can be placed around corral fences and along trails. Beware that snares can capture non-target wildlife and require frequent checks. Contact your local wildlife officer about laws regarding snares. • Hunting with dogs can remove single boars or stragglers who won’t enter the trap. Typically only one hog is removed at a time leaving the remainder to scatter. It is not recommended for population control of the whole sounder/entire herd. None of these control methods has proven 100% effective. Using several strategies, such as corral trapping followed by shooting and dog-hunting stragglers, offers the best option for achieving population reduction at this time. “There is not one magic bullet but as responsible landowners, farmers, ranchers and agencies, we can only affect change by working as one, we are all in this together.” – (Luke Lewis 2020)

Golf Course, Smackover (Union County) 2020 13

What are the laws in Arkansas regarding feral hogs? • • •

•

Feral hogs are considered a public nuisance, not wildlife. It is legal to shoot or trap feral hogs, day or night, on privately-owned land. Public lands including federal refuges and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) have different rules about feral hogs, and therefore check the rules first for where you plan to go. Feral hogs must be killed immediately upon capture. An exception is feral hogs which are captured on private property can be kept on that same property and not killed immediately. It is illegal to possess, sell, transport, or release hogs into the wild.

Successfully capturing feral hogs requires a strategy & partnership

If you have feral hogs on your property that you would like to trap yourself, here are a few things to keep in mind: 1. Identify feral hog signs or activity on a landowner’s property. 2. Prebait with corn in areas that already have hogs and at a location that will accommodate a trap. 3. Monitor bait regularly and use trail cameras if possible. Trail cameras can tell you when hogs are at the trap site and how many. 4. The goal of any control effort should be to remove the entire sounder. 5. Once hogs are consistently coming to the bait, work with the various agencies – APHIS, AGFC to determine best option(s) to monitor and trap hogs. 6. The next step is “training” feral hogs with bait to return regularly to the trap site. Be patient. All hogs in the group should enter the trap quickly on camera before setting the trigger. Removing the whole sounder is recommended to avoid educating uncaught hogs. A common mistake is setting a trap where feral hogs are not present. Trail (game) cameras are important tools for determining trap placement. A camera will also indicate how many hogs and of what size. This information is critical to determine where to set the trap, and for homemade systems, the number of fence panels needed, and its strength. Fence panels with 4-inch squares or smaller are recommended for capturing smaller piglets.

For more information about feral hogs, local trapping demonstrations, upcoming workshops, or having a workshop in your community, contact your local county Extension office. Visit this site for your county contacts, https://www.uaex.edu/counties/.

I own land. When feral hogs show up, who do I call?

Your first contact when feral hogs show up on your land is to contact Arkansas USDA APHIS office in Sherwood, Arkansas. Please Contact: US Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services 1020 Lantrip Rd., Sherwood , AR 72120 501-835-2318 For information about legal aspects of hunting and trapping feral hogs, contact the Arkansas Feral Hog Eradication Task Force/Arkansas Department of Agriculture. 90% of all land in Arkansas is privately owned. As a response, The Arkansas Feral Hog Eradication Task Force was created in 2014 with 12 member organizations. Because of need, education, population growth and destruction it now includes the following 22 members: • Arkansas Department of Agriculture • Arkansas Game and Fish Comm. • Arkansas Livestock and Poultry • Arkansas Natural Resources Comm. • Dept. of Arkansas Heritage • Rural Services Division of Arkansas Economic Development Comm. • Arkansas Dept. of Parks and Tourism • Arkansas Dept. of Health • University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture • Arkansas Association of Counties • Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts • Arkansas Farm Bureau • Arkansas Forestry Association • Arkansas Pork Producers Assoc. • Arkansas Cattleman’s Assoc. • The Nature Conservancy • Arkansas Dog Hunters Assoc. • USDA APHIS Wildlife Services • USDA NRCS • USFS Ouachita National Forest • USFS Ozark/ St. Francis National Forest • USFWS.

With the objectives: • • • •

Develop a multi-partner alliance. Increase public understanding of the damage and harm feral swine cause. Increase awareness of controlling illegal transport and release of feral swine. Increase resources to assist landowners and land managers in effort to control feral swine damage.

Fact sheet/AR Feral Hog Resource page https://www. agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agricultureservices/arkansas-feral-hog-eradication-task-force/

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

INTERESTING FACTS: •

It is difficult to get exact counts on feral hogs because they are secretive and cunning. A 2007 study by the Noble Foundation found feral hogs in 74 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties with a number between 617,000 and 1.4 million statewide. It is a problem that grows exponentially each year, since wild hogs produce two, and maybe even three, litters of pigs per year at an average of four to 10 live piglets per litter.

•

eral hogs range as far as 19 square miles and possibly F farther if food sources are scarce. Boars travel and feed alone. Feral hog groups are called “sounders,” and are made up of sows and piglets.

•

Pseudorabies is not related to the rabies virus and does not infect humans. It does weaken pigs, cause abortions, stillbirths and makes infected domestic hogs lifetime carriers. Infected animals periodically shed the virus through their mouths and noses. It is transmitted by direct contact, contaminated feed and water, ingestion of contaminated tissue and contaminated trailers.

•

wine brucellosis causes abortion and failure to breed. It is S transmissible to humans, at which point it is called undulant fever. Any contact with contaminated fetuses or tissue can spread the disease to humans. It is spread between hogs by direct and sexual contact, which poses a threat to the domestic hog population. The Texas Department of Agriculture estimates seven out of every 10 hogs must be killed to keep the population in that state at the level it is now – not to decrease the population, just to keep it static.

•

In 2019 Task Force Partners removed over 9,000 individual hogs.

•

In 2020 implement a mobile tracking application of all feral hog removal efforts.

FIND A PRIVATE LANDS BIOLOGIST

Central VACANT - 870-404-4789/Ted.Zawislak@agfc.ar.gov East Central Daniel Greenfield - 870-569-8124/Daniel.Greenfield@agfc.ar.gov North Central Ben Field - 501-442-6197/Ben.Field@agfc.ar.gov West Central Clint Johnson - 501-270-1926/Clint.Johnson@agfc.ar.gov Northeast Bo Reid - 870-291-1281/James.Reid@agfc.ar.gov Northwest Hugh Lumpkin - 479-353-7674/Hugh.Lumpkin@agfc.ar.gov East David Graves - 870-319-0668/David.Graves@agfc.ar.gov Southeast Bubba Groves - 870-224-3334/Harvey.Groves@agfc.ar.gov West Michelle Furr - 479-222-5894/Michelle.Fur@agfc.ar.gov Southwest Ricky Chastain - 870-331-1297/Ricky.Chastain@agfc.ar.gov South Central Jeff Lawson - 501-353-3591/Jeffrey.Lawson@agfc.ar.gov

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: • Robert Byrd, USDA APHIS Director - 501-353-8572 • J. P. Fairhead, AR Department of Agriculture, Feral Hog Coordinator - 870-253-372 • Becky McPeake, Professor/Ext. Spec - Wildlife Forest Resources - 501-671-2285 • Luke D. Lewis, CWB - AGFC Assistant Chief of Wildlife Division - 501-223-6350 REFERENCES: Reprinted with permission of Becky McPeake and the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, Research and Extention/University of Arkansas System. Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

MOBILIZING VETERANS to Feed America by Keith Sutton

In May 2007, longtime farmer Michael O’Gorman invited fellow farmers from several southern California counties to a meeting he had been planning for some time. He wanted to see if the group could come up with ways to create farm jobs for veterans returning from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I believe deeply in American agriculture and the rich reward it can give to all who take part in it,” he said. Sharing that opportunity with men and women coming home from war was a vision he’d had for years. Among those attending that first meeting were three women who had lost their sons in overseas combat: Nadia McCaffrey, Dolores Kesterson and Mary Tillman, mother of Pat Tillman, who left a lucrative NFL career to serve his country. The idea of opening up farms — and all the beauty, peace and opportunity they provide — to those returning from war, captivated them and the others in attendance. Before the day ended, the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) was born. “Our plan was simple: find a way to help these veterans and then tell their stories,” O’Gorman said. “It felt positive, optimistic and healing for all of us.”

“

Connecting veterans to agriculture was something that no one had tried in modern times,” said O’Gorman. “To take that idea and turn it into what FVC is today — with 20,000 members, support across the federal government and a vast network of partnering groups now helping this effort — has been the hardest thing I have done. Front Porch

”

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

Following that initial meeting, the Farmer Veteran Coalition quickly grew into a national nonprofit that mobilizes veterans to feed America. Their mission is rooted in their strong belief that veterans possess the unique skills and character needed to create sustainable food systems and strengthen rural communities. FVC develops meaningful careers for veterans by fostering collaboration of the farming and military communities. “Connecting veterans to agriculture was something that no one had tried in modern times,” said O’Gorman. “To take that idea and turn it into what FVC is today — with 20,000 members, support across the federal government and a vast network of partnering groups now helping this effort — has been the hardest thing I have done.” Already, FVC has assisted hundreds of veterans with everything from equipment to business plans, and financial advice to training. But the coalition continues growing, with new state chapters recently established in Arkansas, North Carolina and Tennessee. Michael Sparks of Searcy, owner of Honeycomb Ridge Farms,

Michael Sparks, in and out of uniform. Sparks and his son, Connor, working with their bees at Honeycomb Ridge Farm near Searcy.

continued on page 18>>

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

<<continued from page 17

a beekeeping and produce operation in White County, was selected as president of the Arkansas group. “When I started beekeeping and got back into agriculture, I was looking for resources and found Farmer Veterans Coalition,” said Sparks, who has served in the Arkansas Army National Guard for almost 20 years. “It’s a national organization, but when I looked for an Arkansas connection, I found it didn’t exist. For the last eight months, we’ve been in the process of making that connection and starting a state chapter here. We have established that, and now we want to expand on activities like mentorship and networking with the veteran community of Arkansas.” State chapters like the one in Arkansas are effective at integrating farmer veterans into local agricultural communities. They bridge the gap between the nationally driven movement and resources at the state and county level to help them achieve success in agriculture. They are essential for ensuring members are aware of regional opportunities. “Because national travel remains uncertain, our chapters may be the first to organize local gatherings and on-farm training opportunities that are so important to our members,” said O’Gorman. “Even as we are unable to engage in person on a larger scale, chapter organizers are networking with local farmer veterans through teleconference capabilities; the growth is occurring despite COVID-19.” Sparks said the Arkansas chapter has three primary goals. “Number one, we want to be a starting point for the Arkansas veteran, whether they’re still serving in the military or have exited their service,” he noted. “We want them to know that agriculture is a viable option, and it doesn’t matter if you want to pursue raising row crops or something as alternative as beekeeping. There are many different ways you can be a part of agriculture, and we want to be the starting point for that. “Number two is we want to build a network for that starting farmer, no

different things to offer. So there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be a leader in this community.” There’s no cost to be a member of FVC, and non-veterans can join, too. “We are here to help the veteran,” said Sparks, “but we want to give them as many different perspectives as possible. A lot of that comes from experts who have never served in the military, but they are the experts in their fields. Take orchard production, for example. There are some really smart people who know how to grow some of the best plums and peaches in Arkansas. Those people can provide a knowledge base for the veteran to give them the confidence they need to succeed. So it’s an inclusive chapter. If you want to be a part of reaching out and helping these veterans, you’ll certainly be welcomed.” •

matter what their skill level is, and place them in a position so they can have direct contact with a diversified squad of skilled farmers who can help them choose what fits them best. This also gives them a source of exposure so they can ask questions and be connected with operations that will help them be successful.” Number three, he says, “is to be the place where these veterans can build partnerships so they can finance, equip and gain technical training, as well as becoming mentors themselves. Other states like Washington, Michigan, Virginia and Oregon have been working on these efforts already, so they’ve kind of started this thing off. We’re just going to put an Arkansas flavor to it. We’re an agricultural state and have a lot of

For more information on the Farmer Veterans Coalition, go to www.farmvetco.org or www.facebook.com/FVCArkansas/. You also can send an email to Arkansas@farmvetco.org or reach president Michael Sparks at 501-593-9631.

FARM CREDIT PROUDLY SUPPORTS FARMER VETERANS AND THE ARKANSAS FARMER VETERAN COALITION.

ARFARMCREDIT.COM

Financing that can help make your farm, land and rural home dreams a reality.

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

MORE VETERANS PROGRAMS ARKANSAS FARM CORPS provides a ready, willing and able workforce of National Guard and Reserve soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and other military veterans in service to American agriculture. This initiative is led by Congressman Rick Crawford, in partnership with the National Guard and Arkansas Farm Bureau. “Now is the time to protect our food supply, said Crawford. “Food security is national security, and no two groups understand that better than the farmers who produce our food and the service members who secure our nation.” www.facebook.com/ArkansasFarmCorps/ The VETS4AG program provides veteran farm and ranch families with veteran-related resources and mentorship opportunities. The program also assists veterans interested in farming with tools, resources and mentors to support their transition to agriculture. www.arfb.com/pages/legislative-issues/vets4ag-program/

PICK UP YOUR PICKUP

Trash and other items blowing out of truck beds can be extremely dangerous for other traffic sharing the road. It is litter, and it is illegal. Do your part to keep our roads safe and free of litter by picking up your pickup. Do your part. Don’t litter!

KeepArkansasBeautiful.com Report Littering. 1-866-811-1222 Text VOLUNTEER to 484848 to get news and updates from Keep Arkansas Beautiful.

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

500

Farm Bureau members receive

BONUS CASH *

Our valued benefit program highlights the great movement that we have together, and how farming and trucks have gone together for over 100 years.

2020 FORD SUPER DUTY ®

Don’t miss out on this offer. Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com today! *Farm Bureau Bonus Cash is exclusively for active Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. This incentive is not available on Mustang Shelby® GT350®/GT350R/GT500®, Mustang BULLITT, Ford GT and F-150 Raptor. This offer may not be used in conjunction with most other Ford Motor Company private incentives or AXZD-Plans. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply. Must be a Farm Bureau member for 30 consecutive days prior to purchase and take new retail delivery from dealer by 1/4/21. Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com or see your authorized Ford Dealer for qualifications and complete details. Note to dealer: Claim in VINCENT using #37408.

20 24446_FD_LN_8.5x11_ad_Gen_2020_r3.indd 1

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020 11/27/19 9:31 AM

Arkansas Farm Bureau Members

$500 UP TO

Cogswell Ford 1900 East Main Russellville, AR 72801 479-968-2665 www.cogswellford.com

Cavenaugh Ford 2000 E. Highland Drive Jonesboro, AR 72401 870-972-8000

Everett Ford 19723 Interstate 30 Benton, AR 72015 501-315-4700 www.everettford.com

Riser Harness 2000 E. Race Ave. Searcy, AR 72143 501-268-2486 www.riserharnessford.com

• •

Red Taylor Ford, Inc. 401 W. Second St. Corning, AR 72422 870-857-3516 www.redtaylorford.com

Ryburn Motor Company, Inc. 156 Highway 425 South Monticello, AR 71655 870-367-5353 www.ryburnautomotive.com

Trotter Ford Lincoln 3801 Bobo Road Pine Bluff, AR 72422 888-443-7921 www.trotterford.com

•

• •

•

Everett Ford Bentonville

H • Cogswell Ford Russellville

• •

Riser Harness Searcy

H •

•

Paula Caruthers

501.725.3553

or email pcaruthers@pcipublishing.com

•

Cavenaugh Ford Jonesboro

•

Smith Ford Conway

•

• •

For Advertising Rates contact

Glen Sain Ford Paragould

Red Taylor Ford Corning

•

Tried, True, Trotter

Porch Front

Smith Ford, Inc. 908 E. Oak St. Conway, AR 72032 501-329-9881 www.smith-ford.net

•

Glen Sain Ford, Inc. Danny Ford, owner 1301 Hwy 49 North Paragould, AR 72450 870-236-8546 www.glensainford.net

Ford of West Memphis 2400 North Service Rd. West Memphis, AR 72301 870-735-9800 www.fordofwestmemphis.com

Vaughn Ford Sales, Inc. 106 Hwy 63 West Marked Tree, AR 72365 870-358-2822 www.vaughnford.com

•

BONUS CASH

• •

•

Vaughn Ford Marked Tree Ford of West Memphis West Memphis

•

H Trotter Ford Lincoln Pine Bluff

•

Ryburn Motor Co. Monticello

• •

H Featured Dealership Locations

Front Porch

•

Dealership Locations

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

% % % % s s s s

M E M B E R S E R V I C E S U P D AT E

A Choice Summer Benefit

t’s been a stressful and challenging year, and many of us are looking for ways to safely relax or get away for a while. Choice Hotels recently announced enhancements to its existing cleanliness protocols through their “Commitment to Clean” initiative to offer travelers some peace of mind when staying at one of the thousands of independently owned and operation Choice Hotels brand locations. This initiative includes enhanced protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene and Save social distancing. Save 20% 20% on on stays stays and and earn earn Save 20% on stays and earn Save 20% on stays andHotels earn In other words, when you’re ready to travel, Choice is ® ready to 2X welcome you. You can now access a 20% discount on stays ® at Choice Hotels ® ® 2X points points at Choice Hotels ® 2X points Choice using Arkansas Farm Bureauat Federation’s preferredHotels rates. Plus, ®

by Autumn Wood

Here’s how it works: 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll for free today at www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges/account/enroll 2.

Book your stays between July 15 and Sept. 15.

Check-in at any of their 6,000+ participating hotels worldwide by Dec. 31st.

Save 20% on stays and earn Save 20% on stays and earn Save 20% on stays and earn on stays and earn Save 20% on stays and earn on stays and earn Save 20% on stays and earn on stays and earn ® Save 20% on stays and earn ® points at Choice Hotels 2X points at Choice Hotels on stays and earn 2X ® ® points at Choice earn 2X2X points on qualifying stays through Dec. 31st. Hotels 2X points at Choice Hotels at Choice Hotels ® ® 2XChoice points at Choice Hotels ® at Hotels ® at Choice Hotels ® points at Choice Hotels ® at2X Choice Hotels 2X points at Choice Hotels RR

RR RR

Enjoy Enjoy a a special special offer offer and and peace peace of of mind mind when when you you stay stay Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay ® ® .. with Choice Hotels ® Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay ® with Choice Hotels ® . with Choice Hotels ®. Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay with Choice Hotels Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay special offer and peace of ®earn When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations Save on stays and Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay m When20% you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations special offer and peace of m Save 20% on stays and earn . with Choice Hotels When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations ® When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations

Save 20% on stays and earn special offer and peace of m ®. When you’re you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome welcome you atenhancing thousands our of locations ® with Hotels across the country. We remain committed to your and are existing When ready to Choice Hotels is ready to you at thousands of across theChoice country. Wetravel, remain committed to your well-being well-being and are enhancing ourlocations existing of m with Choice Hotels special offer and peace oice Hotels ®. . to across the country. We remain committed your well-being and are enhancing our existing ® across the country. We remain committed to your well-being and are enhancing our existing Save 20% on stays and earn % on stays and earn across the country. We remain committed to your your well-being and are are enhancing enhancing our existing existingof locations with Choice Hotels ®. .Hotels oice Hotels ® cleanliness protocols through the Commitment to Clean initiative. When you’re ready toremain travel, Choice is well-being ready to welcome you at thousands across the country. We committed to and our ®and cleanliness protocols through the Commitment to Clean initiative. . oice Hotels 2X points at Choice Hotels ® cleanliness protocols through the Commitment to Clean initiative. ® Save 20% on stays earn Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when y cleanliness protocols through the Commitment to Clean initiative. When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations 2X points at Choice Hotels % on stays and earn ® cleanliness protocols through the Commitment to Clean initiative. When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of welcom locations . eady to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to oice Hotels cleanliness through the Commitment to Clean across theprotocols country. We remain committed toand your initiative. well-being and are enhancing our existing Enjoy a special offer peace of mind when y 2X points at Choice Hotels When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations eady to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcom You can now access a 20% discount on stays with across the country. remain committed to well-being and are enhancing our existing ® your ® You can can now access a a We 20% discount on stays stays with with BOOKING WITH YOUR 20% eady to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcom You now access 20% discount on across the country. We remain committed to your well-being and are enhancing our existing ® untry. We remain committed to your well-being BOOKING WITH YOUR 20% You can now access a 20% discount on stays with points at aaChoice Hotels s at2X Choice Hotels cleanliness protocols through the Commitment to well-being Clean BOOKING initiative. WITH YOUR 20% You can now access 20% discount on stays with with BOOKING WITH YOUR Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's eady to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to You can now access 20% discount on stays with Choice Hotels across the country. We remain committed and are enhancing ourwelcom existing ®.to your untry. We remain committed to your well-being BOOKING WITH YOUR 20% 20% DISCOUNT IS Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's ® cleanliness protocols through the Commitment to Clean initiative. BOOKING WITH YOUR 20% Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's DISCOUNT IS EASY: EASY: untry. We remain committed to your well-being Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's DISCOUNT IS EASY: cleanliness protocols through the Commitment to Clean initiative. ® otocols through the Commitment to Clean init . with Choice Hotels BOOKING WITH YOUR s at Choice Hotels DISCOUNT IS EASY: Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's preferred rates. Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's DISCOUNT IS EASY: untry. We remain committed to your well-being DISCOUNT IS EASY: cleanliness protocols through the Commitment to Clean initiative. 2X points at Choice Hotels preferred rates. otocols through the Commitment toYOUR Clean init BOOKING WITH RR

preferred rates. You can now access a 20%the discountCommitment on stays with preferred rates. •• Click to access the 20%here DISCOUNT IS Choice EASY: otocols through to Clean init preferred rates.access BOOKING WITH YOUR Click here towelcome access the Choice preferred rates. •• Click here to access the You can now a 20% discount on with When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to you at20% thousands Click here to access the Choice 20% DISCOUNT ISonChoice EASY: otocols through the Commitment to Clean init You can now access a 20% discount on stays stays withstays access a 20% discount on with BOOKING WITH YOUR 20% Click here towelcome access the Choice Plus, earn 2X points on qualifying stays through VIP/Preferred Rate Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's •• Net Click here to access the Choice When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to you at thousands BOOKING WITH YOUR 20% Plus, earn 2X points on qualifying stays through Net VIP/Preferred Rate onEASY: DISCOUNT IS Plus, earn 2X points on qualifying stays through You now access aoffer 20% discount on stays with Net VIP/Preferred Rate on access acan 20% discount on stays with • To access the Choice Net Plus, earn 2X points on qualifying stays through Net VIP/Preferred Rate on Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's Enjoy a special and peace of mind when you stay 1 BOOKING WITH YOUR 20% Plus, earn 2X points on qualifying stays through Net VIP/Preferred Rate on DISCOUNT IS EASY: access aearn 20% discount on with across country. We remain committed to your well-being are enhancing Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's m Bureau Federation's ChoiceHotels.com or your Here’s how: December 31, 2020. Plus, 2X qualifying stays through Net VIP/Preferred Rate onand Enjoy a the special offer peace of stays mind when you stay • To access the Choice Net 111on DISCOUNT IS EASY: preferred rates. ChoiceHotels.com or enter enter yourare enhancing Here’s how: and December 31,points 2020. ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Here’s how: December 31, 2020. access a 20% discount on stays with BOOKING WITH YOUR 20% DISCOUNT EASY: VIP/Preferred Rate on across the country. We remain committed toISyour well-being and Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's m Bureau Federation's ChoiceHotels.com or enter your how: December 31, 2020. ® 11 Here’s DISCOUNT ISSpecial EASY: preferred rates. ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Here’s how: December 31, 2020. • Click here to access the Choice Preferred Rate ID in the ® ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Here’s how: December 31, 2020. m Federation's VIP/Preferred Rate on preferred rates. s. Bureau .. Privilegesthe with Choice Hotels ® Preferred Rate ID ID in the the Special ® cleanliness protocols through Commitment to Clean initiative. Preferred Rate in Special with Choice Hotels ChoiceHotels.com or enter the Choice •• Click here to access Preferred Rate ID in Special ® 1. Be member of Choice m preferred rates. s. Bureau ® Preferred RateVIP/Preferred ID in the the Special 1. earn Be a aFederation's member of the the qualifying Choice Privileges Click here to access the ®through Rate box before you search for cleanliness protocols through the Commitment to Clean initiative. Plus, 2X points on stays Preferred Rate ID in the Special 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges Net Rate onChoice ChoiceHotels.com or enter ® 1. Be member of the Choice Privileges s. Rate boxPreferred before youRate search for ® Rate box you search 1. Be a aready member of the Choice Privileges • before Click here to access the Choice your IDfor inRate • To access the Choice Net VIP/Preferred Rateyou on ChoiceHotels.com Rate box before you search for ® Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll Plus, earn 2X points on qualifying stays through 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges Net VIP/Preferred on When you’re to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome at thousands of locations s. Rate box before you search for Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll 1 onNot Plus, earn 2X points qualifying stays through When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations locations: 00223030 points on qualifying stays through Net VIP/Preferred Rate on your Rate box before you search for Rewards Program. a member? Enroll your Preferred Rate ID in When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels isEnroll ready to welcome you at thousands of locations ChoiceHotels.com or enter Here’s how: December 31,points 2020. locations: 00223030 Rewards Program. Not a member? locations: 00223030 the Special Rate box before Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll 1 onNot Plus, earn 2X qualifying stays through ® locations: 00223030 points on qualifying stays through Net VIP/Preferred Rate on ® You can now access a 20% discount on stays with for free today. Rewards Program. a member? Enroll across the country. We remain committed to your and are enhancing our existing ChoiceHotels.com or enter your December 31, 2020. locations: 00223030 1 Here’s 1 or for free today. enter your Preferred Rate inwell-being the Rate box before you locations: 00223030 across the country. We remain committed toID your well-being andwith are enhancing ourRate existing points on qualifying stays through for free today. the Special Rate box before WITH ChoiceHotels.com orthe enter your Here’s how: December 31, 2020. Here’s how: 2020. across the country. We remain committed to your well-being and are enhancing our existing You can now access a how: 20% discount onSpecial stays for free today. Preferred IDBOOKING in Special 1 you search for locations. 1 on for free today. •• Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) points qualifying stays through for free today. ® ® BOOKING WITH ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Here’s how: December 31, 2020. Here’s how: 2020. Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) cleanliness protocols through the Commitment to Clean initiative. When you’re ready to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations Preferred Rate ID in the Special 1 • Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges you search for locations. cleanliness protocols through the Commitment Commitment to Clean Clean initiative. Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's •• Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) Here’s how: 2020. Preferred Rate ID in the Special search for locations. 2. Book your stays between July 15, 2020 and cleanliness protocols through the to initiative. ® DISCOUNT IS EA Call ® 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) Rate box before you search for 2. Book your stays between July 15, 2020 and and provide Preferred Rate ID 1 2. • Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges ® Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's Book your stays between July 15, 2020 and and provide provide Preferred Rate ID Whenof toChoice travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcome you at thousands of locations ady to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcom Here’s how: 2020. Preferred Rate ID in the Special 2. Book your stays between July 15, 2020 and 1.you’re Be aready member of theNot Choice Privileges and Preferred Rate ID DISCOUNT IS EA ember the Privileges across the country. We remain committed to your well-being and are enhancing our existing Rate box before you search for • Call 800.424.6423 2. Book your stays between July 15, 2020 and and provide Preferred Rate ID Rewards Program. a member? Enroll ® September 15, 2020. ® 2. Book your stays between July 15, 2020 and Rate box before you search for and provide provide Preferred Rate ID ID You can access a 20% discount on stays with 00223030 preferred rates. September 15, 2020. 1. now Be a member of theNot Choice Privileges locations: 00223030 and Preferred Rate ember of the Choice Privileges • Call 800.424.6423 September 15, 2020. You can now access a 20% discount on stays with ® 00223030 Rewards Program. a member? Enroll BOOKING WITH YOUR 20% September 15, 2020. ady to travel, Choice Hotels is ready to welcom You can now access a 20% discount on stays with 00223030 Rate box before you search for across the country. We remain committed to your well-being and are enhancing our existing ® ntry. We remain committed to your well-being ember of the Privileges BOOKING WITH YOUR 20% (800.4CHOICE) and Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll 00223030 rates. s Program. Not a member? September 15,Choice 2020.(800.4CHOICE) locations: 00223030 cleanliness protocols through the Commitment CleanEnroll initiative. BOOKING YOUR 20% September 15, 2020. for free today. ® WITH 00223030 locations: 00223030 •preferred Call 800.424.6423 andtoprovide Preferred Rate ID.• Click here to acc Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's 00223030 ember of the Choice Privileges (800.4CHOICE) and Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll DISCOUNT IS EASY: s Program. Not a member? Enroll Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating for free today. Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's DISCOUNT IS EASY: •ID. Click hereinit to acc provide Preferred Rate locations: 00223030 ntry. We remain committed to your well-being 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating DISCOUNT IS EASY: cleanliness protocols through the Commitment to Clean initiative. s Program. Not a member? Enroll ocols through the Commitment to Clean BOOKING WITH YOUR for free today. today. 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating • Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating preferred rates. provide Preferred Rate ID. 3. hotels Check-in at any ofby our 6,000+ participating Plus, earn 2X points on member? qualifying stays through s Program. Not a Enroll Net VIP/Preferred preferred rates. for free today. today. worldwide December 31, 2020. 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating • Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) preferred rates. You can now access a 20% discount on stays with 2. Book your stays between July 15, 2020 and hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. •• Click to access the Choice 20%here DISCOUNT IS Preferred EASY: • Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) ocols through the Commitment to Clean hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. today. Plus, earnworldwide 2X points on qualifying stays through Net VIP/Preferred and provide Rate ID init BOOKING WITH YOUR 20% Click here towelcome access the Choice hotels by December 31, 2020. • Click to access Choice When you’re ready to Choice Hotels is ready to you at thousand 2. Book your stays between July 15, 2020 and hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. 1travel, Forhere Preferred Ratethe ID, contact •and Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) hotels worldwide by December 31, today. For Preferred Rate ID, contact your local Farm Bureau office. You can now access a 20% discount on2020. stays with and provide Preferred Rate ID 2. Book your stays between July 15, 2020 and cess a 20% discount on stays with our stays between July 15, 2020 ChoiceHotels.com Here’s how: December 31, 2020. Plus, earn 2X points on qualifying stays through Net VIP/Preferred Rate on Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's September 15, 2020. and provide Preferred Rate ID BOOKING WITH YOUR 20% 1 For Preferred Rate ID, contact Plus, earn 2X points on qualifying stays through Be sure to add your Preferred Rate ID to your Choice Privileges online Net VIP/Preferred Rate on DISCOUNT IS EASY: 00223030 your local Farm Bureau office. Plus, earn 2X points onstays qualifying stays through 2. to Book your between July 15, 2020 and 2020 Net VIP/Preferred Rate onPreferred our stays between July 15, and Be sure to add your Preferred Rate ID to toHere’s your Choice Privileges online • To access the Choice Net ChoiceHotels.com how: December 31, 2020. September 15, 2020. Be sure add your Preferred Rate ID your Choice Privileges online and provide Rate ID 1 Be sure to add your Preferred Rate ID to your Choice Privileges online our stays between July 15, 2020 and cessArkansas a 20% on stays with 00223030 profile: My Account >>Preferred Update Profile >> Company Information. across the country. We remain committed to your well-being and are enhancing September 15, 2020. Farm Bureau Federation's your local Farm Bureau office. mber 15, 2020. 1discount Bureau Federation's ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Here’s how: December 31, 2020. Be sure to add your Rate ID to your Choice Privileges online profile: My Account Update Profile Company Information. 1 DISCOUNT IS EASY: preferred rates. 00223030 Be sureMy to 31, add your >Preferred Rate ID to your Choice Privileges online ChoiceHotels.com or enter enter your Here’s how: December 31, 2020. Preferred Rate ID profile: Account Profile > Information. ChoiceHotels.com or Here’s how: December 2020. our stays between July 15, 2020 and profile: My Account >> Update Update Profile >> Company Company Information. VIP/Preferred Rate onyour September 15, 2020. mber 15, 2020. profile: My Account Update Profile Company Information. ® 00223030 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating Preferred Rate ID profile: My Account Update Profile > Company Information. • Click here toSpecial access the Choice Preferred Rate in mber 15, Bureau Federation's preferred rates. 1.2020. Be protocols a> member ofYour the Choice Privileges Preferred Rate ID ID in the the Special ® cleanliness through the Commitment toHotels Clean initiative. ®Preferred 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating Rate ID in the Special ChoiceHotels.com or enter well-being is top of and at thousands of ® 1. Be a member of Choice Privileges mber 15, Rate box before y 3.1.2020. Check-in at anyqualifying of our 6,000+ participating Bepoints aworldwide member of the Choice Privileges n at Plus, any of our 6,000+ participating ® Your well-being is top of mind mind for for Choice Choice Hotels and at our our thousands of on 1. earn Be ahotels member of the the Choice Privileges • Click here to access the Choice by December 31, 2020. Rate box before you search for Your well-being is top of mind for Choice Hotels and at our thousands of 2X on stays through 1. Be a member of the Choice Privileges Net VIP/Preferred Rate Your well-being is top of mind Choice Hotels and at thousands of Rate box before you search for 3. hotels Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating n at any of our 6,000+ participating independently owned locations. With our to Clean Your well-being is topand of operated mind for for Choice Hotels andCommitment at our our thousands of box before y Rate box before you search your Preferred Rate IDfor inRate worldwide by December 31, 2020. Rewards Program. Not athrough member? Enroll Your well-being is top of mind for Choice Hotels and at our thousands of Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll independently owned and operated locations. With our Commitment to Clean n at Plus, any of our 6,000+ participating independently owned and operated locations. With our Commitment to Clean hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. Rewards Program. Not a how: member? Enroll worldwide by December 31, 2020. 1 on earn 2X points qualifying stays locations: 00223030 independently owned and operated locations. With our Commitment to Clean oints on qualifying stays through Net VIP/Preferred Rate on your locations: 002230 Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll Rewards Program. Not a member? Enroll initiative, we’ve built on our longstanding dedication to cleanliness with ChoiceHotels.com or enter Here’s December 31, 2020. locations: 00223030 independently owned and operated locations. With our Commitment to Clean n at any of our 6,000+ participating independently owned and operated locations. With our Commitment to locations: Clean locations: 00223030 initiative, we’ve built on 31, our longstanding dedication to cleanliness cleanliness with hotels worldwide by20% December 31, 2020. worldwide by December 2020. the dedication Special Rate box before 002230 initiative, we’ve built on our longstanding to with You access a discount on stays with for today. Be can surefree tonow add your Preferred Rate ID to your Choice Privileges online initiative, we’ve built on our longstanding dedication to cleanliness with 1 1 for free today. worldwide by December 31, 2020. for free today. enhanced protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene and social distancing. initiative, we’ve built on our longstanding dedication to cleanliness with oints on qualifying through for free BOOKING WITH ChoiceHotels.com or enter your Here’s 31,today. 2020. Here’s how: 020.December initiative, we’ve built our longstanding dedication to cleanliness with enhanced protocols foron cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene and social distancing. Be sureMy to add your Preferred Ratehow: ID to your stays Choice Privileges online Preferred Rate ID in the Special enhanced protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene and social distancing. you search for locations. profile: Account > Update Profile > Company Information. worldwide by December 31, 2020. for free today. • Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) protocols for disinfecting, hygiene and distancing. Be sure to add your Preferred Rate your IDenhanced to your Choice Privileges online ur Preferred Rate ID to Choice Privileges ® • Call Call 800.424.6423 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) enhanced protocols for cleaning, cleaning, disinfecting, hygieneonline and social social distancing. 1 1. • (800.4CHOICE) enhanced protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene and social distancing. Be a member of the Choice Privileges profile: My Account > Update Profile > Company Information. Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation's • Call 800.424.6423 Be sure to add your Preferred Rate ID to your Choice Privileges online Here’s how: 020. ur Preferred Rate ID your Choice Privileges online Preferred Rate ID in the Special 2. Book your stays between July 15, and DISCOUNT profile: My Account > Update Profile > Company Information. t > Update Profile > to Company Information. Rate box before you search for IS EA 2. Book your stays between July 15, 2020 2020 and and provide Rate ® ur Preferred ID to your Choice Privileges online 2. Book your stays between July 15, 2020 and • Call 800.424.6423 and ® provide Preferred Preferred Rate ID ID 1.profile: Be aRate member of Choice Privileges and provide Preferred Rate ID mber of the Choice Privileges My Account >your Update Profile >aCompany Information. t > Update Profile > the Company Information. •and Call 800.424.6423 2. Book stays between July 15, 2020 Rewards Program. Not member? Enroll ur Preferred Rate ID to your Choice Privileges online September 15, 2020. Your well-being is top of mind for Choice Hotels and at our thousands Rate box before you search for of t > Update Profile > Company Information. and provide Pref preferred rates. September 15, 2020.stays between July 15, 202000223030 locations: 00223030 September 15, 2020. 2.Profile Book your and ® Choice 00223030 Your well-being is top of mind for Hotels and at our thousands of 00223030 t > Update > Company Information. mber of Choice Privileges (800.4CHOICE) and Rewards Program. Notmember? aYour member? Enroll and provide Pref Program. Not a Enroll Your well-being is top of mind for Choice Hotels and at our thousands of independently owned and operated locations. With our Commitment to Clean well-being is top of mind fo forthe free today. • Click here to acc locations: 00223030 September 15, 2020. ¹ For terms and conditions, see www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges/rules-regulations. The double points owned are only available to of the Choice Privileges Rewards Program who are employees of Choice Your well-being is topand ofmembers mind for locations. Choice Hotels and atID. our thousands of fo 00223030 independently operated With our Commitment to Clean Your well-being is top of mind 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating ¹ For terms and conditions, see www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges/rules-regulations. The double pointsowned are only available toawarded members of the Choicelocations. Privileges Rewards Program who are employees of Choice provide Preferred Rate September 15, 2020. 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating corporate travel partners that are the intended recipients of this email (“eligible members”). Eligible members willand beto double points after a qualifying stay with arrival between 7/15/2020 and independently operated With our Commitment to Clean Program. Not a member? Enroll initiative, we’ve built on our longstanding dedication to cleanliness with independently owned and operate ¹Hotels For terms and conditions, see www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges/rules-regulations. The double points are only available members of the Choice Privileges Rewards Program who are employees of Choice for free today. oday. Your well-being is top of mind fo 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating • Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) ¹Hotels For terms and conditions, see www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges/rules-regulations. The double points are only available toawarded membersdouble of the Choice Privileges Rewards Program who are employees of Choice corporate travel partners that are the intendedSuite recipients of this email (“eligible members”). Eligible members will be points after a qualifying stay with arrival between 7/15/2020 and 00223030 12/31/2020 atand a participating Choice Hotel. locations, among are members”). not participating. hotels are independently ownedafter and a operated. “Double points” means two times the base Hotels corporate travel partners that are WoodSpring the intended recipients of this emailothers, (“eligible members will beto awarded double qualifying stay with arrival between 7/15/2020 and ¹ For terms conditions, see www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges/rules-regulations. Thecurrently double Eligible points are only All available members of the points Choice Privileges Rewards Program who are employees of Choice Hotels corporate travel partners that are the intended recipients ofqualifying this email (“eligible Eligible members will beto awarded double points after aoperated. qualifying stay with arrival between 7/15/2020 and independently owned and operated locations. With our Commitment to Clean initiative, we’ve built on our longstanding dedication to cleanliness with Plus, earn 2X points on stays through 12/31/2020 at a participating Choice Hotel. WoodSpring Suite locations, among others, are members”). not currently participating. All hotels are independently owned and “Double points” means two times base independently owned and operate ¹points For terms and conditions, see www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges/rules-regulations. The double points are only available members of the Choice Privileges Rewards Program who are employees ofthe Choice Net VIP/Preferred Your well-being is of mind fo hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. earned a qualifying stay (base may vary by hotel). Tothis qualify for the bonus points, members must book their stays between 7/15/2020 andafter 9/15/2020 with“Double a top participating hotel via ChoiceHotels.com, 12/31/2020 at afrom participating Choice Hotel. WoodSpring Suite locations, among others, are not currently participating. Allfor hotels are independently owned and operated. points” means two times the base Hotels corporate travel partners that are points the intended recipients of email (“eligible members”). Eligible members will be awarded double points a qualifying stay with arrival between 7/15/2020 and initiative, we’ve built on our longstanding dedication to cleanliness with enhanced protocols cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene and social distancing. initiative, we’ve built on our lon 12/31/2020 at a from participating Choice Hotel. WoodSpring Suite locations, among others, are not currently participating. All their hotels are independently owned and operated. “Double points” means two times the base 2. Book your stays between July 15, 2020 and hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. points earned a qualifying stay (base points may vary by hotel). To qualify for the bonus points, members must book stays between 7/15/2020 and 9/15/2020 with a participating hotel via ChoiceHotels.com, Hotels corporate travel partners that are the intended recipients of this email (“eligible members”). Eligible members will be awarded double points after a qualifying stay with arrival between 7/15/2020 and independently owned and operate • Call 800.424.6423 (800.4CHOICE) Choice Hotels mobile app, orstay 800.4CHOICE atmay a rate that Choice Privileges points and arrive between 7/15/2020 and 12/31/2020. Corporate travelers may book through their online booking tool, hotels worldwide by December 31, 2020. oday.the points earned a qualifying (base points vary by qualifies hotel). Tofor qualify for the bonus points, members must book stays 7/15/2020 and 9/15/2020 with a participating hotel viatwo ChoiceHotels.com, 12/31/2020 at afrom participating Choice Hotel. WoodSpring Suite locations, among others, are not currently participating. Alltheir hotels are between independently owned and operated. “Double points” means times the GDS, base and provide Preferred Rate ID with points earned a qualifying stay (base points vary by locations, hotel). Tofor qualify for the bonus points, members must book their stays 7/15/2020 andtravelers 9/15/2020 with a participating hotel viatwo ChoiceHotels.com, thewith Choice mobile app, or 800.4CHOICE atmay a rate that qualifies Choice Privileges points and arrive between 7/15/2020 and 12/31/2020. Corporate may book through their online booking tool, GDS, 12/31/2020 atHotels afrom participating Choice Hotel. WoodSpring Suite among others, are not currently participating. Allfor hotels are between independently owned and operated. “Double points” means times the base initiative, we’ve built on our longstanding dedication to cleanliness or a travel agent. Corporate travelers mustat provide their Corporate ID/IATA/Member ID when booking at 800.4CHOICE and, of method booked, all members must provide their Choice Privileges enhanced protocols cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene and social distancing. initiative, we’ve built on our lon 3. Check-in at any of our 6,000+ participating the Choice Hotels mobile app, orstay 800.4CHOICE a rate that qualifies for Choice Privileges points and arrive between 7/15/2020 andregardless 12/31/2020. Corporate travelers may book through their online booking tool, GDS, points earned from a qualifying (base points may vary by hotel). To qualify for the bonus points, members must book their stays between 7/15/2020 and 9/15/2020 with a participating hotel via ChoiceHotels.com, independently owned and operate 1 For Preferred Rate ID, contact the Choice Hotels mobile app, orstay 800.4CHOICE atmay a rate that Choice Privileges points and arrive between 7/15/2020 andregardless 12/31/2020. Corporate travelers may book through their online booking tool, GDS, or with a number travel agent. Corporate travelers must provide their Corporate ID/IATA/Member ID when booking at 800.4CHOICE and, of method booked, all members must provide their Choice Privileges points earned from a qualifying (base points vary by qualifies hotel). Tofor qualify for the bonus points, members must theirprotocols stays between 7/15/2020 and 9/15/2020 with a participating hotel via ChoiceHotels.com, enhanced protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, hygiene and social distancing.lon enhanced for cleaning, di member upon check-in. Guest must book their preferred corporate rate. Production willand be basedbetween on800.4CHOICE thebook amount of point earning stays booked with the Corporate Travel ID, the dedicated IATA, 2.with your stays July 15, 2020 and or aBook travel agent. Corporate travelers must their Corporate ID/IATA/Member ID when booking at and, regardless of method booked, all members must provide their Choice Privileges ur stays between July 15, 2020 and initiative, we’ve built on our the Choice Hotels mobile app, or 800.4CHOICE atprovide abetween rate that qualifies for Choice Privileges points arrive 7/15/2020 and 12/31/2020. Corporate travelers may book through their online booking tool, Rate GDS,

Enjoy a special offer and peace of mind when you stay Enjoy a special offer and peace ofpeace mind when youof stay m pecial offer and . with Choice Hotels pecial offer with Choice Hotels .. and peace of m ice Hotels . iceEnjoy Hotels a special offer and peace of mind when y

with Choice Hotels .

Grow your green. Get cash incentives when you install energy-efficient equipment on your farm — and reap the benefits. LED lighting and irrigation equipment can lower your electricity costs while improving comfort and productivity. Visit entergyarkansas.com/agriculture to learn more.

C. Wright Welding 501.912.3574

Custom Fabrication Certified Welders Fences • Gates • Stairways Mailboxes • Trailers & more Stainless Steel • Wrought Iron • Aluminum

SP RI

FALL

Porch

2019

For Advertising Rates contact

s Deliliciou De cipes Re

ans sas ybe kan y so Ar Wh tter to orld ma the w ad Trip and ral Ro Ru

it Doing ay Her W Also: What as Arkansows Gr

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

Hours: 8:00-4:30 2 Maywood Dr. • Little Rock

Front

20 19

SUMM

o: Als

Since 1990

SPRING 2020

Paula Caruthers

501.725.3553

or email pcaruthers@pcipublishing.com

PLANTATION AGRICULTURE MUSEUM by Keith Sutton

Plantation Agriculture Museum is at the junction of Highways 165 and 161 in Scott. The SteeleDortch Store, seen here on the left, now houses the museum’s visitor center and main exhibits. The building was originally constructed in 1912 and was renovated in 1989.

n a state like Arkansas, which has a rich agricultural history, it’s no surprise we have dozens of museums and historical sites to educate people about farming and ranching in days gone by. What is surprising is the fact that many of our state’s citizens have no idea these places exist, and as a result, they’re missing wonderful opportunities to learn more about the Natural State’s rich agricultural heritage.

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

For example, while traveling from Little Rock to Stuttgart on U.S. Highway 165, many of you have probably driven right past Plantation Agriculture Museum in Scott numerous times without stopping to see what’s inside. But next time you’re in the neighborhood, we suggest you drop in for a visit. Spending some time looking at the artifacts and exhibits inside this unique facility can give you and your family and friends a much greater appreciation of the important role agriculture has played in the history of central Arkansas. A Look Back The community of Scott on the Pulaski-Lonoke County line was named for the Scott family, whose ancestors settled there in the early 1800s. The family owned a 2,000-acre plantation, plus a general store that opened in 1912. When the store closed in the 1960s, plantation owner Robert Dortch and his daughter Floride Dortch Rebsamen bought the building and turned it into a museum commemorating Arkansas plantation life. The museum eventually grew to include thousands of artifacts, ranging from blacksmith tools and kitchen appliances to a pair of huge steam engines. Unfortunately, it closed in 1978, six years after Robert Dortch’s death, and fell into a state of disrepair. In 1985, the state legislature approved funding to buy and renovate the property. Four years later, the museum reopened under the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism as the Plantation Agriculture Museum, with a new mission to “collect, preserve, record and interpret the history of cotton agriculture, with an emphasis on plantations.” Today, the museum houses more than 10,000 artifacts. Exhibits take visitors “from the field to the gin,” explaining how cotton was grown and harvested in the pre-mechanized era. The life and culture of people from slaves to sharecroppers to plantation owners are explored in the museum’s exhibits. Things to See A good place to begin your tour is in the Steele-Dortch Store, which contains the gift shop and restrooms, plus exhibits that cover what a cotton farmer would do year-round: plowing, planting, cultivating and picking cotton. Among the items guests can see are a breaking plow, middlebuster, fertilizer distributor, one-row planter, walking cultivator, cotton scale, cotton sacks and historic photographs of pickers at work. Picking cotton required more time and work than any step in cotton production. Men, women and children worked side by side in the fields, each dragging a cotton sack or basket. Schools often closed to allow children to pick cotton, and people from cities often came to plantations and farms for picking. A field was picked two to four times between August and December. An exhibit on ginning explains how Eli Whitney’s idea for a “cotton engine” became what we call a cotton gin today. The exhibit includes an early gin and describes how a cotton gin works. The museum also has an old-style cotton bale and a scale used to weigh the bales. A mule exhibit places emphasis on the important role of these draft animals, a necessity on farms and plantations. The largest plantations had 200 or more mules; the smallest farms had one or two. One cotton farmer wrote that mules were “as necessary as the sun and rain.” The exhibit includes mule collars, harnesses, trace chains, name boards and farrier’s equipment. An early 1900s kitchen features a wood-burning cook stove, ice box, pitcher pump and other items common on farms and plantation kitchens before rural electrification. Outdoor Exhibits Adjacent the museum entrance, a path leads past steam-traction engines and other large machinery en route to the restored gin and seed warehouse. Here, visitors can see a cotton pen built on runners. Pulled by mules or a tractor, it was positioned near a field being picked and loaded with newly picked cotton that would later be hauled in wagons to a gin. Giant traction engines next to the pen are early models with steel-lugged wheels powered by one-cylinder steam engines. These powered threshers or cotton gins in the field. You’ll also find outside a diverse collection of antique tractors and farm implements. Modern tractors did not appear until the 1920s, and, by the early 1940s, signified the beginning of mechanized cotton agriculture. Tractors became increasingly popular, to the point that sharecroppers were “tractored off ” the land by these machines that could do the work of several men with mules.

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

Most artifacts and exhibits at Plantation Agriculture Museum focus on cotton farming, including a wide variety of old photographs and this 25-saw cotton gin Robert Dortch used to process experimental cotton varieties he grew.

Fans of antique tractors will find several old models on display outside the museum. 25

Dortch Gin Building The Dortch Gin building houses a fully restored ginning system including two 80-saw gin stands, a two-bale press, blowers and belt-driven line shafts. Exhibits include replica mules pulling a cotton wagon, photographs and interpretation of the ginning equipment. The gin was powered by steam when built in 1919. Over the next decade, Dortch added a diesel engine, new gin stand feeders and electric motors. By 1938, he had built a new gin, and, within a few years, the equipment you see today was antiquated and no longer in use. Seed Warehouse No. 5 The 10,000-square-foot seed warehouse, built in 1948 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was used to store and distribute cotton, soybean and rice seeds for Robert L. Dortch Seed Farms. The building design includes truss construction to eliminate the need for interior supporting columns, a floor-to-ceiling auger system, improved ventilation and sloping sides to accommodate the shape of huge piles of seeds. Exhibits and photographs tell the story of the historic structure, its use, Arkansas’ main seed crops, seed breeding, seed-processing machinery and sacking/shipping operations. The warehouse had a Cotton Belt Railroad spur at its side. Today, visitors enter the restored warehouse through vintage Cotton Belt boxcars. •

The massive Seed Warehouse No. 5 was built adjacent to the Cotton Belt Railroad in Scott for the purpose of transporting cottonseeds as well as storing seeds for the Dortch plantation.

A walk through the Dortch Gin building provides visitors an up-close look at the fully restored 80-saw gin system once used on the Dortch plantation.

The Plantation Agriculture Museum is in Scott at 4815 Arkansas Highway 161 South. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 501-961-1409 or visit www.arkansasstateparks.com/plantationagriculturemuseum/

Here's to our family farmer-members, and all they do to provide quality rice for all. Thank you for all you do.

Learn more about our family farmers at Riceland.com.

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

A Winning Snack WARM SKILLET BREAD & ARTICHOKE DIP TOOK TOP “PARTY” PRIZE IN DAIRY FOODS CONTEST

e t s Ta ansas k r A

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

welve-year-old Emma Keller of Little Rock smiled and held up a small plate of her cheesy snack to the smartphone camera.

It was a charming end to the video that helped seal her win in the recent, “virtual” version of the annual Arkansas Farm Bureau Dairy Foods Contest. Keller’s dish, Warm Skillet Bread and Artichoke Dip, won first place in the “Party Ideas” category of the 2020 Arkansas Farm Bureau Dairy Foods Contest. This year’s contest winners were announced July 27, after contestants submitted a video introduction and description of their dish to a panel of judges. Though the contestants were not able to travel to Little Rock for the final competition, the judges were hopeful that each participant was able to use the contest as a unique opportunity to learn other skills. “This is more than just a recipe contest; it is a growth opportunity for the contestants to practice gathering their thoughts and preparing for a presentation,” said Bruce Tencleve, director of the Dairy Foods Contest. The eight finalists were selected from dairy foods contests conducted by 45 county Farm Bureau organizations. Though the contest was completed in July due to COVID-19, June was National Dairy Month and it is the 63rd year for Arkansas Farm Bureau to promote the state dairy industry through this contest. continued on page 30>>

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

<< continued from page 29

Warm Skillet Bread & Artichoke Spinach Bread Dough: • 2 ¾ - 3 cups all-purpose flour • 2 ½ tsp active dry or instant yeast • 1 tsp fine salt • 1 cup milk warmed, but not hot • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter

From Emma Keller - Age 12

Artichoke Spinach Dip: • 4 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach • ⅔ cup marinated artichoke hearts drained and coarsely chopped • 4 oz. cream cheese at room temperature (1/2 a typical brick) • ½ cup sour cream • ¼ cup we used Miracle Whip, but you could use mayonnaise • 1 clove garlic minced • ½ tsp your favorite hot sauce, I used Louisiana Hot Sauce • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese • 1 stick of butter, coat pan and top bread • ¼ cup mozzarella, shredded plus more for topping • Salt and pepper • A garnish if you like. We used 3 black olives Make the bread dough: Add two cups of the flour to a large bowl or of the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a kneading hook. Add salt and combine. Warm milk to lukewarm. Stir in yeast and let stand a few minutes. Add yeast mixture to bowl, along with the vegetable oil or melted butter. Mix and add additional flour in 1/4 cup increments until a smooth dough forms. Knead until smooth. Transfer dough to an oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about l hour. Make Dip: Meanwhile, place fresh spinach in a bowl with 1 Tbsp. of water. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave on high for l minute. Remove from microwave, leave covered and let stand 15 minutes to cool. Drain spinach well and add to a medium bowl. Add the remaining dip ingredients and mix until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until needed. Cutting/shaping dough: Turn dough out onto a lightly floured dough mat. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 16 equal pieces. (I cut in half, then each piece in half, then repeat cutting each piece into equal parts until I have 16 pieces). Shape each piece into a ball by pinching the edges together underneath. Generously butter a 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Find a bowl that is a least 6-inches across the top, spray the outside with cooking spray and place it, top side down, in the center of the skillet. Arrange the dough balls around the outside of the bowl, inside lip of skillet, pushing them together as needed until they all fit. Brush dough balls generously with melted butter. Cover the skillet with plastic wrap and let rise until puffy, about 30 minutes. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees with rack in center of oven. Remove bowl from center of skillet. Spoon prepared dip into the center space, pushing it right up to the edge of the dough. Sprinkle top of dip with additional mozzarella/parmesan. Bake in the pre-heated oven for about 30 minutes, until rolls are golden and sound hollow when tapped and the dip is bubbly. Remove from oven. Raise oven rack to the top third and switch oven to broil. Sprinkle the dip with additional mozzarella cheese and return skillet to oven under the broiler, until the cheese and dip is browned. Let skillet stand at least 5-10 minutes, or until just warm (not hot). Add a bit of freshly ground pepper on top, if you like. Do watch the hot skillet handle and wrap in a towel if it is still too hot to hold. Serve with a dip “knife,” garnish if you like and let everyone serve themselves. •

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

We are proud to be Arkansas’s insurance company.

ARMLPR44419

For more than 70 years, Farm Bureau Insurance has been helping our friends & neighbors thrive here in Arkansas—the home we share. Our local agents are members of your community, and their service to you has made us the largest property & casualty company headquartered in the state. Call today to discuss your insurance— and get a FREE no obligation quote.

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

*Farm Bureau® Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas, Inc. *Southern Farm Bureau® Casualty Insurance Company *Southern Farm Bureau® Life Insurance Company, Jackson, MS

D E LTA C H I L D In Delta Child, author Talya Tate Boerner draws on her Mississippi County childhood to deliver readers back to a simpler time when screen doors slammed, kids tromped cotton, and Momma baked cornbread for supper every night. Boerner, a fourth-generation Arkansas farm girl, has been published in Arkansas Review, Ponder Review, and Writer’s Digest. Her award-winning debut novel, The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee, is also set in northeast Arkansas. Follow her blog Grace Grits and Gardening (www.gracegritsgarden.com) for more tales of Arkansas farming, gardening and comfort food. Her second book, Gene, Everywhere, is now available.

by Talya Tate Boerner

What Would Daddy Do? I

often wonder what Daddy would think about our world today. You better believe he’d have a firm opinion on farming and politics and the price of ground beef at Walmart. Daddy died twenty-five years ago. Walmart didn’t sell ground beef back then. It was a different time, for sure, and in our household, roles were as firmly rooted as Johnson grass. When I was a kid (and until the time of his sickness), Daddy took care of most everything that happened beyond the walls of our home. If the pump house or septic tank needed work, Daddy was on it. He was in charge of trees that got struck by lightning in the middle of the night. Daddy dumped a new load of gravel on the driveway when the dandelions began poking through to daylight. Of course, his chief responsibility, and the thing that kept him from us most of the time, was farming. Momma’s domain encompassed the inside of our house. Her responsibilities were those traditionally and stereotypically considered female — fluffing and dusting and mopping and cooking and shopping for anything that eventually made its way indoors. Even Daddy’s clothes fell into Momma’s department, from work shirts to the somber black suit he wore at the occasional funeral. Daddy may have been paying for the clothes on our backs, but Momma went to Blytheville and picked out every single thing. Perhaps most importantly, Momma was in charge of child-rearing. I suspect this must have taken up a large part of her time, whether she was overseeing our church-learning or teaching us the art of starching Levis. One thing I know for sure, my parents’ primary responsibilities of farming and child-rearing rarely overlapped. What we Tate girls learned about farming came about mostly by osmosis, from

overhearing conversations on Friday nights while Momma did the payroll, by catching a snippet of the Farm Report while waiting for the school bus, by the very nature of the place we lived. As to child-rearing? I believe Daddy gladly conceded the bulk of that duty to Momma. Our yard, however, was a unique borderland area where duties sometimes crossed and roles reversed. Take, for example, grilling and snake-killing. Daddy never cooked a single meal in Momma’s kitchen. (Opening a can of Vienna sausages didn’t count.) But I would put Daddy’s pork ribs, barbecued on his oil drum grill, up against any Memphis restaurant. If a rattler dared slither across the back patio, Momma didn’t think twice about chopping off its head. She kept a hoe handy for that very reason. And by the way, our patio? Momma hinted and hinted at needing a new, larger patio until it became Daddy’s brilliant idea. Funny how that often happened. If Daddy were alive today, he would be 82 years old and retired. Both things are hard for me to envision. While I can’t speak for him (and never could), I believe he would still be watching the weather and driving the turnrows twice a day. He would regularly check his rain gauge, shake his head over the dicamba decision, and probably say to Momma, “Stop watching so much news, Barbara.” What I know for sure — Daddy would NOT wear a mask — and not because of any stubborn-headed, freedom-ofchoice, anti-science sentiment. Put simply, there would be no reason for him to do so. Why? Because while Daddy waited in his truck, Momma would run in the store and fetch whatever he needed. Momma would wear a mask for both of them. •

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

Peripheral

Neuropathy

WARNING! Do you have any of these symptoms?

þNerve Pain in Hands/Feet þPins & Needles þNumbness & Tingling þBurning Sensa�on þTrouble Walking/Balance

If you have any of these symptoms, then you may have a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. Has your doctor told you that nothing can be done to help neuropathy? If so, you may be talking to the wrong doctor. A Free Neuropathy Information Packet is available that reveals how a non-surgical, drugless treatment has helped thousands of neuropathy sufferers overcome this disabling condition. If you suffer from neuropathy, you need to order this Free Information Packet, while supplies last.

To receive your Free Information Packet… Call Toll Free (844) 663-6045. Hurry, supplies are limited. (24 hour recorded message)

CULTURE FOOD LANDSCAPES ARTISANS AUTHENTIC ARKANSAS

Authentic Arkansas is the story of the Arkansas frontier as told through historic buildings.

history MUSIC ADVENTURE PEOPLE

We are here to preserve and restore these original sites.

Arkansas Arts Council Arkansas Historic Preservation Program Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission Arkansas State Archives

Front Porch

Delta Cultural Center Historic Arkansas Museum Mosaic Templars Cultural Center Old State House Museum

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

ArkansasHeritage.com

$ In-Store Only

SUPER COUPON In-Store Only

(4980)

69%

SUPER COUPON

LIMIT 4 - Exp. 9/28/20*

Save

Use Online & In-Store

83%

* 72126784* 72126784

ITEM 5889 62281/61637 shown

LIMIT 4 - Exp. 9/28/20*

SUPER COUPON

Compare to Dewalt DW1369 $68.14

(1864)

Use Online & In-Store

(6317)

Use Online & In-Store

ITEM 5889 62281/61637 shown

o gic

Compare to Ironton 61451 $19.99

Use Online & In-Store

169

$ $ 199 49 3

0.30 cal. Ammo Box $ 99

SUPER COUPON Save Box cal. Ammo

(7332)

Compare to RangeMaxx ITEM 63135 1312-92 61451 shown $9.99

Step Stool

Compare to Ironton 61451 $19.99

ITEM 69645/60625 shown

(7332)

Use Online & In-Store

* 72136765* 72136765

Use Online & In-Store

72136765

31%

Compare to Neocraft 60635 $39.99

* 72136800* 72136800

LIMIT 4 - Exp. 9/28/20*

50%

ITEM 62515/66911 shown

(1635) Use Online & In-Store

72140631

Side tray sold separately.

199

Save

Use Online & In-Store

630

ITEM 64061, 64722, 64030, 64721, 64031, 64720, 56429

83%

YOUR CHOICE OF 7 COLORS

23999

Save

SUPER COUPON

* 72127790 * $ 72127790 LIMIT 1 - Exp. 9/28/20*

SUPER Compare to COUPON

Snap-On KRBC10TBPES (3820) $830

(7091)

Use Online & In-Store

Compare to Porter-Cable PCE360 $59.98

LIMIT 1 - Exp. 9/28/20*

hft_frontporch_summer2020_M-REG171603.indd 1

Use Online

ITEM 62431 63882/239 shown

$ 99

(4881)

Use Online & In-Store

LIMIT 3 - Exp. 9/28/20*

(3719)

Use Online & In-Store

1/2" Drive

Compare to Buffalo Tools HDFDOLLY $22.99

18" x 12" , 1000 lb. Capaci 65%

9199

SUPER COUPON Use Online & In-Store

*72141755* Mechanics Gloves AVAIL. IN SM, MED, LG, XL, XXL

72140176

LIMIT 4 - Exp. 9/28/20*

(322)

$ 99 Use Online & In-Store

72141755

ITEM 60497/61899 63095/63096/63097/63098 shown

Use Online & In-Store Hardwood *72140176 * Mover's Dolly

$ 99 1999 YOUR100w Solar Panel Kit CHOICE $ 99 $ $189 99 9910 Save Save

LIMIT 4 - Exp. 9/28/20*

66%

SUPER COUPO

1099 Save

* 72139478* 72139478

Save

ITEM 62434, 62426, 62433, 62432, 62429, 64179, 62428, 64178 shown

Use Online

* 7213 72135607

$66.39

SUPER COUPON

ITEM 61276/63880/807 ITEM 62431 63882/239 shown

$ 99

YOUR CHOICE

3/8" Drive

Compare to Husky H2DTWA $89.97

(6436)

ITEM 56808/68862/63190/62896 shown

$SUPER 99 COUPON

ITEM 61277/63881

88%

LIMIT 2 - Exp. 9/28/20*

54%

LIMIT 4 - Exp. 9/28/20*

$ 99 Compare to Valeo 25521 $14.99

72135607

Save

* 72139478* 72139478

Save

Save LIMIT 4 - Exp. 9/28/20*

LIMIT 1 - Exp. 9/28/20*

ITEM 61276/63880/807

AVAIL. IN SM, MED, LG, XL, XXL

2999

Use Online & In-Store $ *72135607 99 *

* 72135324* 72135324

1/4" Drive

ITEM 64263/68998 63248/64080 63091 shown

SUPER COUPON

1/2" Drive Click-Type Torque Wrenches

Compare to Husky H2DTWA $89.97

130 Piece Tool Kit with Ca

18" x 12" , 1000 lb. Capacity 64263/68998 Hardwood Compare to ITEM 63248/64080 63091 shown Use Online & In-Store Anvil Mover's Dolly A137HOS

Mechanics Gloves

99 SUPER 66% $ 2799COUPON

. 10 "

LIMIT 1 - Exp. 9/28/20*

ITEM 64061, 64722, 64030, 64721, 64031, 64720, 56429

(3719)

3/8" Drive

88%

3999

Compare to Anvil A137HOS $66.39

Use Online & In-Store 6

ITEM 61277/63881

Save

54%

ITEM 56808/68862/63190/62896 shown

Save

T. to * 72135324 * 8 FT 72135324

(4881)

Use Online & In-Store

72141189

Save

Compare to Worx WG309 $99.98

Blade sold $ 49 * 72136800* separately. 5 72136800

ITEM 61884 65570/62370 shown

(7091)

SUPER COUPON

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 9/28/20.

99 34

6 FT . to

SUPER COUPON

*72140631*6 AMP Variable*Speed 72141189* x 10 ft. Slant Leg Reciprocating Saw 1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com Up Canopy ITEM 62898 62897 62899 shown

Use Online & In-Store 5"

1/4" Drive (4982)

ITEM 62515/66911 shown

Compare to Neocraft 60635 $39.99

SaveCOUPON SUPER

Compare to Shade Tech 167501DS $79.99

Compare to Worx WG309 $99.98

LIMIT 4 - Exp. 9/28/20*

Save

6499 *72136765*

Compare to Snap-On KRBC10TBPES $830

LIMIT 4 - Exp. 9/28/20*

SUPER COUPON

Pop-Up Canopy $

83%

. 10 " 7 AMP ElectricTPole Saw 99 9.5" Bar

Use Online & In-Store

72131594

$6 AMP99Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw

ve 10 ft. x 10 ft. Slant Leg

ITEM 63135 61451 shown

Save $ 630$

Save

* 72126801* 72126801

Compare to Streamlight ProTac 1L $59.99 AMP

99 *72131594*

2999

LIMIT 4 - Exp. 9/28/20*

1499

ITEM 64799/63934 shown

Save

(1635)

Compare to Streamlight ProTac 1L $59.99

(4982)

18" Working Platform 50% Use Online & In-Store Step Stool

SUPER COUPON

50% 18" Working Platform

65%

199

$ 99 $ SUPER 99COUPON Save $ 99Click-Type $ Torque $ 14 39 7999 Wrenches

LIMIT 4 - Exp. 9/28/20*

Save

LIMIT 1 - Exp. 9/28/20*

Use Online & In-Store

* 72131594* 72131594

ITEM 69645/60625 shown

LIMIT 1 - Exp. 9/28/20*

Use Online & In-Store $ 99 *72128006*

50%

*72128006* ITEM 62859/63055/62860 shown 7 2 1 2 8 0 0 6

055/62860 shown 7 2 1 2 8 0 0 6

Save

16999

SUPER COUPON

(1631)

99 $ 588 99Lumen Tactical Flashlight$ 30", 5 Drawer Mechanic's $ 23999 $ $ 99 99 14

$ 99 $ $ 99 $ 14 7999

4-1/2" Angle Grinder

19999 $

SUPER COUPON

Exp. 9/28/20*

SUPER COUPON 30", 5 Drawer Mechanic's Cart SUPER COUPO 588 Lumen Tactical Flashlight (5262)

(6317)

(1864)

Save

Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking jacks, power stations, safes, storage cabinets, chests or carts, Atlas, Bauer, Central Machinery, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, D Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Vik prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be p

7 Electric Pole Saw 130 Piece 7212 * 72126784 * * 72126801 * Tool Kit with Case* 4-1/2" Angle Grinder ITEM 64799/63934 shown 72127790 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 9/28/20 * LIMIT 4 - Exp. 9/28/20* 72126784 72126801 9.5" Bar $ 99 SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPON SUPER COUPO

* 10 ft.* x 1772126568 ft. 72126568 LIMIT 4 - Exp. 9/28/20* Portable SUPER COUPON Garage

Compare to Shelter Logic 76377 $290.75

Exp. 9/28/20 * Use Online & In-Store

(5262)

Save

*7212224

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item

*2 172125664 * SUPER7COUPON 25664

$ 99

99 1883%

Use Online & In-Store

Use Online *72122244 * & In-St

Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, other Poulan,discount, Predator, coupon Tailgator, or Viking, Not items valid onor brands any Vulcan, of the Zurich. following prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 9/28/20.

ITEM 63358/63925 57162/63363 shown

LIMIT 1 - Exp. 9/28/20*

$ $189999

Use Online & In-Store

LIMIT 3

(4980)

1099

$ 89

Use Online & In-Store

1 - Exp. 9/28/20* Use Online &LIMITIn-Store * 72123251 * SUPER COUPON

72123251

ANY SINGLE ITEM*

Compare to 72122244 ProElite Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other AZC0AB 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, floor4 4 7 compressors, 21222 jacks, power stations, safes, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, welders, Admiral, Ames, $5.99 Atlas, Bauer, Central Machinery, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer,

* 72125664* 72125664

ITEM 63358/63925 57162/63363 shown

72123251

29 Piece Titanium Drill Bit Set

* 72126568* 72126568

$ x 17 ft. 120 ble ge

o x

Compare to ProElite AZC0AB $5.99

LIMIT 3

Use Online & In-Store 85*72123251 *

Compare to Dewalt DW1369 $68.14

$ 89

(5293)

ITEM 61524/63056 63057/63150/56668 63094 shown

056 56668

SUPER COUPON 29 Piece Titanium Drill Bit Set

69%

ITEM 56241/64857 shown

Save

(5293)

Compare to Keeper 5505 $22.80

WOW!WOW!

$ 85 Save

Porter-Cable ITEM 56241/64857 shown 118903799 $249.99

While Supplies Last

39 99 12

12" x 12" Microfiber

189

(6155)

12" x 12" Microfiber CleaningCleaning Cloths Cloths Pack of 4Pack of 4

99 Save

118903799 While Compare to $249.99 Supplies Last

SUPER COUP

SUPER COUPON

(6155)

99 99

Compare to Porter-Cable

SUPER 4 Piece, 1" x 15COUPON ft. Ratcheting TiexDowns ce, 1" 15 ft.

eting $ owns

164 164 189

• Breathable • Comfortable, Lightweight able Use rtable,•• Single Non-Medical

eight Use ITEM 57593 edical

WSUPE

20 20 Gallon, Gallon,135 135PSI PSI Oil-Lube Oil-Lube Compressor AirAir Compressor

99 $499

2020 %% 69 69OFF OF

WOUPEOR C SAVE 88% OW R C UP

Shop When You Need To Online & In-Store Shop When You Need To Online & In-Store UPON REQUIRED SUPER COUPON Less Than NO COUPON REQUIRED SUPER COUPON Less Than 50¢ Per Mask (674) Disposable Face Masks 50¢ Per Mask (674) 3-Ply Disposable Face Masks

sks per Pack per Pack 10 Masks

SAVE 88%

N ONWOUPO

LIMIT 4 - Exp. 9/28/20*

RENEWABLE ENERGY, ANYWHERE

Compare to Buffalo Tools HDFDOLLY $22.99

65%

102

(864)

$1.89

PER WATT

ITEM 60497/61899 63095/63096/630

Use Online

* 7214 72140176

SUPER COUPO

(322) to Compare ITEM 63585 Windynation SOK-100WP-P30L $292.44 72143166

Use Online & In-Store

*72143166* 100w Solar Panel Kit LIMIT 1 - Exp. 9/28/20*

18999

REN EN ANY

Pricing, promotions, and availability may vary by location and at www.harborfreight.com and are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to limit quantities. “Compare to” advertised price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. Although we make every effort to assure that our prices and products are advertised as accurately as possible, we are only human and in the event an error is made, we reserve the right to correct it.

Front Porch

$ 99

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SPRING 2020

7/31/20 1:55 PM

Serving Central Arkansas for over 30 Years Full Service Pro Shop Hundreds of Compound Bows in Stock Large Selection of Ladies’ and Youth Bows Indoor Shooting Range Crossbows Traditional Bows by Navajo, Bear, Martin, and others Large Selection of Bow Fishing Supplies Clothing by Badlands

We go the extra mile.

Large Enough to Serve... Small Enough to Care

• Red Iron Buildings • All Steel Structures • All Bolt-Up Structures • Engineered Buildings

866-479-7870

Over 30 years of service Gravette, AR www.MARATHONMETAL.COM

sales@Marathonmetal.com

Front Porch

Hoyt v Matthews v Ravin Mission v Bear

HOURS M-F 10-6 Sat. 9-4 Closed Sunday www.archers-advantage.com

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU • SUMMER 2020

6805 W. 12th St. Little Rock 501 663-2245 Follow us on Facebook

Front Porch

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU â&#x20AC;¢ SPRING 2020

Low rates wherever the road takes you.

New or Used Vehicle Loans

Hit the road with a Vehicle Loan from Farm Bureau Bank® With competitive rates, ﬂexible terms, and protection plans, let us help you get in the driver’s seat.

Contact your local agent and apply today! farmbureau.bank 800.492.3276

Rates and financing are limited to new or used vehicle models 2010 and newer. For our current rates and conditions, visit farmbureau.bank. All loans are subject to credit approval, verification and collateral evaluation. Farm Bureau Bank does not finance totaled reconditioned, refurbished, or salvaged vehicles. Non-member rates may be higher than posted rates and additional fees may apply. This offer may not be available in all states and rates and terms are subject to change without notice. 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. 07.20

Front Porch Magazine, Summer 2020

Articles inside

Member Services Update

28

A System on the Brink

Mobilizing Veterans to Feed America

Helping Farmers, Helping You

CONTENT