July 2013: Tennessee Farm Bureau News

FARM BUREAU News TENNESSEE

ISSN 1062-8983 • USPS 538960

Volume 92 Number 4 • July 2013

WHAT’S INSIDE: PagE 5 Farm Bureau on Farm Bill

Page 6 Delvin’s organic farm

Page 8 June Dairy Month kickoff

Photo by Pettus L. Read

Rutherford County 4-Her Kara Brown and her horse She’s A Famous Star were winners in their Western Class during this year’s 4-H State Horse Show in Shelbyville at the Celebration grounds. As the Farm Bureau News went to press, more than 340 participants were involved in this year’s state contest.

Official newspaper of Tennessee Farm Bureau

FarmBureauNews TENNESSEE

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Tennessee Farm Bureau News - July 2013

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FarmBureauNews TFBF’s newest Ball named new TDA director of marketing staff named TENNESSEE

ISSN 1062-8983 • USPS 538960

Pettus Read, Editor Lee Maddox, Assistant Editor Melissa Burniston, Feature Writer Stacey Warner, Graphic Designer Misty McNeese, Advertising

P.O. Box 313, Columbia, TN 38402-0313 (931) 388-7872 Issued bi-monthly by the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation located at 147 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia, Tennessee 38401.

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Send address corrections to: Tennessee Farm Bureau News Offices, P.O. Box 313, Columbia, TN 38402-0313.

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TENNESSEE FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Board of Directors Lacy Upchurch Jeff Aiken President

Vice President

Directors-at-Large Charles Hancock David Richesin Catherine Via District Directors Malcolm Burchfiel Dan Hancock James Haskew David Mitchell Eric Mayberry Jane May

ROSS Kelsey Ross joined the Tennessee Farm Bureau effective June 2013 as regional member benefits coordinator. In that role she will be involved in the expansion of local Farm Bureau member benefits in East Tennessee.

She most recently worked as the event manager for the Tennessee State Fair Association, where she was responsible for sponsorships, marketing and public relations.

Previously, she worked for Farm Credit Mid-America.

Kelsey is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin where she earned her degree in agriculture communications. She is active in McEwen FFA Alumni, serves on the Tennessee FFA Alumni Council and is a member of the Tennessee Shorthorn Association, Middle Tennessee Ag Club and Keep Tennessee Beautiful.

Advisory Directors Jimmy McAlister Dr. Larry Arrington Other Officers and Staff Joe Pearson Chief Administrative Officer

Rhedona Rose

Executive Vice President

Wayne Harris

Tim Dodd

Treasurer

Comptroller

Organization Bobby Beets

Public Policy Stefan Maupin

Bryan Wright

Ryan King

Director

Associate Director

Paige Bottoms

Special Programs Charles Curtis

Communications Pettus Read

Chris Fleming

Associate Director

Lee Maddox

Associate Director

Melissa Burniston

Associate Director

Director

Associate Director

together to prepare me for this experience. I’m also fortunate to come into the position with a day to day, working knowledge of the division’s programs and people.”

Before coming to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Ball held positions at national and regional marketing and advertising companies including the United Methodist Publishing House, MGroup and Art Growden Creative. Within these agencies Ball served in a wide range of positions, including project management, procurement, inventory control and budget management. In addition to her career in private sector marketing and advertising, Ball spent several years serving as the communications coordinator for the Tennessee Pork Producers Association.

She was raised on the family farm in Coffee County where her family ran a purebred hog operation, L.F. Stepp and Sons Registered Hampshire and Yorkshires, till 1999. The hogs have now been replaced with cattle. The Stepp family farm will be eligible for Century Farm status in 2017. t

BALL

Director

Associate Director Regional Member Benefits Coordinator

Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson has announced the appointment of Debbie Stepp Ball as director of marketing in the Market Development Division.

“Debbie is uniquely suited for this position at this point in the division’s history,” said Johnson. “I can’t imagine a more qualified person in terms of education, experience and skills to help lead the division into its next phase of service for Tennessee agriculture. In addition to her private sector marketing experience, she has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing farming today and in the future. ” Ball has been with TDA since 2008 serving as statewide outreach coordinator for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program. Her marketing and advertising background quickly led her to assume responsibility for the entire division’s producer and consumer web services. She replaces former director of marketing Dan Strasser, who left after eight years with the department to take a position with the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation.

As director of marketing, Ball will organize and direct the marketing and promotional services of the division to increase farm income and strengthen rural economies. This includes directing the popular Pick Tennessee Products program, which helps consumers connect with sources of locally grown and processed food products.

Ball will report to recently appointed assistant commissioner for Market Development Ed Harlan.

“I understand the honor, opportunity and responsibility of the position,” said Ball. “I’m grateful to get the chance to serve this industry that’s such a big part of my life. It seems like everything I’ve ever done has come

Director

Kristy Chastine Dan Strasser

Associate Director

Regional Field Directors Matt Fennel, Jim Bell, Melissa Bryant, Eddie Clark, Kevin Hensley, Joe McKinnon Service Companies Tennessee Farmers Insurance Cos. Matthew M. (Sonny) Scoggins, CEO Tennessee Rural Health Anthony Kimbrough, CEO Farmers Service, Inc. Tim Dodd, Director of Operations Tennessee Livestock Producers, Inc. Darrell Ailshie, Manager

SPAIN Amy Spain joined the Tennessee Farm Bureau effective June 2013 as regional member benefits coordinator. In that role she will be involved in the expansion of local Farm Bureau member benefits in West Tennessee.

Amy is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin where she earned her degree in business as a marketing major.

She has held a variety of positions where she excelled with customer service and retail sales. Amy most recently worked at Savant Learning Systems in Martin, Tenn. as the program design coordinator.

Amy is the proud owner of a blue heeler named Ranger and she enjoys sports, fishing and spending time on the lake with friends and family. t

White House with a green thumb - Students from five schools across the nation, including Knoxville’s Sarah Moore Greene Technology Magnet school, assist First Lady Michelle Obama with harvesting the White House kitchen garden. The produce was used to prepare a garden pizza which they then tasted. The students in the foreground wearing green shirts also have a school garden sponsored by the Tennessee Foundation for AITC.

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July 2013 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News

Wild hog management becomes high priority for Tennessee

By Jesi Ogg TFBF Communications Summer Intern “Woo pig sooie!” In the coming years, calling pigs may be heard more throughout Tennessee than from Arkansas Razorback fans.

In recent years, the wild hog population in Tennessee has exploded, with the middle and eastern parts of the state seeing the largest numbers and most damage. What was once a non-issue has become a major complication for farmers and wildlife agents across the state.

Wild hogs run in a “sounder” which is a social unit consisting of sows, piglets and juvenile males and females.

Sounders can contain anywhere from 20 to 50 animals in each. Wild hogs reproduce at a very high rate; sows can farrow (give birth) twice a year with an average of six piglets per litter. With this many wild hogs in one group, thousands of dollars worth of damage can occur overnight to an area.

Since the first documented wild hog harvest in 1953, Tennessee has seen a slow but steady increase in the wild hog population. Hoping to control the spread, a year-round, no limit hunting season was implemented by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency in 1999. However, new isolated “pockets” began to appear in parts of the state which formerly had no wild hogs. With the sporting incentive, it is believed wild hogs were being transported and turned loose to new parts of the state.

High reproduction rates plus human transportation has caused the

wild hog population to flourish. Just six years after the state wide hunting season was implemented, the threat of overpopulation became very real.

These smart, highly adaptable animals are wreaking havoc on Tennessee lands at an exponential rate.

Farmlands, livestock and forests are being damaged. It is estimated that in the United States wild hog damage to agriculture and the environment accumulates to $1.5 billion annually.

Our farmers are being affected significantly by the damage they cause.

Wild hogs trample and consume farmers’ crops. Rooting and wallowing further damages fields by creating holes and ruts. These ruts become a threat to farm equipment if not noticed. Although rare, wild hogs have also been known to prey on newborn lambs, goats and calves.

Environmental damage is another

concern. In forest areas, wild hogs rely heavily on vegetation and seeds or nuts as a primary food source. In areas with a high population of wild hogs, regeneration from seeds can be difficult. Even if the seedlings make it to germination, rooting and wallowing can cause damage to the plants. Wild hogs compete for space and food with deer, turkey and quail. Their rooting, wallowing and trampling can kill plant food sources for native wildlife species.

Although farmland is a primary concern right now, should this problem continue, human health could be at risk. Wild hogs are known to carry 45 different parasites and diseases. Their activities in streams and waterways reduce water quality. Eventually, everyone in Tennessee will be affected by this growing problem.

Fortunately, Tennessee has a plan to get the population under control.

The state plans to use four methods: snaring, trapping, shooting and aerial shooting. The first step in this plan is to target the small pockets, in hopes that it will prevent the spread of new sounders.

Education is also a factor in this plan. A key point to remember is that if you don’t have wild hogs, you don’t want them. Right now the most damage is to farmlands and forests, but damage could spread to golf courses and residential areas. Tennessee hopes to educate landowners through field days. Whether a landowner has a wild hog problem or not, education will be vital to stopping the spread of wild hogs in Tennessee. t

Farmers markets popular in rural areas Farmers markets: they’re not just for cities, anymore.

Tennessee’s farmers markets are popping up everywhere—even in the heart of Tennessee farmlands.

You’d think that in areas where many in the community still farm and grow gardens, the farmers market concept wouldn’t get much traction, but in fact, it’s in small towns and rural communities that most new farmers markets are showing up.

There was a time not so long ago that farmers markets were touted mostly as a way to get fresh, local produce into areas where produce wasn’t grown. Farmers trucked the literal fruits of their labors into more densely populated areas to give town dwellers a chance to meet the growers and know as much as possible about where their food was grown.

Those who didn’t have ideal options for buying fresh foods within their neighborhoods could get to the farmers market and take home premium produce for the week.

The fact is, it’s at least as hard for the grocery stores in smaller towns to get access to fresh, local produce. Many

smaller chain stores are locked into contracts with food distributors bringing in produce from far-off locations. Local, independently owned stores sometimes can’t purchase enough produce at one time to get a competitive price for their customers. Additionally, savvy shoppers are realizing that it’s just plain hard to grow their own produce in a cost effective way: it’s often an economically smarter choice to let a real farmer grow it for them.

Rural farmers markets also provide opportunities for communities to meet together in a casual way and enjoy each other at various activities and special events hosted by the market, much as they did when telephones, newspapers and televisions were not available to keep neighbors in touch with community news and with each other.

Pick Tennessee Products, the state campaign to help people find local food and other farm direct products, plans to host several events at farmers markets in rural communities across Tennessee this summer. Visitors who come out to a Pick Tennessee Products farmers market day can also take

home free recipe cards and have the chance to win a basket of artisan and other popular foods from Tennessee.

The Pick Tennessee Products website is a free service to Tennessee farmers and food manufacturers, promoting about 2,000 individual farmers and farm-direct businesses who list close to 9,500 farm products. Find local farmers markets, you-pick farms, seasonal recipes and farm direct products of all kinds at www.picktnproducts.org and follow Pick Tennessee Products on Facebook and Twitter. t

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Report reflects year’s weather challenges The June World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report released recently by the Agriculture Department reflects the slow corn planting season across much of the Corn Belt due to snow, rain and cool weather, according to analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Ninety-five percent of this year’s corn crop was planted as of June 9 (only 92 percent in Iowa), but later-planted corn faces the risk of pollination during seasonally warmer temperatures and drier weather expected in late July, which could reduce the yield. June’s WASDE report projected 156.5 bushels per acre for 2013, down 1.5 bushels per acre from May. Although reduced by 135 million bushels to slightly above 14 billion bushels, corn production, if realized, would still be record setting. The report also reduced projected corn use by 70 million bushels.

AFBF economist Todd Davis said the WASDE report still predicts ending stocks to build significantly over the 2012-13 marketing year levels.

“June’s WASDE projects corn stocks are greater than the pre-report estimates, which reflects negatively on the corn market,” said Davis. “The projected increase in stocks will cause marketing-year prices to drastically fall to $4.80 per bushel for the 2013-14 marketing year compared to $6.95 per bushel in the 2012-13 year.”

The report showed no change in planted or harvested acres for corn or soybeans as the World Agricultural Outlook Board, who publishes the WASDE, waits for the release of the acreage survey, on June 28.

“Trade projections are that about 2 million acres will not be planted to corn this year due to the late season rains and unusually cold weather,” said Davis. “Instead, it is expected that soybean planted acres will increase as farmers plant that crop instead of late planted corn.”

U.S. soybean ending stocks are also still expected to more than double from 125 million bushels in the 2012-13 marketing year to 265 million bushels in 2013-14. The increase will drop the 2013-14 projected soybean price to $10.80 per bushel, down from $14.35 in the 2012-13 marketing year.

Davis said the weather will keep the market captivated during the next three months in an attempt to better understand what proportion of the corn crop was planted later than normal and is at risk of pollinating during adverse conditions. t

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Tennessee Farm Bureau News - July 2013

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Read All About It

By Pettus Read Editor

Brownies and legislation: Timing is everything It was just about the end for poor ole Farmer Brown as he lay on his deathbed barely able to breathe.

Just as he was about to expire, the aroma of freshly baked brownies came up the stairs to his bedroom.

He always had a passion for this confection and thought to himself, “If I could just have one more brownie I could die in peace!”

He called to his wife, but his voice was so frail she could not hear him. Not getting an answer, he slid out of the bed and onto the floor.

He drug himself across the room and out into the hallway. Down the hall and down the stairs he went ever so slowly, crawling hand over hand, closer to that heavenly smell.

At the bottom of the stairs he pulled himself along painfully — hand over hand closer to that delicious aroma. He drug his pain-wrecked body across the living room and into the dining room to reach the source from where the wonderful aroma was coming.

Finally, he reached the brownies setting on the dining room table.

With all of his final strength he pulled himself up into his chair at the dining table.

The warm plate of brownies was now in site. He reached across the table and slowly grabbed the tray of freshly baked brownies.

As he dragged the tray of goodies towards himself, it made a scraping noise. Suddenly he heard his wife yell from the kitchen, “Don’t touch the brownies, they’re for the funeral!”

In Nashville and across the state back in April and May, I’m sure many folks felt a lot like ole Farmer Brown

trying to get the brownies. As we all waited for the governor to sign or not sign the Livestock Protection legislation, it seems every time we had reached the point of it being over, someone would say ‘not yet.’

In the end the governor decided to veto the legislation, which is his prerogative. He stated reasons from the Attorney General, Tennessee’s Shield Law and concerns from some district attorneys. For those reasons he vetoed the legislation and it looks

the No. 1 industry in Tennessee.

Farmers play a vital role in our state’s economy, heritage and history. I understand their concerns about large scale attacks on their livelihoods. I also appreciate that the types of recordings this bill targets may be obtained at times under false pretenses, which I think is wrong,” As an agriculturalist I do have to respect the governor for his diligence in looking at all the aspects of the legislation. It was

like we wait another year for Round 2, which I’m sure is going to happen.

I, for one, was hoping he would sign it into law, but if it needs fixing to satisfy everyone, which will be impossible in some cases, let’s get it done. The important thing is to stop animal abuse from the very first time that it does occur.

In the governor’s official statement he did say, “Agriculture is

good to hear him say he appreciated the role our farmers play every day and the problems they face at times due to unfair attacks through misrepresentation and deception.

As I read on the Internet all of this “whoop-de-do” one morning, I saw where a group was degrading and completely not telling the truth about an elected official or two.

They said things that would have

been better not said at all. In fact, we all have seen the air ways and press used on this issue, and others at times, to stir up the people and misuse facts to push agendas and opinions. Ben Franklin once gave advice to an individual who was fussing about a newspaper story that had given him a negative write up. Mr. Franklin said, “Never argue with a man who buys his ink by the barrel.” The same may be true about radio and TV today. They usually have the final word.

I do respect those who seek public office. They are doing a job that the majority of us would never attempt, but complain about often.

They are hounded by those who even never vote and who are only heard from whenever their “ox is about to be gored.” Sorry, didn’t mean to use an abusive term.

There is a process that is followed to get laws and legislation passed in our state and we have seen it used. This I do accept and as the official statement from the Tennessee Farm Bureau said the other day, “For the farm community this bill was all about protecting animals by stopping abuse quickly and ending the exploitation for sensationalism. Our farmers take the responsibility to care for animals very seriously. We will continue to be optimistic that we can care for animals and work to prevent animal cruelty.”

So, unlike the old farmer in the story I’ve used here from an unknown author from years ago, I think I’ll have a brownie this time around. It’s hardly time for the funeral yet. t

Official statement from the Tennessee Farm Bureau regarding the veto by the governor of the Livestock Protection Act legislation We respect Governor Haslam’s decision and appreciate his due diligence in considering the various aspects of the Livestock Protection Act (SB1248 Gresham and HB1191 Holt).

Although we are disappointed, we are appreciative of his recognition that well-established, long-accepted agricultural practices on farms are vulnerable to unfair attacks through misrepresentation and deception.

We also appreciate the sponsors and

all those members of the General Assembly who believe in and support Tennessee farmers.

For the farm community this bill was all about protecting animals by stopping abuse quickly and ending the exploitation for sensationalism.

Our farmers take the responsibility to care for animals very seriously. We will continue to be optimistic that we can care for animals and work to prevent animal cruelty.

Looking forward, our farmers will continue to display the relationship between farmers and their animals that was eloquently captured by Paul Harvey in his 1978 speech to the National FFA Convention. As caretakers, farmers have many times stayed up all night to care for a weak newborn…only to watch it die. “Then the farmer dries his eyes and says, ‘Maybe next year.’ ... So God made a farmer.” t

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The Ag Agenda

By Bob Stallman American Farm Bureau President

Farm Bureau, full steam ahead Baseball legend Yogi Berra once said that if you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.

While this seems completely logical, I’m always surprised at how many organizations don’t have a strategic plan to achieve their goals.

At a time of Washington gridlock, when not much of anything is being resolved, Farm Bureau is not only seeing action on three of its policy priorities, we are setting the course.

We are being proactive and strategic in recognizing and making the most of opportunities to move our policy agenda forward. The American Farm Bureau has set its policy goals and a plan of attack and we are now moving full speed ahead.

Anchors Up First up on Farm Bureau’s agenda is passage of the farm bill. The Senate passed its farm bill in June and the House is expected to begin floor deliberation soon. We are pleased with the Senate bill, which protects and strengthens the federal crop insurance program while not reducing its funding. It also provides farmers varied safety net options through the commodity program.

While the debate in the House will be more divisive than the Senate debate, the farm bill is still steaming ahead. I am optimistic we will see a new farm bill enacted this fall before the current one expires.

As soon as the Senate passed the farm bill, it turned its attention to another Farm Bureau priority— the immigration reform bill, which includes important agricultural labor provisions that Farm Bureau helped to create. We expect a robust floor debate, but I’m confident the Senate will pass this monumental legislation.

The hill is steeper on the House side for immigration reform. Farm Bureau will need to work even harder

to remind House members why farmers and ranchers can’t wait any longer for an agricultural labor program that works. But, I am confident we are up to the task.

All Hands The Senate’s passage of the Water Resources Development Act in May was another major milestone on the American Farm Bureau’s policy agenda. About four years overdue for reauthorization, WRDA, which focuses on upgrading waterway shipping infrastructure such as locks and dams, is finally on the move in Congress.

Having an efficient and reliable inland waterway system in addition to competitive ports are vital to America’s ability to provide affordable agricultural products domestically and to compete internationally.

Again, because of politics as usual, things are expected to be more challenging on the House side.

Farm Bureau members will need to urge their members of Congress to rise above politics and support U.S. agriculture’s global competitiveness.

To those representatives from states that don’t border the Mississippi River, its tributaries or other inland waterways, we’ll need to remind them that more than 60 percent of our grain exports move on our inland waterways system.

Politics in Washington has always focused as much on who is up and who is down as it has on the details and content of actual policy. The action so far on Farm Bureau’s issues shows that our new strategic way of representing our farm and ranch members clearly has us on the rise. While many only throw up their hands in despair against the stiff breeze of political gridlock, we adjust our sail, and powered by the force of our grassroots strength, we move deliberately toward our policy goals. t

The Campbell County 4-H Meats Judging Team took top honors in state competition, June 4, in Knoxville. From left: Steve Edwards, UT Extension agent; Prestion Evan; Jay Nance; Herrick Hacker; John Edwards; Dwight Loveday, UT Extension specialist.

TFBF congratulates Senate on passage of farm bill The Tennessee Farm Bureau congratulated the Senate on their passage of the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act (2013 farm bill) in June and are now urging the House to do the same as soon as possible. According to TFBF President Lacy Upchurch, the Senate version of the farm bill will eliminate direct payments to farmers while strengthening needed risk-management tools and a viable economic as well as natural resource safety net. The legislation was agreed upon by a bipartisan vote of 66-27. Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander voted for the legislation and Senator Corker voted no.

“The Senate’s vote puts us closer to having a farm bill available for our farmers come August. We do appreciate the Senate’s decision to protect and strengthen the federal crop insurance program and not reduce its funding,” Upchurch said. “We now look forward to working with our Tennessee congressional delegation as the House moves forward with its farm bill legislation. Hopefully with their completion coming in the next few weeks, our farmers can have certainty for planting and planning once again for the coming year.”

It’s reported from day one in the debate, agriculture expressed its willingness to rework the farm bill to help reduce the federal deficit, and the budget savings of $24 billion in this proposed farm bill is a big step toward that goal.

Now the House of Representatives take their turn at debating the legislation. House Speaker Boehner has come

out in support of the bill. American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman said, “With his statement of support for the farm bill, Speaker Boehner is giving all Americans, including the farmers who feed them and those concerned with nutrition programs, real optimism that Washington can get important work done in 2013. In return, he has been attacked unfairly by those who want to make the bipartisan progress on a farm bill appear to be the work of party politics by President Obama or the speaker himself.

“Congress is advancing bipartisan farm legislation – the House bill that cleared committee on a bipartisan 36-10 vote will soon be on the House floor. It is unfortunate that outside political groups with no interest in the agricultural economy or the farm and ranch families who underpin our rural economies have reacted by promoting inaction, effectively supporting no reform, no progress. Heritage Foundation-Heritage Action, for example, opposes the legislation, but they are misstating the facts in characterizing reforms advanced in the legislation as a referendum on the president. It certainly is not the view of a single leader in the political debate.

“The American Farm Bureau calls on Congress to work its will through a fair process and an open debate, to finish the House bill, leading to a conference committee, which can then produce legislation that reflects the will of the American people. It is time to put aside partisan bickering and get to work.” t

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Tennessee Farm Bureau News - July 2013

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Innovative Agriculture

By Melissa Burniston Associate Director of Communications

You never know what you’ll find along the road Drivers and passengers alike get a treat as they pass through the Delvin farm on State Route 840 in Williamson County – this certified organic farm butts up to the road on both sides and is a feast for the eyes in the spring, summer and fall months as acres of fruits and vegetables blossom for passersby to view with appreciation and longing.

This family farm began back in 1972 with Hank Sr. and Cindy Delvin and their children, Hank Jr., Eric and Amy. From 1972-1997 the farm sold their produce through distribution centers, Shoney’s and grocery stores, but started a venture into organic production in 1997, when son Eric convinced his parents to try organic farming when his vegetables, produced organically, sold for twice what theirs did produced using traditional methods. It was then that Hank and Cindy began the process of turning the farm into a certified organic operation and that came to fruition in 1998.

The Delvin’s then decided to delve into community supported agriculture (CSA) and were one of the first farms to have a CSA program in Middle Tennessee. CSA, or community supported agriculture, is when local consumers who want fresh produce are paired with local growers who want a stable and grateful market for their product. A “community” of consumers purchases, in advance, shares of the farm’s next harvest. Once the produce is harvested, the farmer divides it among the shareholders.

In 2000, the Delvin’s CSA program began with 25 shareholders…by the end of the season they had 125 and now they share their plethora of garden goodies with more than 800 CSA members, with a goal of reaching 1000! To be a shareholder in the Devlin’s CSA, you can either buy a half-share (a box of produce every other week) or a full-share (a box of produce every week) and then pick a market or the farm to pick up your

box. The summer CSA begins the third week of May and runs through the end of October and the winter one begins in November and ends in December.

In addition to their summer and winter CSA, the Delvin’s sell their additional produce to local restaurants, farmers markets and to local stores in the Middle Tennessee area.

CSAs and farmers markets have grown in popularity in the past several years, with markets popping up in even smaller, rural communities for people who don’t have the time or inclination to grow their own gardens to come and purchase their favorite summertime treats. In fact, according to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, most of the new farmers markets appearing are in smaller towns across the state – giving farms like the Delvins the opportunity to have a new place to sell their products… if there are enough people in the family to make it to each market!

Throughout the year you can find over 80 varieties of heirloom and traditional vegetables grown on the farm, which is the heart of the operation and a family affair from start to finish. Hank, along with his son, Hank Jr., are in charge of all the production, irrigation and overseeing of the farming of this 220 acre farm (100-120 acres are in production). Cindy is the backbone of the CSA portion, sending out the newsletter to all the members, emailing out pickup reminders and choices for the CSA boxes and recipes for some of the lesser known vegetables. Hank Jr.’s wife Liz handles all of the paperwork for the CSA program.

Hank and Cindy’s daughter Amy, a former teacher who returned to the farm in 2007 and joined the farming operation in 2009, is in charge of school tours, farmers markets and deliveries to the various restaurants and stores. Of course, as with any family operation, jobs merge, blend and shift as needed to make the farm

continue to thrive and flourish.

“I never thought when I graduated from college with my Masters of Education I would return to the farm, but it just feels right, and I enjoy working with my family. It is nice to be able to continue a family farm, especially since farms seem to be disappearing and we need to make sure agriculture is supported,” Amy explained.

Amy was on-hand to be the tour guide and official farm representative the day I visited and shared why she loved being back on the farm, “I love what I do because I love not only working outside but also the community of the local food movement - at the farmer’s markets, the stores and local restaurants and the CSA families - we get to provide food for people of all demographics.”

During the tour of the extensive property that makes up Delvin Farms, Amy brought me out to the field that produces a majority of the vegetables – five miles of half-mile long rows filled to the brim of luscious looking kale, chard, cabbage, lettuce and all manner of leafy green garden goodness! A few of their hired hands were hard at work harvesting the veggies to fill the CSA boxes that would be going out the next day, and I was impressed with the speed at which they were able to pick out the good, weed out the bad and band together the groups to go to the shed to be packed into the CSA boxes.

She also introduced me to their sheep, goats and cows – a built-in method of weed and grass control in their orchards and a great addition to the school tours.

The sheep graze through the orchards, eating the grass and weeds in between the rows of trees and will be sold for meat. The cows are being raised for family consumption and the goats are there for educational purposes for the school tours. This is a new venture for the Delvin

family, and they look forward to seeing how this method of weed control and fertilization work with the livestock.

“I never imagined it would get so big,” Amy said. “When we started with 25 shares back nearly fifteen years ago, we never dreamed we would have so many CSA family members and be able to share our love of farming with so many others. Now that I am doing school tours, I love bringing children to the farm, because our children are so far removed from the farm now. It is so fun to see their faces light up when they plant a seed or pet a goat for the first time. And the same goes for new CSA members or people at the farmers markets – seeing how they react to all the different types of produce is part of the reason I love it.”

And what a box of produce those CSA shareholders receive! During the course of a season, the Delvins raise over 50 varieties of vegetables that will go into the CSA box. Each box has from six to twelve varieties of vegetables. Amy says the seasons starts out with kales, collards, broccoli, cabbage, onions, strawberries, lettuces and other cool season greens; then summer brings on tomatoes, peppers, corn, melons, cantaloupe, blackberries, potatoes, squashes, cucumbers, beans and eggplants; and fall wraps up the season with perennial favorites like sweet potatoes, butternut and acorn squash, pumpkins, arugula, tatsoi, kales and other greens.

CSAs are also a great way to try new fruits or vegetables that you may not buy in the store or at the farmers market because you are afraid of not liking it or of not knowing how to cook it. If it is in the box, the Delvins have a suggestion or recipe to help you figure out how to eat it and have a new favorite food!

So this summer, as you bite into a fresh watermelon, try kale or chard for the first time or visit a farmers market to purchase some fresh from the farm fruits and vegetables, remember the hard work that went in to getting it there! To find a farm or farmers market near you, or even to see if there is a CSA offered within your area, visit www. picktnproducts.org. t

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July 2013 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News

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Trapping gets underway for tree pest across Tennessee Purple three-sided insect traps that resemble a box kite can be seen in ash trees across Tennessee in the next few months as part of a surveillance program by state and federal agencies.

2013 State 4-H Livestock Judging Champion Team - Lawrence County took top

honors at this year’s State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest. Back row from left: John Calvin Bryant, second in sheep and fourth high individual; Bryant Gobble. Front row: Darrell Ailshie, trophy sponsor with Tennessee Livestock Producers; Tori Bryant, fourth in beef, first in goats and first high individual; Mandy Whitfield; Paul Kelly, Extension agent.

TFBF teams up to support bipartisan immigration reform

As the immigration debate heats up in our nation’s capital, a group of influential organizations in Tennessee banded together to show their support of bipartisan, meaningful, workable immigration reform. The press conference took place at the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nashville, with Catherine Glover, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Ryan Peebles, president of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. of Tennessee; Moore Hallmark, executive director of the Southeastern Region of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Yuri Cunza, president and CEO of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and Lacy Upchurch, president of Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation each sharing why their respective organization was in favor of a federal solution to this on-going issue.

“The Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation is proud to stand today beside our friends with the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry and our fellow business families in support of S.744 the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act. We believe this bipartisan immigration bill is a balanced reform bill, it

includes fair and workable farm labor provisions, and it will help ensure an adequate supply of farm labor. The success of Tennessee agriculture as well as U.S. agriculture depends on workers who show up every day and work along with farm families to raise and harvest our crops and livestock.

Today’s consumers want local grown foods and labor reform helps make sure our food is produced here in the United States. We believe American food grown on American soil is the best option. We absolutely support securing our borders and believe part of what makes securing the borders work is to assure we have a legal, achievable way for farm workers to enter our country. The farm labor provisions are the result of an agreement forged by the United Farm Workers Union and the Agriculture Workforce Coalition, a coalition of 60-plus organizations of which our American Farm Bureau Federation is a founding member. We urge the U.S. Senate to support S.744 - the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act and look forward to working with members as the reform legislation moves through Congress,” said Upchurch during the press conference. t

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA, APHIS) and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) are partnering to survey for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a non-native, wood-boring beetle that has killed tens of millions of ash trees in the eastern United States and Canada.

“Trapping is a very important tool for us to know how extensive the infestation is and whether additional control measures are needed to slow it from spreading to new areas,” TDA Plant Certification Administrator Gray Haun said. “This year, as last year, traps have been placed across the state as a part of a national survey program.”

The goal of the trapping program is to provide a more complete national assessment and to locate new infestations for possible treatment and quarantine. Nearly 1,400 traps have been placed in trees across Tennessee by state and federal officials and private contractors.

The purple traps are coated with

an adhesive that captures insects when they land. The color is attractive to EAB, and is relatively easy for people to spot among the foliage.

“The triangular purple traps pose no risk to humans, pets, or wildlife; however, the non-toxic glue can be extremely sticky,” said USDA State Plant Health Director Yvonne Demarino. “It’s important people understand that the traps don’t attract or pull beetles into an area, but rather they are a detection tool to help find EAB if it is present in the area.”

EAB was first discovered in Tennessee in 2010 at a truck stop along I-40 in Knox County. In addition to Knox, seventeen other counties in Tennessee including Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Greene, Grainger, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Loudon, Monroe, Roane, Sevier, Smith and Union counties are under state and federal quarantines. This means that no hardwood firewood, ash logs, ash seedlings, ash bark and other restricted materials can be moved outside these counties without approval.

State plant health officials suspect that EAB entered the state on firewood or ash wood materials brought in from another state where infestations have occurred. Other pests can also be artificially transported by individuals moving firewood. Citizens and visitors are urged to buy their firewood near where they camp and not transport it from one area to another.

At times, traps can be blown out of the trees. To report a trap that is down, contact the national EAB hotline at 1-866-322-4512 or visit www. purpleEABsurvey.info.

For more information about EAB in Tennessee, contact TDA at 1-800-628-2631 or visit www.tn.gov/ agriculture/regulatory/eab.html.

An EAB fact sheet can also be found at www.aphis.usda.gov/ publications/plant_health/2013/faq_ eab_survey.pdf. t

Bumper Crop – A record or near record winter wheat crop is expected on the Davis Farm in Dyer County. According to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Tennessee’s wheat crop is forecast to be 31.5 million bushels and yields are expected at 67 bushels per acre which would be the second best on record.

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Tennessee Farm Bureau News - July 2013

www.tnfarmbureau.org

June Dairy Month Kickoff celebration

Lincoln County 4-H member has first place poster – Lincoln County’s Ben Fisk exhibited this year’s winning June Dairy Month poster, in center. Second place winner was McCade Miller from Bedford County on right and third place winner was Kelly Hunt from Sumner County on left.

Senior Dairy Quiz Bowl winners – Marshall County 4-H had the winning team this year for the Senior Quiz Bowl competition during the 2013 June Dairy Month Kickoff. From left: Ben Jordan, Canaan Whaley, Dustie Strasser and Andie Strasser.

Let me fix the mic for you Daddy – Longtime Davidson County dairyman and former

ADA of Tennessee President Bob Strasser was honored this year as the Tennessee Dairy Promoter of the Year during this year’s annual June Dairy Month Kickoff celebration. The award is the highest honor that a promoter for the dairy industry in Tennessee can receive and Strasser has been one of the industry’s main spokesmen. Shown here with her father during the presentation is Bob’s daughter Olivia who “helped” him with his presentation.

Dairy Quiz Junior Bowl winners – The Williamson County 4-H team was this year’s Quiz Bowl junior competition winners during the 2013 June Dairy Month Kickoff. From left: Kendall Warpool, Sydney Lamb, Jayme Ozburn and Conner Underhill.

Senior Dairy Quiz Bowl runners-up – Henry County 4-H had the senior reserve champion team this year. From left: Brooke Williams, Kasey Pickle and Emily Rose.

Junior Dairy Quiz Bowl runnersup – Van Buren County 4-H had the junior

reserve champion team this year. From left: Sydney Bouldin and Caleb Turner. Brianna Tillis was also on the team but was unavailable for the photo.

Belmont University men’s basketball coach Rick Byrd addresses luncheon – Coach Rick Byrd, Belmont

University’s men’s basketball coach, was the keynote speaker for the 2013 Tennessee June Dairy Month Kickoff Luncheon. Byrd is one of the most successful and respected coaches in the country and has been a model of consistency in leading Belmont’s transition from an NAIA institution to a perennial headliner and championship program in NCAA Division-I.

www.tnfarmbureau.org 14 Tennessee Farm Bureau

News - May 2010

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July 2013 - Tennesseewww.tnfarmbureau.org Farm Bureau News

2014 AFBF Convention heads to San Antonio The 2014 AFBF Annual Convention will return to San Antonio, Texas January 11 – 16, 2014. Tennessee Farm Bureau leaders will have the choice to fly from Knoxville, Nashville or Memphis to San Antonio on Saturday, January 11 returning to Tennessee on Thursday, January 16. The Tennessee delegation will be housed in the Hyatt Regency on the famous San Antonio Riverwalk.

Located two blocks from the San Antonio Convention Center, the Hyatt Regency is a short walk or shuttle bus ride to all convention activities.

Three general sessions with high profile speakers will be mixed with workshops on current issues, leadership, business, production and profitability. The showcase tradeshow will offer a change of pace where convention goers can visit with each other and agricultural vendors as well as share ideas at the county Farm Bureau Idea Exchange.

Young Farmers and Ranchers from across the country will compete for the pickup trucks, tractors and chainsaws, as well as vouchers and cash prizes.

Farm Bureau Women’s committee members will meet to discuss their agenda for the year. Both groups will elect their leaders for 2014.

Optional activities include the AFBF Foundation sponsored golf tournament and sport clay shooting contest on Saturday, flapjack breakfast on Sunday morning and a rodeo on Monday evening. The Foundation will also host its silent auction featuring items from every state during the tradeshow.

The business session will be on Tuesday, January 14 where delegates from all 50 states and Puerto Rico will consider and vote on Farm Bureau’s public policy for 2014.

If you’re not participating in the business session, you will have your pick of tours provided by the Texas Farm Bureau, bus tour to the LBJ Ranch & Visitor Center and historic Fredericksburg, Hop-on-Hop-off Tour of San Antonio highlights or take

walking tours of the Alamo, Tower of Americas, Institute of Texas Cultures or shop in LaVillita or Market Square all in nearby proximity of the Hyatt Regency.

Two group dinners have been planned with unique venues and tours.

On our first night in San Antonio, the group will take a short one block walk down Crocket Street to the County Line Barbeque for a Texas barbeque dinner overlooking the Riverwalk.

After dinner, we will board river boats for a narrated tour of downtown San Antonio and the Riverwalk before arriving back at the Hyatt Regency hotel.

At the conclusion of the convention on Tuesday evening, the group will walk across the street to the famous Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum for an evening tour and TexMex dinner. On Wednesday, a group tour and lunch hosted by the Texas Farm Bureau will also be provided as part of the group package price. We will visit a peanut processing plant, see cactus ropes made, tour the famous Alamo Hat Company, as well as visit an exotic wildlife ranch.

Ride “The City of New Orleans” A pre-convention trip limited to 50 people will travel to New Orleans via Memphis by bus and train. Departing Nashville by bus on Wednesday afternoon, January 8, this group will spend the first night at the Memphis Sheraton located adjacent to the Memphis Pyramid, the home of the Memphis Grizzlies. Catch the Memphis Trolley for a short ride to famous Beale Street or for barbeque ribs at Rendezvous.

On Thursday morning we will bus to the Memphis Amtrak Station to board the “City of New Orleans” for a leisurely day trip to the Big Easy. This scenic trip will wind through several rural Mississippi and Louisiana towns before arriving mid afternoon in New Orleans. You will be able to take advantage of the viewing car for panoramic views. While in New Orleans the group will be housed in the Marriott

American Farm Bureau Convention January 11-16, 2014

For more information call Mark Turner, Bobby Beets or Rhonda Humphrey at 931-388-7872 ext. 2223 Registration through your county Farm Bureau office.

PRICE INCLUDES:

Airport/hotel transfers and tips, five nights hotel, Saturday night dinner at County Line BBQ and riverboat tour of San Antonio Riverwalk, Convention Registration, Tuesday night dinner at The Buckhorn Saloon and tour of Texas Ranger Museum, Wednesday tour and BBQ lunch. $899 per person, double • $1,420 per person, single Register through your county office by Sept. 30, 2013. *Airline costs extra, projected: $375-$475 per person

PRE-CONVENTION TRAIN TOUR:

Train/hotel/airport transfers, 3 nights hotel, bus from Nashville to Memphis, train from Memphis to New Orleans, City Tour of New Orleans $499 per double occupancy • $840 single occupancy Courtyard on Iberville, in the heart of the French Quarter. Several world class restaurants, Jackson Square, museums, walking history tours, as well as Bourbon Street are located in easy walking distance from our hotel.

The group will take a city bus tour on Friday morning experiencing the history and culture of New Orleans before an afternoon and evening to tour on your own. The group will fly on to San Antonio on Saturday, January 11 to meet up with the rest of the Tennessee delegation in time for the AFBF Convention.

What Does This Cost?

Cost for the package trip in San

Antonio including five nights hotel, two dinners and evening tours, one day bus tour with lunch, AFBF Convention registration and transfers is $899 per person with double accommodations.

The cost of the optional preconvention tour which includes three nights hotel, bus, train, New Orleans city tour and transfers is $499 per person with double accommodations.

Airline costs are separate and will be posted on the county Farm Bureau Intranet as soon as they are available.

Tickets will cost approximately $375 $475 per person.

All registration will go through your county Farm Bureau office. t

Virtual map of state’s equine trails offered online Nearly two hundred tiny, green, horses are currently crossing the state of Tennessee. A map of the state of Tennessee, that is.

The Pick Tennessee Products website, www.picktnproducts.org, is now host to an equine resources map that links visitors directly to 196 different equine hot spots from one end of the state to the other.

“This interactive map is taking our Tennessee trail guide to a whole new level,” state Equine Marketing Specialist Wendy Sneed said. “Finding a place to ride is a lot easier now, whether you’re searching around your own county or are visiting another part of the state.

Travelers from out of state driving

through for shows or other trails can now just click through the map to see if there are facilities near them. That’s a big help if they need to stable somewhere for the night, or would like to do some riding along the way.”

The web map not only shows trails, but indicates overnight stabling, show and sale facilities, equine education and other related equine services.

The new live trails map is a practical, welcome benefit to serious equine enthusiasts, but Sneed points out that horse lovers don’t necessarily have to own their own horses to enjoy a nice ride along a Tennessee trail. A number of trails on the web map offer horse rentals.

“Summer’s on the way, the kids are out of school—it’s time to ride!”

Sneed said. “You should always contact the location before heading out to the trail, as weather and other conditions can affect availability of trails and horses.”

“One benefit of using the map is that we add new trails as we connect with them, so the map can stay more current than a printed version,” Sneed said. “In fact, we encourage anyone who offers trails, stabling, or show facilities to please go to www. picktnproducts.org and submit an application so we can get you added.”

Sneed emphasizes that the printed version of the Tennessee

Equine Trail Guide is still available in print. “Anyone can still go to the Pick Tennessee Products website, click on Equine Resources and request a trail guide booklet to be sent through the mail. It’s great for any horse person to have a guide handy in the glove compartment of the truck. This web map is just another way for us to help equine enthusiasts get where they need to go, even while they’re on the go.”

The Upcoming Show and Event Calendar for Equine is another service posted on the PTP site under Equine Resources. Visit www.picktnproducts. org for more information or contact Wendy at Wendy.Sneed@tn.gov. t

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Tennessee Farm Bureau News - July 2013

Case IH, AFBF partner for farm equipment discounts Thanks to a membership value program partnership between Case IH, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and American Farm Bureau, Inc. (AFBI), Farm Bureau members can now take advantage of farm equipment discounts. Eligible Farm Bureau members will receive an incentive discount - from $300 to $500 - when purchasing qualifying Case IH products and equipment from participating dealerships.

“We selected Case IH as a member benefit program partner because they offer product expertise and field support, as well as the resources of a leading tractor manufacturer,” says Ron Gaskill, executive director of AFBI. “The program’s goal is to provide Farm Bureau members with greater value when they purchase or lease eligible equipment.”

“Case IH is proud to support the American Farm Bureau and its mission of building strong, prosperous agricultural communities,” says Zach Hetterick, Case IH livestock marketing manager.

How it Works Farm Bureau members from participating states can receive the manufacturer’s incentive discount when an eligible tractor or implement is acquired.

“There is no limit to the number of incentive discounts that a Farm Bureau member may use as long as it is no more than one per unit and the equip-

ment included provides opportunities for small landowners to larger, professional producers ,” says Hetterick. “This discount is also stackable, meaning it can be used with other discounts, promotions, rebates or offers that may be provided by Case IH or a Case IH dealership.”

A current Farm Bureau membership verification certificate must be presented to the Case IH dealer in advance of product delivery to receive the incentive discount. Certificates may be obtained by visiting fbadvantage. com and selecting the Case IH offer.

Eligible individuals, family or business members will receive the following discounts on purchases of these qualifying products: • Case IH Farmall compact tractors (A & B) - $300 per unit • Case IH Farmall utility tractors (C, U, J Series) - $500 per unit • Case IH Maxxum series tractors $500 per unit • Case IH Farmall 100A series tractors - $500 per unit • Case IH self-propelled windrowers - $500 per unit • Case IH large square balers - $500 per unit • Case IH round balers - $300 per unit • Case IH disc mower conditioners - $300 per unit • Case IH sickle mower conditioners - $300 per unit • Case IH Scout utility vehicles $300 per unit. t

www.tnfarmbureau.org

YF&R REPORT Elissa McLerran - 2013 YF&R Reporter

It is sweet summertime in Tennessee, one of my favorite times of the year. The air smells like fresh cut hay, county fairs are in full swing, and more fresh fruits and vegetables are coming from the garden.

June is National Dairy Month, and recently one of Tennessee’s own dairies hit national television. The 2012 Outstanding Young Woman, Jennifer Hatcher, and her husband, Chuck, were featured on the Today Show. Musical accompaniment was provided by Josh Ogle, Brandon Whitt and Melody Rose. This was excellent, positive publicity for the face of agriculture, and I personally enjoyed seeing Al Roker spending time with the calves.

Young Farmers are working hard when they can between rain and the heat. Hopefully, all our members will be able to take a break and join us in Columbia July 19-20 for the annual summer conference. We have the great fortune to

Farm Bureau® Young Farmers & Ranchers Program

YF&R SHAPES THE FUTURE

FSA county committee nomination period underway The nomination period for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees is now underway.

“I encourage all eligible farmers and ranchers to participate in this year’s county committee elections by nominating candidates by the August 1 deadline,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “County committees are a vital link between the farm community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and provide an opportunity to farmers and ranchers for their opinions and ideas to be heard. We have been seeing an increase in the number of nominations of women and minority candidates and I hope that trend continues.”

To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area in which the person is a candidate.

Farmers and ranchers may nominate themselves or others, and organizations representing minorities and women also may nominate candidates. To become a candidate,

an eligible individual must sign the nomination form, FSA-669A. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available online at http://www.fsa.usda. gov/elections. Nomination forms for the 2013 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by close of business on August 1, 2013. Elections will take place this fall.

While FSA county committees do not approve or deny farm ownership or operating loans, they make decisions on disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs, commodity price support loan programs and other agricultural issues. Members serve three-year terms. Nationwide, there are about 7,800 farmers and ranchers serving on FSA county committees. Committees consist of three to 11 members that are elected by eligible producers.

FSA will mail ballots to eligible voters beginning November 4. The voted ballots are due back to the local county office either via mail or in person by December 2. Newly elected committee members and alternates take office on January 1, 2014. t

tour Arrington Vineyard. This is a wonderful time to come together as friends and agriculturists and learn more about the diversity of Tennessee agriculture, while having some fun at the same time.

Be sure and mark your calendars to attend the Tennessee YF&R Fall Tour which will be held September 27-28 in Millington.

This is where the Excellence in Agriculture Contest is held and we will see lots of Tennessee agriculture.

Applications for the Excellence in Agriculture Contest can be found on the Tennessee Farm Bureau website and are due by September 1, 2013.

Also, the new YouTell Ag Contest will be held. Get your videos submitted! Your 2013 State Committee hopes to see you at the Fall Tour in September!

Remember to contact your elected officials, be very involved in legislative decisions, be a voice for agriculture, and GO VOTE! t

The YF&R program helps young members shape the future of agriculture, as well as their own, with leadership development. The program strives to provide personal growth and advancement opportunities for its members, while building a more effective Farm Bureau to preserve the industry.

As part of the YF&R program, top members are highlighted each January in three competitive areas.

Three winners will receive their choice of a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra truck, courtesy of GM; nine national finalists will receive a Case IH Farmall tractor, courtesy of Case IH; as well as a $2,500 cash prize and $500 in STIHL merchandise.

Danielle Budy of Woods County, OK, Photo by D. Mielke, OKFB

For more information about YF&R competitive events and how you can get involved, contact your state Farm Bureau office or the American Farm Bureau Federation® at yfr@fb.org or 202-406-3600

www.tnfarmbureau.org

July 2013 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News

Summer means it’s Expo time in Tennessee

Beef Cattle Outlook

By Jesi Ogg

By Andrew P. Griffith

TFBF Communications Summer Intern

Assistant Professor Agricultural and Resource Economics

Foreign country presence in the domestic meat industry Citizens of the United States are concerned about a number of issues related to agriculture that have international implications such as migrant labor reform, trade issues as it relates to the use of beta-agonists, and implications of country of origin labeling (COOL) among other happenings that reach across the borders of our great nation. To a lesser degree but still important is concern from some with regard to foreign country’s ownership of domestic meat packing facilities as it is related to national security and the integrity of the food-supply chain.

This is not an article to pit proponents of one idea against opponents of the same idea. However, it is an article to discuss international companies’ effect on the domestic meat industry as well as to discuss domestically owned and foreign owned companies in the meat industry that greatly impacts the United States.

The discussion concerning foreign countries presence in the domestic meat industry rises from the announcement at the end of May concerning Shuanghui Holdings Ltd. agreeing to purchase Smithfield Foods for $4.7 billion. Smithfield Foods which is located in Smithfield, Virginia is in principle being purchased by China’s largest publically traded meat processor Henan Shuanghui. Smithfield has the largest share of sows in the U.S. sow herd (16 percent) as well as the largest U.S. hog slaughter capacity (26 percent). However, Smithfield’s numbers would only account for 1.7 percent and 3 percent of the Chinese sow herd and 2012 slaughter respectively. In addition, South Korean investors are hoping to build a beef processing plant in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to process their own beef.

It is reported that most of the beef would be exported to South Korea where limited resources are unable to meet the demand for beef as the economy continues to grow.

The first point to note is that a foreign country’s presence in U.S. industry is not a new concept. Almost

11

every aspect of our lives is influenced by companies with foreign ownership that have strongholds in the U.S. such as the automobile industry (Toyota, Nissan, Volvo), electronics (Sony, Toshiba, Nikon), professional athletic teams (Seattle Mariners, Brooklyn Nets), and even the meat industry. There are a number of quality meat packing facilities in the U.S. that are either foreign or domestically owned. Many readers will recognize names such as Cargill Meat Solutions, Tyson Foods, National Beef Packing Company, Smithfield Foods and many more as well renowned packers in the meet processing industry that are American owned companies. Many will also recognize JBS which is a Brazilian owned company and Maple Leaf Foods which is Canadian owned.

JBS is the largest animal protein company in the world. JBS purchased Swift & Co., formerly American owned, in 2007 resulting in JBS becoming the largest beef processor in the world.

To date, there has been little negative impact of the acquisition of Swift

by JBS, and has likely only made the company more visible to consumers.

JBS has continued to employ many U.S. citizens, just as Cargill and Tyson have done, while producing safe meat products that are consumed domestically and internationally. The sale of Smithfield to foreign ownership is not expected to result in any different outcome than that of other foreign owned food processors. The agreement was laid out in a fashion where Shuanghui would honor employee agreements and make no changes to Smithfield’s management and operations. The sale of Smithfield is not expected to have many implications on the U.S. industry as the structure and landscape of the industry appear to be unchanged. It is understandable for folks to be concerned when there is a major takeover of a company such as Smithfield, but we need to allow some time to pass before we determine if it was beneficial or detrimental to the U.S. meat industry. t

The anticipation built as students across Tennessee waited for the final bell to ring on their last day of school.

Visions of summer vacation fun danced in their heads. Some will spend their summer building sand castles on the beach, others can be found lying by the pool and still others will be… wrangling a 1,000 pound steer? That’s right. For the 55,000 youth enrolled in livestock projects, summer vacation means the beginning of show season.

Whether it is cattle, horses, sheep, goats or swine, students involved with livestock will begin training and preparing their animals for a summer full of county fairs, expositions and national shows.

Tennessee livestock numbers are decreasing. From 2012 to 2013, sheep, goats and hogs all saw a significant drop in numbers. The number of cattle increased, but only by a few hundred head. Last year’s Tennessee Junior Livestock Exposition was no indication of the declining numbers when 530 exhibitors arrived from 61 Tennessee counties to show their 1,175 cattle and sheep. Dr. Jim Neel, professor of Animal Science and Extension beef specialist, is quick to point out that these shows are not merely to show off the animals. “The shows are not livestock shows, but they are for the youth to demonstrate what he or she has learned by participating in the program. The sheep, pig or horse serves as a ticket to get into the program,” says Neel; and demonstrate they did. At the 2012 expo, more than 3,300 ribbons and rosettes, 269 plaques and trophies and 307 medallions were awarded to exhibitors.

So if livestock numbers across the state are decreasing, why does the number of youth showing these animals remain steady? Is it the ribbons and trophies? Could it be the scholarship money offered? Even after all of the hard work, not everyone walks out of the show ring a winner. So why do these teenagers choose to spend their hot summer days washing, clipping, halter breaking, traveling, loading and unloading trailers full of animals and show supplies?

For Ethan Rowlett and his younger brother and sister, it’s the little things that you can’t put your hands on. “I love to show because I get to spend time with my friends, family and animals. I get rewarded for the work and money I put into it,” Rowlett says.

“Honestly there is no better feeling than when the judge pats your steer and shakes your hand.” Like the Rowlett kids, these students are often following a tradition. A tradition that Dr. Neel says will ensure the future of livestock shows. “As long as youngsters have family involvement such

as grandparents, parents and siblings that also have an interest and experienced a livestock project, the shows will continue.”

For many of these students, it’s more than just a hobby or summer project. “Well for me, showing horses is just a way of life. Getting up every morning to feed or ride or anything else is just the way it is. It’s necessary,” says Melanie Aiosa, who shows western pleasure horses. The many hours spent with each other creates a bond only the showman and his or her animal can understand. It’s the special bond that keeps these kids active.

The show animals depend on the kids for food, water and shelter as much as the kids depend on the animals to remember their training- to walk with grace and ease, to keep their feet in the correct placement and to stand patiently waiting on the judge to make his final decision.

It’s the unspoken challenge to compete with yourself as well as others in the ring; to be better than you were last show and to push your fellow showmen to be the best they can be. These kids are friends on the sidelines, but inside the ring they are fierce competitors. They understand the feeling of putting sweat, tears and many long days into their animals, only to come in second to a dear friend. When the ribbons are awarded and the barn lights go down, they congratulate each other with humble success and no bitterness in defeat.

Stock show kids are a vital piece to the livestock industry according to Dr. Neel. “Our society is changing and the population is becoming more concerned about how animals are produced and cared for. By being involved in the livestock shows and program, the youth of today and tomorrow will be spokespeople for the industry. They will have careers in education, government and business and interact with the general public.

They will inform the others that were not fortunate enough to have the experience of providing care for an animal and having an understanding of the role that livestock play in their lives,” says Dr. Neel. He also adds that these livestock projects aid in the development of life skills.

It is estimated that over 30,000 Tennessee youth have benefited from participation in Expo over the last 41 years. Dr. Neel is optimistic about the future of livestock programs saying, “As long as we keep the focus on the youth, I anticipate that the 4-H and FFA livestock program will continue into the future.” The students, on the other hand, will continue to focus on their livestock as they prepare for this show season. Hundreds of dollars will be spent, thousands of miles will be driven and millions of memories will be made this summer for youth involved in animal science projects. t

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Tennessee Farm Bureau News - July May 2013 2010

www.tnfarmbureau.org

Tennessee’s Agri-Events Pork Delegate Election, August 6 The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2014 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 6, 2013 in conjunction with an executive committee meeting of the Tennessee Pork Producers Association in the Ed Jones Auditorium at the Ellington Agriculture Center, 440 Hogan Rd., Nashville, TN 37204.

Any producer, age 18 or older who is a resident of the state and has paid all assessments due may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their name and the checkoff deducted. For more information, contact the Tennessee Pork Producers Association, 13994 Versailles Rd. Rockvale, TN 37153, 615-274-6533. t

Mid-South Ag Finance Conference, August 7 Register now for this year’s conference that will feature renowned agricultural experts and speakers, David Kohl (AgriVisions, LLC), Richard Brock (Brock Associates), Daryll Ray (University of Tennessee), and Matt Roberts (The Ohio State University).

Opportunities and risks are growing in the agricultural economy.

Today’s successful lenders and producers must have the most up-to-date and practical financial tools and practical information about production costs, commodity prices, land values, credit quality, interest rates, and government policies.

Agricultural lenders, producers, and service providers should not miss this informative conference focusing on credit availability, input and output prices, government supports, and the global economy. Our renowned experts will provide lenders and producers with specific tools and best practices in ag finance, risk management and financial planning. The conference provides the information needed to help good ag operations become great ag operations. The event is also an excellent business development opportunity for lenders and ag service providers. Lenders are encouraged to invite their customers and producers should bring their family members and business partners.

Conference registration information is available at www.utm.edu/ agconference or by contacting Tom Payne at (731) 881-7324 or tpayne@ utm.edu. t

County Farm Bureau Annual Meetings Bedford County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting will be Friday, August 2, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the local Farm Bureau, 323 Bethany Lane in Shelbyville. A catered meal will be provided. There will be door prizes.

Claiborne County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting will be Friday, September 13, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at the Fair Barn in Tazewell.

All members are welcome. Please notify the county office by Sept. 6 at 423-626-4762 if you plan to attend.

Coffee County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting will be Saturday, August 10, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. The Farm Bureau meeting room is located in the basement of the Farm Bureau at 225 E. Main Street.

All business pertaining to the annual report will be reviewed. A barbecue dinner will be served by the Coffee County Farm Bureau Women. Door prizes will be given away. Guest Speaker will be Debbie Stepp Ball, Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Marketing Development Division Director.

All voting members are invited to attend. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Brenda at 728-4637.

Steak and Potatoes Field Day, August 6 The annual Steak and Potatoes Field Day, sponsored by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, will once again showcase the research and outreach activities at UT’s Plateau AgResearch and Education Center on Highway 70N in Crossville.

The free event, which includes a sponsored lunch, begins with registration and a trade show at 8 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, August 6, at the center’s main unit. Tours and seminars begin at 8:30 a.m. and lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m.

As in previous years, UT researchers and Extension experts will present a set of talks and demonstrations that will appeal to three groups of visitors: those interested in improved beef production, those interested in fruit and vegetable production and those interested in land management issues.

The beef production presentations will highlight respiratory disease management, maintenance and calibration of sprayers and the outlook for beef cattle production, as well as issues related to cattle reproduction.

Although highlighted in the event’s traditional title, the field day’s fruit and vegetable presentations will not feature potatoes. Instead, strawberry production using high tunnels

will be among the featured topics as well as fruit production and irrigation.

Landowner discussions will feature updates on forest damage caused by invasive species and an examination of future hardwood pricing.

Pesticide recertification points will be awarded to participants in need of continuing education to maintain their certification. Contact the center for more details by calling at 931-484-0034. Also call the center for more information about the event or to request an accommodation for accessibility.

A map to the facility and complete directions are available online at http://plateau.tennessee.edu/ The Plateau AgResearch and Education Center in Crossville is one of 10 outdoor laboratories located throughout the state as part of the UT AgResearch system. UT AgResearch is a division of the UT Institute of Agriculture. In addition to its agricultural research programs, the UT Institute of Agriculture also provides instruction, research and public service through the UT College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine and UT Extension offices in every county in the state. t

Crockett County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting will be Thursday, August 15, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at the Farm Bureau office building in Alamo.

Cumberland County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting will be Saturday, July 27, 2013 at the Community Complex Exhibit Building. Serving begins at 6:00 p.m.

All members invited.

Warren County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting will be Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. at the Farm Bureau office building. All members welcome. Reservations only! Call by August 8 at 931-473-4481 to make reservations.

ADT Security

White County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting will be Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at the Sparta Civic Center. All members are welcome.

Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation

FREE security system ($850 value) Plus homeowners insurance savings and savings on monthly monitoring.

Available only by calling 877-832-6701 or go online at www.powerlinkllc.com

36-month monitoring agreement required at $31.99 per month ($1,151.64). $99 customer installation charge. Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may apply. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new customers only. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer. PowerLink, LLC TN. Cert. #C-0332.

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July 2013 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News

13

Classified Ads Animals

Cattle

BULLS: Registered CHAROLAIS, RED ANGUS, BLACK ANGUS, YEARLINGS- 2 Year Olds, Top Bloodlines- Natural/AI HEIFERS: Commercial RepL. Quality Yearlings. Black Angus, Red Angus, F-1 Smokies & BWF/ Brockle- Face Complete Herd Health Program. BRIDGES CHAROLAIS/ BRIDGES ANGUS FARM Manchester, TN 931-728-6301 after 7 p.m. 931-334-8657 mobile For Sale: Registered Angus Bulls/Heifers. Excellent Bloodlines and E.P.D available. A & N Stock Farms, Summertown, TN 38483 931-242-0179 PULASKI STOCKYARD: Your Full Service Stockyard.

Cattle Auction - Tuesday 12:30. Replacement Cow Auction - 1st Friday 6:00. More Info: Billy Wallace 256-303-7097, Derek Black 931-638-5392

Angus (Black) FOR SALE: Angus bulls - 20 months old and ready for service. Low birth weights and milk in their genetics. Good selection to choose from.

Norman Amonett, 99 Amonett Lane, Byrdstown, TN 38549. 931-864-6481 Visit our website at www.amonettfarms.com

For Sale: Registered Black Angus Bulls & Heifers Sires. Objective,Impression, Onward, Freedom, CC&7, Predestined, Upward, Blue Moon and others. Mathis Angus Farms. 931-729-3864 FOR SALE: Registered Black Angus bulls and heifers, excellent bloodlines. Rock Haven Angus, Lewisburg, TN Day Time 931-703-9894; 931364-3670 after 6PM Registered Black Angus Bulls and heifers for sale.

Call Greg Moss 615-408-4173, Alexandria Registered High Performing Angus Bulls, 20 month. Sired by top gaining bull at UT Performance Test Station. Wyatt Angus. 731-5493742

Angus (Red) Bulls & heifers - weaned or breeding age, popular AI sires. Located near Watts Bar Lake, Hwy 58.

Mercer Farm - Ten Mile, TN. 423-334-3649 or 865804-8156 For Sale: AI and naturally sired registered Red Angus young bulls and heifers proven herd sire.

931-858-2429 Registered Red Angus- Service Age Bulls and bred Heifers available. Low birth weight, gentle, lots of milk. Shady Bottom Ranch, Crossville, TN 931-200-0036 shadybottomranch.com

Next issue is SEPT. Ad deadline is AUG. 10.

Name _________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________ City_________________________________ State _______ Zip__________________

Beefmaster

Limousin

Good, gentle BBU bulls & heifers for sale. Visitors welcome. James & Carolyn Vaughn, 9512 Bates Trail, Lyles, TN 37098. 931-670-4605 Polled Bulls/heifers. Our guarantee since 1972: If after the sale of his first calf crop you are not satisfied, return any bull purchased from us for full refund. HUDSON BEEFMASTER, 3140 Buffalo Road, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464. 931-829-2637; 931-629-5246 cell

FOR SALE: Limousin Bulls and Heifers Black, Homozygous black, Homozygous polled.

Prichard Limousin Farm, Brush Creek, TN 615-6838310 www.prichardlimousinfarm.com Limousin Bulls: Registered Purebreds, Commercial. Proven Predigrees, EPD’s. Easy Calving, Black, Red Seedstock. Dreamtime Limousin Farm, 423-422-6099 Limousin Lim-Flex (18) Bulls AI Sired Excellent EPDs TAEP Qualified Breeder Guaranteed 18 to Select From Win-Vue Farms 423-754-2404

Chiangus Chiangus bulls and heifers. 865-856-3947

Gelbvieh FOR SALE: Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls, Heifers - black, polled, excellent bloodlines, gentle disposition, TAEP qualified. 931-433-6132; cell 931625-7219

Hereford For Sale Reg. Polled Hereford Bulls Top Secret Bloodline Easy Calving low Birth weight and milk in their genetics. 615-255-9048

Hereford (Polled) FOR SALE: Registered Polled Hereford bulls.

Good selection. Practical cattle for practical cattlemen. Earl Moore, 3594 Craig Bridge Road, Williamsport, TN 38487. 931-583-2353 Registered Polled Hereford bulls and females for sale, priced reasonably. Stan Webster, Chestnut Mound, 615-897-2333 Registered Polled Hereford bulls. Quality Sires, great EDP’s, Herd improving genetics. KBee Herefords, Shelbyville, TN 931-684-6582; kbartley@bellsouth.net

Santa Gertrudis DOUBLE-POLLED gentle Santa Gertrudis, registered bulls and heifers. kelsoclough@aol.com; 256-566-7878 Santa Gertrudis - Myers Farms - Poll bulls & heifers for sale. 144 Sub-Station Road, Unionville, TN 37180. 931-294-5653

Shorthorn Registered, Red, Polled Shorthorn bulls by our calving ease, low birth wt. Jake’s Proud Jazz, son.

Double C Farm. Charles Curtis & Family Rickman, TN 931-260-1596

Horses

I will take any Donkey’s or Horses that you have.

931-607-6249 or 931-363-1418 Miniature Stallion One two year old, one eight year old, both spotted. Under thirty inches. Call Leon 615-642-2195

Mules & Donkeys Guard Donkeys will chase or kill coyotes and dogs. Call Leon 615-642-2195

Phone (_________)_______________________________________________________ County of Farm Bureau Membership________________________________________ Place Ad Under Which Heading?____________________________________________ Place in Which Issue(s)?: ❏ Jan. ❏ March ❏ May ❏ July ❏ Sept. ❏ Nov.

Please print the copy for your ad in the spaces provided.

Clip this form and mail with correct payment to: Tennessee Farm Bureau News • P.O. Box 313 • Columbia, TN 38402-0313

AUCTION MARKET SERVICES

TN Livestock Producers Hwy. 64e, Fayetteville Sale Every Tuesday bobby eslick, manager 931-433-5256 931-433-4962

Somerville Livestock Market Hwy. 59, Somerville Sale Every Tuesday Cattle & Sheep/Goats Don Terry, manager 901-465-9679/731-695-0353

Columbia Livestock Center 1231 industrial Park rd., Columbia

Cattle Sale Every Thurs.

Sheep/Goats 2nd & 4th Mon. Darrell ailshie, manager 931-223-8323/931-212-8512

VIDEO CATTLE SALES

Management provided for Lower Middle Tennessee Cattle Assoc.

Consignment information contact: 2013 Sale Dates - 9 AM Central Frank Poling 931-212-9962 aug. 2, Sept. 6, oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6 richard brown 931-239-9785

SHEEP & GOAT SALES Columbia Every 2nd & 4th Monday

Number of words in ad ____________ X 50¢ or $1.00 = ____________

July 8, 22; aug. 12, 26; Sept. 9, 23 oct. 14, 28; Nov. 11, 25; Dec. 9

X Number of issues ____________ = TOTAL COST OF AD____________

: Amount enclosed with ad

There are two types of classified ads: 1. FARM BUREAU MEMBERS - selling items that they make, produce, or raise themselves; or surplus equipment. Each member ad costs 50¢ per word.

2. NON-MEMBERS or COMMERCIAL MEMBER ADS - in which the member is acting as an agent or dealer (real estate, health products, mail order business, etc.). Each ad costs $1.00 per word.

Price, phone number, e-mail address and website count as one word each.

Ads not accompanied BY payment will be returned to sender.

Ads received in our office after deadline will be held for next issue.

SPECIAL SALES Graded Sales every Tuesday in Fayetteville Weaned Sale 1st & 3rd Thursdays in Columbia Weaned Sale 1st & 3rd Tuesdays in Fayetteville

Somerville Every Tuesday

SEE wEbSiTE for currEnT liST

ORDER BUyING

PRODUCER GENETICS

H.m. eslick Frank Poling bobby eslick David alexander

931-433-5256 931-212-9962 931-433-5256 615-300-3012

Alliance Development, Herd Sire Purchasing, Cattle Breeding & Marketing Consultation

richard brown - 931-239-9785 Alliance Sales: July 30, Sept. 17, Nov. 19

Darrell Ailshie, General Manager P.O. Box 313 • Columbia, TN 38402 • 931-388-7872 tennesseelivestockproducers.com

14

Tennessee Farm Bureau News - July May 2013 2010

www.tnfarmbureau.org

Classified Ads Goats & Sheep

Dairy Goats Saunens Alpines Purebred and Experimental. 615-444-5294 belacres@dtccom.net Dorper Sheep Registered Full Blood or Pure Bred.

931-858-2697 For Sale: Purebred Kiko goats. 931-987-2826 Culleoka, TN For Sale: Registered Katahdin Ewe and Ram Lambs. Born March and April 2013. Caney Creek Farms 931-703-0239 caneycreekfm@united.net or www.caneycreekfm.com GOAT/SHEEP SALE: 2nd & 4th Monday.

Tennessee Livestock Producers, Columbia, TN. 931-212-9962; 931-982-9086

Hogs

Registered Hereford Pigs. You will like these. 615273-2502 Check out www.herefordhogstn.com

Birds Poultry POULTRY HOLLOW HACHERY, located 45 miles east of Nashville, can fill all your poultry needs starting with over 57 breeds of chickens, bantams, turkeys, guineas, ducks, geese, rare breeds. Dayold-sexed-pullets start at $2.25 NPIP CERTIFIED! Visit our website at www.poultryhollow.org or call 615-318-9036 or 615-477-7936

Dogs

Australian Cattle Dogs AKA “Heelers” AKC working pet show quality. Ask about older free dogs.

423-626-7519 relindsey2@yahoo.com; www. lindseyrockytopacd.com Border Collie Pups Registered Excellent Stock dogs and pets. 931-939-2426; 931-607-2426. Dan Vickers Ladybug Kennel Big Sandy TN. Border Collie and Dachshund puppies Registered W&S, $200 each.

731-593-3807. For pictures e-mail: bettyewatkins @bellsouth.net

Exotic Animals

Legal Pet Raccoon Babies. State and USDA Licensed. Website www.tlakes.net/~dmscott/ index.htm 931-268-0739 Make Great Pets, Ringo’s Crossing Pet Farm

Plants Grasses

Get Vaughn’s #1 Bermuda Grass from the original farm where developed. High Yields- High Digestibility- High Quality- High Palatable. Finish freezer beef without grain, grassfed and get proven excellent taste- Permanent stands with proper management- Have planter will travel to your farm and plant from April to August. Call for additional information. 931-657-2584

Bermuda Bermuda Sprigs, High protein hay & pasture, Plant June-July-August, Vaughn’s Hybrid managed right will out produce any other grasses on my farm. Call for more information, Carl Paschal 615-529-2444; Ron 615-574-0931

Hay & Straw

FOR SALE: Vaughn’s #1 Hybrid Bermuda Hay. Premium Quality Hay available in small squares or 4x5 rolls. Jerry Roach, Linden, TN. 931-5932673

Vegetables & Fruits

ANTIQUE APPLE TREES - Summer Rambo, Virginia Beauty, Yellow Transparent. Catalog $3.00. Write: Urban Homestead, 818-G Cumberland Street, Bristol, VA 24201. www.OldVaApples.com. 07-05

Lawn & Garden

Morton’s Horticultural Products, Inc. Free Catalog - Greenhouses & Growers Supplies. Drip Tape, Irrigation Supplies. We Manufacture our Greenhouses. Online Catalog - www.mortonproducts.com 800-473-7753; mortonprod@ blomand.net 07-04

Forestry

Panther Creek Forestry: Forestry, Timber, Wildlife Managers. Receive top timber prices. Hunting leases available - Cumberland Plateau & Land Between the Lakes. 931-474-6203; benmyers@ panthercreekforestry.net 07-10

Equipment

Trucks & Trailers

Gooseneck Livestock Trailers. At prices you won’t believe. Different sizes and options. Wholesale Trailers, Lebanon, TN Financing Available 615714-3894

20 ft. P&D Silo Unloader. Excellent Condition.

615-893-8951 For Sale Woodmizer Sawmill, LT 40 Super Hydraulic, 40 hp Diesel, $17,000. Also 2 Blade Woodmizer Edger, 25 hp gas, $5,500.

731-614-1033 International 4 row wheel Planter, #56 with Dry Fertilizer, ready to use. $1,250. International 480 Disk, 14’, dual wheels, new cylinder, greasable roller Bearings. $4,000. Chiesel Plow, 3pt, 11 prong with guage wheels. $1,250. Ford 1 row Corn Picker, #601 mounted. $500. 32’ Mulkey corn and hay Elevator. $500. 165 bushel gravity Wagon. $1,100. Factory All Steel Wagon Running Gear $400. 3pt New Holland P.T.O. Hay Rake $1,500. 14’ 3 pt fold up Section Harrow $750.

John Deere Big Four 2 Horse Hay Mower $400. 2 row 3pt Roto-Hoe $225. 2 matched tires, 23.1x26 on M.F. Wheels $0500. 2 matched tires, 14.9x24 on Ford Wheels $500. Three 18.4x26 Tires on M.F. Wheels $350. 1978 F350, V8, 4 speed, 12’ Parkhurst steel bed, dual wheels, 66000 actual miles, 1 owner. $3,500. 731-437-0196; 422-5282

Tractors & Implements

Other Equipment

Used portable sawmills! Buy/Sell. Call Sawmill Exchange 800-459-2148; US & Canada; www. sawmillexchange.com 07-01

Property

116.86 acs. Some Pasture Some Woods all Utilities available Call Tony F. or Betty. The Real Estate Team. 615-597-9200 $225,000 07-16

Real Estate

Disc Mower Covers for most brand mowers. $250 for 8ft mowers Call 615-489-5355 For Sale 17,500 gallon, 10ft x 30ft, 3 compartment, steel tank, good condition $5,000. Can deliver. 731-614-1033 For Sale 4500 Mahindra Tractor Lile new extra low hours remote valve $7500.00 Call 931-629-8941 For Sale 850 New Holland Bailer $875. Lowboy dozer bed for truck $2,000. 731-614-1033 For Sale Gleaner A-438, black 4 row, corn header $1,200 OBO. 303 Allis Chalmers Diesel Engine $1,200. White 298 engines and parts. Parting out F-2 Gleaner. 731-614-1033

33.78 ac Beautiful Smith Co. River Close, Great Fishing, Wildlife, Abundent Hayfield, Woods. Co. Water, Natural Gas, Close to Marina, Paved Road.

50 miles to Nashville. Owner Financing 129,500 828-479-2508 115 Ac. Fenced, 4 Ponds, Barn, Utility, Hunters, Cabin, 2 Springs, Timber 1/2 cleared near I-40, Electric 931-729-3625 50 acres 2 creeks, wooded, timber, pasture, 1800 sq. ft. Brick house completely remodeled, Michie, TN. 1 mile Shiloh National Park, near Pickwick Lake. Reduced was $339,000 to $279,000 Possible owner financing. 931-964-2622 Easttennesseefarmsforsale.com View online listings for farms, homes, mountain land in North East Tennessee. East Tennessee Realty Services, Greeneville TN 423-639-6395 07-08 ROOM WITH A VIEW: Small Farm (36 acres) and a big house (4,200 sq ft) Beautiful Home a must see For Sale in East Madison County (Jackson, TN).

Please see forsalebyowners.com ID#21107325 or call 731-422-2319

Relax a little more this summer knowing you saved money with your Tennessee Farm Bureau member benefits.

Agricultural Tour

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Code# 1213TNFB

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Discounts are not available on tickets for children ages 4 to 11. Up to six (6) tickets may be purchased per order. Tickets will be subject to a ticketing fee.

The offer may not be combined with any other offer or coupon and is not retroactive. Offer good through December 31, 2013.

*Reservations required before check-in. Subject to availability at participating Choice Hotels.

Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Blackout dates may apply.

Adult Discount $5.00 - $10.00

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To make reservations call 800-RENT-A-CAR (800-736-8222) or go online at enterprise.com Corporate rate plan 56MFARM PIN# TEN *Internet rates may be lower than phone rates.

Kid Discount $2.50 - $5.00 Visit www. biltmore.com/tnfb for tickets

$6 off an Adult or Child 1-Day Admission Visit the travel section of our website to purchase tickets and print membership card. TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED ONLINE. www.tnfarmbureau.org/memberbenefits Cannot combine with other offers. Not transferrable, must present proof of membership before entering park.

; )

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Tennessee Farm Bureau Member Benefits

F T

1-877-363-9100 - Customer Service Center

TFBFMemberBen

www.tnfarmbureau.org

July 2013 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News

15

Classified Ads Timeshare Mariner’s Pointe Resort Crossville Tennessee, 1 Bedroom unit 105A, Aug 16-23 Call toll free 1-800-960-6676 Ask for Sheila 8:00-12 or 1:30-5:00 Mon-Fri or Call Owner 615-274-6367

Vacation Rentals

Beach Vacation Homes: Owner Fall Special $550 per week with cleaning fee. 615-289-8475 07-14 Beautiful Smoky Mountain log cabins - near Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge. Jacuzzi, hot-tubs, porches and rockers, on trout stream, stone fireplaces, cable TV, fully furnished, hiking, $85 nightly and up. www.moorecabins.com; 423487-5615 07-13 GULF SHORES CONDO- 2BR, pool/beach access.

Spring $600/week, Summer $800/week, Fall $500/week. 931-296-4626 07-07 Wlison Lake By Week or Weekend Completely Furn. Step from water Great Fish and Water Sports 931-964-2622

Hunting Leases

Hunting Lease Wanted: 2 responsible, experienced hunters need to lease farmland or timberland for deer and turkey hunting. Prefer Middle TN area. 865-659-8816 Responsible hunter would like to lease land for deer and turkey hunting. 423-479-4149; 423-715-8936 Safe responsible hunter needs to lease land in Middle East Tn Area for deer and turkey hunting. Will respect your privacy and your property.

Prefer Loudon or surrounding counties.

865-995-1056 Would like to lease land in Central East TN counties to train pups and to hunt raccoons. My dog will not bother livestock and will not run deer.

865-659-8816

Home Improvement

Concrete Log Siding www.knotalog.com email: krose@knotalog.com 423-979-7227

Construction

Need a little or a lot of extra money? Excellent results from these magnificent products. Manta.Myevolv.com “PLAY GOSPEL SONGS by ear!” Add chords.

10 lessons $12.95. “LEARN GOSPEL MUSIC”.

Chording, runs, fills - $12.95. Both $24. “LEARN CHORD PLAYING”. Piano -$12.50 Davidsons, 6727HT Metcalf, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66204 913-262-4982 07-02 SAWMILLS from only $3997 - Make Money & Save Money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/651 1-800578-1363 - Ext:651 07-06 WANTED: I collect World War I and II military relics - American, German, Japanese. Helmets, metals, knives, bayonets, guns, swords, daggers, etc.

423-842-6020

He’s going to need more help than he thinks.

You remember when he was a little boy, always ready to help his dad.

Now he’s a strong young man who believes he can do it by himself.

But if something happens to you, will he have the means to see it through?

Farm Bureau Insurance has affordable life insurance plans to make sure your farm will live on after you.

Talk to your Farm Bureau Insurance agent today.

ATTENTION MOBILE HOME OWNERS: Take a punch at inflation with our super insulated roof over system by Roof King. No more leaks, never roof coat again, save $$ on heating and cooling costs, maintenance free, 100% watertight guaranteed. Call 1-800-276-0176, Roof King. 07-03

Home Security DRIVEWAY ALARMS, $209.95, 1000 feet, no wiring. TN DRIVEWAY AND DOOR CHIME CO 1-800342-9014 07-11

Business Insurance Stock

Buying TN Farmers Life $44.00 per share.

731-285-1424 Buying TN Farmers Life Stock. 931-209-0370 Buying TN Farmers Stock. 931-381-3580

Miscellaneous

25,000 mile oil change: www.lubedealer.com/ rust 07-09 BIG SIZE HATS AND CAPS! www.bigheadcaps. com Rutherford County 07-15 BUYING Magic Cards, Comics and Toy Collections.

615-897-2573 C. Pap. Sleep Apnea Head Gear Holder, stand. $45.95 Sleep Patient Product 1-800-342-9014 07-12 CURRENTLY FARMING WITH A DISABILITY? The Tennessee AgrAbility Project is a state-wide non-profit service that provides assistance to agricultural workers with disabilities. For further information, please call 731-855-7656 High blood pressure, Diabetes, over weight? Give me a call. 731-967-0777 Tables, Chairs, Seating, Steeples, Lockers, Baptistries. Free Quotes. 615-351-3120

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Get a free life insurance quote any time at fbitn.com

16 14

Tennessee Farm Bureau News - July May 2013 2010

www.tnfarmbureau.org

2013 Ford Fusion

2013 Ford F-150

2013 Ford EXPLoRER

$500 Bonus For Tennessee Farm Bureau Members Tennessee Farm Bureau members get $500 Bonus Cash* toward the purchase or lease of any eligible 2012/2013/2014 Ford vehicle.

Enjoy valuable savings on your choice of vehicles from our comfortable and capable lineup of cars and trucks – like the 2013 Ford F-150 with best-in-class max trailer tow and payload capability, and 4 engines to choose from, including the 3.5L EcoBoostŽ V6 Engine.

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Visit www.fordspecialoffer.com/farmbureau/tn

*Program #34216: $500 Bonus Cash offer exclusively for active Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. Offer is valid from 1/03/2013 through 1/2/2014 for the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2012/2013/2014 model year Ford or Lincoln vehicle. Not available on Mustang Shelby GT/GT500, Mustang Boss 302, Focus EV, Focus S, Fiesta S, Focus ST, Edge SE AWD (12MY), F-150 Raptor, Taurus SE and 13MY MKZ including Hybrid. This offer may not be used in conjunction with other Ford Motor Company private incentives or AXZD-Plans. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply. You must be an eligible Association member for at least 60 consecutive days and must show proof of membership. Limit one $500 Bonus Cash offer per vehicle purchase or lease. Limit of five new eligible vehicle purchases or leases per Farm Bureau member during program period. See your Ford or Lincoln Dealer for complete details and qualifications.

18194_FD_FB_Ad_TN_2013.indd 1

12/21/12 12:25 PM