arkansas agriculture - fall 2013
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arfb.com
YF&R StrongWe salute our top Young Farmers & Ranchers
New ag tax exemptions coming Jan. 1Get certified now
Fall2013
On top of most current offers, here’s an extra bonus1 for Farm Bureau members.
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1 Offer available through 4/1/14. Available on all 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet vehicles (excluding Volt). This offer is not available with some other offers, including private offers. Only customers who have been active members of an eligible Farm Bureau for a minimum of 60 days will be eligible to receive a certificate. Customers can obtain certificates at www.fbverify.com/gm. Farm Bureau and the FB logo are registered service marks of the American Farm Bureau Federation and are used herein under license by General Motors. 2 Ownership costs based on Vincentric 2013 Model Level Analysis of full-size pickups in the U.S. retail market.
®
3Arkansas Agriculture
Farm Bureau members can get a $5001 private offer toward the purchase or lease of most new GM vehicles,including the Chevrolet Silverado 2500hD and 3500hD lineup. Visit fbverify.com for more details. They get tough jobs done with a maximum payload of up to 6,635 lbs.2 and a conventional towing capacity of up to 17,000 lbs.3And through the GM Business Choice Program,4 business owners receive even more when purchasing or leasing an eligible Chevrolet or GMC truck or van for business use. Visit gmbusinesschoice.com for details.
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1 Offer valid toward the purchase of new 2011, 2012 and 2013 Buick, Chevrolet and GMC models, excluding Chevrolet Volt.2 Requires Regular Cab model and gas engine. Maximum payload capacity includes weight of driver, passengers, optional equipment and cargo.3 Requires available 6.6L Duramax® diesel engine. Maximum trailer ratings assume a properly-equipped base vehicle plus driver. See dealer for details.4 To qualify, vehicles must be used in the day-to-day operation of the business and not solely for transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business. This program may not be compatible with other offers or incentive programs. Consult your local Chevrolet or GMC dealer or visit gmbusinesschoice.com for program compatibility and other restrictions. Take delivery by 4/1/2014.Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation® are registered service marks owned by the
American Farm Bureau Federation, and are used herein (or by GM) under license.©2011 General Motors LLC
Exclusive $500 Member Private Offer is Available at any Arkansas
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MOTORSINC
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Farm Bureau Perspective by Brian Walker 3Faces of Agriculture — Susan Anglinby Tara Johnson 18
YF&R Strong by Gregg Patterson 4
Policy Update by Michelle Kitchens 22
Inside...
Rural Reflections Photo 28
Spotlight on Youth — Sara Loeby Gregg Patterson 26
On the cover — Chris Meador of Green Forest is one of our Young Farmers & Ranchers who makes Farm Bureau strong. This issue highlights the finalists for our YF&R Achievement Award.
Photo credit: Keith Sutton
F e a t u r e s
C o l u m n s
VOLUME 10IssUE 4
FaLL2013
Executive Editor: Steve EddingtonEditor: Gregg PattersonContributing Writers: Ken Moore, Keith Sutton, Chris WilsonResearch Assistant: Brenda Gregory
L
3Arkansas Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultureis an official publication of
Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation.
Arkansas Agriculture is distributed to almost 42,000 farming and ranching households in Arkansas.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Included in membership dues.
ARkAnSAS FARm BuReAu OFFiceRS: President
Randy VeachManila
Vice President Rich Hillman
CarlisleSecretary/Treasurer
Tom Jones Pottsville
Executive Vice President ewell Welch
Little Rock
DiRecTORS:Richard Armstrong, Ozark
Troy Buck, Alpine Jon Carroll, Moro
Joe Christian, Jonesboro Terry Dabbs, Stuttgart Mike Freeze, England
Bruce Jackson, Lockesburg Tom Jones, Pottsville
Johnny Loftin, El Dorado Gene Pharr, Lincoln Rusty Smith, Des Arc Allen Stewart, Mena
Mike Sullivan, Burdette Leo Sutterfield, Mountain View
ex OFFiciOSherry Felts, Joiner
Brent Lassiter, NewportJanice Marsh, McCroryBrian Walker, Horatio
Arkansas Agriculture is published quarterly by the
Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation, 10720 Kanis Road, Little Rock, AR 72211. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Arkansas Agriculture, P.O. Box 31, Little Rock, AR 72203. Issue #31.
Publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. All rights reserved.
Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
The Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation reserves the right to accept or reject
all advertising requests.
Send comments to:arkansasagriculture@arfb.com
Looking back on this year, I’m optimistic about the future of farming in
Arkansas. My optimism springs from the rise I’ve seen in young leadership in our
state. More and more young people are stepping up and taking on challenges in
agriculture.
This year, our Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) conference was the largest
ever. I believe this was due in part to the fact it was held in February as opposed to
the July meetings of the past. More importantly, conference attendance is growing
due to emerging young leadership every year. Farm Bureau staff is working with and
molding great young leaders who will benefit our state for years to come.
However, Farm Bureau staff members aren’t the only ones working to ensure a
bright future for agriculture. Local agriculture teachers are working hard to instill
a good work ethic and stress the importance of farming at high schools in every
county. I’ve seen great things from our local FFA chapters and know these young
people will one day be feeding families all over the world just like we are today.
The hard work and determination of these young people has been on display all
over Arkansas during this recent county fair season. It’s exciting to see their drive to
succeed, and I know many of them will go on to do great things.
Having been involved in the YF&R program for some time, I’ve seen many
people accomplish lofty goals. I know of at least two young men who have gone on
to be state representatives. They’re now taking on the task of changing government
policy to improve agriculture and everyday life in Arkansas while still continuing to
farm. That’s just the selfless nature of our young agricultural leaders throughout the
state.
Many others who aren’t elected officials are working just as hard to improve
efficiency and yield of the many products the farmers of Arkansas provide.
The number of leaders, both men and women, who have been appointed to
various agri-related boards is also encouraging. That’s the type of involvement
and leadership that guarantees the future of farming for all of us and for many
generations to come.
I also was glad to see some much-needed tax relief in this year’s legislation. The
removal of taxes on heating fuel and electricity in animal feeding operations will
be a welcome change to poultry growers in several areas of the state. As a poultry
producer myself, I know the significance of this change and look forward to these
savings. Also, the removal of tax on baling twine and net wrap will help offset some
of the ever-increasing cost of hay production for livestock producers. I appreciate
our legislators working to get these laws passed. All of you should let them know
how important it is to each one of us.
I’m confident in our young farming and ranching leadership for whatever lies
ahead. I know it won’t always be easy, but I truly believe with today’s young leaders
we’ll continue to overcome and always strive to improve Arkansas agriculture.
God bless.
Farm Bureau Perspective
by Brian WalkerARFB YF&R Chair
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Edition 31
4 Arkansas Agriculture
We salute our top Young Farmers & Ranchersby Gregg PattersonPhotos by Keith Sutton
YF&R strong
5Arkansas Agriculture
Earning it themselves Kris and Meredith Baker strive for maximum production. Kris says you have to have the latest technology you can afford to achieve this goal.
GGetting started in farming presents a
substantial maze for most young farmers
and ranchers to navigate. Finances,
available land, equipment, labor issues
and a host of other things all make
farming and ranching tenuous ways to
make a living. Nothing comes easily.
However, there’s nothing like overcoming
adversity and having some success to
build the strong fortitude, confidence and
experience necessary to succeed on the
farm.
We had to earn it
Kris and Meredith Baker of Sherrill
know that feeling. They farm corn,
soybeans, rice and wheat on 3,000 rented
acres. At 35 and 33 years old, respectively,
they’re still young despite already having
10 years of farming experience. Kris
manages the farm’s day-to-day operations
while Meredith handles the bookkeeping
and the planting.
It’s their ability to succeed on the farm
that’s just one of the reasons Kris and
Meredith are among three finalist-families
in Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers
& Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award
competition. This award honors young
farm families across the state for their
hard work, innovation, progress and the
general excellence of their operations. The
winner of the award will be announced
Dec. 4 at the 79th Arkansas Farm Bureau
Convention in Little Rock. The winning
couple will receive a $35,000 credit to
purchase a GM vehicle and receives an
expenses-paid trip to the American Farm
Bureau Convention in January in San
Antonio to compete for the national
award. The other finalists for the award
include Scott and Cassie Davis of Prairie
Grove, who run a dairy farm; and Chris
and Alechia Meador of Green Forest, who
raise chickens and cattle.
The Baker’s started farming in 2004.
Like most beginning farmers, they
didn’t have much to start with. Kris
says they had to use older equipment,
“. . . some we purchased and some we
rented from family members until we
could get on our feet.”
Since that time Kris says, “We’ve
purchased every piece of equipment
necessary to run our operation. None of
this equipment was acquired through
inheritance or partnership conversions.
It was all bought the hard way. We had
to earn it.
“This past year, we designed an
11,000-square-foot shop and equipment
facility and a 100,000-bushel grain bin,”
Kris says. “I’m most proud of our shop
facility, because we did all the designing
and building of the offices and tool
rooms inside the shop.”
Kris says his goal is being able to
sustain his business. In an age of bigger
and bigger farming operations, the
Baker’s reduced the amount they farm
by 400 acres this year. “Sometimes
bigger isn’t always better,” Kris says.
“Three thousand acres is a better fit for
our operation.”
The volatility in the commodity
markets also caused the Baker’s to
rethink how they market their crops.
“We market crops year-round through
forward booking,” Kris says. “With this
method, you get a good average price.”
He sums up the challenges farmers
face daily. “Being a farmer is being a
problem solver. You wake up to a new
problem every day.”
Both are active at the county Farm
6 Arkansas Agriculture
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adding on This 100,000-bushel grain storage facility is one of the newest additions on Kris and Meredith Baker’s farm.
Bureau level and in their community.
Kris served as 2013 Jefferson County
board vice president while Meredith is
active on the Women’s Committee and
was the county board secretary in 2012.
7Arkansas Agriculture
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Arkansas Agriculture RWB_Layout 1 8/30/13 9:30 PM Page 1
Sweetheart ranchers Chris and Alechia Meador got started ranching early in high school, each raising beef cattle. He financed the purchase of six pairs of cows. She bought one pair with her savings.
8 Arkansas Agriculture
Born to be a farmer“Everyone is born to be something, and
I was born to be a farmer.” So says Chris
Meador, 35, a poultry grower and cattle
rancher in Green Forest. Meador farms 443
acres with his wife, Alechia, 34, who keeps
the books and manages the couple’s three
boys: Mason, Jace and Cole.
“My family did not have an operating
farm, but we did live in the country,”
Chris recalls. “When I was 14 years old,
I purchased six pairs of cows. FHA had a
program which offered a no-interest loan
to youth involved in 4-H programs.” He
got a $5,000 loan to buy the cows and
raised them in his parent’s field until he
graduated from high school.
Oh yeah, he also married his high
school sweetheart. Though not from a
farming family, Chris says Alechia “. . .
had the same love for farming . . .” he did.
She’d even purchased two cows with her
savings during high school. The “herds”
were merged soon after they graduated
from high school.
The Meadors’ have moved up a bit from
their small high school herd. They now
have 100 head in their cow/calf operation
and six chicken houses. They also sell
chicken litter for fertilizer and remove litter
from others’ poultry houses. All this hard
work is in addition to each working full-
time jobs, Chris working in the field for
Tyson Foods and Alechia running her own
business as a certified public accountant.
One of their goals is to be able to make
their living solely from the farm.
“Expansion and efficiency would be
the key to making this happen,” Chris
says. “Efficiency is very important to us. It
allows us to be profitable and accomplish
many jobs.”
Juggling a down economy, major
drought, upgrading outdated poultry
facilities, animal health, properly timing
the expansion of their facilities and
land base, and wisely managing debt all
have made the first 10 years of farming
challenging.
“One thing I’ve learned over the years
is that if you’re afraid of having problems,
then you shouldn’t be a farmer,” Chris
says. However, he’s undeterred. “We’re
living our dream.”
Alechia and Chris are active in their
community as well as Farm Bureau where
they have served on numerous county
committees for the better part of a decade
and the state YF&R committee 2010-
2012. They won the YF&R Excellence in
Agriculture Award in 2010. They both are
graduates of the College of the Ozarks.
9Arkansas Agriculture
Ranch hands Chris and Alechia on the ranch at Meador Manor with sons Cole, 2, Jace, 4 and Mason, 6. The boys already know what it means to work, and they enjoy helping. There are many chores they help with such as feeding animals and gardening.
Every Seed. Every Field.Every Farmer Counts.
http://www.youtube.com/ArmorSeed
ArkAg_2-5x2-125_Ad_Layout 1 9/25/13 9:56 AM Page 1
10 Arkansas Agriculture
Team Davis Scott and Cassie Davis with their daughters Lily, 7 and Ella, almost 2. Cassie is a graduate of Farm Bureau’s first President’s Leadership Council class and is a strong voice for agriculture and the farming way of life.
Endangered speciesScott and Cassie Davis of Prairie Grove are
dairy farmers. On the surface, that’s a fairly
simple statement, complete with visions of
beautiful rolling pastures replete with black
and white cows contentedly munching
buttercups and lush green grass. The reality
is the Davis’ profession probably makes
them the most endangered kind of farmer
in the state. In a state that once had more
than 800 dairy farms, there are only 82 left
in Arkansas as of this writing. There’s a good
chance there will be less by the time this
magazine reaches your mailbox. Viewed with
a somewhat different lens, if the Davis’ were
some form of fish, wildlife or lowly unknown
bug, they’d be protected by the Endangered
Species Act and have more money, habitat,
a swarm of lawyers and legal protections all
working to ensure their survival.
Scott, 34, and Cassie, 30, run 275 cows
and heifers on 450 acres in an area that’s
quickly converting from farmland into
subdivisions. Their northwest Arkansas farm
is in one of the fastest-growing population
areas in the country, and its Illinois River
watershed is a national target for ever-
tightening environmental regulations.
“There have been several housing
additions and subdivided pieces of property
around us in the last few years that have
raised property values,” Scott says. “While
these changes have helped improve our
property value, it has made it near impossible
to add acreage near our farm.
“The farmland that is left is usually
held onto by the farmers who have been
operating here for years. When they decide
to sell, many take advantage of our growing
population and divide the land to sell,” Scott
says. “Land prices are far too expensive for
farming operations.”
However, the Davis’ move forward
undeterred. In the last decade, they’ve done
numerous improvements on the farm to
benefit herd health and comfort, as well
as on-farm efficiency. They once used the
Illinois River as a water supply. Recently, they
fenced off access by their cows to the portion
of the river that runs through their property
and used farm bill Environmental Quality
Incentives Program funds to drill a well as a
new water source. Their improvements are
all based on increasing efficiency and the
quality of their herd.
Scott and Cassie are active in Farm
Bureau at the county level in many
areas. And Cassie is a graduate of the
first President’s Leadership Council.
The two also volunteer much of their
free time to local church, youth and
civic endeavors. The Davis’ have two
daughters, Lily and Ella.
11Arkansas Agriculture
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One of few Davis Riverview Farms, owned by Scott and Cassie Davis, is one of only 82 dairy farms left in Arkansas.
12 Arkansas Agriculture
Get it on
z Member Benefits
Handy access to ID numbers and everything else you need to take
advantage of our ValuePlus savings.
z Events
A compilation of all the most important statewide meetings and events.
z Weather
Location-specific weather reporting
from Telvent DTN contains
all the agro-meteorological
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z News
We’ve expanded the scope of our online
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stories and more immediate
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z Quotes
Commodity futures and cash market prices are updated every 10
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Now, we’re just a fingertip away.ArFB’s new mobile app gives you tools to stay informed and make the most of your membership.
13Arkansas Agriculture 13Arkansas Agriculture
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14 Arkansas Agriculture
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DIVISION OF AGRICULTURER E S E A R C H & E X T E N S I O N
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To Learn More About These Valuable Member Offers Visit… www.arfb.com
Arkansas Farm BureauPurchase Program
Discounted Pricing not available in retail or dealer Sears stores.
Complete details from ron.rowe@searshc.com or Ph. 931-553-2173.
Have your Farm Bureau membership number and discount code CUO88430 in your email, or ready if calling.
Arkansas Farm BureauPurchase Program We make it ~ easy ~ to purchase the latest appliances for your home, particularly if you are remodeling or relocating.
In addition, you can select and purchase these additional great products for your home:
• Craftsman® Garage Storage
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This unique program from Sears Commercial features —
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• Preferred Affiliate Program Pricing, backed by our Price Matching Plus policy
• Program and pricing is only available through Sears Commercial Sales
• This offer is not available through Sears retail or dealer stores
3 Easy Steps for Farm Bureau Members Step 1: Members simply go to sears.com and find the product(s)
they are interested in and write down the product/model number(s).
Step 2: Members email the product number(s) to Farm Bureau’s
designated contact at Sears Appliance Select : ron.rowe@searshc.com for a quote. To receive this pricing a member must include their Farm Bureau membership number and Farm Bureau discount code CU098430 in the email.
Step 3: Members can then use a credit card to purchase the
discounted item and it will be delivered via a custom freight company.
All manufacturer warranties apply with the option to purchase extended Sears Protection Agreements. Installation is not included with delivery.
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on the purchase or lease of most new GM vehicles. Certain restrictions apply. Visit www.fbverify.com/gm.
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17ARKANSAS AGRICULTURE
Run October Issue1/2 Page Color
• Large Contiguous Farm • 1,530 Farmland Acres• 1,491 Irrigated Acres • 60k Bushel Grain Storage• (1) 9-Tower Valley Center Pivot• 15 Wells • 2 Relifts
Crops Grown Include:Rice, Soybeans, Milo, Corn & Wheat
800-451-2709 SchraderAuction.com
Call for Brochure or Visitour Website for Details
PROPERTY LOCATION: From Wheatley: take exit 221 o� Interstate 40 and go south on Hwy 78, through one stop sign, for approx. 4.2 miles. Turn right on County Rd 926 then take an immediate left onto County Rd 925, follow south for 1.0 mile and turn right on County Rd 922. Follow 922 for 1.0 mile and turn left on County Rd 947 follow for approx. 1.2 miles and you will enter property straight ahead with grain bins located on your left.
Rex D. Schrader, Principal Broker (#PB00074747) and Auctioneer (#2458)
Moving Forward - Growing Stronger
(870) 972-2085 AState.edu/CoAT AState.CoAT @AStateCoAT
“Agriculture has been a vibrant part of Arkansas State University’s tradition since its inception in 1909. With more than 100 years ofagricultural heritage, the College of Agriculture and Technology isdedicated to educating, enhancing and enriching the lives of ourgraduates, to make a positive difference in a growing world.”
-Dr. Timothy Burcham, College of Agriculture and Technology Dean
College ofAgriculture & Technology
C
Arkansas Agriculture
SSusan Anglin and her family run a
dairy farm in northwest Arkansas. In
addition to various activities with Arkansas
Farm Bureau, Susan writes a blog called
the Spotted Cow Review (www.anglindairy.
net), where she regularly posts about her
experiences on the farm. She took time
to answer a few questions and share her
refreshing take on agriculture.
1. How are you involved in
agriculture?
“Since I grew up in town, I would say
my involvement with agriculture began
when I married the farmer and the farm
28 years ago. It was a package deal
from the start. My everyday role on the
farm involves feeding and caring for the
calves, assisting in herd health activities
and maintaining herd and farm business
records. At one time or another, I’ve done
or assisted with almost any task there is
on the farm. It’s proven to be interesting
more than once.”
2. In your own words, what is
agriculture?
“The dictionary definition for
agriculture is much too simple: the
production of crops and livestock on
a farm. Agriculture, to me, is the
production of crops and livestock guided
by proven technology and sound science
that will sustain and improve the
environment for the next generation,
while contributing to our local economy
and communities.”
3. Why do you think agriculture is
important?
“Agriculture affects our everyday
life aside from food. When you brush
your teeth or throw a leather football, or
spend that dollar bill made with cotton
— agriculture is part of that activity.
Agriculture is also a part of our national
security — the security of having food
for all Americans.”
4. What’s the one thing you
want everyone to know about
agriculture and farming?
“Regardless of the size of the farm
or the type of production method,
farmers take the responsibility seriously
to protect the environment, care for our
animals and to provide safe, affordable
food. The same values of caring for
the land and animals exist today, but
the look of the family farm and the
technologies have changed.”
5. What is the most challenging
aspect of dairy farming?
“When you have no control over the
price of your product, the input costs
or the weather. It is an ongoing dairy
farming challenge to be flexible in daily
management and decision making.”
18 Arkansas Agriculture
compiled by Tara Johnson
Susan anglin
Gre
gg P
atte
rson
Voice for agriculture Susan Anglin (right) is an Arkansas dairy farmer who is a great communicator in telling the agriculture story. Follow her blog “Spotted Cow Review” at anglindairy.net.
Faces of Agriculture
ŒŒŒ*
19Arkansas Agriculture
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gg P
atte
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20 Arkansas Agriculture
$1,000 in prizes. Complete contest rules at:www.arfb.com/get-involved/contests
Rural Reflections Photo Contest 2013
F ront Porch’s fourth Rural Re-flections Photo Contest offers amateur photographers the
chance to explore the many activities, seasons, triumphs, disappointments and faces of agriculture, our state’s key industry. The photos that win this competition will capture the image and spirit of agriculture, and Farm Bureau, in Arkansas.
The contest includes two divisions, High School (ages 14–18) and Adult (19 and older). The winner of each receives $250. In addition, one entry will receive a Grand Prize of $500. The winners and honorable mentions may have their works published, with credit, in Front Porch and Arkansas Agriculture magazines, on Farm Bu-reau’s website, arfb.com, and in other publications.
21Arkansas Agriculture
Every Seed.Every Field.Every FarmerCounts.
www.ArmorSeed.com
Without a farmer’s sacrifice, a seed is only a seed. In the hands of a farmer, a seed helps grow America.
In a single year, each Americanfarmer feeds 155 people and agriculture grows more than 24 million U.S. jobs.
All this started with a single farmerjust down the road from you.
ArkAg_Armor_FullPage_Layout 1 9/25/13 10:16 AM Page 1
D
22 Arkansas Agriculture
During the most recent legislative
session, the General Assembly passed
several tax cuts for agriculture. The
diverse tax-cut package included
something for almost all segments of
agriculture, from cattlemen to forestry.
The largest agriculture tax cut was
Act 1441. Act 1441 creates a sales-tax
exemption for the sale of electricity,
propane and natural gas used in poultry,
cattle, dairy, horticulture, swine and
aquaculture facilities. That exemption
takes effect on Jan. 1, 2014. It will save
farmers approximately $11 million
annually. Economists estimate poultry
farms will save about $600 per house per
year.
If your farm is eligible for this
exemption, you will need to certify
your meter and propane tanks with
the state. This is a simple process and
prevents people from claiming the
exemption when they aren’t eligible. In
fact, tanks or meters must exclusively
serve the agriculture purpose or they
aren’t eligible. If you don’t already have
the necessary certification form, those
can be downloaded from the Arkansas
Farm Bureau website, www.arfb.com, or if
you do not have access to the internet,
contact Farm Bureau at 501-228-1229
or visit your local county Farm Bureau
office. Farmers will need their meter
and tank numbers, the physical location
of the farm where the utilities are
delivered, some tax identification
information and their NAICS code.
After the Department of Finance and
Administration receives the completed
forms, they will mail an official certificate
that indicates your farm is eligible for the
exemption. Copies of this certificate will
need to be shared with all your utility
providers. Those providers are responsible
for collecting taxes and will not apply the
exemption without proper certification.
It’s a simple process that will lead
to big savings. Next time you see your
legislators, thank them for making this
exemption possible. It’s important to let
them know that farmers appreciate their
support. A similar exemption for grain
drying and storage will take effect on July
1, 2014. Those meters will need to be
certified through a similar process next
spring.
These tax cuts happened through the
efforts of our farmers who let legislators
know that the legislation was important
and great legislators who listened and
kept the pressure up at the Capitol. There
is always room for more agriculture-
friendly legislators at the Capitol. If you
are interested in running for office, Farm
Bureau can help you get elected.
Farm Bureau has developed a
“campaign school” to help members run
for office. The How to Win an Election
Seminar is all about the details. Designed
with the help of the Republican and
Democrat parties and accomplished
campaign consultants, it is conducted in
several states across the nation and has an
excellent success record. Participants in the
class will learn about developing a message,
effective methods of reaching voters,
fundraising, getting voters to the polls,
recruiting volunteers and working with
the media. On Nov. 21-22, Farm Bureau
will co-host this seminar in Little Rock. If
there is enough interest, a second seminar
is planned for Jan. 30-31. The seminar is
open to candidates of any party running
for any office from school board to
Congress. Many current and former elected
officials have participated. We encourage
you to ask them about the seminar.
We are confident they will tell you it is
worthwhile. More information is available
on our website at www.arfb.com or call 501-
228-1229 for a brochure. ŒŒ*
Policy Update
by Michelle Kitchens
ag tax cuts provide big savingsProper certification is the first step
23Arkansas Agriculture
TASTE ArkAnsAs.com
from farm to table
Food, like nothing else, brings us together. After all, everyone eats.
On Taste Arkansas, a food blog by Arkansas Farm Bureau, this simple
truth is connecting those interested in food production with
the farmers and ranchers who provide us with an abundance of
Arkansas agricultural products.
More Bang for Your BucksRTV1100, RTV1140, RTV900, RTV500
Utility Vehicles
Pick your options: Diesel or gas, two seats or four.Open air or factory-installed cab.
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S i n c e 1 9 7 6
FoR AdvERtIsIng InFoRmAtIon
Call or e-mail Tom Kennedy1.800.561.4686
tkennedy@pcipublishing.com
Every Seed. Every Field.Every Farmer Counts.
https://twitter.com/ArmorSeed
ArkAg_2-5x2-125_Ad_Layout 1 9/25/13 9:57 AM Page 2
Arkansas Agriculture24 w w w . g r o w i n g a r k a n s a s . o r g
Lacy GloverFormer Miss Arkansas and Spokesperson for the Arkansas Foundation for Agriculture
J o b s
E n v i r o n m E n t
F o o d
Arkansas Farm and Ranch Families Provide…
ArkansasFoundation for Agriculture
Safe, affordable food
24% of Arkansas Jobs
75% of Wildlife Habitat
While Protecting the Environment
Arkansas Agriculture 25
From weather, to soil, to technology, you have a lot to keep up with. Thankfully, you’ve got real insurance
that keeps up with you. If there’s anything you need to know, just call us. You’ll always have questions.
Your Farm Bureau agent always has answers.
ArkAnsAs-grown insurAnce
for ArkAnsAs growersFarm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas, Inc. Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance CompanySouthern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Jackson MS
One thing will always be true about farming:
Conditions change.
Enter ArFB’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet Contest,
and you could end up behind the wheel of a new Kubota.
About the contest: Arkansas Farm Bureau’s YF&R Discussion Meet is a discussion contest related to issues that affect U.S. agriculture. The contest will be Dec. 4 in Little Rock. Deadline for entry is Nov. 20. The winner will win the use of any Kubota tractor for one year and their choice of a Kawasaki Mule or a Honda 4x4 ATV (ATV sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company). Contact your county Farm Bureau office or visit www.arfb.com/get-involved/young_fr/discussion for more info.
About the tractor: Kubota continues to introduce new models of rugged, dependable, user-friendly tractors in their 43–118 pto horse power M series tractors. The new Grand X Cab boasts one of the largest cabs in its class. Kubota has increased both interior height and width to provide a more spacious feel. Wide opening doors provide easier access while the unobstructed ceiling and fully flat floor guarantee more head and legroom for a higher level of comfort even during long hours behind the wheel. Go to www.kubota.com to learn more.
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SponSored by Kubota.
S
26 Arkansas Agriculture
Sara Loe says leadership is “the
willingness to make sacrifices for
others.” Nowhere does The Merriam-
Webster Dictionary use the word
“sacrifice” in the definition of
leadership. How does one explain such
a juxtaposition of what some might
consider seemingly opposite words? Loe,
26, goes on to say, “… the best leaders
are the ones on the front lines willing to
give their lives to serve others.”
So, it should be no surprise that
Sara Loe gives of herself by promoting
agriculture education in schools in
Garland County that don’t have existing
programs. “I believe so strongly in this
that I made it my full-time job,” said
Loe, a mother of one who lives in Hot
Springs. Don’t confuse full-time job with
“paid.” Loe receives no money for her
efforts.
“I believe agriculture education is the
foundation for the continued success
of the business of farming and its
positive economic impact on this state.
I have, and I will continue to promote
agriculture education in schools that
don’t have programs currently in place,”
Loe said. “I want to give selflessly of my
time, and provide my community with
all of the tools possible to educate our
youth. I believe if we continue to work
tirelessly promoting agriculture in our
communities and schools, we will secure
the future of agriculture.”
Loe and her husband Andrew aren’t
involved in on-the-ground farming or
a farming business.
However, she was an
Arkansas FFA state
officer in high school
and refers to the iconic
FFA jacket as “the
precious blue and gold
corduroy jacket.”
“During that year, I
realized how important
it is to be a positive
leader. My generation
is removed farther
from the farm than
the generation that
came before me,
and that pattern has
continued for each
generation,” Loe explained. “If we want
to promote agriculture and be educated
advocates for something we so strongly
believe in, it’s imperative to make sure
there are leaders ready to take on the
role to do so. Those leaders must be
prepared for any issues, questions and
problems that arise. The best way to
learn how to handle ourselves in these
situations is to learn from those leaders
who came before us.”
So a chance to join the inaugural
Arkansas Farm Bureau President’s
Leadership Council proved attractive.
“The opportunity to better my
leadership skills, further my education
and learn from great leaders was
something I didn’t want to miss,” Loe
said. “It’s a huge responsibility to be
a leader for your community, and any
opportunity to better yourself for your
community’s sake is worth taking.”
Even as she learns and is mentored
by older leaders, Loe sees the value in
giving back to those coming behind her.
“Growing up, there were people who
saw potential in me when I didn’t. If
those people hadn’t sacrificed their time
to support me, I wouldn’t be the person
I am today,” she said. “It’s extremely
important to mentor and support youth,
because you may be the only one who
does for that one person.”
The dictionary editors at Merriam-
Webster may want to reconsider
their definition of leadership. Serving
others makes it easy to understand
the connection between sacrifice and
leadership.
Volunteer strong Sara Loe leads by example by volunteering to promote agriculture education in schools in Garland County. She defines leadership as “… the willingness to make sacrifices for others.”
ŒŒŒ*
Keith
Sut
ton
Spotlight OnYouth
Sara loeLeading through sacrifice
by Gregg Patterson
27Arkansas Agriculture
Mol
lie D
ykes
Keith
Sut
ton
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College ofAgriculture & Technology
C
Rural Reflections Reflections
Word from the heavens “The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.” 2 Timothy 2:6Photo by Keith Sutton.
28 Arkansas Agriculture
Arkansas Agriculture 29
Farm Credit’s more than 10,000 customer-owners across Arkansas include rural home owners,
row crop farmers, livestock operations, local food farmers, and full and part-time farmers. With
$2.8 billion in assets, Arkansas Farm Credit associations serve agriculture, our communities and
the rural lifestyle. Members enjoy unique benefits like patronage refunds totaling more than $122
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farmcredit.com800-444-3276
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Purchase or refinance the agricultural equipment you need today to grow your business for the future. Plus take advantage of your membership with dedicated service, special rates, flexible terms and payment plans up to 7 full years. We make financing easy!
This special rate is for Arkansas Farm Bureau Members through 2013
EQUAL HOUSINGLENDER
Existing Farm Bureau Bank loans are excluded from this offer.*Rate disclosed as Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and based on exceptional credit. Some restrictions may apply based upon the make and model of equipment offered as collateral. Up to 90% financing for new and 85% for used equipment. Loans subject to credit approval. Rates are accurate as of 09/13/13. Rates and financing are limited to farm equipment model years 2003 or newer and are subject to change without notice. A down payment may be required for new or used equipment purchases. Financial information required for loan requests over $50,000. Commercial vehicles and trailers may be subject to an additional documentation fee. Farm Bureau Bank does not provide equity or cash-out financing on commercial vehicles and equipment. Banking services provided by Farm Bureau Bank FSB. Farm Bureau, FB, and the FB National Logo are registered service marks owned by, and used by Farm Bureau Bank FSB under license from, the American Farm Bureau Federation.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FARM BUREAU AGENT
Presorted standardU.s. Postage PaId
LittLe Rock, ARPeRmit No. 1884
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