arkansas agriculture - fall 2013

arfb.com

YF&R StrongWe salute our top Young Farmers & Ranchers

New ag tax exemptions coming Jan. 1Get certified now

Fall2013

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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

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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


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:[email protected]

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


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


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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.


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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.


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.


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.


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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.


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A compilation of all the most important statewide meetings and events.

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Location-specific weather reporting

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• Sealy® and Sears-O-Pedic® Mattresses

• NordicTrack® Exercise Equipment

• Craftsman® Lawn Tractors

• Kenmore® Outdoor Grills, Televisions and more!

This unique program from Sears Commercial features —

• A private selection consultation, with a professionally trained specialist

• 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 : [email protected] 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.

$500EXCLUSIVE

SAVINGSFOR FARM BUREAU MEMBERS

on the purchase or lease of most new GM vehicles. Certain restrictions apply. Visit www.fbverify.com/gm.

Auto Buying Program

Save time & money on your next new or used car or truck purchase.Program users have seen an average savings of $2,572 off MSRP.

Visit FBVerify.com/Drive to get started

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Contact: Bill Ross

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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.”


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*


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manufacturer of all the major components for our pre-engineered metal buildings. Our quality control leads to superiorquality, and that quality can also be found in our components, metal roofing panels, cee's, zee's and trim.

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$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.


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


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


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.

Whichever RTV you choose, you’ll get more bang for your buck… with a utility vehicle that works hard today and holds its value tomorrow.

S i n c e 1 9 7 6

FoR AdvERtIsIng InFoRmAtIon

Call or e-mail Tom Kennedy1.800.561.4686

[email protected]


https://twitter.com/ArmorSeed


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.

®

SponSored by Kubota.

S


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


Mol

lie D

ykes

Keith

Sut

ton

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Breaking new ground in research, teaching and service!For more information (870) 972-2085 AState.edu/CoAT AState.CoAT @AStateCoAT

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.


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

million since 1997. Are you Farm Credit?

farmcredit.com800-444-3276

Committed. Strong. reliAble. truSted. member-owned.

GROW YOURAGRICULTURE BUSINESS

WITH FARM BUREAU BANK

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

arkansas agriculture - fall 2013

Documents

chevrolet silverado

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