arkansas agriculture, spring 2012

SPRING2012

arfb.com

Agency Profi le: Arkansas Forestry Commission

Cotter FFA Warriors Fight Hunger

THE

OK

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Pubs

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Mechanical SpecsChevrolet RetailCHEVY-RET 503003172AGMQR21900000Farm Bureau SCR MagazineCHEVY-RET 503_003172A_GMQR21900000_FB_8.375x10.75.inddAdobe InDesign3-15-2012 3:06 PM4/C MagNone4.1.12SchawkArkansas Ag Mag

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Schawk: Please refrence art for Oklahoma FB. CHEVY-RET 496_003155_GMQRXXXX0000_FB_8.375x10.875

Michael CorbeilleNoneRyan Scott SimpsonMatt Perry

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bb 3 156361A01

S:7.875”S:10.25”

T:8.375”T:10.75”

Because hard workhas its Benefits.

You invest your business’ trust in us, so we’re giving loyal farm Bureau members like you the ultimate return on investment: $500 toward the purchase or lease of nearly any new chevy vehicle—from equinox to express.1 Plus, if you’re a business owner, purchase or lease any eligible chevrolet truck or van for business use through GM Business choice and receive even more great benefits, like a gift card or cash allowances toward vehicle accessories or upfitting. claim your $5001 farm Bureau authorization number at fbverify.com/gm and visit gmbusinesschoice.com for Business choice details.

1 Offer available through 4/1/14. Available on all 2011 and 2012 Chevrolet vehicles (excluding Volt and Camaro ZL1). 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 herein used under license by General Motors.

$500on top of most current offers1

PresentinG a Private offer for farM Bureau MeMBers.

GMQR21900000__156361A01.indd 1 3/16/12 12:55 PM

3Arkansas Agriculture

OK

Prepared by The Production Arts Studio | Goodby Silverstein & Partners. All rights reserved. 415.392.0669

Released on 3.16.12Printed at 100% Round 1

ClientJob NumberAd Number

Ad-IDJob Title

File NameFile FormatStart Date

Color /MediaMaterials Due

1st InsertionVendor

Pubs

BTLGS

PeopleCreative Director

Assoc. Creative Director Art DirectorCopywriter

Proofreader Account Management

Account / OperationsProducer

Product Specialist Legal

Production Arts Studio

Mechanical SpecsChevrolet RetailCHEVY-RET 503003172AGMQR21900000Farm Bureau SCR MagazineCHEVY-RET 503_003172A_GMQR21900000_FB_8.375x10.75.inddAdobe InDesign3-15-2012 3:06 PM4/C MagNone4.1.12SchawkArkansas Ag Mag

8.625” x 11”8.375” x 10.75”7.875” x 10.25”None1” = 1”

Schawk: Please refrence art for Oklahoma FB. CHEVY-RET 496_003155_GMQRXXXX0000_FB_8.375x10.875

Michael CorbeilleNoneRyan Scott SimpsonMatt Perry

Nicole ChambersNoneDerrick TolbertEric Singer

Paul Tucker @ 3-16-2012 11:00 AM

Notes

bb 3 156361A01

S:7.875”

S:10.25”

T:8.375”

T:10.75”

Because hard workhas its Benefits.

You invest your business’ trust in us, so we’re giving loyal farm Bureau members like you the ultimate return on investment: $500 toward the purchase or lease of nearly any new chevy vehicle—from equinox to express.1 Plus, if you’re a business owner, purchase or lease any eligible chevrolet truck or van for business use through GM Business choice and receive even more great benefits, like a gift card or cash allowances toward vehicle accessories or upfitting. claim your $5001 farm Bureau authorization number at fbverify.com/gm and visit gmbusinesschoice.com for Business choice details.

$500on top of most current offers1

PresentinG a Private offer for farM Bureau MeMBers.

GMQR21900000__156361A01.indd 1 3/16/12 12:55 PM

$500Private Offer

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.

Bull Motor Company729 Hwy 64 W, Wynne

870-238-2800www.BullMotorCo.com

Smith Chevrolet-Cadillac Co.1215 Hwy 71 S, Fort Smith

479-646-7301

Crain Chevrolet, LLC9911 Interstate 30,

Little Rock501 255-5300

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Landers Chevrolet19236 Interstate 30,

Benton501-315-2500

Classic Chevrolet941 Constitution Ave.Ashdown, AR 71832

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Lucky’s of Monticello 1215 hway 425 North, Monticello

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Hug415 Main St. • PO Box 158 • Charleston, AR 72933

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Holt Auto Group905 Unity Rd., Crossett

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Smart Chevrolet Buick GMC 515 W 5th, Pine Bluff

870-534-8122www.smartdrive.com

Everett Buick-GMCI-30 Alcoa Exit, Bryant

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Allen Tillery Auto4573 Central, Hot Springs

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Everett ChevroletI-540 at

Elm Springs Road, Springdale

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Gerren Motor CompanyChevrolet Buick GMC

2190 US Hwy 165 W, England501-842-2527

Holly Chevrolet6601 Interstate 55 N,

Marion870-739-7337

Gwatney ChevroletGregory Street Exit

Jacksonville800-697-9586

www.GoGwatney.com

Russell Chevrolet6100 Landers Road,

Sherwood800-511-5823

www.russellchevrolet.com

1 Offer valid toward the purchase of new 2011 and 2012 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 9/30/2012.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

Chevy, GMC or Buick Dealer.®

Private OfferPrivate OfferPrivate Offer

in BENTON

Classic

Stanley Wood

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Gerren

Hug

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Central

Smart

Lucky’s

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everett

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everett-Maxey

Farm Bureau Perspective by Randy Veach 3Faces of AgricultureP. Allen Smithby Tara Johnson 18

The new Arkansas ax menTaking a new approach to timber in Arkansas by Gregg Patterson 4Bringing back a legendThe quest to restore the Ozark Chinquapinby Johnny Sain 14

Policy Update by Michelle Kitchens 22

Inside...

Rural Refl ections Photo 28

Spotlight on YouthWarriors fi ght hungerby Mollie Dykes 26

Ag Profi leArkansas Forestry Commissionby Gregg Patterson 24

On the cover – Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Forestry Division and its chairman, Grant Pace of Monticello, are looking for new export markets to open up more opportunities for landowners to sell their timber.

Photo credit: Keith Sutton

Spring2012

arfb.com

Agency profile: Arkansas Forestry Commission

Cotter FFA Warriors Fight Hunger

The

F E A T U R E S

C O L U M N S

VOLUME 9ISSUE 2

SPRING2012

Executive Editor: Steve EddingtonEditor: Gregg PattersonContributing Writers: Ken Moore, Keith Sutton, Chris WilsonResearch Assistant: Brenda Gregory


Arkansas Agricultureis an offi cial publication of

Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation.

Arkansas Agricultureis distributed to almost 32,000 farming and ranching households in Arkansas.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Included in membership dues.

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU OFFICERS: President

Randy VeachManila

Vice PresidentRich Hillman

CarlisleSecretary/Treasurer

Tom Jones Pottsville

Executive Vice PresidentEwell 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 Sutterfi eld, Mountain View

EX OFFICIOSue Billiot, Smithville

Janice Marsh, McCroryKirk Meins, Suttgart

Brian 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.

Publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. All rights reserved.

Reproduction withoutpermission is prohibited.

The Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation reserves the right to accept or reject

all advertising requests.

Send comments to:[email protected]

Created byPublishing Concepts, Inc.Virginia Robertson, Publisher

[email protected] Taylor Loop Road

Little Rock, AR 72223501.221.9986 or 800.561.4686

For advertising information contact:Tom Kennedy at

501.221.9986 or [email protected]

Edition 25

I admit to being sometimes uneasy when facing those in the media, but Stewart Doan taught

me it was actually very easy to trust a reporter. He was the best I ever encountered, the consummate

professional, fair, thorough and very knowledgeable about agriculture. I learned from Stewart that

“reporter” didn’t have to be a bad word.

We lost Stewart far too early, the victim of a heart ailment that claimed his life May 10. He was

only 52.

Stewart was kind, down to earth and a good friend to all. He was the type of person you could

tell just about anything and trust he would use that information in the appropriate way.

I fi rst came to know him when he was assistant farm broadcaster at KAIT-TV in Jonesboro.

He later went to work for John Philpot at the Arkansas Radio Network and succeeded John as Ag

Director there in 1985. He also covered Mid-South agriculture for the Yancy Ag Network. In 2008,

Stewart went to work for Agri-Pulse, a Washington, D.C.-based news outlet, where his focus was on

national agriculture policy.

“He loved everything about agriculture and had a particular talent for deciphering ag policy,”

Philpot said. “His contribution to understanding among our agriculture community can never be

measured, can never be valued.”

Stewart was respected nationally, having served as president of the National Association of Farm

Broadcasting in 1998 and selected in 2006 as the national Farm Broadcaster of the Year.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack praised his work, saying, “Stewart was a voice people depended on

and people listened to. And he used his voice to advocate on behalf of America’s farmers, ranchers

and producers.”

Rep. Frank Lucas, our neighbor from Oklahoma and chairman of the House Ag Committee, also

offered his praise and condolences.

“Beyond being a talented journalist and broadcaster, Stewart was just a quality person,”

Chairman Lucas said. “His passing is a tremendous loss to all of us who appreciated and respected

his fair storytelling and analysis. His brand of reporting on farm policy and his role in our

community will be missed.”

Stewart spoke at our state convention last November, discussing the current political climate and

its impact on agriculture policy. He followed that with a presentation at the American Farm Bureau

convention in Hawaii in January, discussing presidential candidates and their positions on a wide

variety of agricultural issues. I always learned something when I was around Stewart.

And as much as he knew, he was never one to suggest what Farm Bureau policy should be.

He understood the process through which Farm Bureau policy was defi ned, and he respected that

process. I believe that’s because of his deep respect for farmers and ranchers. He was one of us, in

fact, still maintaining control of his family’s farming interests in his home state of Kentucky.

Those who had the opportunity to deal with Stewart returned that respect, and it showed in the

quality of work he produced. While his voice is silenced, his legacy lives on.

My prayers to his wife, Leslie, and their daughters, Lauren and Sara. A fund is now established to

help pay for the girls’ college education. To help, send contributions to:

Stewart Doan’s Children’s College Fund, c/o Peoples Bank,

20409 Arch Street, Little Rock, AR 72206

Rest in peace, Stewart Doan, and thank you for the things you taught me. Arkansas agriculture

has lost a true friend.

Farm Bureau Perspective

By Randy Veach, President, Arkansas Farm Bureau

4 Arkansas Agriculture

Ax man Arkansas Farm Bureau Forestry Division Chairman

Grant Pace is helping develop new national and international

export markets for Arkansas-grown timber.

THE

Taking a new approach to timber in Arkansas

by Gregg Pattersonphotos by Keith Sutton


The timber industry is big business

in Arkansas. How big? Number 5 in the

nation, that’s how big. Arkansas’ timber

industry generates more than $2 billion

in annual forest products sales, as well

as providing the largest percentage

of agriculture-related jobs that keep

Arkansans working. Arkansas doesn’t

have to watch a TV show to know how

things are done in the timber cutting

business. It’s happening in real life every

day in our forests.

Arkansas is blessed with forests.

Almost 53 percent of the state

is classified as “accessible” and

“productive” forestland. The state is also

blessed with a variety of tree species in

both the hardwood (oaks, hickories) and

softwood (pines) classifications.

Arkansas’ timber industry has a long

history, the beginning of which dates

back to settlement. The vast bottomland

hardwood forest of the eastern half of

the state was systematically clearcut,

drained and converted to farmland; its

rich soils needed to fulfill the nation’s

insatiable demand for cotton and then

other row crops. As professional forest

management began to take hold in

the early 20th Century, the realization

of a renewable and sustainable forest

took hold in many areas of the rest

of the state where it made more sense

to cut and replant forests rather than

trying to replace them with row crops.

Everything from small, local lumber

mills to modern, large-scale paper and

container mills took in all trees from

grandpa’s back 40, as well as the bounty

from professionally managed multi-

section tracts of industrial forestland.

That process continued with most of the

timber taken here feeding the in-state

mills.

However, change has swept across

Arkansas’ timber industry the last 20

years – and particularly in the last 10.

Much like happened to the U.S. textile

industry when the converting of raw

cotton into clothing and household

items disappeared to cheaper labor in

foreign countries, so too is the timber

industry going through a sea change of

its own – overseas that is.

Matt King is the coordinator of

Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Forestry

Division. He says no new mills have

been built in Arkansas in more than 30

years. Instead, King says the newer mills

are being built overseas, particularly in

Brazil where environmental regulations

are less stringent and labor is cheaper

than it is here. So the belief that a log

cut down on grandpa’s back 40 will

become a finished product here in

Arkansas is changing.

Not only that, King believes the idea

that that log should remain in Arkansas

needs to change too. There’s a whole

world out there with specific needs and

specialty markets outside of Arkansas

that forest landowners need to identify


Tax cut To keep Arkansas as a national Top 5 timber state, it’s important

to eliminate the sales tax on forest products equipment like this buncher.


7

to get top dollar for their logs.

“Some 96 percent of the world’s

population lives outside of the U.S.,”

King said. “A growing consumer class

of people in other countries wants U.S.-

grown wood. It’s a status symbol for

them.”

He mentions flooring as an example.

Consumers outside of the U.S. want

flooring for their homes made from U.S.-

grown hardwood. “Asia is demanding

flooring and hardwood lumber.”

Ironically, King points out, the

reverse is true too. U.S. homeowners

want flooring made from Brazilian-

grown wood or Asian bamboo. The point

is there’s a global market out there now.

Grant Pace agrees. He is chairman of

Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Forestry Division

and runs his own forestry consulting

business.

“What’s important today is getting

the product out to the changing

markets around the world,” Pace said.

“Improvements to rail, highways and

river ports have made it easier to haul

products to different mills across the

U.S. and even to other countries.” He

says these improvements have opened

up different markets for timber products.

King says Pace has identified and

developed one of those markets. He

ships veneer-grade southern red oak logs

to a Michigan facility that produces the

veneer then ships it to Italy to be used

in furniture making. The furniture then

comes back to the U.S. for sale. That

quality red oak log fetches a much better

price to the forest landowner when it’s

used to its fullest end-product use as

veneer then if it were simply cut down

and sent to a local mill that doesn’t

produce veneer.

According to King, more and more

furniture-grade hardwoods grown in the

U.S. are being shipped overseas to be

made into furniture; then it’s shipped

back to the U.S. for sale.

King says the wood biomass market

in Europe – wood chips and pellets – as

fuel for heating is another example of

an overseas market. “Europeans have

regulated themselves into the use of

wood chips or compressed wood pellets

as a heat source,” he said. He says it’s

also a popular choice in the Northeast

states.

Identifying these markets and

establishing ways for Arkansas forest

landowners to take advantage of

them is critical to keeping the timber

industry strong here. With that in

mind, King says Arkansas Farm Bureau

is teaming up with surrounding states

to host the “Forest Product Export

Conference” Oct. 30-31 in Vicksburg,

Miss. The conference will help provide

information to mills, loggers and others

on how they can take advantage of the

export market.

“Mills, loggers and forest landowners

are going to have to continue to look

for new markets and tailor production

practices to meet what the market

demands,” King said.

Pace sees the future of timber

production in Arkansas following in the

footsteps of what farmers and ranchers

here are already doing in providing

food to the world. “Arkansas, along

with other states, already helps feed the

world,” he said. “One day, we’ll also

help with raw products such as wood

pellets for heat, pulp for paper, logs for

furniture and just about any other need

a country has.”

King says Arkansas can sustain itself

as a Top 5 timber producer nationally

with a worldwide export approach and

if it continues favorable state policies

that encourage continued harvest of

timber resources. He says what’s needed

now is tax savings legislation that’s

competitive with what surrounding

states offer.

“The timber industry is strong

in Arkansas, but we’re missing key

legislation to maintain the industry in

the future,” he said. “Surrounding states

offer sales tax exemptions on forest

product equipment. However, Arkansas

Apply any time during the growing season

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Foliar Fertilize for $24 per acre per yearREALLY?

Yes, with Sea Minerals FA

Arkansas Agriculture

only exempts the first $50,000. That

often is only the equivalent of 10

percent of machinery costs.”

Pace agrees.

“Starting a logging operation today

costs around $1 million. The high cost

of fuel, insurance and equipment make

it very challenging to survive. Profit

margins on logging jobs are small due

to these high costs,” he said.

King says Arkansas Farm Bureau will

also work to maintain voluntary best

management practices in Arkansas and

help protect private landowner rights.

Pace says it’s a big, wide world out

there, and it’s important to get the

product out to the changing markets

in the U.S. and worldwide. “Doing it

the way daddy or grandpa did it just

doesn’t work anymore,” he said.

And it’s a little more complicated

then what you see on some TV show.


Get real answers.

www.afbic.com

One thing will always be true about farming: Conditions change. 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 local Farm Bureau Insurance agent always has answers.

THIS ARTWORK CANNOT BE ALTERED, REVISED, RESIZED OR REBUILT BEYOND CHANGING THE AGENT PHOTO OR CONTACT INFO. CONTACT MADGENIUS WITH ANY QUESTIONS AT [email protected]

AR

ML

PR

41120

Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. of Arkansas, Inc.Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Co.Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS

LARRY R. FROELICHATTORNEY AT LAW

200 W. Center, Suite 10Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701

STATEWIDE PRACTICEEdison Froelich

Agricultural Economist

479-521-3939 501-707-4048

WE REPRESENT FARMERS

Michael C. LeaAssociate Counsel

A Stitch in Time Saves Nine

Smart Chevrolet 515 W 5th, Pine Bluff

870-534-8122www.smartdrive.com

Keep on truckin’ A load of logs doesn’t necessarily go to the local mill anymore. Raw

logs are often trucked to other states or shipped overseas for

processing and return to the U.S. as finished products.

ŒŒŒ*


Stumped Here yesterday, gone today. But who took it? Timber theft often occurs on the property of absentee landowners, causing losses in the tens of thousands of dollars and frequently going undiscovered for months or even years.

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12 Arkansas Agriculture8 Arkansas Agriculture

Picture this!

Dust off your cameras and take part in Rural Reflections, FB’s Front Porch photo contest.

F arm Bureau members now have the opportunity to spotlight their creativity, their perception and their flair for the dra-matic — or the comical or even the tragic — in Front Porch’s

third Rural Reflections Photo Contest.This competition offers amateur photographers the chance to ex-

plore 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 ad-dition, 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 Bureau’s website, arfb.com, and in other publications.

Arkansas Farm Bureau has the final decision on any and all questions or concerns regarding rules, judging, eligibility, prizes awarded or anything else that may arise pertaining to the Rural Reflections Photo Contest.

Rules

• Any photo taken between Jan. 1, 2012 and Oct. 31, 2012 may be entered.

• Files must be high-resolution jpegs (at least 300 dpi).

• Each entrant may enter only one photo.

• Enter by uploading your photo at: arfb.com/get-involved/contests/ .

• All entries must be submitted by midnight Oct. 31, 2012.

• The Rural Reflections Photo Contest is open to members of Arkansas Farm Bureau and their immediate families. Employees of Farm Bureau, its affiliated companies and service companies are not eligible.

• Winning or honorable-mention photos also may be published on Arkansas Farm Bureau’s website, arfb.com, and in other Farm Bureau publica-tions, as appropriate.


Picture this!

Dust off your cameras and take part in Rural Reflections, FB’s Front Porch photo contest.

F arm Bureau members now have the opportunity to spotlight their creativity, their perception and their flair for the dra-matic — or the comical or even the tragic — in Front Porch’s

third Rural Reflections Photo Contest.This competition offers amateur photographers the chance to ex-

plore 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 ad-dition, 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 Bureau’s website, arfb.com, and in other publications.

Arkansas Farm Bureau has the final decision on any and all questions or concerns regarding rules, judging, eligibility, prizes awarded or anything else that may arise pertaining to the Rural Reflections Photo Contest.

Rules

• Any photo taken between Jan. 1, 2012 and Oct. 31, 2012 may be entered.

• Files must be high-resolution jpegs (at least 300 dpi).

• Each entrant may enter only one photo.

• Enter by uploading your photo at: arfb.com/get-involved/contests/ .

• All entries must be submitted by midnight Oct. 31, 2012.

• The Rural Reflections Photo Contest is open to members of Arkansas Farm Bureau and their immediate families. Employees of Farm Bureau, its affiliated companies and service companies are not eligible.

• Winning or honorable-mention photos also may be published on Arkansas Farm Bureau’s website, arfb.com, and in other Farm Bureau publica-tions, as appropriate.

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BTU COMPARISON

• 1 ton of pellets generates

16,400,000 BTU’s

• It takes 178.92 gallons of

propane to generate 16,400,000

BTU’s of heat

“Ozark Chinquapin nuts were delicious,

and we waited for them to fall like you

would wait on a crop of corn to ripen. They

were that important. Up on the hilltop

the nuts were so plentiful that we scooped

them up with flat-blade shovels and loaded

them into the wagons to use as livestock

feed, to eat for ourselves and to sell. Deer,

bears, turkeys, squirrels and a variety of

other wildlife fattened up on the sweet crop

of nuts that fell every year. But starting in

the 1950s and ‘60s, all of the trees started

dying off. Now, they’re all gone, and no

one has heard of them.”

This is a quote from a 91-year-old

Ozark Mountains resident describing

the role the Ozark chinquapin

(pronounced CHINK-a-pin) played in

the life of rural people. The chinquapin

was more than part of the landscape;

it was a vital part of the ecosystem and

the life of early Arkansas settlers

I’d never heard of an Ozark

chinquapin until just a few years ago.

I doubt many of you reading this have

either. The odds are if you were born

after 1950, you never knew the tree

existed. It’s kind of a sad story.

The Ozark chinquapin (Castanea

ozarkensis) is a variety of chestnut

tree in the Beech Family not to be

confused with the chinkapin oak

(Quercus muehlenbergii) found in these

same mountains. It was the preferred

food source for wildlife in the

Ozark and Ouachita mountains,

as well as the Arkansas River

Valley of western Arkansas. It

was also common in the Missouri

Ozarks and found in a few other

surrounding states. Like most

chestnuts, the nutritious mast

dropped from the tree in a spine-

covered casing. All of the forest

herbivores and omnivores would


Bringing back a legendThe quest to restore the Ozark Chinquapin

by Johnny Sain

ignore white oak acorns to get to them.

As a deer hunter, having watched

whitetails munch on acorns like I do on

peanut M&Ms, this astounds me.

The trees were drought tolerant and

readily grew on the rocky, acidic soils

found in the mountains of Arkansas.

They were towering trees, sometimes

more than 60 feet tall and 3 feet in

diameter. The chinquapin bloomed

in late May and early June, after the

spring frosts, and provided a mast crop

without fail every autumn.

Losing the chinquapin changed

the complexion of our forests, and

it changed them forever. Forestry

experts say that the loss of this vital

food source lowered the population

densities of many animals native to

the mountain ranges and river valley.

However, the local animals weren’t

the only ones that suffered when the

chinquapin began to die.

Early settlers in this region, the

Ozark Highlands in particular, used

the mast for livestock feed and for

food themselves. The nuts taste sweet,

not bitter like tannin-filled acorns. To

say that chinquapins were important

to a homesteader back in the 1800s

is probably an understatement. The

closest thing to catastrophic tree species

loss we’ve almost experienced was

the oak borer infestation back in the

1990s. Luckily, our forests and wildlife

averted disaster, and the oak trees

recovered. That wasn’t the case for the

chinquapins.

The chestnut blight was the downfall

of the chinquapin. The result of a

fungus brought into our country on

imported Asian trees around the early

1900s, the blight almost wiped them

out. The infected trees were logged

– along with some healthy ones –

and today, any wild chinquapins are

growing out of those stumps. The wild

saplings don’t make it; most succumb

to the blight in about five years. But

there is hope.

Organizations such as the Ozark

Chinquapin Foundation (OCF) supply

landowners with chinquapin seedlings

to plant on their property. The OCF is

also working with foresters to produce a

blight-resistant chinquapin and one day

restore this towering food source to its

native Arkansas habitat.

Landowner Kevin Baker of Pottsville.

recently joined the OCF.

“I joined because from what I’ve

read about the tree, it sounds like the

perfect food source for wildlife. It grows

well in rocky, upland soil which is what

makes up most of the 40 acres I own

and hunt on in Pope County.”

Baker says he manages his property

for more and healthier wildlife.

“The chinquapin is fast growing and

produces mast in just a couple of years.

If the foundation succeeds with their

goal of producing a blight-resistant

strain of the chinquapin, it will do

wonders for our native wildlife.”

If interested in finding out more

about the campaign to save the

Ozark chinquapin or for information

about planting chinquapins on your

land, contact the Ozark Chinquapin

Foundation at ozarkchinquapin.com.


Step

hien

Bos

t

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Arkansas Agriculture16

A rkansas Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranch-ers Achievement Award Contest is for outstanding producers, 18-35 years old, who are Farm Bureau members in good standing. Contestants are judged

on the strength of their farming operation, as well as their involve-ment in Farm Bureau and the community.

The winner will be named at ARFB’s 78th Annual Convention, which takes place Nov. 28–30 in Hot Springs. In addition to a pickup truck, the winner will receive an expense-paid

trip to the American Farm Bureau Convention in Nashville, where they will compete nationally.

Entry deadline is July 16. Applications are available at http://www.arfb.com/get-involved/young_fr/achievement/default.aspx. For additional details, call 501-228-1247.

Enter the YF&R Achievement Award ContestWinner will drive home a brand new Chevrolet 1500 4x4 Quad Cab

Truck provided by Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Co.

2011 Winners (at left): The Allens of Bismarck

17

Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Mission• advocate the interests of agriculture in the public arena;

• disseminate information concerning the value and importance of agriculture; and

• provide products and services which improve the quality of life for our members.

There are more than 6 million

Farm Bureau member-families in the

United States, with more than 210,000

member-families in Arkansas.

www.arfb.comwww.facebook.com/ArkansasFarmBureau

twitter.com/ARFBwww.youtube.com/arkansasfarmbureau


How are you involved in

agriculture?

I’m proud to be part of Arkansas’

farming heritage. I love the land, my farm

and sharing it in many different ways with

Arkansans and the world.

Agriculture at its best is derived from a

diverse gene pool of both plant and animal

genetics. Every year we trial hundreds of

varieties of fruits and vegetables on my

farm.

Additionally, as a child I was

competitively involved with 4-H, a

great organization, and the FFA. Those

experiences sparked one of my farming

loves, my love of Heritage Poultry.

Knowing that many of the old breeds were

in decline, I founded the Heritage Poultry

Conservancy ( ) in 2009

to raise awareness of the need for genetic

diversity in all heritage poultry (i.e.,

chickens, ducks and turkeys).

Did you know that the Alyesbury Duck

has amazingly tasty meat, and its fat is

highly sought after by chefs for cooking?

The fat is often called “duck butter” and

renders down into the most delicious

cooking liquid, adding a subtle richness

and depth of flavor to whatever you are

preparing.

So I’m happy to report that the current

cooking show craze has directed some

limelight on farmers, and the importance

of recognizing the need for getting back

the great tastes in the foods we eat. The

best way to do this is to keep more genetic

diversity in our food chain. I think it’s safe

to say this trend has gained more traction

over the last 10 years, having now become

a mainstream topic of discussion.

I happen to love to eat, and therefore,

I love good food. I personally enjoy the

delicate differences in taste between

lettuces, for instance. I grow 12 different

varieties. “Butterhead” is different in taste

and texture than “Butter Crunch,” which

is totally different from a romaine. I do the

same thing with tomatoes and English peas.

So you see farming is a huge part of my

everyday adult life.

In your own words, what is

agriculture?

I suppose agriculture could be summed

up as the production of food, whatever

compiled by Tara Johnson

Ag lifer P. Allen Smith is a lifetime lover of all things ag. From an FFA and 4-H youth spent showing swine, cattle and poultry at county and state fairs to his present prominence as TV host of three nationally popular shows promoting his garden-home lifestyle, he is immersed in sharing his love of the land and his farm with the public.

P. A

llen

Smith

Hor

tus

Ltd.

Faces of Agriculture

P. Allen Smith


P. A

llen

Smith

Hor

tus

Ltd.

forms it takes. It is a complex marriage

between science and art. Agriculture

therefore is the science and art of

producing crops, livestock and poultry.

Farming is also an occupation as

well as a desirable quality of life. It

cultivates family ties, forms strong bonds

with the community and society, has an

ethical or moral purpose for the farmers’

lives and, as for the farm itself, farmers

provide stewardship of their lands and

communities.

Why do you think agriculture

is important?

Agriculture is the foundation and

cornerstone of civilization. Without

a reliable, dependable and safe food

system, there could never have been the

opportunity for any other professions or

pursuits to evolve or to even flourish. It

seems we have, as a society, forgotten

this. Consecutive generations of my family

have farmed this country since before its

founding. They were strong-willed (a nice

way of saying stubborn), independent and

resourceful people. As they carved forests

into fields and fields into crops, these

pioneers were at the same time establishing

communities as they created their farms.

The importance of community is

something that has stayed with me

over the years, and when I was in the

early stages of planning Moss Mountain

Farm, I knew that establishing a sense of

community was of an essential component.

You see, it is my belief that we must

reconnect to and stay connected to our

agrarian past.

What is the one thing you

want everyone to know about

agriculture and farming?

We all need to support farmers and

farming. Knowing where my food comes

from and how it was raised or produced,

helps me make informed decisions on what

I eat, and therefore impacts my health and

well-being. The same can apply to everyone.

You are one of America’s

most recognizable gardening

experts and designers. How has

agriculture influenced your life

and career choices?

My family has been involved in

American agriculture since the 1690s. I

personally have fond memories of farm life

as a child, and I perpetuate those memories

on my own farm today. My first memories

of gardening were centered on growing

vegetables. I still get excited seeing those

first squash seeds germinate in the spring

to this day!

So much of agriculture can’t be learned

in a book. It requires a hands-on approach

and regular work in the field to become a

successful farmer. Just like with the best

gardeners, often the best farmers are those

who have farmed the longest. I hope to

continue gardening and farming for a long

time. Every year I feel I get a little better

at it.

“My beef checkoff canhelp raise consumer confidence in beef.”

Ronnie Yeargin

Hear more from Ronnie at MyBeefCheckoff.comFunded by the Beef Checkoff.

Ronnie YearginYeargin Farms

Greenfield, Tenn.

Ronnie YearginRonnie YearginYeargin Farms

Greenfield, Tenn.

“Simply put, our beef checkoff promotes safe, nutritious beef. All beef producers invest in the checkoff — so folks like you and me decide how to allocate these dollars,” says Ronnie Yeargin.

The checkoff is working to build demand for beef by educating consumers about beef ’s role in healthful diets.

My beef checkoff…reaching consumers with the benefits of beef.

August 21–22 • North Little Rock • The Wyndham Riverfront HotelContact Debbie Moreland at 501-682-2915 for details.

ŒŒŒ*

Hunters do more to conserve habitat than any other group. And they have achieved great things for wildlife and wild places by supporting conservation organizations like Ducks Unlimited. With their support, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres of habitat across the continent. Come share our vision of skies filled with waterfowl today, tomorrow, and forever. To find out more go to www.ducks.org

hunter: another word for conservationist

Farm Drainage, Irrigation & Culvert Pipe

• Heavy - Wall Stell, 4” thru 96”, up to 50’ Lengths

• Used High-Pressure Line Pipe and Gas Line Pipe

• New Structural Steel Piple, 2” thru 20”

• Large Diameter Pipe - 60”, 78”, 96”

Will Deliver for Small Cost.

ADS plastic pipe dealer and Corrugrated pipe dealer.

1-800-553-1373NORTHSIDE STEEL

Highway 63 BypassJonesboro, AR



Rising production costs, herbicide resistance, drought, disease, pests, stormwater runoff, biofuel opportunities, safe food, marketing strategies, emerging technology and research ... whatever the issue, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers real solutions.

division.uaex.edu

Ag SolutionsSupporting Arkansas Agriculture for more than 100 years

2012 YF&R State Discussion Meet CompetitionWinner gets a Kubota tractor for one year

A rkansas Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet is a discussion contest related to issues that affect U.S. agriculture. The contest will be Nov. 28 in Hot Springs. Call toll free 888-909-5949, ext. 1247 or 1306 for further details. Deadline for entry is Nov.

20. The state Discussion Meet winner will win the use of any Kubota tractor for one year.

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 about the prod-

ucts, services and finance packages offered by Kubota. Discussion Meet questions are available at www.arfb.com/get-involved/young_fr/discussion/default.aspx.

The YF&R State Discussion Meet winner also receives their choice of a Ka-wasaki Mule or a Honda 500 4x4 ATV. This prize is sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company.

2011 Winner: Kevin Smith (left) of Benton County

SponSored by Kubota


Are we there yet? It’s a common

question for summer vacation travelers,

but it easily could be asked about a

number of farm-related issues. Arkansas

Farm Bureau wants to keep you updated

on the issues pending on a state and

national level, particularly those we’ve

discussed in this space. Here are some

quick updates.

2012 farm bill

House Committee Chairman Frank

Lucas (R-OK) and Rep. Rick Crawford

(R-AR) hosted a farm bill field hearing

in Arkansas in early spring. Arkansas

Farm Bureau President Randy Veach

offered testimony in support of a

safety net that includes price and yield

risk protection. Veach stressed to the

committee that the next farm bill needs

to serve all regions and crops, saying

“a one-size-fits-all program will not

work effectively for all regions.” Most

farm groups have urged the committees

to put forth a new farm bill this year.

With the 2008 farm bill expiring in

September, there’s a lot of work left to

do to get another bill in place before

then. Both the House and Senate

Agriculture committees finished their

field hearings process. It’s possible that

the Senate and House will have bills

ready for consideration in June.

State sales and use tax exemptions

review

The Arkansas House and Senate

Revenue and Taxation committees met

April 19 to begin their comprehensive

review of the state tax code,

beginning with the state’s sales tax

exemptions. Department of Finance and

Administration staff offered testimony

and provided explanations of the code,

enforcement of the exemptions and

revenue loss projections. Several entities,

including Arkansas Farm Bureau,

submitted comments to the committees

about the importance of exemptions. A

date was not set for a follow-up meeting.

Arkansas State Water Plan revision

Public meetings for the State Water

Plan rewrite should begin this summer.

The Arkansas Natural Resources

Commission (ANRC) has selected CDM

Smith/FTN as the engineering firm that

will provide support services for the

project. The United States Geological

Survey will compile all available

groundwater information and synthesize

existing data and reports to publish a

report on the quantity, quality, and

sustainability of groundwater in the

state’s major aquifers to assess problems

and define needs use into the future.

ANRC plans to use resources from UALR

Bowen Law School and the Clinton

School of Public Service to support the

effort. ARNC will update arkansaswater.

org for information dissemination about

the water plan going forward.

Elections

The state primary election was May

22. Now come the long campaign

runs up to the November elections.

Farm Bureau members are strongly

encouraged to evaluate candidates

with an eye toward their views on

agriculture. Farm Bureau has video

interviews and questionnaires

from candidates for the 1st and 2nd

Congressional Districts posted at arfb.

com. Check out those resources for more

information on candidates’ positions

on agriculture issues. How farmers cast

their ballots can make a big difference

in the outcome of many agriculture

policies, so vet your candidates

thoroughly. ŒŒŒ*

PolicyUpdate

By Michelle Kitchens, Arkansas Farm Bureau


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(QTY 5) 2007 INTERNATIONAL 9400i, Cat, C-15, 325K-495K, 475 HP, Jake, 10 Spd, Mid Roof . . . . . . . . Priced from $39K-49K

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2002-2000 STERLING SINGLE AXLE (Qty. 10) 1 Onwer, Lease, Cummins, ISM, 300 HP, 10 Spd, Air Ride, 320K-550K, 150” WB, . . . . . . . . . . . $16,900

2005 VOLVO VNL Cummins, ISX, 450 HP, 499K, Jake, 10 Spd, Air Ride, 3.70 Ratio, 226” WB, 1 Owner, Lease Maint., Mid Roof,NICE!!! . . . . $38,750

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2005 Freightliner Columbia, 14L DET., 515HP, 579K, 1 Owner, Lease Maint., 10 Spd, Jake, Air Ride, Very Nice, Southern Clean, . . . . . $36,750

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Office: (501)945-1550(501) 607-0103 Or (501) 960-3935

Fax: (501)945-1552

Buying, Selling & Trading TruckS & TrailerS For over 35 yearS!

2005 VOLVO VNL Volvo V12, 435 HP, 1 owner, Lease Maint ., 800K, Jake, 10 Spd, Air Ride, 3 .58 Ratio, 190” WB . . . $23,750

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(10)2006 Mack Vision CXN613 Mack 427 & 380, 9 & 6 spds, air ride, 4 .11, 190” WB, alums, 600&700K,1owner .$28,750-36,500

Information: 870-269-3851 • Cabin Reservations: 800-264-3655 • OzarkFolkCenter.com

SEASON EVENTSJ U N E15-16: Irish Music & Dance with

St. Louis Irish Arts

J U L Y4: Donkey Days & 4th of July Celebration5-7: 9th Annual National Shape Note

Gathering7: Cool Foods Cooking Class9-13: Day Camp12-14: Great Smoky Mountain Cloggers13: Handcrafted Evening in the Park

M O U N T A I N V I E W , A R K A N S A S

17-21: Women of the Ozarks21: The Women of Mountain Music23-27: Day Camp26-28: Mountain Dulcimer Workshops

A U G U S T2-4: Hammered Dulcimer Workshops4: Exotic Influences on Ozark Cooking9-11: Old Time String Band 17-19: Mountains, Music & Motorcycles25: Carter Family Tribute31: Tribute to Grandpa Jones

Come Play with UsCome Play with UsCome Play with UsCome Play with UsCome Play with UsCome Play with UsThe Ozark Folk Center is a great place for your whole family to experience the crafts, music and herbs of the Ozarks. The Craft Village is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Concerts are at 7 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday. Check out the down-home good cooking at the Skillet Restaurant and stay in our comfortable Cabins at Dry Creek. To plan your getaway, visit OzarkFolkCenter.com for a listing of workshops, events and concerts. Come learn a craft, listen to music and enjoy the gardens. Come play with us!

The Arkansas Forestry

Commission is a state agency

dedicated to working with

agencies, communities,

organizations and residents to

prevent and suppress wildfires;

control forest insects and

disease; grow and distribute

trees for planting; and gather

and disseminate information

concerning the growth, use

and renewal of forests. It

got its start in 1931 and is

now part of the Arkansas

Agriculture Department.

The Arkansas Forestry

Commission (AFC) State Forester is the

agency’s top position. Joseph Fox was

recently hired as its eighth-ever State

Forester.

Wildfire suppression is a major

activity for AFC. Since 1935, its

crews have suppressed more than

225,000 wildfires. Fire safety is a

critical education component, and

AFC forest rangers conduct programs

with school children, teaching them

how to prevent wildfires. The agency

also assists some 1,000 rural volunteer

fire departments, helping them with

organization, training and equipment.

As part of this service, AFC administers

federal grants and provides interest-

free loans for purchasing equipment to

these rural fire departments.

Rangers also partner with AFC

county foresters to work with private

landowners to help them manage

forested property. Following a forest

management plan improves the health

and vigor of trees. Forest management

plans identify landowner goals and

objectives, as well as specific forest

practices to reach them. Landowners

can make money through timber sales

and/or provide improved wildlife

habitat, as well as other benefits.

AFC foresters have worked with more

than 1,150 landowners since 1991,

helping them earn Forest Stewardship

recognition. This service is free.

Other services like prescribed burns,

timber marking and construction

of fire breaks are fee-based. Natural

resources professionals from other

state and federal agencies also can

provide help. A registered professional

forester should be part of all forest

management plan development.

Another important AFC service is

its nursery tree program. Landowners

can order low-cost tree seedlings from

AFC’s Baucum Nursery in North Little

Rock. AFC has distributed more than

1.23 billion trees since 1935. Go to

forestry.arkansas.gov and click on “AFC

Seedlings” for ordering information

and deadlines.

Arkansas Agriculture24

AgProfi le

by Gregg Patterson

Friend or foe? Fighting destructive forest fi res and using fi re as a forest management tool are both part of the Arkansas Forestry Commission’s job description. Forest fi res destroy millions of dollars worth of timber each year. However, the wise use of fi re as a management tool, like in this photo, to prepare a site for regeneration of trees is also useful.

Ark

ansa

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Arkansas Forestry CommissionGrowing and protecting Arkansas’ forest land

Arkansas Agriculture 25

Ark

ansa

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Kittler Construction, Inc.318 W. Durkee St. Carlisle, AR. 72024 Offi ce (870) 552-3831Sid Sheets (501) 690-0220Don L Kittler (501) 690-6534Sales, Service and Parts for all your Grain Storage Needs

Share Your Thoughts

• www.facebook.com/ArkansasFarmBureau

• www.youtube.com/arkansasfarmbureau

• twitter.com/ARFB

• www.arfb.com (now ‘Share This’ enabled)

Providing critically ill and grieving children, teens, and their families our

Kaleidoscope of Caring Services:

Peer Support Bereavement Groups Individual & Family Grief Counseling

Camp Healing Hearts Grief Camp Kids Club Social Activities

Supportive Care for Critically Ill Kids School-based Education

Professional Trainings

Kaleidoscope Grief Center is a nonpro�t organization o�ering fun and rewarding

volunteer and sponsorship opportunities:

Hands-On Program Assistance Kaleidoscope Resale Boutique Assistance

Fundraising Marketing/Public Relations

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Kaleidoscope Grief Center 1600 Aldersgate Road

Little Rock, AR 72205 501-978-5437 • 877-357-5437

www.kaleidoscopekids.org

� Providing critically ill and grieving children, teens, and their families our

Kaleidoscope of Caring Services:

��Peer Support Bereavement Groups � Grief Counseling � ��Camp Healing Hearts Grief Camp ��Kids Club Social Activities ��

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Kaleidoscope Grief Center is a nonpro�t organization

o�ering fun and rewarding volunteer and sponsorship opportunities:

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501-978-5437 • 877-357-5437 www.kaleidoscopekids.org

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Call or e-mail Tom Kennedy

1.800.561.4686 [email protected]


Spotlight OnYouth

World hunger is an ever-growing issue,

but the Cotter High School FFA is doing

its part to help. In April, members of the

Cotter community gathered to receive

free EarthBoxes complete with plants of

their choosing that will produce fruits or

vegetables for them to eat.

EarthBoxes allow families with limited

yard space to grow vegetables, fruits and

herbs. These boxes take away the hassle of

digging and weeding a garden and require

less water and fertilizer.

The Cotter FFA Chapter was one of

140 chapters across the nation to receive

a $2,500 grant to fund the EarthBoxes.

Carley Calico was a student teacher

this year at Cotter High School under

agriculture instructor Brandy Hughes. She

heard about the National FFA’s “Food for

All” grant and applied.

“The students were excited and ready

to help out their community and provide

healthy eating options for families,” Calico

said.

The $2,500 allowed the chapter to

purchase 60 EarthBoxes at a discounted

price along with educational materials and

planting guides. Several other businesses

along with the Valley Springs FFA Chapter

offered help to make sure the event was

successful.

Hughes says Lowes in Mountain Home

offered a discount on potting soil, fertilizer,

nursery tape, vegetable stakes and several

vegetable four-packs. Valley Springs FFA

also provided vegetables.

Upon arriving at the event, families

completed a short survey about their

eating habits and provided contact

information. When the EarthBox plants

begin producing, the families will fi ll out

the survey a second time. To ensure the

families are taking full advantage of their

fruits and vegetables, students in the FFA

chapter will post recipes on the school

website. There are also links available for

families who might have questions about

their EarthBox, along with links for the

follow-up surveys.

Families can keep the EarthBox and

reuse it every year. This is exactly what the

students want them to do.

“Hopefully, they can improve their

eating habits, gain the experience of

growing their own vegetables and, in some

cases, provide food to families with little

resources,” Hughes said.

Not only did the “Warriors Fight

Hunger” project benefi t the 60 families

who participated, but it also benefi ted the

students. They experienced themselves

making a difference in their small

community.

“This has been a great experience for

our FFA chapter,” Hughes said. “We have

66 members, and the ones who stepped up

to help with this project gained a valuable

lesson on helping out the community. This

is an experience they will never forget, and

I know they will continue to seek out other

opportunities to help those in need.”

Warriors fi ght hungerCotter FFA plants hope against hunger

by Mollie Dykes

“Warriors fi ght hunger” Cotter FFA Chapter front row (l to r): advisor Brandy Hughes, Jordan Wallis, Kaylee Denmark, Cody Rowe, Christa Burns, Justin Harris and student teacher Carley Calico. Back row (l to r): Scott Benke, Dylan Harig, Austin Hamilton, Clayton Franks, and Coulter Keisler.

ŒŒŒ*

Keith

Sut

ton

Cotter FFA member Kaylee Denmark puts plants in an EarthBox.

Keith

Sut

ton

27Arkansas AgricultureArkansas Agriculture

®

FARM BUREAU MEMBERS EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS AND OFFERS. SAVE OVER $2,000!

DISCOUNT PRESCRIPTION

DRUG PROGRAMFor information on program

availability

call 1-877-673-3688

FARM BUREAU APPARELOffi cial Arkansas Farm Bureau-identifi ed

apparel and more now available.

www.FBApparel.comfor special requests and details contact

John Speck847-622-4892

[email protected]

Arkansas Farm Bureau

Purchase Program

Discounted Pricing not available in retail or dealer Sears stores.

Complete details from [email protected] or Ph. 931-553-2173.

Have your Farm Bureau Membership number and discount code CUO88430 in your email, or ready if calling.

Hearing Healthcare

Benefi ts PlanStatewide network of Professional Audiologists and Specialists

-FREE Hearing tests and discounted hearing instruments for members

20-25% ACTUAL SAVINGS1-888-497-7447

www.clearvaluehearing.com

DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS;

CREDIT CARDS; AUTO AND MORTGAGE

LOANS

1-800-492-3276 www.farmbureaubank.com

Save up to 20% off at Participating Choice Hotels

Call 800-258-2847 Mention your State ID# 00058417

Online Booking – www.choicehotels.com enter your ID#

Save up to $250 on equipmentand $10 per month monitoring on a Securenets security camera system

866-420-3020www.securenets.us

Visit our website to learn more about savingswww.arfb.com

CHILD SAFETY SEATS for $25 each and

CHILD BOOSTER SEATS for $15 each

Contact County Farm Bureau

SAVE UP TO 40% OFF CARPET

20% Off Hard Surfaces

866-758-0801 Ext. 203North Little Rock, AR 72113

Contact: Bill Ross

10% discount on Grainger ProductsAccount Number 805-059-599

Free Shipping for Online Orders1-877-202-2594 • www.grainger.com

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

• 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.

Farm Bureau Members are guaranteed Free automatic approvalStatewide network of Professional Audiologists & SpecialistsFree Hearing Test & Discounts on Hearing Instruments100% Guaranteed Custom Fit / 60 Day Trial1 Year FREE Supply of Batteries (1 case per instrument)

Activate your FREE membership TODAY!

(888)497-7447 toll free

www.clearvaluehearing.com

ATTENTION:FARM BUREAU MEMBERS

20-25% Actual Savings

Visit www.strokedetectionplus.com to see a live screening!

1-877-732-8258

EXCLUSIVE $500 SAVINGS FOR FARM BUREAU MEMBERS

on the purchase or lease of most new GM vehicles. Certain restrictions apply.

Visit www.fbverify.com/gm.

High Speed Internet by Satellite. $99 Instant Credit

on new account activations for Farm Bureau Members only.

Call 1-866-556-9661, have your Farm Bureau membership number available when you call.

Rural Refl ections Refl ectionsRefl ectionsRefl ectionsRefl ectionsRefl ectionsRefl ections Refl ectionsRefl ections Refl ections Refl ectionsRefl ections Refl ections

Farm Bureau member Nancy Abernathy took this photo of twin-row beans in a fi eld located between Arkansas City and Rohwer in Desha County.


Arkansas Agriculture 29

farmcredit.com 800-444-3276

• farms of all sizes • cattle & livestock • homes & home construction • land & acreage • operating loans

financing experts! the rural

lifestyle

• equipment • recreational property • mortgage refinancing • and MORE!

CUT YOUR LOAN RATE

Keep your property trim with a competitive Farm Bureau Bank equipment loan. We offer simple financing to help you purchase new or used ag equipment or can help you with lower refinancing rates for existing loans.

Ask your Agent how ArkAnsAs FArm BureAu memBers sAve with A FArm BureAu BAnk loAn todAy!Existing Farm Bureau Bank equipment loans are excluded from this offer. Normal credit criteria does apply.* 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 04/13/2012. Rates and financing are limited to farm equipment model years 2002 or newer and are subject to change without notice. A down payment may be required for new or used equipment purchases. Minimum loan amount is $5,000. 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.

PRESORTED STANDARDU.S. POSTAGE PAID

LITTLE ROCK, ARPERMIT NO. 1884

arkansas agriculture, spring 2012

Documents

eligible farm bureau

loyal farm bureau members

oklahoma fb

fb logo

refrence art

business use

business owner

business trust