arkansas agriculture - winter 2013

Go native! Drought proof your pasture strategy by adding warm-season grasses

Dayton 4-H, a BIG success

Sales tax breaks for farmers?

WInter2013

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Farm Bureau Perspective by Sue Billiot 3Faces of Agriculture — Kirbi Allenby Tara Johnson 22

Go native! by Keith Sutton 4

Policy Update by Michelle Kitchens 26

Inside...

Rural Reflections Photo 32

Spotlight on Youth — Small town, BIG successby Keith Sutton 30

On the cover – Severe drought the past two summers have made it difficult to produce enough forage to feed cattle. Incorporating drought tolerant warm-season grasses into your pasture strategy could help.

Photo by Keith Sutton

F e a t u r e s

C o l u m n s

VOLUME 10IssUE 1

WIntEr2013

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


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.

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]

My service to agriculture didn’t end in December when I completed my two-year term

as chair of the Arkansas Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. In fact, upon being selected

as a Southern Region representative for the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership

Committee (AFBWLC), it’s just expanded to all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

I’m humbled and honored to follow in the footsteps of Martha Ahrent of Corning, the

last Arkansan to fill a role on the national women’s committee more than 20 years ago.

From my view, this is a continuation of the agricultural awareness I’ve been involved

with for the past 12 years as a member of the Sharp County Farm Bureau board of direc-

tors. My six years on the state Women’s Committee only increased my appetite and con-

vinced me of the need for greater ag promotion and education.

My husband Ken and I enjoy the people of Farm Bureau and are privileged to ride for

and with the Farm Bureau brand. We’ve been in the cattle and forage business for more

than 20 years. We also spent 10 years in the poultry business. While raised in Louisiana,

we’ve made our home in beautiful Sharp County for almost 20 years.

Women play a significant role in agriculture and in Farm Bureau. The most recent

Census of Agriculture found that 13.9 percent of farms and ranches had female principal

operators. As women take a more active role in production, they’re also becoming more

involved in organizations that represent farmers and ranchers.

AFBWLC contributes an essential perspective to the organization and provides oppor-

tunities for women to become involved in all aspects of Farm Bureau. The AFBWLC mem-

bers are elected at the AFBF annual meeting. In addition to the committee chair and vice

chair, there are two members representing each of the four regions.

The committee develops programs and materials that will empower women in Farm

Bureau to strive for and attain leadership positions to strengthen the overall organization.

Both the program of work and the committee budget are approved by the AFBF board of

directors.

Engaged, Empowered & Strong is the theme for the AFBWLC for the coming year. The

committee members determined the theme to describe how the members feel about their

role.

• Engaged: AFBWLC provides opportunities for women to get involved in an

organization that represents all of agriculture.

• Empowered: AFBWLC empowers women to tell their stories in authentic,

dynamic ways to decision makers, lawmakers, teachers, students and consumers.

• Strong: AFBWLC helps women build on their strengths as agricultural

professionals and leaders who are effective at speaking up and speaking out

about agricultural and legislative issues.

I’m honored to serve on the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee.

Please reach out to me at [email protected], and let me know how I can be the most

effective voice for our state and the Southern Region.

Farm Bureau Perspective

by Sue Billiot

ŒŒŒ*

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Edition 28

4 Arkansas Agriculture

According to the University of

Arkansas Division of Agriculture,

ranchers in Arkansas lost at least

$128 million due to drought

conditions from August 2011

through July 2012. The losses

were mostly the result of an

inadequate hay supply and

rising hay costs. It became too

expensive to feed cattle, and

many ranchers were forced to sell

part of their stock.

During this period, up to 85

percent of pastures were in poor

or very poor condition. This led

to lackluster hay production and

the smallest hay yields since the

mid-1950s.

Some parts of Arkansas,

particularly south and east of

Little Rock, benefitted from big

rains in late summer and early fall

of 2012, but less rain fell in the

north and west. At Texarkana, the

yearly deficit was more than 17

inches. In late December, a severe

to extreme drought still affected

most areas north and west of a

line from Texarkana to Morrilton

to Hardy, with rainfall deficits

from 12 to 16 inches.

Many ranchers worry that

dire conditions could persist,

compounding the negative

impacts of drought and thus

ruining even more livelihoods.

In response, Mark Svoboda, a

climatologist with the National

Drought Mitigation Center said,

“You roll the dice every year.

Nothing will make you drought-

proof.”

Making sure warm-season grasses are part of your forage mix can help during droughtby Keith Sutton

Go native!

Keith

Sut

ton

There is one action that can

help, however, and the Arkansas

Game & Fish Commission (AGFC)

is touting it as a long-term solution

to filling the summer forage gap

that often happens in the Natural

State. Establishing stands of native

warm-season grasses on a portion of

one’s property can help assure cattle

have quality forage even during the

hottest, driest summers.

What are native warm-season grasses?

As the name suggests, warm-season

grasses reach maximum productivity

during summer. Growth begins

when the soil temperature reaches

approximately 55º F, and growth

rate increases with temperature to a

maximum of about 90º F.

At one time, native species such

as big bluestem, little bluestem,

indiangrass, sideoats grama, switchgrass

and eastern gamagrass grew on

hundreds of thousands of acres of

unforested land in Arkansas. But today,

most stands of native warm-season

grasses are gone, plowed to make room

for crops or replaced with bermudagrass,

tall fescue and other plantings.

BenefitsNative warm-season grasses

will grow on virtually any site

in Arkansas where you might

normally try to produce forage, but

establishment of healthy stands may

require extra effort and costs. The

benefits are numerous, however,

including high yields, nutritious

forage, low input cost, exceptional

drought tolerance and positive

wildlife values — all qualities

ranchers are looking for.

“Given our record of severe

drought this year and in recent

years, the opportunity is perfect

for ranchers to drought-proof

pastures with natives and avoid

extensive summer pasture losses

in the future,” said AGFC private

lands supervisor David Long. “I tell

ranchers to think of native warm-

season grasses as drought insurance

with no annual premium payment.

Replanting natives in this year’s

dead pastures can help landowners

achieve protection against future

losses while providing unequaled

forage dividends and peace of mind.

Benefits to our soil, water, fish and

wildlife resources also are realized

that will pay additional dividends for

many years to come.”

Native warm-season grasses have

characteristics that enable them to

thrive when and where turfgrasses

cannot.

“These grasses evolved here

and are quite hardy against dry

conditions,” said AGFC quail/

small-game program coordinator

Clifton Jackson. “Consider the

root structure. Roots of native

grasses grow much deeper than

fescue or bermuda and can use

nutrients and moisture that are

simply out of reach for the so called

‘improved’ grasses. Native grasses

also are naturally well-adapted to

the state’s soils, climate, insects

and diseases, so ranchers experience

fewer problems with them. One

drawback in transitioning to natives

is the time required to establish a

good stand of grass. This can take

a year or two, but the drought-

resistance properties and the forage

produced will certainly offset this

inconvenience.”

Certain features also increase

native grasses’ wildlife values. For

example, unlike turfgrasses, which

typically grow as short, dense,

interwoven carpets of runners and

leaves, natives grow in tall, upright

bunches with open areas between

each plant. The sheltered openings

beneath the clumps provide

protected nesting sites, travel

corridors and feeding sites for a wide

variety of birds, small mammals and

other wildlife including bobwhites,

rabbits and wild turkeys. And after

fields are established, the landowner

can develop a haying/mowing/

grazing regime that perpetuates these

wildlife benefits.

Recompense for ranchersOf course, you’ll want to know

more about the benefits of native

warm-season grasses from a forage

production aspect, and these, too,

are many.

Better summer forage

production. Most forage production

in Arkansas is based on cool-

season grasses, such as tall fescue

and orchardgrass, species that

grow best during cooler parts of

the year (March through May and

September to November). Cool-

season grasses are not adapted to

summer conditions and do poorly

that time of year. Native warm-

season grasses are more efficient with

their water use and more adapted to

hot, dry summer conditions. They

complement cool-season forages

by providing production during

summer. By growing both cool- and

warm-season forages, your farm can

produce an adequate supply of high-

quality forage for a much greater

portion of the year.

Improved summer weight

gains. Cattle show excellent weight

gain when grazing native warm-

season grasses in summer. Recent

grazing trials in Tennessee reported

gains between 1.1 and 2.4 pounds

per day on 650-pound weaned steers


Keith

Sut

ton


Burnt to a crisp Some pastureland was so damaged from the drought that it will have to be reseeded. Cattleman Gary Rowlands and Pope Co. Extension Service Chair Phil Sims assess the extent of the damage to Rowlands’ bermudagrass pasture in this July 11, 2012 photo. Conversely, this July 20, 2012 White Co. photo of a warm-season grass pasture mix of gammagrass, big bluestem and switchgrass is healthy and growing well despite the drought.

Gar

rick

Dug

gar

Ken

Moo

re

7

during a 90-day grazing

season. This indicates there’s

an excellent opportunity to

hold stocker calves longer

and produce additional gain.

In another Tennessee study,

bred 1,000- to 1,200-pound

Holstein heifers gained nearly

1.9 pounds per day during

2010, one of the hottest

summers on record. Four tons

of forage per acre is common

on soundly managed native

warm-season grass plots.

Opportunity to rest

cool-season grass pastures.

Better summer forage

production from warm-

season grasses results in less

dependence on cool-season

grass pastures for summer

grazing. Rested pastures can

remain in better condition,

need less frequent reseeding

and are less prone to soil

erosion. This is also an

opportunity to allow tall

fescue to be “stockpiled;” that

is, allowing late summer/early

fall growth to accumulate

until well into the fall. In

addition, cool-season pastures

can be more fully used in

spring, because it’s not

necessary to conserve spring

growth for summer use.

Reduced acres needed

for hay production. Because

of their higher per-acre yields

(3 to 6 tons, depending on

species and site quality),

native warm-season grasses

can meet hay production

targets from fewer acres than

required for cool-season

grasses (typically 2 to 3 tons

per acre). Using fewer acres

for hay production can free

up other acreage for grazing.

Arkansas Agriculture

Compare and contrast Brown and dying cool-season grasses are showing drought intolerance in the pasture in the background of this photo, while the more drought tolerant, native warm-season grasses in the foreground are green and healthy.

Mic

hael

J. B

udd/

VDG

IF

-


Wildlife benefits Songbirds, small mammals and game birds like wild turkeys and bobwhite quail all benefit from

native warm-season grasses. The clump-like grasses provide nesting habitat, and the open areas at the base of the grass

clumps provide natural travel lanes for wildlife.

Mik

e W

intr

oath

Ted

Zaw

isla

k

Little bluestem

Reduced production costs.

Recent studies (using January

2011 prices) have determined

production costs are greatly

reduced when using native warm-

season grasses. For example, the

annual production cost for an

acre of big bluestem/indiangrass

was $239.42 compared to

$452.78 for bermudagrass. This

is because native grasses can be

produced with far less fertilizer.

Recommended nitrogen rates for

big bluestem/indiangrass are 60

pounds per acre for hay or pasture.

Nitrogen rates for bermudagrass

pastures are two to four times

greater.


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Got hay? This photo shows an Arkansas warm-season grass field that was baled in late August of 2012 at the height of the drought. Native warm-season grasses traditionally have higher yields per acre (3 to 6 tons) than do cool-season grasses (2 to 3 tons per acre).

Getting assistanceIt’s beyond the scope of

this article to provide details

about proper establishment and

management of native warm-season

grasses, and no doubt you’ll want

answers to many questions. What

species should I plant, and when?

How many acres? What costs can

be expected? How should I manage

grazing and haying? What potential

pitfalls should I be aware of?

“Ranchers will find there’s a

considerable amount of technical

information and assistance available

for establishing and maintaining

theses grasses. For example, the

Game & Fish Commission has

private lands wildlife biologists

who will come out free of charge

and give sound technical assistance

for practices that are beneficial

for wildlife and can set up the site

visit to the landowner’s property

to include an NRCS or CES forage

specialist to provide specific advice

on grazing and haying.” Jackson

said. “Between the forage specialist

and biologist, they can assist

landowners in establishing native

grasses and address landowners’

forage and wildlife objectives

though sound advice and a plan.

“Also, our Acres for Wildlife

program provides a native forage

mix and herbicide to establish up

to 20 acres of native grass free of

charge. This program presents a

great opportunity for farmers to try

to establish these grasses on their

farm and see how well they grow.”

Information on these programs is

available at the agfc.com website or

by contacting Jackson at 501-223-

6471.

Federal financial assistance

also may be available through the

Environmental Quality Incentives

Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentives

Program or other programs

administered through USDA’s

Natural Resource Conservation

Service. For additional information,

visit with personnel at your local

USDA/NRCS field service center.

Excellent research publications

and technical guides are available

in the Publications section of

the Center for Native Grasslands

Management website at

nativegrasses.utk.edu.


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.

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One thing will always be true about farming:

Conditions change.

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• 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

13Arkansas Agriculture 13Arkansas Agriculture

Ask your equipment dealer for AgDirect® financing.

*Subject to approval.

AgDirect is an equipment financing program offered by Farm Credit Services of America and the partners of AgDirect, LLP.

AgDirect® offers the best equipment financing option in the business – highly competitive rates, exceptional terms and quick credit decisions. An equipment financing program offered by Farm Credit Services of Western Arkansas and other participating Farm Credit System associations, AgDirect is only available through your ag equipment dealer. When you’re in the market to buy, lease or refinance equipment, ask for AgDirect financing. Learn more by calling 888-525-9805 or visiting agdirect.com.

• Buy, lease or refinance

• Variable or fixed rates

• New or used equipment

Check our attractive financing rates at agdirect.com.

• Financing terms from 2-7 years*

• Delayed payments – up to one year*

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ABsOLuTe LAnD AucTiOn

Wynne, Ar

soybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybeanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanssoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybeanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanssoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybsoybeanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanseanssoybsoyb

So do pigs, cows and fish. In fact, animal ag is your number one customer – eating 98 percent of your soybean meal. That’s one good-looking figure.one good-looking figure.

Source: USB Market View Database

wwwwwwwww.BEYOND.BEYOND.BEYOND.BEYOND.BEYOND.BEYONDwww.BEYONDwwwwwwwww.BEYONDwww.BEYONDwww.BEYONDwwwwwwwww.BEYONDwww ELEVATOR.ELEVATOR.ELEVATOR.ELEVATOR.ELEVATOR.ELEVATOR.comcomcomTHE

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© 2012 United Soybean Board

47601 AR ChickenWhimsy 8.375x10.75.indd 1 12/3/12 3:07 PM

15Arkansas AgricultureArkansas Agriculture

WILSON ReaL eState aUCtIONeeRS, INC.HOt SPRINGS, aR 71913

Leading Real Estate Auctioneers “Since 1961”501-624-1825 * FAX: 501-624-3473 * TOLL FREE: 1-877-BID2BUY

E-MAIL: [email protected] - AAL#4WEBSITE: www.wilsonauctioneers.com

Hello, I’m Joe R. Wilson, president of Wilson Real Estate Auctioneers, Inc., Arkansas’ premier real estate auction company specializing in the fast, effective liquidation of all types of farms and large tracts of land. Since 1961 we have successfully sold hundreds of farms all over the state of Arkansas at auction. A well-marketed and professionally conducted auction creates the type of exposure and excitement that ensures your property will bring top dollar on auction day. Please, visit our website today @ www.wilsonauctioneers.com to find out for yourself why the auction method of marketing real estate has quickly become a first choice instead of a last resort for motivated sellers.

Joe R. Wilson

Arkansas’ Leading Real Estate Auctioneer

“Call Wilson Auctioneers today and let us put “SOLD” on your Farm or Acreage”

ABsOLuTe LAnD AucTiOn

Wynne, Ar

Thursday, march 7, 2013

11:00 Am

Arkansas Agriculture16

Rural Reflections

Photo Contest 2013

$1,000 in prizes

F arm Bureau members have the opportunity to spotlight their creativity, their perception

and their flair for the dramatic — or the comical or even the tragic — in our fifth Rural Reflections Photo Contest.

This competition 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 Bureau’s website, arfb.com, and in other publications.

Complete contest rules at:

www.arfb.com/get-involved/contests

17

877-580-7423 RiceTec .com

Grow Smart.Grow RiceTec.

All of us depend on farmers to provide a safe, inexpensive

and reliable food supply. We count on them to make smart

decisions about what they grow and how they grow it. And

today’s farmer has more choices than ever – not only about

his own future, but about the future of his family and his

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of agriculture, and they hold the key to feeding the world’s

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Leadership and Innovation Within the Field of Rice

RTI 1212 009 GrowSmart_7.875x10.25Live_4C.indd 1 1/3/13 3:56 PM

Kirbi Allen has been a fixture on

the rodeo circuit in Arkansas and the

surrounding states for many years. Kirbi is

from Springdale and was recently crowned

2013 Miss Rodeo Arkansas. She’ll compete

for the title of Miss Rodeo America next

December. Kirbi sat down to answer a few

questions about how she is involved with

agriculture.

1. How are you involved in agriculture?

My whole life revolves around

agriculture. I’ve been involved in rodeo

since I was very young, and I will

graduate this spring from the University

of Arkansas with a degree in agricultural

communications. I’ve always loved horses,

and it’s important to me that I stay

involved in the horse industry, particularly

where I can use my ag communications

degree.

2. In your own words, what is agriculture?

Agriculture, to me, is unlike any other

industry. It’s a unique process that involves

raw goods, manufacturing, distribution,

selling and consuming of goods grown

or produced through animals, grains and

other raw materials.

3. Why do you think agriculture is important?

Agriculture is important, because

everything we buy in a grocery store can

be traced back to the farm. It’s a huge part

of our daily lives, even if we don’t live on

a farm. Plus, if we didn’t have agriculture

to produce feed grains and livestock, we

wouldn’t have rodeo. They go hand in

hand.

4. What is the one thing you want everyone to

know about agriculture and farming?

I’d like people to know that farmers and

ranchers are good people who work hard

every day to produce a superior product.

I’d also like for people to understand that

rodeo and agriculture are synonymous;

they make great partners in preserving the

farming and western way of life.

5. How will you use your role as Miss Rodeo

Arkansas to promote agriculture?

I feel fortunate to be an ag

communications degree holder. My

college classes emphasized how important

agriculture is to many different industries. I

can use that knowledge to educate the

general public on the virtues of preserving

the western way of life but also the benefits

of a healthy and productive agriculture

industry. Miss Rodeo Arkansas gives me

a great platform to reach many different

audiences.

Britt

any

Cof

fee


compiled by tara Johnson

Faces of Agriculture

Kirbi Allen

ŒŒŒ*

Britt

any

Cof

fee


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.

TASTE ArkAnsAs.com

from farm to table


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

FoR AdvERtising inFoRmAtion

Call or e-mail Tom Kennedy

1.800.561.4686 [email protected]


The Division of Agriculture offers innovative ways to help you control input costs.

division.uaex.edu

Economic Solutions• Optimized Fertilizer Applications• Fuel-saving Techniques• Field Water Reclamation

• 300 Day Grazing• PHAUCET• Crop & Livestock Enterprise Budgets

• Drought Management & Recovery• Improved Yields

To learn more, contact your local county extension office.


by Michelle Kitchens

In the Arkansas Farm Bureau policy

book, there is a rather long section

on taxes. Indeed taxes are cussed and

discussed a lot during Farm Bureau’s

policy development process. The

organization follows tax policy closely

and has been heavily involved in

shaping the state tax code through the

years.

Arkansas Farm Bureau will work

on multiple tax issues during this

legislative session, but there are two

pieces of legislation that will need

grassroots support.

Utility tax relief Farmers have worked for several

years to reduce the sales tax rate

on their utilities. A bill has been

introduced in the 2013 session that

will zero out the sales tax on utilities

(LPG, natural gas and electricity) for

poultry, swine, dairies, aquaculture and

horticulture farms. HB1039 authored

by Rep. Jeff Wardlaw and cosponsored

by 60-plus members of the General

Assembly is the legislation supported

by Farm Bureau. All these farms have

seen increasing energy costs in recent

years, none more so than poultry. The

average poultry farm now spends about

$10,000 per house annually on energy.

Multiply that number by two or four

or 10, and you have some idea how

much farmers are spending for energy.

Both the rising cost and use of energy

contribute to this large input cost. For

most poultry farms, this is the largest

expense aside from the building itself.

These utilities are taxed, and farmers

pay several hundred dollars — even

thousands in taxes annually — just

on utilities. Energy input expenses for

poultry farms is 40 percent of the total

input cost for the farmer.

Poultry has a huge impact on the

state’s economy. It has allowed citizens

in rural parts of the state to establish

some financial security, and it supports

thousands of jobs beyond the farm.

Agriculture is Arkansas’ economic

foundation, and poultry is the largest

agricultural product produced in

Arkansas in terms of cash receipts,

providing 47 percent of the total in

2010. According to the Census of

Agriculture, 6,089 farms in Arkansas

produced some type of poultry in

2007. The census also shows poultry

farms in every county in Arkansas. If

the legislature adopts the proposed

tax cut, farmers in every county will

have more dollars to spend. Around

$6 million annually would return to

farmers and be circulated in those rural

economies; modestly multiplied that

could mean a $20 million impact for

those communities.

The economic struggles of the past

few years have seen the numbers of

swine, dairy and aquaculture farms

dwindle. Tax relief even in small

amounts may be critical to the survival

of these family farms.

The legislature will consider dozens

of tax cuts this year, income tax cuts,

sales tax exemptions, tax credits. Why

is this tax cut good public policy?

It keeps Arkansas farmers on a level

playing field with their counterparts in

other states. Most of the surrounding

states have full or partial exemptions

for agriculture utilities. While no one

is going to pick up the farm and move

to Oklahoma, it still makes sense to

help our rural communities with this

tax relief.

The structure of the poultry,

dairy and swine industries doesn’t

allow farmers to pass on their costs

Policy Update


to consumers, so farmers are simply

absorbing the increase in utility costs.

All livestock sectors of agriculture were

hit hard by the drought, but higher feed

costs absorbed by the companies means

that the Tysons, Pilgrims and dairy

cooperatives of the world haven’t been

able to give raises to farmers. This tax cut

would mean a small bonus for farmers

who haven’t seen one in these tight

economic times.

This tax relief also makes sense from

a tax code consistency standpoint.

Manufacturers have a reduced tax rate

on utilities, which means the processing

plant and feed mill have seen tax relief

but not the farmer. During the past few

years, the legislature has adopted tax cuts

for manufacturers, the trucking industry,

on groceries and a school supplies

sales tax holiday. Now is the time for

agriculture.

Forest fire protection tax actSince 1969, the state has levied a

special tax for a dedicated revenue

stream for detection, prevention and

suppression of forest fires. This tax is paid

only on forested acres, but it provides

fire protection equipment that serves

the entire state. The Arkansas Forestry

Commission uses proceeds from this

15 cent per acre tax to purchase and

maintain firefighting heavy equipment.

Arkansas Farm Bureau and others are

supporting an increase of 5 additional

cents in the timber tax, which will raise

$1 million annually.

The extended drought and devastating

winter storms have more dead wood

on the ground. It’s critical to maintain

support for the Forestry Commission’s

firefighting efforts. While no one likes

taxes, this tax doesn’t just protect trees.

During the 2012 fire season, Forestry

Commission tankers and the state’s

helicopters were able to save 1,313 homes

and 964 outbuildings valued at $295

million. The service funded by this tax

helps keep citizens and property safe in

Arkansas. The tax hasn’t increased for 20

years. Arkansas Farm Bureau is supporting

SB5 by Senator Bill Sample to increase this

dedicated revenue stream to the needed

levels.

It’s time to let your legislator know

you support these changes to the tax

laws. The legislature meets only for a

short time. If these bills don’t pass, it

will be two years before we can try again.

Call the Capitol and speak with your

legislator. The House number is 501-

682-6211; the Senate is 501-682-2902. If

you have personal contact information

for your legislator, then let them know

you support this tax relief for farmers

and additional funding for wildfire

suppression and protection. We’ve built

strong support for this legislation, but

it won’t pass without support “from the

country.” We need farmers to speak out.

Now is the time. ŒŒ*

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kubota of your choice and join

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AUTHORIZED DEALER

Arkansas Agriculture24 w w w . g r o w i n g a r k a n s a s . o r g

Meet 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

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Arkansas Farm and Ranch Families Provide…

ArkansasFoundation for AgricultureSafe, affordable food

24% of Arkansas Jobs

75% of Wildlife Habitat

Protecting the Environment

Arkansas Agriculture 25

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

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DRUG PROGRAMFor information on program

availability

call 1-866-292-7822

FARM BUREAU APPARELOfficial Arkansas Farm Bureau-identified

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.

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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

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

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Contact County Farm Bureau

SAVE UP TO 40% OFF CARPET

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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.

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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.

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R


World War II was barely over

when the Dayton 4-H Club in the

small Sebastian County community

of Huntington was founded. In the 66

years since, this youth organization has

become an inseparable and important

part of the community.

“We currently have more than

50 members, most of whom are very

active,” said club leader Ann Russell.

“We’ve had two state 4-H presidents

and two state officers from our club,

along with numerous Teen Stars and

Ambassadors.

“Our club is successful for many

reasons, but most importantly because

of community and parent involvement.

The community provides a place for our

meetings at the Dayton Community

Building. And our parents and local

citizens are very supportive of all our

events and activities throughout the

year.”

The focal point of 4-H has always

been practical, hands-on learning, which

came from the desire to make public

school education more connected to

rural life. Such is the case in Huntington,

where 4-H members meet monthly and

regularly participate in the activities of

three main project groups.

“The music group has a regular

meeting and often plans visits to the

local nursing home to play for the

residents,” Russell said. “In the monthly

chicken and rabbit group meetings,

younger members gain confidence by

doing talks and demonstrations about

their animals in front of small groups.

The creative arts group concentrates on

crafts and learning skills, such as sewing

and crotchet.”

Many Dayton 4-H members are also

part of the county shooting sports club

and the horse club.

“I think that is one of the great

aspects of 4-H,” Russell said. “Kids get

exposure to many different areas. They

probably won’t become an expert in all

of them, but at least they will have tried

them.”

One of Dayton 4-H’s biggest annual

events is the fall festival, which includes

fun outdoor games, a silent auction, a pie

auction and a cake walk.

“This one activity provides the funds

needed to support our club activities

year-round. We use the money to assist

with county camp fees, club T-shirts and

other items we need,” Russell said. “It

even helps buy pizza for the kids each

time they pick up trash on our one-mile

stretch of Adopt-A-Highway. There’s

nothing like a little food incentive to get

the job done quickly.”

Sebastian County Cooperative

Extension agent Jesse Bocksnick, who

works directly with the Dayton 4-H Club,

said, “Clubs like this one make my job

as an extension agent very busy but also

easier and more fun. The kids are very

active in all aspects of 4-H, not only

with traditional projects such as raising

animals, but also technology, music and

shooting sports. The Dayton 4-H Club is

a great example of a community 4-H club

and a model for clubs around the state to

follow.”

Little BIG town The tiny community of Huntington actively supports the 50-member-plus Dayton 4-H Club. One of the club’s many activities is its Adopt A Highway litter pickup.

ŒŒŒ*

Mar

ilin

Bran

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Spotlight OnYouth

Small town, BIG successOpportunities key to Dayton 4-H Club

by Keith Sutton


Mol

lie D

ykes

Mar

ilin

Bran

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Rural Reflections Reflections

days gone by This beautiful snow scene features an old McCormick-Deering thresher popular during the early 1900s. Farm Bureau member Debra Henry took this photo in January 2011 in Vanndale, saying she “... just couldn’t resist” pulling her vehicle over and taking the picture. We’re glad she did!


Arkansas Agriculture 29

MeMbership pays.

More than $100 million has gone back into Arkansas members’ pockets since 1997…with another $14.9 million to come this spring! 10,000 fellow Farm Credit members across Arkansas look forward to Patronage Refunds. Because Farm Credit is a financial cooperative it shares profits with members when the association has a good year. Patronage Refunds are just one of the many benefits of doing business with folks who understand Arkansas agriculture and the rural lifestyle. Farm Credit membership pays—are you Farm Credit?

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OWLEDGEABLE

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TRUSTED No

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Contact your local agent today!

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. Hurry, this limited-time o�er expires April 30, 2013. Finance today and save!

Grow Your Agriculture Business

Existing Farm Bureau Bank equipment 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 the 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 1/1/2013. 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.

Presorted standardU.s. Postage PaId

LittLe Rock, ARPeRmit No. 1884

arkansas agriculture - winter 2013

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