arkansas agriculture

Ag giants join HallofFame

County president leads Quitman H.S. FFA

Q & Ag with

U.S. Sen. Pryor

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Farm Bureau Perspective by Stan Taylor 3Faces of Agriculture — Jennifer Jamesby Tara Johnson 18

Q&Ag with U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor by Gregg Patterson 4Six who made a difference by Ken Moore 10

Policy Update by Michelle Kitchens 22

Inside...

Rural Reflections Photo 28

Spotlight on Youth — Leading future historyby Gregg Patterson 26

On the cover — Toiling day to day on farms, in fields, in research laboratories and managing ag businesses most often goes unnoticed by the masses. However, the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame annually takes time to recognize the career sweat equity of leaders in the field.

F e a t u r e s

C o l u m n s

VOLUME 10IssUE 2

sprIng2013

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.

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all advertising requests.

Send comments to:[email protected]

I’m a former hog farmer in Buffalo River country. Recently, I’ve read a lot of

misinformation and some ugly things being said about C&H Farms, a family farm that is

expanding its hog operation near Mt. Judea in Newton County.

To say the rhetoric on this subject has been emotionally charged would be an

understatement. Unfortunately, much of the conversation about the state’s approval

process of this new facility has been inaccurate.

I’m proud to say Newton County Farm Bureau supports C&H Farms and has adopted

a board resolution saying so. It’s proud to stand with C&H Farms, because we know them

— brothers Richard and Phillip Campbell and their cousin Jason Henson. Their families

have lived in Newton County for eight generations. And they’ve raised hogs in this area

for more than a dozen years without incident. They have a deep and abiding love for this

beautiful land and its streams.

Many don’t realize the extensive safeguards in place to avoid environmental mishaps

on the farm. Their hog facility was designed by a licensed engineering firm and includes

the latest technologies and efficiencies. In fact, because of their interest in protecting

the Buffalo River watershed, the farm exceeds many of the standards set by the Arkansas

Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA).

At an April open house on the farm, Jason told a visitor, “My cousins and I are

environmentalists at heart. We’ve grown up in the streams — the Buffalo River, Big Creek.

That’s our heritage. Big Creek is where I learned to swim. To say we would do anything to

contaminate it is ludicrous. Even if there were no laws or regulations whatsoever, we still

wouldn’t want to pollute the Buffalo River or Big Creek, because this is where we live.”

That kind of caring sentiment is true with any farmer. The land and water where

we live is vital to agriculture and vital to where we live. It’s our heritage. I’m concerned

about the future of our county and rural communities, particularly if farming is restricted

because of unsubstantiated fears. I’m equally concerned about the future of the Buffalo

River watershed, but not because of family farms in the area. More than half the land

in the watershed is privately owned. No doubt, the majority of these land owners are

farmers, who have done a great job protecting the streams here. I know that’s true,

because my hog farm was part of an EPA award for environmental stewardship. We all

care about the river.

The truth is agriculture existed along the Buffalo River long before it received national

river status. There are hog farms, dairies, poultry houses and cow-calf farms scattered

across the Buffalo River watershed. The environmental stewardship administered every day

by these farmers should be a source of pride for all of those who love the Buffalo River –

like we do – and not attacked.

That’s why Newton County Farm Bureau stands beside Richard and Phillip Campbell

and Jason Henson, farm families with a deep love for this land and this river. The families

of C&H Farms are top shelf. They’re doing things the right way and are responsible

stewards of the land.

Farm Bureau Perspective

by Stan Taylor, presidentNewton County Farm Bureau

ŒŒŒ*

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Edition 29

4 Arkansas Agriculture

Talking everything ag with the chairman of the Senate Ag Appropriations Subcommitteeby gregg Patterson

Q&Ag with U.s. sen. Mark pryorKe

ith S

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I


In January, U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor of

Arkansas landed the position of chairman

of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations

Subcommittee. Arkansas Agriculture

wanted to know what that could mean

for Arkansas farmers and ranchers, as well

as what Senator Pryor thought about a

potpourri of agriculture issues.

What role does Ag Appropriations

play in farm policy?

“The Agriculture Committee is responsible

for developing agricultural policies. But the

Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee

determines how the funding for these policies is

allocated. This includes funding for the Farm

Service Agency and Food Safety Inspection

Service; research dollars to help growers

develop best practices for farming, production,

and conservation; and Rural Development

funding to support job growth and economic

development.”

How can you use the position

as chairman to leverage support of

southern ag and policies, which will

provide needed protection within

the farm bill?

“As Chairman of the Agriculture

Appropriations Subcommittee, I’ll help prioritize

funding for federal programs that benefit our

farmers, producers and rural communities. I’ll

also ensure taxpayers get the most bang for their

buck by investing in programs that stimulate

and grow southern agriculture.

“Here’s just one recent example. With the

implementation of across-the-board spending

cuts and sequestration, our food inspection

facilities were faced with furloughing meat

inspectors, which would shut down the plants,

hurt our local economy and raise prices

for consumers everywhere. I introduced an

amendment that restored funding for the Food

Safety and Inspection Service and protected over

40,000 private-sector jobs in Arkansas alone.”

Arkansas has two major irrigation

projects. What role does the Ag

Appropriations Subcommittee play

in finding funding for these projects?

“During my time in the Senate, I’ve been a

strong advocate for Grand Prairie and Bayou

Meto (irrigation projects). In FY13 alone, I

provided these projects with $40 million of loan

authority through Rural Development. As these

projects look for funding in the future, I hope to

use my chairmanship on the Ag Appropriations

Subcommittee to help them.”

With the deficit issues and all the

discussion of cutting government

spending, what role does the Ag

Appropriations Subcommittee play

in reducing the federal budget?

“Like any Senate committee, Agriculture

Appropriations will be looking for opportunities

to responsibly reduce and streamline our

spending. As chairman, I’ll be looking closely

at budget requests and enacted bills to ensure

that we eliminate programs that aren’t working

and invest in programs that are. My priority

is making the U.S. Department of Agriculture

more cost-efficient while ensuring it works for

American farmers and rural communities.”

Key player Arkansas’ senior U.S. senator, Mark Pryor, sits as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. The subcommittee prioritizes funding of the Farm Services Agency, food safety inspections, rural development, agriculture research, production and conservation among other items.

Where’s the beef? Extended drought the past two years has beef cattle numbers in Arkansas and nationally at their lowest levels since the early 1950s. The development of the new farm bill needs to have livestock assistance programs that help ranchers during times of disasters like last year’s drought.

Jam

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rove

s


7

NRCS & EQIP Often, EQIP money is taken from

the program for other projects. As

chairman, what is your position

on EQIP? Can you help stop the

reduction of funding to this

program?

“I’ve been a long-time supporter of the

Environmental Quality Incentives Program

(EQIP). In my new role, I’ll be looking deeper

into how this funding is used and why it’s

being spent on things outside the scope of the

EQIP program.”

Farm billWhat is your position on the 2013

farm bill?

“Agriculture is Arkansas’s top industry,

providing 1 out of 6 jobs in our state alone.

We need a farm bill that will give agricultural

producers the certainty they need to maintain

and grow this vital industry. Unfortunately,

last year’s bill didn’t fairly represent our state’s

agricultural interests. With the help of Senators

(Thad) Cochran and (John) Boozman, I’m

confident we can pass a farm bill this year that

benefits southern farmers and ranchers.”

How will Sen. Cochran’s position

change, if any, the discussion of the

farm bill as to benefitting southern

farmers?

“We’re lucky to have Sen. Cochran

(R-Miss.) as Ranking Member of the

Agriculture Committee. First, Thad is a

veteran on this committee, and he knows the

ins and outs of agriculture policy. But even

better, he understands southern agriculture.

He’s been — and will continue to be — a

strong advocate for us.”

The Senate version of the farm

bill passed last year when the

Congressional Budget Office scored

Title 1 at $3 billion over projection.

How do we provide a safety net

and still strike a balance with the

present budget pressures?

“This is a challenge for the Senate

Agriculture Committee. As I’ve said before,

I want to see a farm bill that works for

southern agriculture. We cannot afford to

take a ‘one-size-fits-all’ budget approach to

our farm programs because, as we all know,

this doesn’t work. We need to create safety net

options for different types of producers, crops,

and areas of the country.”

What level of budget reductions

do you think will occur in farm

policy?

“Many of these decisions will be made by

the Agriculture Committee as the 2013 farm

bill is written, but I think we will see some

cuts.”

Where are these savings going to

occur?

“As Congress works to pare down its

spending, I think we’ll see some changes to

mandatory farm programs, as well as the

elimination or streamlining of programs.

We’ll know more about these decisions when

the Agriculture Committee marks up the farm

bill.”

What is your position on a

permanent disaster program?

“I’d first need to see the details of the

permanent program to see how it’s funded

and what assistance it would provide. But

I’ve always supported giving our farmers

and producers disaster funds when they need

it. These dollars were especially critical after

the drought in Arkansas last year.”

ImmigrationImmigration being so

polarizing, how does Congress

make any meaningful reforms?

“As many Arkansans know, I’ve tried to

work with my colleagues across the aisle for

the good of Arkansas and our country. This

same principle applies when it comes to

immigration reform. If Congress is unwilling

to come together and find common

ground, then we won’t be able to reform

immigration, farm policies or any other

pressing issues.”

What is your position on

immigration reform?

“The so-called Gang of Eight just

released their immigration reform proposal,

and I’ve been studying the specifics of their

plan. My goal is to enforce the laws on the

books, and that includes strengthening our

borders and implementing an employee

verification system.”

Arkansas Agriculture

How Countries Around the World Help Farmers Manage Their Risks

How Countries Around the World Help Farmers Manage Their Risks

U.S. FARMERS receive a higher percentage of

their gross farm income from the MARKETPLACE,

rather than from government supports.

Government Support Estimates as a percentage of gross farm income.

Korea Korea

53%

JapanJapan

52%

European Union

European Union

18%

CanadaCanada

14%

U.S.U.S.

8%

AFBF infographic

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FarmBill_AgSupport_infograph_5.25x4.pdf 1 4/10/13 11:00 AM


What is your position on H2A?

Will we see any meaningful

reforms in the H2A program?

“It’s clear from my conversations with

Arkansas agricultural producers that this

program needs some improvements. Under

the current program, the application

process is extremely burdensome and

takes an extraordinary amount of time

to complete. As the Senate works on

immigration reform, I expect to see

different proposals aimed at fixing this

process.”

Agriculture must have a

workforce. Many sectors depend

on a migrant workforce. How can

we streamline this program?

“We need to keep safety at the forefront

of this issue, but we also need to reduce the

burden on individuals who have worked in

this industry before. My suggestion would

be to give preference to those who have

worked here before”.

Federal deficit How do we get our fiscal house

in order? Agriculture is willing to

do its part, but we can’t balance

the budget on the backs of

farmers. How can we make major

improvements in the federal

deficit?

“We’ve already cut trillions of dollars

from our budget. And yes, some of that has

been from agriculture. But discretionary

spending is only one piece of the puzzle.

Congress needs to put everything on the

table.”

RegulationsCan you explain what the bill

will do that you sponsored with

Sen.Rob Portman (R-Ohio)?

“Our regulatory reform bill ensures

regulations are made better, cheaper

and faster. Our bill encourages early

engagement between agencies and the

private-sector, as well as a cost-benefit

analysis to prevent overly burdensome,

drawn-out regulations from negatively

impacting our economy. I’m confident our

bill will give businesses the certainty they

need to invest, expand and create new

jobs.”

SPCCWe thank you for your help

in reducing the burden on our

farmers, but what do you think

the chances are of changing the

regulations for on-farm fuel

storage?

“The EPA’s proposed fuel storage

rules would force thousands of farmers to

pay for costly infrastructure projects —

along with an extensive inspection and

certification process — that they simply

don’t need. That’s why I’ve introduced the

FUELS Act, a bipartisan bill that amends

this rule, eases the regulatory compliance

for small farms and saves Arkansas

farmers millions. With the backing of the

Senate and House, I’m confident we’ll

be able to make significant changes to

regulations for on-farm storage. This is

common sense.”

Tax reformWhat do you think Congress

will do in performing tax reform

that would benefit farmers in this

Congress?

“There’s no question that Congress

needs to do tax reform, but the outlook for

this is unclear. Right now, it looks like we

may tackle some tax issues, but it’s unlikely

that we’ll be able to reach consensus on a

comprehensive tax reform package.” ŒŒŒ*

ARF

B ph

oto

Act now Congress extended the 2008 federal farm bill for another year when it failed to agree on new farm legislation last year. It’s imperative for Congress to develop a new farm bill, now, that provides an adequate safety net that ensures farming and ranching can continue efficiently meeting the food, fiber and fuel demands of a growing population nationally and throughout the world.


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Toiling day to day on farms, in fields,

in research laboratories and managing

ag businesses most often goes unnoticed

by the masses. However, the Arkansas

Agriculture Hall of Fame annually takes

time to recognize the career sweat equity of

leaders in the field.

Margaret P. AlexanderLooking back on her 32-year-career,

training women and young people to

become leaders and seeing them become

successful in their careers was Margaret

Alexander’s greatest joy and contribution

to agriculture. Alexander spent her career

as a Cooperative Extension Service home

demonstration agent for the University of

Arkansas Division of Agriculture, a home

management specialist, district program

leader and Northwest District director.

One of the many women Alexander

mentored through the years commented

that her career was marked by, “innovative

educational initiatives and outstanding

leadership skills that made a lasting impact

on the quality of life for Arkansas families

and on Arkansas’ agricultural economy.”

Now 94, Alexander remains active serving

as treasurer of the Little Rock Departmental

Club, a support organization for the

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

College of Nursing, and as an advisory

board member of the Presbyterian Village

Retirement Community.

In her role as a home demonstration

agent, Alexander taught many

women and young people

to be effective educators and

leaders in their communities.

She began her career in 1942

with the White County

Extension Service and later

served in Stone, Cleburne and

Ashley counties. Alexander

moved to Little Rock in 1967

after being promoted to

Extension home management

specialist. Her leadership qualities were

so evident Alexander was named home

economist and program leader for the

Northwest District. Then, in Oct. 1980, she

charted a future path for women when she

was named the state’s first female district

director. She served the Northwest District

in this capacity for four years until her

retirement in 1984.

Among her numerous accomplishments

are the development of 4-H Youth Day

Camps in Ashley County, which reached

large numbers of low income and minority

youth during a time when

these programs were first

being integrated. She left

her leadership development

footprint in Stone and

Cleburne counties, too,

developing popular home

economics, camping and

recreational skills programs for

women and 4-H youth.

six who made a differenceAg Hall of Fame accepts new members

by Ken Moore

Margaret P. Alexander

Dr. Lanny AshlockDr. Lanny Ashlock

has been known as

“Mr. Soybean” in

Arkansas throughout

his career as Extension

soybean specialist

with the University

of Arkansas Division

of Agriculture. For

more than 20 years,

soybean growers

throughout the state

looked to Ashlock because of his wealth of

experience and complete knowledge of the

crop.

His field research led to the

implementation of many innovations,

including successful use of the early planted

soybean systems and adoption of shorter

season Group IV and Group V varieties. The

1980s were a difficult decade for soybean

growers, and Ashlock is pleased to have

been a part of the team that led to growers

adapting to the early maturing varieties.

Because they could be planted and harvested

earlier, these varieties escaped much of

the harmful effects of the drought farmers

contended with at the time. And, due in

large part to his efforts, statewide yields

improved. Today 65 to 70 percent of soybean

acres are early maturing varieties. Ashlock

says that while he has been instrumental

in other areas, that may be his greatest

contribution to the industry.

It has been said that Lanny Ashlock

never refused a request for help and traveled

as many miles as necessary to assist bean

growers in producing a quality crop.

Besides field research and advice, Ashlock

contributed to many soybean publications,

including the nationally known Soybean

Production Handbook and annual Soybean

Variety Update. Though now retired as

Extension Soybean Specialist, Ashlock spends

much of his time actively supporting and

helping develop the burgeoning edamame

vegetable soybean industry in Arkansas.

Ashlock has received numerous awards

and recognition for his service to the

industry, including Progressive Farmer’s

“Man of the Year in Arkansas Agriculture”

award, Pioneer Award, Extension Specialist

Outstanding Career Award, and American

Soybean Industry Merit Award, United

Soybean Board Award, and the U.S.

Department of Agriculture Service Award,

among others.

Jack R. EnglandIn the 1950s,

the poultry

industry was in

its infancy in

Arkansas. One of

the true pioneers

who led its

development into

one of the leading

poultry-producing

states in the nation

is Jack England. He

entered the poultry

business in 1955, with four chicken houses

and a flock of turkeys. England Feed and

Equipment Company was established as he

bought his own trucking fleet and built a

feed mill. The business was successful for a

time, but the industry struggled in the late

1960s. To compensate, England devised a

model for a business based on the brokerage

of hatching eggs. England began shipping

and brokering fertile eggs, transporting them

to broiler growers across the United States.

His innovation came at a key period

in the developing poultry industry. At the

time, no other poultry professional had built

a long-term, multi-million-dollar business

on the brokerage of hatching eggs, which

has since created hundreds of jobs for

southeast Arkansas. His model connected

widely dispersed suppliers with markets in

different regions of the country having a

shortage of eggs. With this service, England

was able to curtail the restraining effects of

shifts in supply and demand and spur the

unparalleled growth of the poultry industry

at a crucial phase of its evolution. His

company expanded this model globally and

became an international exporter of hatching

eggs to Mexico, Canada, Europe and even

the Middle East.

In recognition of its success, the company

was awarded the Presidential “E” Award

for excellence in exporting by the U.S.

Department of Commerce and President

George H. W. Bush in 1989.

England has received numerous honors

for his efforts advancing the poultry industry.

In January, he was inducted into the

American Poultry Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

Other honors include the Award of Merit

for Expansion of Export Markets in Arkansas

by Governor Bill Clinton and the National

Broiler Council Market Builder Award for 100

percent support of programs that stimulated

greater demand for broilers.

Mathew J. PostThe name Post

is synonymous

with grape-growing

and winemaking

in Arkansas and

across the U.S. The

six-generation farm

family has been

growing grapes

and making wine

in Altus since

Mathew Post’s

great-grandfather,

Jacob, planted the first vineyard in 1872.

Mathew and his father, James, purchased the

Altus Cooperative Winery in 1947, which

provided some financial relief for smaller

wineries. Mathew was elected president of

the co-op and served as head winemaker at

Post Winery.

During the following 60 years, Post

worked closely with the University

of Arkansas on numerous grape and

wine research projects, providing land,

equipment, labor and grants. He was the

first to introduce several varieties of grapes

to Arkansas, including the French-American

hybrid Seyval Blanc and the American native

hybrid Steuben.

In the late 1950s, Post worked closely

with Philip Wagner, who is known as

the “Father of the Hybrid Movement.”


Dr. Lanny Ashlock

Jack r. England

Mathew J. Post


Through their professional association,

Post introduced the French-American

and American-native hybrid varieties on

a commercial scale to Arkansas. Though

there are many, perhaps Post’s greatest

contribution to the industry was the

introduction of muscadine grape production

on a commercial scale in 1970. Post says

muscadines are a grape that can be grown

profitably in Arkansas. As far as he’s

concerned, muscadines are “the only grape

you can compete with in America.” Because

of its worldwide popularity, Post Winery is

now exporting and selling muscadine juice

to customers in China.

Post’s other accomplishments include

working with Third District Congressman

John Paul Hammerschmidt to establish the

Altus Viticultural Area in 1984. With 200

acres of grapes under cultivation, Post has

developed the largest vineyard in Arkansas.

In 2004, he was awarded the prize of

Supreme Knight by the Brotherhood of the

Knights of the Vine, part of an international

Federation of Wine Societies. The honor

is bestowed on only a few individuals

nationally and is reserved for those who

are deemed to have made “monumental”

contributions to the industry.

Leland TollettWhen Leland Tollett joined

Tyson Foods, Inc. in 1959,

the company was known as

Tyson’s Feed and Hatchery,

a small northwest Arkansas

broiler business struggling to

grow and process chickens

for local consumption.

Tollett began his career with

the company as director of

research and nutrition at a

time when Tyson had net sales

of less than $11 million with one processing

plant.

In 1965, he was named general

manager of the Broiler Division, assuming

responsibility for all aspects of live

poultry production. Tollett held different

management positions with increasing

responsibilities until being promoted to chief

operating officer in 1981 and president in

1983. The following year he was elected to

the board of directors. Tollett was named

chief executive officer in 1991 and

chairman of the board in 1995.

Under Tollett’s leadership,

Tyson Foods successfully built or

integrated 23 major production

facilities between 1981 and ’89.

The company’s acquisition in

1989 of Holly Farms with its 16

processing plants consolidated

its position as the world’s largest

poultry producer. From 1990

through 1998 Tyson acquired

interest in or the entire assets of

another 15 poultry and food companies,

including majority interest in what is known

as Tyson de Mexico.

At the time of Tollett’s retirement in

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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for ArkAnsAs growersFarm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas, Inc. Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance CompanySouthern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Jackson MS

One thing will always be true about farming:

Conditions change.

Leland Tollett

13Arkansas Agriculture 13Arkansas Agriculture

1998, net sales for the company had reached

$7.4 billion. He continued to serve on the

board until 2008. His many honors include

being named Man of the Year by the Poultry

Federation in 1989 and being inducted into

the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame in 2011.

Tollett’s vision complimented that of

John W. and Don Tyson in building a global

company that now employs more than

23,000 people in Arkansas with an annual

payroll of nearly $970 million. Tollett’s

legacy at Tyson Foods will last for years as

those he mentored lead the company in its

continued global expansion.

Donald (Buddy) WrayBuddy Wray’s career at Tyson Foods,

Inc. began in 1961 as a service technician,

serving as a liaison between the company

and contract family farmers to ensure their

flocks were healthy and growing well. He

progressed into management at Tyson’s

second plant in Rogers and was soon made

manager of the company’s first processing

plant in Springdale.

Wray was part of a small team of Tyson

principals who managed acquisition growth

from 1963 through the turn of the century.

He was instrumental in the company’s

product development, sales and marketing

that expanded Tyson’s offerings from fresh

chicken into prepared foods such as chicken

nuggets and patties through the 1970s and

‘80s.

He held a variety of management

positions through the years and was named

chief operating officer in 1992, overseeing all

operations including live poultry production,

processing and sales. A year later, Wray was

promoted to president and retained these

positions until he retired in 2000. He was

a member of the board of directors from

1994-2003 and came out of retirement in

2009 to serve as executive vice president –

special assistant to the president and CEO.

Among his many honors, Wray was named

the University of Arkansas’ “Distinguished

Alumni of the Year” in 2000. In 2004,

the University established the Donald

“Buddy” Wray Chair in Food Safety in the

Dale Bumpers College

of Agriculture. In 2012,

Wray was named by

the Northwest Arkansas

Community College

as a “Quality of Life”

honoree, which recognizes

individuals for their

leadership in building and

sustaining an excellent

quality of life in northwest

Arkansas.

Wray worked closely with

Leland Tollett during their more

than 50 years together, along

with John and Don Tyson, to

grow Tyson Foods into the global

company it is today. Through his

and Tollett’s joint leadership, the

company has created thousands

of jobs and become a worldwide

leader in poultry production and

processing.

Quality. Reliability. Service.All in the family.

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AUTHORIZED DEALER

S i n c e 1 9 7 6

Donald (Buddy)WrayŒŒŒ*


Enter ArFB’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award Contest,

and you could end up behind the wheel of a new Chevrolet.

Entry deadline is July 15. For complete contest details, contact your county Farm Bureau office or visit: www.arfb.com/get-involved/young_fr/achievement®

Share Your Thoughts

• www.facebook.com/ArkansasFarmBureau

• www.youtube.com/arkansasfarmbureau

• twitter.com/ARFB

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

If you are thinking of selling your crop farm or livestock farm we would like to talk with you.

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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

THE

THE THE THE THE THE THETHETHE THE

© 2012 United Soybean Board

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

Arkansas Agriculture16

College of Agricult ure& Technology

Breaking New Ground in...

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AR farm bureau mag ad 2013:Layout 1 5/3/13 12:08 PM Page 1

Fertilize for $8 per acre? Really?Yes, with Sea Minerals FA

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LLast year, I had the opportunity to

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introduce her to you. She’s a farmer, hard

worker and extremely funny. Jennifer

spent a few moments sharing her thoughts

on Arkansas agriculture and how she’s

involved in our state’s largest industry.

How are you involved in

agriculture?

“I have a degree in agricultural business

from the University of Arkansas. I am a

fourth-generation family farmer and currently

farm with my father, husband and brother.

We raise rice, soybeans, corn and winter wheat

on 6,000 acres in Jackson and Woodruff

counties. I am also a partner in a grain

elevator and specialty soybean business, Delta

Soy. We contract with area growers to raise a

non-GMO specialty soybean. We then clean

the soybeans and export them to Japan.”

In your own words, what is

agriculture?

“Agriculture is the science of raising

food and fiber to sustain life.”

Why do you think agriculture is

important?

“1. Agriculture is important to sustain

and maintain the current status of our

society. The majority of Americans do not

have to raise their own food to sustain their

life. Food is readily available on any street

corner in the local cafes, restaurants and

groceries stores. 2. Agriculture is important

to the economy of Arkansas. It is the

backbone of the rural communities.”

What is the one thing you

want everyone to know about

agriculture and farming?

“Farmers are the first

conservationists. All farmers care deeply

about the environment and maintaining

it in the best condition or improving

its condition for today and future

generations. Farming is not only an

occupation but a lifestyle. It involves

hard work, long hours, large financial

investments and a love of the land and

nature. Family farms exist in all shapes and

sizes.”

You and your husband own and

operate Auvergne Grain Company.

What do you think is different

about the agriculture industry?

“Agriculture is very different from

any other sector in the economy. In a

manufacturing plant the management is

able to produce the exact amount they

plan for, know the cost to produce it and

adjust their prices to obtain a particular

margin. This isn’t true for agriculture. Our

input costs can fluctuate greatly during the

time of production, and we have absolutely

zero control over the price we receive.

USA

Ric

e Fe

dera

tion


compiled by Tara Johnson

Faces of Agriculture

Jennifer James

ŒŒŒ*

USA

Ric

e Fe

dera

tion


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chance to explore the many activities, seasons, triumphs, disappointments and faces of agriculture, our state’s key industry. The photos that win this competition will capture the image and spirit of agriculture, and Farm Bureau, in Arkansas.

The contest includes two divisions, High School (ages 14–18) and Adult (19 and older). The winner of each receives $250. In addition, one entry will receive a Grand Prize of $500. The winners and honorable mentions may have their works published, with credit, in Front Porch and Arkansas Agriculture magazines, on Farm Bu-reau’s website, arfb.com, and in other publications.


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T


The 89th General Assembly recently

completed its regular session. Farm Bureau

and our legislative partners were successful

in enacting some beneficial new laws for

agriculture.

Tax issues The General Assembly wrangled with

tax cut affordability and which taxes to cut

throughout the session. Legislative leaders

and Governor Beebe agreed that responsible

tax cuts could happen if the legislature

also adopted the Private Option plan to

expand health care coverage to low-income

Arkansans. A super majority of the legislature

adopted the private option, and millions of

dollars of tax cuts subsequently became law.

The biggest win of the session is HB

1039 (Act 1441). The bill championed by

Reps. Jeff Wardlaw and Jon Eubanks and

Sen. Larry Teague will provide a full sales-

tax exemption on natural gas, LPG and

electricity used in the production of poultry,

swine, horticulture, aquaculture and dairy.

This $11 million annual utilities exemption

takes effect Jan. 1, 2014.

The Timber Fire Suppression Fee was a

necessary fee increase supported by Farm

Bureau and the timber industry. SB 5 (Act

1391) by Sen. Bill Sample raises this fee from

15 to 20 cents per acre on forested land.

Funds from this fee support the fire-fighting

efforts of the Arkansas Forestry Commission.

SB 11 (Act 1392) is a full sales-tax

exemption for wrap/twine for cotton and

forage. It will take effect on Oct.1, 2013.

Scrap metal theft and salesReps. Kim Hammer, David Hillman and

Walls McCrary united behind HB 1975

(Act 1354), which enhances penalties for

metal theft, prohibits sales of metal by those

formerly convicted of metal theft, establishes

a crime when buyers purchase metal they

know or should know is stolen, creates more

stringent reporting requirements for scrap-

metal dealers and requires a license for scrap-

metal dealers. While this bill offers some

remedies to limit metal theft and resale,

we hope to add more deterrents in future

sessions.

Water priority for agricultureThe past two years of drought and the

pending State Water Plan revision prompted

this change in state law. Rep. Jeremy Gillam

guided HB 2088 (Act 593) to final passage.

It establishes agriculture as the first priority

for water in a stream experiencing water

shortage.

Veterinary Tuition Repayment Program

Reps. Gillam and Eubanks each worked

to secure funds for this program. We were

unsuccessful in getting dedicated funds

through Revenue Stabilization but do have

commitments from individual legislators

for money to partially fund the program

through the General Improvement Fund.

Commodity promotion and research boards

HB 1786 would have limited the

participation of any board member who was

actively engaged in the industry under the

scope of a board or commission. It died in

committee for lack of a motion. HB 1967, a

shell bill dealing with the rice checkoff, was

never amended.

Feral hogsRep. McCrary led the charge to help

control this destructive species. HB 1478

(Act 1104) prohibits the transportation and

release of feral hogs while increasing the

penalties for violating these laws. The law

allows one limited exception for tagged hogs

transported to “terminal facilities,” such as

fenced hunting ranches.

Next time you meet with your legislators,

let them know you appreciate their votes in

support of agriculture. ŒŒ*

Policy Update

by Michelle Kitchens


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W


What is the true impact of a good

classroom teacher? School sporting

accomplishments are chronicled in

hallway trophy cases. The roll call of

past class presidents is etched brass

plates adorning a dusty wooden plaque

on a wall somewhere. An honor

roll recognizes individual academic

accomplishment. But has there ever been

a list that honors teachers for the famous

students they taught? Mark Twain, Bill

Gates, Ronald Reagan, Eleanor Roosevelt,

Billy Graham. Who were the teachers

who taught and influenced them?

What teachers are leading the

students of today who will make future

history? Maybe one of them is someone

like Gordon Eichelberger.

One of those old faded school-

related documents hangs on the wall

of Eichelberger’s classroom at Quitman

High School. It’s the framed original FFA

charter for the school. It’s dated Nov. 2,

1937.

The 31-year-old Eichelberger is the

agriculture education instructor and

FFA advisor for the school. He takes

his teaching responsibilities seriously,

especially when it comes to leadership.

One of the courses he teaches is a

leadership class.

“As a teacher, I take on leadership

roles on a daily basis. One of the best

moments is watching someone, who you

have taught, develop leadership skills and

take on a leadership role of their own,”

Eichelberger said.

To enhance his own

leadership skills, Eichelberger

became a member of

Arkansas Farm Bureau’s

President’s Leadership

Council.

“I want to further

develop my knowledge

of leadership and

understanding of Arkansas

Farm Bureau,” he said. “I

plan to use the leadership

skills attained to further

develop the Quitman FFA

Chapter, the students in my agriculture

education classes, our county Farm

Bureau board and to grow personally to

better serve our community and state.”

Eichelberger is well on his way.

Last year, he was elected president of

Cleburne County Farm Bureau.

“Agriculture needs good leaders,” he

said. “The problems of the future will be

solved by the leaders being developed

today.”

Like many leaders, Eichelberger

benefitted from the positive influence of

those who came before him. The leader

he admires most was Patrick Breeding, a

retired ag education instructor and FFA

advisor from Greenbrier. “The positive

influence he had on the FFA members

and students in each of his classes was

truly unique,” Eichelberger said. “He

was able to develop leaders by setting

high standards and expectations that the

students would strive to meet.”

Eichelberger believes it’s important to

give back in the same manner.

“It’s vital to give back what you have

received. Part of the FFA motto is ‘Living

to Serve’,” he said. “That portion is the

one that I believe is the most important.

As an educator, it’s my job to impart

knowledge. As a Farm Bureau member

and member of our agriculture society,

it’s my privilege and honor to give back.”

Seventy-five years later, that old,

stained FFA Charter on the wall still

speaks to the development of students

and tomorrow’s leaders.

“Being around students and

young people every day has helped

me appreciate the value and need for

leadership,” Eichelberger said. “My role is

to develop my own leadership abilities to

help train tomorrow’s leaders.”

Leading by example Cleburne County Farm Bureau President Gordon Eichelberger leads Quitman High School’s FFA program. His greatest satisfaction comes from working with and watching students develop and put into practice leadership skills.

ŒŒŒ*

Keith

Sut

ton

Spotlight OnYouth

Leading future historyGordon Eichelberger leads Quitman H.S. FFA

by gregg Patterson


Mol

lie D

ykes

Keith

Sut

ton

Rural Reflections Reflections

Optimism No doubt, new sprouts in a spring garden always gives us a sense of confidence in what’s to come. Farm Bureau member Ginger Sublett of Greenbrier captured that feeling of hopefulness in her photo she calls “Garden sprouts.”


Arkansas Agriculture 29

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Summer Savingswith Equipment Loans

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 3/22/2013. 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.

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