In Farm BureauAg Safety Awareness Week

Across the country, Farm Bureaus are making safety a top priority this spring through the Agricultural Safety Awareness Program (ASAP). As a part of ASAP, March 3-9 has been designated as Agricultural Safety Awareness Week.

This year’s theme, “Agricultural Safety: Your Best Investment,” em-phasizes making farms and ranches safer for farmers, their family mem-bers and employees. For example, all-terrain vehicles are used on most farms and ranches in Arkansas, but despite the availability of good safety equipment and training pro-grams, injuries and fatalities involv-ing ATV operators happen much too frequently.

According to the latest fig-ures from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 115,000 ATV-related injuries were treated in emergency rooms in 2010. An estimated 28,300 of these were

children younger than 16 years of age. In 2010, 317 ATV-related fatali-ties were reported in the U.S. About 25 percent of those who died were children under age 16. Sixty-seven Arkansans died as the result of ATV accidents from 2007-2010.

“It doesn’t take very big invest-ments of time or money to make a big difference in the level of safety on most farms,” said Jason Kaufman, safety coordinator for

Arkansas Farm Bureau. “ATV safety is a big part of farm safety because so many farms use these vehicles for work and recreation.”

ArFB has two full-time safety coordinators on staff who offer 12 different safety programs, including ATV safety, free of charge.

“The safety coordinators at Ar-kansas Farm Bureau are dedicated to educating Arkansans about safety concerns,” said safety coordinator

March 1, 2013 • Vol. 16, No. 4A

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A record crowd of more than 300 attended Arkan-sas Farm Bureau’s YF&R Conference in Little Rock on Feb. 22-23. High-lighting the fun was the always-popular Farm Bureau Olympics, which included a wild bull ride for competitors like Caleb Parker of Carlisle, pictured here. For more on the conference, see the enclosed insert.

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On Feb. 19, Gov. Mike Beebe proclaimed

March 3-9 as Agricul-tural safety Awareness Week. Attending (l to r) were ArFB Organization

& Member Programs Director Chuck Tucker,

4-H Youth Program Direc-tor Noah Washburn, Gov. Beebe and ArFB safety co-ordinators Jason Kaufman

and Amanda Williams.

Amanda Wil-liams. “We not only offer ATV

safety programs, but programs on farm and tractor safety, distracted-driving prevention, drinking-and-driving prevention, and more.”

For more information, visit the “Education and Youth” section of ArFB’s website, www.arfb.com.

Golden Plow goes to LucasAmerican Farm Bureau Federation

President Bob Stallman presented Rep. Frank Lucas of Oklahoma with

AFBF’s “Golden Plow” award on Feb. 18 during Okla-homa Farm Bureau’s Annual Leader-ship Conference in Oklahoma City. The Golden Plow is the highest recognition

the organization grants members of Congress.

Oklahoma FB nominated Lucas for the award because of his critical work on the Farm Bill in 2012 and legislation to keep agricultural ex-ports growing, as well as helping to ensure reviews of regulations affect-ing agriculture.

“Chairman Lucas understands agriculture because it is a part of his life,” said Stallman. “He shares a deep understanding of and a true passion for agriculture. From his ef-forts to pass a farm bill, to his ardent support of conservation programs,

there is never a doubt about Chair-man Lucas’ commitment to Ameri-ca’s farm and ranch families.”

Feeding AmericaThe farm and ranch families

of Farm Bureau raised a record $971,235 and donated a record of more than 24 million pounds of food to assist hungry Americans as part of Farm Bureau’s “Harvest for All” program in partnership with Feeding America. Combined mone-tary and food donations reached the equivalent of more than 28 million meals.

The California Farm Bureau took top honors for donating the most food in 2012, 10.1 million pounds. Illinois Farm Bureau raised the most

money, $786,949. And, Michigan Farm Bureau tallied the most volun-teer friend hours, 6,410.

In ArkansasCentury Farm program

The Arkansas Agriculture Depart-ment will accept applications for the 2013 Arkansas Century Farm pro-gram through May 31. The program recognizes Arkansas’ rich agricul-tural heritage and honors families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. The program is voluntary and places no restrictions on the land. In 2012, the first year of the program, 83 farms were certified as Arkansas Century Farms.

For a farm to qualify, it must have been owned by the same family for 100 years by Dec. 31, 2013. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage and adoption. The farm must be at least 10 acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income. Qualified applicants will be presented with a personal-ized metal sign and a certificate. Only the legal owners of the land may apply.

“It’s a privilege to recognize the generations of Arkansas farmers and ranchers who have persevered for

Members of ArFB’s state women’s committee presented a gift of $4,000 to Ronald McDonald House in Little Rock on Feb 18. The Food Check-out Week dona-tion will purchase food items to feed families of seriously ill children staying at the facility.

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Marion Fletcher (center, gray suit) of Hot Springs was rec-ognized for a lifetime devoted to agricultural education and Arkansas FFA students through a Senate proclamation read to a packed house at the state capitol on Feb. 19.

Lucas

More than 30 students from Mel-bourne High School FFA in Izard County enjoyed a day-long tour of the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock on Feb. 19. State Rep. Tommy Wren (right) of Melbourne hosted the students during their visit.

ArFB state board member Johnny Loftin (standing) of El Dorado ad-dressed city and county officials, and local Farm Bureau members, who attended a legislative breakfast hosted by Union Co. FB on Feb. 14.

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a century or more to provide food, fiber and energy” said Arkansas Sec-retary of Agriculture Butch Calhoun.

There is no cost to apply for the Century Farm program. Applica-tions can be obtained from the Arkansas Agriculture Department by calling 501-225-1598 or from the department’s website at www.aad.arkansas.gov/Pages/programs.aspx

ElsewhereFarm to School grants

The U.S. Department of Agri-culture is requesting applications for its 2014 Farm to School Grants Program. The grants help eligible schools improve the health and well-being of their students and connect them with local agricultural producers.

Three grants will be available: planning grants, for schools begin-ning to incorporate farm-to-school activities; implementation grants, for schools seeking to augment or expand existing efforts; and support service grants. Eligible nonprofit entities, Indian tribal organizations, state and local agencies and agricul-ture producers or groups may apply for support service grants to conduct trainings, create complementary curriculum or further develop sup-ply chains, among other activities.

USDA will host three grant-specific webinars on March 5, 6 and 7 to assist with the application process. Proposals are due on April 24. For more information, visit www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/f2s/.

USA Rice and DU partnershipThe USA Rice Federation and

Ducks Unlimited have combined forces to form the USA Rice-DU Stewardship Partnership to serve as a community model of cooperation and communication between a farm group and a conservation organiza-tion. The partnership will work to improve waterfowl, working rice lands and water conservation across the U.S.

“Rice fields and waterfowl mutu-ally benefit each other, and water is the essential underlying resource for both waterfowl and rice fields, as well as society as a whole,” said USA Rice Chairman Mark Denman. Six members from each organization will help identify and pursue public policies, funding sources, commu-nications strategies and strategically developed research and manage-ment practices that advance their mutual interests.

Ag census deadline extendedThe National Agricultural Sta-

tistics Service (NASS), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has extended the Feb. 4 Census of

Agriculture deadline to ensure every U.S. farmer and rancher is counted. Farmers and ranchers who have not already done so should complete and mail back their census form or respond online as soon as possible.

For those who do not respond by March 14, NASS will begin following up by telephone and personal visits. Federal law requires all agricultural producers to participate in the cen-sus and requires NASS to keep all in-dividual information confidential. If producers have questions about the census, lost, did not receive or need help filling out their form, they can visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call 888-424-7828.

Long-term ag projectionsThe U.S. Department of Agricul-

ture recently released new 10-year agricultural projections. They are posted on the Office of the Chief Economist’s website at www.usda.gov/oce.

USDA publishes the projections each year in February. The projec-tions are developed by interagency committees in USDA, with the Economic Research Service having the lead role in preparation of the report. The new projections cover crop and livestock commodities, ag-ricultural trade and aggregate indica-tors, such as farm income and food prices, through 2022.

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Pulaski County Farm Bureau made its annual Food Check-out Week dona-tion to Dorcas House on Feb. 20. Pictured with the women of Dorcas House are Pulaski Co. president Tracey Bemis (back row, second from left), Betty Oliver (far right) and Debbie Moreland (second from right).

EditorKeith Suttonkeith.sutton@arfb.com

england Farms manager Chris Sandine (left) and President Jay England examine eggs from the farm near Rison on Feb. 15. England’s father, Jack England, started an innovative hatching egg enterprise in 1969. He is among six to be inducted into the Arkan-sas Agriculture Hall of Fame on March 8.

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ContACt•Gene Martin (501) 228-1330,

gene.martin@arfb.com.

•Brandy Carroll (501) 228-1268, brandy.carroll@arfb.com.

•Bruce Tencleve (501) 228-1856, bruce.tencleve@arfb.com.

•Matt King (501) 228-1297, matt.king@arfb.com.

In the MarketAs of February 26, 2013

March SoyBEAnS futures zipped through resistance at $15 and appeared to be headed to $15.50, when just as quickly the market reversed. The resultant key reversal set the stage for further losses and marks another top in the market. Dry conditions in Argentina and strong demand from China contributed to the rally, which, to a lesser degree, was seen in new crop contracts as well. November is now struggling to hold key support at $12.55, with a potential to move toward the June 1, 2012 low of $11.40. If USDA’s Outlook Forum projection of 77.5 million planted acres and production of 3.405 billion bushels is realized, the bottom could be lower.

The CoRn market is seeking support. While beans rallied last week, corn sunk even lower. Old crop leveled out at $6.90 and is trying to work higher from that point. Demand remains the key with ethanol use slipping and exports almost non-existent. How quickly they will recover will be the question. USDA projects a record crop of 14.53 billion bushels on 96.5 million acres. That’s where we were last year when the drought intervened. Those numbers have pushed December futures to $5.50, and the market is struggling to hold there. Support around $5.10 becomes a likely target.

WhEAt continues to trend lower with recent snow events providing much-needed moisture across most of the drought-stricken plains. Coupled with increased production in other areas of the world, it has pushed July futures sharply lower. July is

bumping $7.00 and may move toward $6.85 or $6.70, which is where this contract turned higher eight months ago. The market is technically oversold and due a rebound, with resistance expected around the recent high of $7.54.

RiCE has plummeted over the last two weeks, with May futures topping at $16.68 on February 8 and then dropping as low as $15.62. Good export demand, with steady shipments, provided the upward impetus. However, while demand has been good, it appears Iran is now looking toward Thailand, where major intervention stocks could be a drawing card. Those huge stocks continue to hang over the market, providing a potentially soft undertone as we move forward. Soybeans and corn are expected to pull some U.S. acreage from rice in 2013.

Cotton’s upward impetus has ground to a halt with both old and new crop encountering major resistance around 84 to 85 cents. USDA projects U.S. plantings of 10 million acres, while the National Cotton Council survey put 2013 at just over 9 million acres. The key to price will be China, where stocks are projected to be more than 42 million bales. China will likely import substantially less cotton, but that remains to be seen.

CAttLE. The upside for cattle futures remains limited by an uncertain fundamental situation. The USDA Cattle on Feed report showed the total on feed inventory is 6.2 percent below last year’s total. However, negative cutout margins and demand concerns remain a negative. The dollar continues to strengthen against other currencies, which will likely result in weakened export demand for U.S. beef. Winter weather has provided some support this week as it both hampers performance

and limits marketings. June live cattle futures have support at the recent spike low of $123.47, while feeders have moved to a life of contract lows.

hoG futures are in a sharp down-trend. The market is oversold and due a rebound. However, weakness in stock markets and strength in the dollar are negative and will likely limit the upside potential on a rebound. Cash fundamentals also are offering little help, as packer margins remain weak. April hogs are testing support near $81.

PoULtRy. Commercial hatcheries in the 19-state weekly program set 199 million eggs in incubators last week. This was up 2 percent from the eggs set the corresponding week a year earlier. Average hatchability for chicks hatched during the week was 84 percent. Broiler growers in the 19-state weekly program placed 164 million chicks for meat production last week. Placements were up 1 percent from the comparable week a year earlier. Cumulative placements from December 30, 2012 through last week for the 19-state total were 1.14 billion, up 1 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Above: YF&R state committee member Caleb Plyler of Hope (left) entertained the crowd as the Farm Bureau Olympics emcee. Here he interviews two Benton County contestants, Cody Anglin of Bentonville (center) and Cody Hays of Gentry, as they prepare to tackle the obstacle course. Above right: Farm Bureau Bank President Will Hileman shared tips young farmers and ranchers can use to build good credit history. Right: “2-4D Tolerance and Formulations” was the topic of a presentation by Dow Chemical’s Jonathan Siebert.

Among the many participants in Friday night’s Olympic sawing contest were Jason Drew (left) and Daniel Walters (right) of Pope County.

Right: ArFB edu-cation coordina-tor Matt Jackson helps one of the youngsters build

a birdhouse in the wood-

working session.Bottom right:

Paten Oxner, the 5-year-old son

of Sarah and Michael Oxner

of Searcy, was all smiles after win-ning a trophy in the kids’ tractor

race.

Above: Terry and Brian Kinder entertained the younger kids with their “Kindersongs.”

2013 yF&R ConFEREnCE

More than 300 members and their families from throughout the state attended Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers

Leadership Conference Feb. 22-23 at Embassy Suites in Little Rock. Attendees participated in workshops on crops, livestock/cattle, policy development and family living and listened to inspirational speeches by ArFB President Randy Veach and guest speakers. There were ag education sessions, a wide variety of kids’ activities and family-oriented fun like the Farm Bureau Olympics.

 • photos by keith sutton and steve hignight •

Farm Bureau Press Insert — Vol. 16, No. 4

Left: YF&R committee chairman Brian Walker of Horatio addressed the crowd at Saturday’s luncheon. Above: At Saturday’s luncheon, ArFB President Randy Veach challenged young leaders to “put your time into the things you love, into the things that will have a direct impact on your livelihood and things that will impact your family.”

Right: Elizabeth Walker (left), YF&R

committee chair, congratulates Amy

West with UofA’s Collegiate FB on winning the col-

legiate discussion meet finals.

Far right: And they’re off! Kids

race for the finish line in

the tractor race.

Above: Networking and women’s committee opportuni-ties were the topic of discussion in a session led by AFBF women’s committee member Sue Billiott.

2 0 1 3 y F & R C o n F E R E n C E

Above: C.J. Parker of Carlisle gets in the spirit of the Olympics while trying to remove lug nuts from a tractor tire. Left: ArFB’s governmental affairs coordinator Michelle Kitchens discussed policy development in two well-attend-ed sessions.

Farm Bureau Press Insert — Vol. 16, No. 4