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Gen. Stan McChrys-tal, a retired four-star general and former commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan, gave a rousing keynote address at the closing session of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 95th Annual Convention in San Antonio this month. McChrystal highlighted both military and civilian stories of overcoming unexpected challenges. See more highlights of the meeting in the enclosed insert.

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At the AFBF conven-tion in San Antonio, ArFB

State Women’s Committee chair Janice Marsh (left) of McCrory accepted a certifi-

cate recognizing the Arkan-sas women’s group for their

involvement with Little Rock’s Ronald McDonald House.

AFBF Women’s Leadership Committee chair Terry Gilbert

presented the certificate.

January 24, 2014 • Vol. 17, No. 2

®

In Farm Bureau

ArFB commodity meetingsArkansas Farm Bureau’s 2014 Winter

Commodity Division meetings will take place Jan. 29 at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock. The purpose of these meetings is to review Farm Bureau policy and make recommendations to the state board of directors for implementa-tion. Actions taken will determine the organization’s program of work on com-modity issues during the coming year.

All 12 of the organization’s commodity divisions will meet at this time. The format will be similar to last year, with half the meetings in the morning and the other half in the afternoon.

A meeting of voting delegates to ratify actions taken in the Dec. 6 business ses-sion and board meetings is scheduled for 9 a.m. Due to the ice storm causing the lack of a quorum during those meetings, legal requirements outlined in the organization’s bylaws make holding this meeting neces-sary.

 The schedule of activities is as follows:• 8 a.m. - Voting Delegate registration• 9-10 a.m. Special business session• 10 a.m.–noon. Cotton, Beef Cattle,

Soybeans, Specialty Crops, Swine, Forestry

• Noon–1 p.m. Lunch• 1–3 p.m. Aquaculture, Dairy, Rice,

Wheat & Feed Grains, Poultry, Equine

New guide for veterans in agA new resource guide from the Ameri-

can Farm Bureau Federation encourages

a smooth transition for military veterans seeking employment in the agricultural industry.

The guide was created through a partner-ship with the Farmer Veteran Coalition. The two organizations have combined efforts to assist military veterans planning a career in agriculture.

“Through this partnership, I am optimis-tic returning veterans will learn how to con-tinue their service to our country by helping feed its citizens, nourish its land and make its rural communities more viable through

the many entrepreneurial opportunities

agriculture has to offer,” said AFBF Presi-dent Bob Stallman.

The resource guide provides Farm Bureaus with a simple framework outlin-ing the many ways that are available to participate in the new partnership and assist returning veterans interested in stak-ing their futures on agriculture and rural America. To view the guide, visit www.fb.org/newsroom/nr/nr2013/11-25-13/FB_Vet_GuideOct13final.pdf.

In ArkansasASU Agribusiness Conference

Arkansas State University will host its 20th Agribusiness Conference on Feb. 12 at the Fowler and Convocation centers in Jonesboro. On-site registration begins at 7:45 a.m. in the Fowler Center. The morn-ing general session features presentations on global agriculture trends and farm business transition planning by Dr. David Kohl with Virginia Tech; global agriculture markets by Dr. J. B. Penn, Deere and Com-pany’s chief economist; and “Lessons from the 2013 Farm Bill Debate” with Elanco’s Dana Brooks and Michigan State ag professor Dr. David Schweikhardt. Lunch

will be served in the Convocation Center at noon, with a program featuring Brooks and Dr. Bert Greenwalt. Afternoon ses-sions include a talk by Arkansas Agricul-ture Secretary Butch Calhoun and sessions on commodity markets and bioenergy

research. To register, visit Astate.edu/CoAT.

Tunstills honored for historic herdSulphur Valley Angus Farm of Fayette-

ville recently received a Historic Angus Herd Award from the American Angus Association, recognizing the farm’s con-tinuous production of registered Angus cattle for more than 50 years. Robert Tunstill started in November 1960 with the purchase of three bred Angus heifers. He continued building his herd by adding one or two Angus heifers at a time. Herd genet-ics improved greatly when he adopted arti-ficial insemination 30 years ago and began using proven multi-trait sires. Tunstill also actively records calving weights through Angus Herd Improvement Records.

Together with his son, Darrell, Robert Tunstill continues to manage the historic herd. The Sulphur Valley Angus Farm now consists of 25 head of Angus cattle.

Visit angus.org for more information on the Historic Angus Herd Award, or to view a list of awarded members since the program began in 1988.

Gift benefits poultry departmentThe University of Arkansas Depart-

ment of Poultry Science recently received a donation of $18,377 from the USPoul-try Harold E. Ford Foundation, which promotes advancement of the poultry

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Mekhia Thompson (center), a fifth-grade student at Jonesboro’s Visual & Performing Arts Magnet School, was the first-place winner in the state “Thank a Farmer” Ag in the Classroom poster contest. Principal Dale Case (left) and Mekhia’s teacher, Kalie Griffin, presented Mekhia’s $100 award at a school assembly.

U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor (left) recently released an edition of “Pryor-Side Chats” that highlights ArFB’s efforts to recruit young adults into agricultural careers. He visited with State YF&R Committee members Elizabeth Walker of Horatio and Trent Dabbs of Stuttgart about the farm bill, challenges of starting a farm or ranch and how to engage young adults in agriculture.

During the recent Arkansas Farm Bureau State Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee trip to Washington, D.C., Brent and Mandi Lassiter (right) of Newport posed for a photo with Sen. John Boozman. Committee members also met with Sen. Mark Pryor, networked with Congressional staffers at a lunch reception, and toured the U.S. Capitol building.

At a presentation in Bentonville on Jan. 16, Benton Co. FB President Bob Shofner (left) accepted the 2013 Gold Star Award of Merit from ArFB Northwest Area Coordinator Steve Hignight. Benton County was one of the top 10 counties in the state for their activities as a Farm Bureau organization.

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EditorKeith Suttonkeith.sutton@arfb.com

industry through education and training. Mike Kidd, director of UofA’s Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, said the gift will support recruitment efforts such as the annual Poultry Science Youth Conference, the youth broiler show at the Arkansas State Fair, in-service training for faculty and recruiting activities.

“The Harold E. Ford Foundation contri-butions to the Poultry Science Department are vital to the mission of the department for recruiting future leaders of the poultry industry,” Kidd said. “The check will be used for numerous activities to educate youth on the career opportunities that a poultry science major has to offer. These funds are vital because they help us recruit students who will become future leaders in the poultry industry.”

New AFC board chairmanRobert Parkes of Dover has been

elected 2014 chairman of the board of the Arkansas Forestry Commission. Parkes was appointed to the group’s board of com-missioners in 1998 and is currently serving a second term. He is the owner of Parkes Dental Clinic in Dover. He and his wife, Lisa, are private landowners in Scottsville.

“I am excited about serving the AFC as board chairman in the coming years,” Parkes said. ”I believe in the mis-sion of this organization and support the excellent crew of individuals who comprise our statewide staff. I also look forward to providing a strong voice for the private landowners of Arkansas, amid the many ways that the AFC serves the state.” 

Parkes succeeds Allen Bedell of Hot Springs, appointed to the board in 2001. Bedell has been chairman of the board since 2008.

ElsewhereFarm injuries rise for children under 10

Childhood injuries involving agricul-ture and equipment were down a bit on the nation’s farms in 2012, but, unfortunately, that trend was higher among children younger than 10 years of age. That’s according to new data released by the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety.

NCCRAHS Director Barbara Lee says a survey conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health shows the rates of injury among children ages 10 and younger rose from 6.6 per 1,000 farms in 2009 to 11.3 in 2012.

“More than half of these injuries were incurred by non-working children (brought to the worksite by parents to ‘keep an eye on them’),” Lee said.

The overall rate of non-fatal child

injuries per 1,000 farms has declined by 61 percent since 1998. Lee attributes the sustained decline to several factors, such as better outreach efforts to students and families, and willingness of farm own-ers and parents to end unsafe traditions involving children and young workers.

“Still, on average, a child dies in an agriculture-related incident every three days, and 38 children are injured each day,” she said. “That equals about 115 deaths and 13,996 injuries per year.”

2014: Year of Family FarmingThe United Nations has declared 2014

the International Year of Family Farming in an effort to highlight the potential family farmers have to eradicate hunger, preserve natural resources and promote sustainable development.

An estimated 500 million family farms – those that rely primarily on family members for labor and management – exist across the developed and developing world, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organiza-tion. These farms produce the food that feeds billions of people, the agency said, adding that in many developing countries, family farms represent up to 80 percent of all farm holdings.

“By choosing to celebrate this year, we recognize that family farmers are leading fig-ures in responding to the double urgency the world faces today: improving food security and preserving the natural resources,” said FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva.

Loys Rutledge of Newport, a member of Arkansas Farm Bureau’s State Women’s Committee, visited with guests who stopped by the Arkansas Farm Bureau booth during the trade show at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention in San Antonio earlier this month.

UofA’s Cooperative Extension Service will hold beginning beekeeping classes evenings on Feb. 11, 18 and 25 at the Janet Huckabee Nature Center in Fort Smith. The fee is $5 per night. Seating is limited, and prior registration is required. To register, email dannybrewer@aol.com or phone 479-208-9949. See www.aragriculture.org/insects/bees/events.htm for more information.

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In the MarketAs of Jan. 21, 2014

Acreage Battle to Begin in Coming Weeks

As we head into February, look for the acreage battle between crops to become more heated. The crop insurance prices are based on the average of the February futures market, so look for volatility to increase as we head into this key month. Additionally, beginning March 1, the USDA will begin surveying for its perspective plantings report so the market will try to buy the necessary acreage before March 1.

While we have seen the ratio between corn and soybeans erode over the last month, the 2.5 to 1 ratio still favors more beans. In November, private estimates were forecasting that soybean acres could increase as much as 7 million acres. However, in recent weeks, those forecasts have been trimmed to around 5 million acres. While most of these acres will come from corn, a sizeable share could come from wheat and cotton to a lesser extent.

This larger acreage means production will be up in 2014, and the tight stocks the market has learned to manage over the last few years will now be upwards of 200 million bushels, maybe even more. If stocks get to this level and a record South American crop is realized, the 2014 November soybean chart will look much like the 2013 December corn chart.

As for the corn market, while acreage is forecast to be down in 2014, a good yield will mean U.S. corn supplies will remain comfortable. A yield close to the trend at 165 means U.S. stocks could be close to 2.5 billion bushels unless lower prices spur additional demand. Here in Arkansas, delivery contracts at poultry mills for October through December are still available, and producers have the opportunity to sell more direct into those markets if they are interested.

Cotton prices continue to rally, as the market is working to try and buy additional acres. While global supplies remain ample, the vast majority of these stocks are in China. When you remove China, the global cotton stocks-to-use ratio is at its second lowest level in the last 10 years. While tightening supplies are supportive to the market, cotton prices will remain volatile as China could decide to more aggressively sell its stocks at any time. Additionally, the

National Cotton Council will release its 2014 acreage survey in February, which is usually an excellent indicator of where cotton acres will be. If this report shows a significant acreage increase, look for prices to potentially move lower.

As for rice, large global supplies and stiff competition have limited the U.S. ability to export rice. However, strong domestic demand continues to reduce supplies and support rice prices. The table presented below show the estimated net returns for the different irrigated crops in Arkansas, and rice is forecast to outperform them all. With these types of returns, there is a lot of talk among farmers about increasing production.

CONTACT• 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.

Farm Bureau Press Insert — Vol. 17, No. 2

Members of the Arkansas delegation (foreground) enjoyed breakfast at the sold-out Foundation Flapjack Fundraiser in the Grand Ballroom of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. At top right, Leigh Helms of Conway competed in the first round of the national Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet.

ArFB Vice President Rich Hillman of Carlisle enjoyed being serenaded by the mariachi band that entertained guests at the Arkansas Presidents’ Reception.

ArFB President Randy Veach

of Manila carried the

Arkansas flag in the Parade of Flags dur-ing Sunday’s

opening ceremony.

Country music singer James Wesley, formerly of Eureka Springs, provided entertainment during the convention’s closing session.

The 95th Annual AMERICAN FARM BUREAU

CONVENTION

With the theme “Our Heritage, Our Future,” the 95th Annual Convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation took place Jan. 12-15 in San Antonio,

Texas. ArFB was well represented at the event, with approximate-ly 150 delegates and staff in attendance.

photos by STEVE EDDINGTON, GREGG PATTERSON and AFBF

Farm Bureau Press Insert — Vol. 17, No. 2

Members of ArFB’s State Women’s Committee gathered for a photo before the Women’s Leadership Recognition Luncheon. Pictured (l to r) are Sarah Heller of Magazine, Loys Rutledge of Newport, Janice Marsh of McCrory, Sara Beth Waller of Lonoke, Heather Keenen of Farmington, Cynthia Ford of El Dorado, Sherry Felts of Joiner, Robin Williams of Forrest City and Peggy Miller of Lake Village.

Union Co. FB leaders (l to r) Johnny Loftin, Linda Sue Loftin, Cynthia Ford and Myron Ford were among the Arkansas delegates who attended the convention.

ArFB’s 11 voting delegates and 18 alternates, includ-ing Michael Oxner of Searcy, voted on policy proposals in the business session.

Pulaski Co. FB delegates

Sondra Nickerson

and Fred Nickerson

(front) and Pam Bred-low (rear)

attended the workshop

“Advocating for Water.

95th ANNUAL AFBF CONVENTION

At left, keynote speaker Alan Robert-son, the (formerly) “beardless brother” from the Duck Dynasty television show, spoke about his famous family’s focus on faith, family and ducks. At bottom left, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack urged farmers and ranchers to work to increase the understanding of agriculture during his remarks at the general session.