Front Porch - January/February 2013

FRONT PORCHFRONT PORCHJan. - Feb. 2013

arfb.com

Ourphoto contest

winners

ARFB Legislative priorities

Mom’s seven habits to happiness

BECAUSE THANK YOU ISN’T THANKS ENOUGH.

$500ON TOP OF MOST CURRENT OFFERS1

PRESENTING A PRIVATE OFFER FOR FARM BUREAU MEMBERS.

1 Offer available through 4/1/14. Available on all 2011, 2012 and 2013 Chevrolet vehicles (excluding Volt). This offer is not available with some other offers, including private offers (for example, Owner Loyalty). Only customers who have been active members of an eligibleFarm Bureau for a minimum of 60 days will be eligible to receive a certificate. Customers can obtain certificates at www.fbverify.com/gm. Farm Bureau and the FB logo are registered service marks of the American Farm Bureau Federation and are used herein under license by General Motors.

You choose Farm Bureau because you never know where life will take you.

To thank you, we’re proudly extending this special $500 private offer1

good toward the purchase or lease of nearly any new Chevrolet vehicle—

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Farm Bureau members can get a $5001 private offer toward the purchase or lease of most new GM vehicles,including the Chevrolet Silverado 2500hD and 3500hD lineup. Visit fbverify.com for more details. They get tough jobs done with a maximum payload of up to 6,635 lbs.2 and a conventional towing capacity of up to 17,000 lbs.3And through the GM Business Choice Program,4 business owners receive even more when purchasing or leasing an eligible Chevrolet or GMC truck or van for business use. Visit gmbusinesschoice.com for details.

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

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George Kell Motors501 Hwy 367 North

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Chevrolet of Fayetteville1310 W Showroom Dr

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Continuing the Hometown Experience

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Everett ChevroletI-540 at

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Gwatney ChevroletGregory Street Exit

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Rhodes Chevrolet2800 Alma Hwy.-

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Bale Chevrolet13101 Chenal Pky

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Russell Chevrolet6100 Landers Road,

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1 Offer valid toward the purchase of new 2011, 2012 and 2013 Buick, Chevrolet and GMC models,

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base vehicle plus driver. See dealer for details.4 To qualify, vehicles must be used in the day-to-day operation of the business and not solely for

transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business. This program may not be compatible with other

offers or incentive programs. Consult your local Chevrolet or GMC dealer or visit gmbusinesschoice.com

for program compatibility and other restrictions. Take delivery by 4/1/2014.

Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation® are registered service marks owned by the

American Farm Bureau Federation, and are used herein (or by

GM) under license.©2011 General Motors LLC

Exclusive $500 Member Private Offer is Available at any Arkansas

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F R O N T P O R C H I arfb.com2

PRE-SEASON EVENTS J A N U A R Y12: Cooking Class Comfort Food

F E B R U A R Y9: Cooking Class Sweet Treats14: Valentine’s Day Buffet at the Skillet

Restaurant

16: Hands-on Craft Classes16: Valentine’s Dinner and Show21-23: Quilter’s Retreat

M A R C H7-9: Spring Bluegrass Festival18-22: Ozark Folk School

Take up Ozark herbalism, culinary artistry, gardening, utilitarian and artistic handcrafts or mountain music in the beautiful, relaxed atmosphere of the Arkansas Ozarks. Join us for our spring Folk School, relax in comfort in one of the

, and enjoy the home-style fare at the .

3F R O N T P O R C H I arfb.com

AFRONT PORCH

January - February 2013

For address changes, contact:Rhonda Whitley at [email protected]

Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation Farm Bureau Center

P.O. Box 31 • Little Rock, AR 72203-0031Fax: (501) 228-1557

Please provide membership number.

Edition 84

6 Legislative priorities Michelle Kitchens12 Rural Refl ections Photo

Contest Winners

3 Farm Bureau MattersRandy Veach

4 Food for ThoughtEwell Welch

14 Taste Arkansas Tara Johnson18 Land & People Ken Moore22 Building Wealth Allyson Hamlin24 In the Kitchen Tara Johnson26 Health & Safety Gregg Patterson

C O V E R

On the cover — Sheri Tunstill of Fayetteville took this honorable mention photo inside the historic schoolhouse at Prairie Grove Battlefi eld State Park for the 4th Annual Rural Refl ections Photo Contest.

Farm Bureau Matters

by RANDY VEACHPresident, Arkansas Farm Bureau

Send comments to:[email protected]

Arkansas Farm Bureau is committed

to supporting all segments of

agriculture, from the largest family

farms in our state to the smaller farms

that profi tably target niche markets.

Recently, the Arkansas Farm Bureau

Board of Directors approved a plan to

refocus the efforts of our horticulture

commodity group, broadening its focus

on specialty crops and small farm

efforts. This decision is more signifi cant

than changing the name of the

Horticulture Division to the Specialty

Crop Division. I believe it’s a testament

to the willingness to refi ne the efforts of

our organization when needed.

One reason for changing the name

was simply to be more accurate and

consistent with defi nitions used by the

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

At our recent state convention in

Hot Springs, the voting delegate body

approved a policy recommendation that

states, “We support attracting members

involved in non-traditional agriculture,

including small farms producing for

local markets.” There is an immediate

opportunity for all of us to work

toward this end by seeking out these

producers and encouraging them to get

involved in Farm Bureau and our policy

development process.

The organization’s strategic plan has

a couple of different statements that

support this change. One states, “We

will diversify and increase efforts that

improve consumer support for farm and

ranch issues.” I believe enhancing our

work with specialty crops producers and

using the opportunity to reach out to

farmers’ markets and those that produce

for them will also lead to improved

consumer support for agriculture.

Another statement from our

strategic plan states, “We will recruit,

involve and prepare farmers and

ranchers to actively participate in all

areas of Farm Bureau.” I think this

clearly supports making this change, as

well as our efforts to reach out to small,

non-traditional farmers.

Even subtle change can be

signifi cant. As we talk about moving

Arkansas agriculture forward in a

united way, we must do everything in

our power to ensure all segments of

agriculture are represented, from the

rice farmer to the bee keeper, from the

cattle rancher to the catfi sh farmer,

from the cotton fi elds to the piney

woods, and everything in between.

The diversity of our operations, in fact,

is the uniting strength of Arkansas

agriculture.

I want to share some wisdom I heard

from one of our bright young farmers

recently. Cassie Davis of Prairie Grove

is a hardworking dairy farmer, mother

and wife, and an unabashed advocate

for agriculture. When discussing the

need for agricultural leaders, she

said, “The voice of agriculture is a

whisper without everyone standing up

together.”

Can I get an “Amen”?

Those of us involved in agriculture

are woven into the same cloth, and we

share so many of the same goals. It’s

when we cast aside our differences and

work together for a common goal – in

this case for the betterment of all of

Arkansas agriculture – that our state

stands tall.

God bless you and your families.

God bless the farmers and ranchers.

And God bless Arkansas Farm Bureau. � pcipublishing.com

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David Brown • [email protected]


WOffi cial membership publication of Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation.

Front Porch is mailed to more than 200,000 member-families.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Included in membership dues.

ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU OFFICERS: President

Randy VeachManila

Vice PresidentRich Hillman

CarlisleSecretary/Treasurer

Tom Jones Pottsville

Executive Vice PresidentEwell WelchLittle Rock

DIRECTORS:Richard Armstrong, Ozark

Troy Buck, Alpine Jon Carroll, Moro

Joe Christian, Jonesboro Terry Dabbs, Stuttgart Mike Freeze, England

Bruce Jackson, Lockesburg Johnny Loftin, El Dorado

Gene Pharr, Lincoln Rusty Smith, Des Arc Allen Stewart, Mena

Mike Sullivan, Burdette Leo Sutterfi eld, Mountain View

EX OFFICIOSherry Felts, Joiner

Brent Lassiter, NewportJanice Marsh, McCroryBrian Walker, Horatio

Executive Editor: Steve EddingtonEditor: Gregg Patterson

Contributing Editors: Ken Moore, Keith Sutton, Chris Wilson

Research Assistant: Brenda Gregory

ADVERTISING: Contact David Brown at Publishing Concepts, Inc. for

advertising [email protected]

(501) 221-9986 Fax (501) 225-3735

Front Porch (USPS 019-879) is published bi-monthly by the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation, 10720 Kanis Rd., Little Rock, AR 72211.

Periodicals Postage paid at Little Rock, Ark. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Front Porch,

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.

FRONT PORCHArkansas Farm Bureau © 2013

Food for Thought

by EWELL WELCHExecutive Vice President, Arkansas Farm Bureau

We experienced a turbulent year in

Arkansas agriculture, with a drought year that

will long be remembered for its devastating

impact to farmers and ranchers. It’s during

challenging circumstances, though, we often

see the best in our farmers and ranchers, and

this year was no different.

It’s our objective to ensure we look into

the future, for the betterment of all Arkansas

agriculture. To that end, our organization

accomplished a number of noteworthy

efforts in the past year, including:

• All six members of the state’s

congressional delegation earned Friend

of Farm Bureau designation. We worked

closely with our delegation, particularly

on issues such as international trade, the

farm bill, biofuels and immigration;

• All 76 county Farm Bureaus held both

a policy development meeting and a

county annual meeting;

• Worked vigorously in support of Issue

#1, the highway bond initiative, which

passed 58-42 percent;

• Initiated a President’s Leadership

Council, a group of 22 budding leaders,

ages 25-45, and put them through

an extensive leadership development

curriculum;

• Distributed 15,000 copies of our Election

Directory, providing contact information

on candidates for local, county, state and

national offi ces;

• Continued our growth in social media

platforms, reaching out to those

unfamiliar with Farm Bureau and

agriculture. Facebook followers grew by

more than 150 percent in 2012 to more

than 3,300; more than 100,000 viewed

our videos on YouTube; arfb.com had 1.2

million page views and our TasteArkansas.

com blog had more than 25,000 visitors;

• Conducted video interviews with

congressional candidates and posted

those on our website to help members,

and the general public, in understanding

where the candidates stood on important

issues;

• Held two “How to Win an Election”

seminars along with our partners at the

Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce;

• Took 70 county leaders to Washington,

D.C., as part of our County Presidents’

Tour, plus took 13 from our Young

Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) there, as well.

• Increased participation in YF&R activities

by more than 50 percent;

• Redesigned our exhibit at the Little

Rock Zoo, creating signage that educates

consumers about Arkansas agriculture;

• Hosted a trade mission from a poultry

company from Colombia;

• Helped coordinate a House Ag

Committee fi eld hearing in Arkansas

• Co-sponsored the 2nd Annual Symposium

on Food Animal Well-being, which

attracted participants from 10 states;

• Continued the success of our MASH

camps, which included 409 students this

year;

• Donated more than $11,000 through our

county and state Women’s committees as

part of Food Check-out Day;

• Reached more than 33,000 people with

550 programs on safety and other critical

topics;

• Our educational outreach (Mobile Ag

Experience, combine simulator, mobile

cotton gin and rice mill, milk cow, etc.)

went to 60 counties and 150 venues,

reaching almost 200,000 people about

farming and ranching;

• Finally, we distributed 53,000 Ag in

the Classroom resource materials and

donated 2,200 books as part of our Ag

Literacy Program.

4

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Source: USB Market View Database © 2012 United Soybean Board


A look at Farm Bureau’s focus

by Michelle Kitchens

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

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At Arkansas Farm Bureau almost

everything relates to food. It’s what

many of our members do — grow the

food — so a food analogy is appropriate.

Legislative sessions are like soup,

changing the ingredients a little can

really change the taste of the soup. The

upcoming 89th General Assembly could

be a spicy soup.

In the November general election,

voters added almost equal parts

Republican and Democrats, then

ratcheted up the heat factor with some

hot ingredients like the healthcare

insurance exchange, tax reform and

the proposed Medicaid expansion

and shortfall. Add voter ID, education

funding, school choice and ethics

reform to bring it to a boil, and then let

it all simmer for at least 60 days.

Arkansas Farm Bureau (ARFB) is

bringing its own additions to this

version of alphabet soup. The following

items are the legislative priorities of the

ARFB membership.

TaxesAgriculture, like all businesses,

is constantly seeking competitive

advantages by reducing costs. Creating

tax treatments is one way to reduce

costs. ARFB has positions on fi ve

different tax issues on the priority list

this year. The legislature will consider

many tax code bills during the session

and weigh carefully each change on

its merit. Several organizations and

legislators will be eyeing tax changes;

reductions in grocery tax, income

tax, energy for manufacturing, capital

gains and replacement parts are all

circulating. Achieving a tax cut in

this budget environment will be hard

work. ARFB’s grassroots network must

actively lobby legislators if we hope

to accomplish tax reductions in this

session.

• Sales tax exemption on energy

for poultry and other animal

facilities.

ARFB has worked for several sessions

to achieve this goal. Energy costs

continue to climb and, consequently, so

does the farmer’s tax bill. A reduction

or complete exemption will provide

some relief for farmers whose energy

bills are in the tens of thousands.

This exemption will have the most

impact on poultry growers. According

to USDA reports, there are more than

6,000 poultry farms in Arkansas. Every

county in the state has a poultry farm.

Poultry accounts for 47 percent of total

agricultrual receipts in the state, and

agriculture is Arkansas’ largest industry.

This exemption would put money in

the accounts of every poultry farmer

and thus their rural communities. The

estimate for an exemption on energy

would cut taxes by $6-7 million.

That savings, assuming a moderate

multiplier, would mean a positive $20

million economic impact. The fi rst

benefi t of this tax cut will be felt in

rural communities. This has the largest

price tag of all of ARFB’s requests and

will have to have all farmers actively

involved to secure this exemption.

• Sales tax exemption for

expendable materials used with

agricultural equipment.

ARFB will seek a sales tax exemption

for “expendable materials.” This

includes hay wrap, twine and cotton

bale wrap. Present law provides

exemptions for tomato twine and

certain cotton binding. The proposed

legislation will update the tax code

to match newer technologies. Several

legislators have expressed interest in

passing the bill. This request is modest

with a $600-800 million annual impact.

And for drought-impacted cattle and

cotton farmers, every little bit helps.

It’s far from a “done deal,” and farmers

and ranchers must contact their

legislators and request they support this

legislation.

This exemption also will help

prevent shopping leakage to

neighboring states. Many farmers now

cross state lines to purchase these items.

Let’s keep our purchasing here instead

of buying in border states like Texas,

Oklahoma, Missouri and Mississippi.

• Support a coalition effort for

a sales tax exemption on parts

and repairs if farm equipment is

included.

An exemption for manufacturing

replacement parts and repairs is being

proposed by industry supporters.

The present proposal doesn’t include

agriculture. However, ARFB has

approached supporters about the

inclusion of farm parts. If the proposal

expands to include agriculture,

ARFB will join the effort to pass this

legislation.

• Oppose any reduction

in agricultural sales tax

exemptions.

This is a perennial item on the

priority list because of its importance

to our membership. ARFB will work to

protect the current exemptions used by

farmers.

Keith

Sut

ton


• Support increasing the timber

tax by 5 cents per acre and

changing the name to “Timber

Fire Suppression Fee.”

ARFB’s support of expanding tax

exemptions should illustrate better

than anything, our position on taxes.

However, the organization has a

long history of supporting the state’s

collection and even increase of necessary

revenues. The per-acre timber tax is

presently 15 cents and is paid only on

timber acreage. This tax supports wildfi re

protection by the Arkansas Forestry

Commission protecting homes and

timber investments statewide.

An increase to 20 cents per acre will

generate about $1 million but could

save Arkansans tens of millions in

losses from one dangerous wildfi re. One

need only think about the drought and

fi res of last summer to see the value

in fi re suppression. Our membership

has discussed the issue thoroughly and

believes the service is valuable and the

increase is needed. We will work with the

state agency and timber industry. Both

support an increase to achieve this goal.

Crime and Enforcement• Support stiffer penalties and

expanded enforcement for

transporting live feral hogs.

Hogs. Many Arkansans love them on the

gridiron but hate them in the pasture and

crops. These pests are a scourge to farmers

and wildlife. Research shows their spread

across the state can be directly attributed to

human transportation. It’s presently illegal to

transport and release feral hogs in Arkansas.

We are seeking the possible increase of

penalties for transport and release and the

expansion of enforcement authority to stem

the growing wild hog population.

• Support additional restrictions on

sale of non-ferrous metals.

Despite changes to the law addressing

the sale of copper and scrap metals, thieves

continue to boldly steal these items. ARFB

recently adopted policy supporting a

permitting process that would prohibit

dealers from purchasing items until sellers

submit the proper paperwork. The permits

would be issued by the local police. As long

as prices for non-ferrous metals remain high,

theft will continue. But changes to the law

will make it easier for police to catch and

prosecute offenders.

Animal Health • Support amending Arkansas’

brucellosis law to create the

“Bovine Animal Health Program”

and set a maximum fee of $2 per

head.

Arkansas is one of the last states

maintaining a brucellosis program. The

state has been free of the disease for 15

years, and cattlemen want to adjust and

use the per-head fee to address other cattle

health issues. The fee, paid at the market

by cattle owners, would be converted from

brucellosis-only to allow more fl exibility

to address other health issues, such as

trichomoniasis or animal identifi cation.

• Support additional funding for

the Arkansas Veterinary Student

Tuition Assistance Program.

ARFB helped create this program during

the last session to provide additional

fi nancial assistance for Arkansas students

attending Mississippi State University’s

School of Veterinarian Medicine. Students

would be required to establish a practice

that includes the treatment of large animals

in Arkansas. This is a great opportunity to

invest in Arkansas youth and agriculture’s

future and rural economic development. A

Water needs Plans for updating the state water plan are underway. Farm Bureau believes agriculture’s use of water needs to be the second-highest priority for water use in the state, behind only that of human consumption.

Ken

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hoto

s

relatively small fi nancial investment puts

more large-animal vets to work ensuring the

health of livestock. It also brings a graduate-

level taxpayer back to Arkansas to begin a

career in animal medicine.

Water• Support a statutory priority for

agricultural water use, second only

to human consumption.

As most active Farm Bureau members

know, Arkansas is in the beginning stages of

adapting the State Water Plan. The plan is

the governing guidance for the state’s water

use. ARFB feels strongly that agriculture

should have high priority in water usage,

second only to human consumption.

ARFB would like to see this basic principle

confi rmed in law. Water is critical to food

production and food production to human

survival. Arkansas is a water-rich state,

and agriculture is ready to do its part to

preserve the quality and quantity of it for

our citizens.


2012 Nursing Compassion Award Winner, Sherri Guinn, RN 2012 Outstanding Educator Award Winner, Betty Diehl, MSN,RN

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rr 44

k a n s a s S t a t e B o a r d o f N u r s i n g

2012 Nursing Compassion Award Winner

Sherrie Guinn, RN In Home Medical Center a division of Arkansas Hospice

2012 Outstanding Nurse Educator Award Winner

Betty Diehl, MSN , RN University of Central Arkansas Conway

1991319913 1320113201

A Century of Nursing LeadershipCentury of Nursing LeadershThe Arkansas State Board of Nursing

Suzanne Ramselat 501-221-9986 or 800-561-4686 ext. 101

We’re searching Arkansas to find the one nurse we can say is the most outstanding in our state. Do you know a nurse that you feel is the most compassionate, caring and empathetic caregiver? A nurse who has given comfort or care to you, a family member or friend? We are asking you to send us their name, where they work, phone number and a short message expressing why you think they are the most deserving nurse in Arkansas.

For the second year we are also honoring the outstanding nurse educator of the year. If you are a student and you have an educator that has been a driving force in development and support of your nursing career , send in your nominee’s name, place of work and a short story of why they should receive the award. Be sure you include your contact information for us to get back in touch with you.

Nominate a candidate from your school or facility today.

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing…Celebrating a Century of Nursing Leadership, is the theme of the 9th Annual Compassionate Nurse and Nurse Educator of the Year awards, Saturday, June 8th. It’s held in the beautiful Wildwood Park for the Arts in West Little Rock.

Call for Nominees

Send or email your nomination to: NURSING COMPASSION

P.O. Box 17427, Little Rock, Arkansas [email protected]

Fire protection Farm Bureau will work in this legislative session to help secure an additional five-cent-per-acre fee for forested lands to improve fire protection. If successful, it will help save millions of dollars in forest-fire-related losses.

10 F R O N T P O R C H I arfb.com

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Gre

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Is there a doctor in the barn? There’s an acute need for large-animal veterinarians to care for farm stock. Arkansas doesn’t have a university school of veterinary medicine (though there is a vet tech school at ASU-Beebe). Students here wanting to attend vet school face fi nancial diffi culties, as well as limited openings to attend an out-of-state vet school. This session, Farm Bureau will continue its work with the legislature to help offset those costs. A cooperative agreement with Mississippi State University helps a limited number of qualifying Arkansas students attend vet school there. In return, graduating students agree to return to Arkansas and work here, including with large farm animals.

University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture• Support funding for the

University of Arkansas, Division of

Agriculture.

Another constant on the ARFB priority

list, we are dedicated in our commitment to

see the Division of Agriculture adequately

funded. Its mission to education and

provide services in every Arkansas county is

unmatched.

Commodity Promotion and Research Programs • Support current structure of

commodity checkoff programs.

Arkansas has checkoff and promotion

programs for six different farm products:

catfi sh, rice, soybeans, beef, wheat and

corn & grain sorghum. Structures for

these programs are slightly different and

established in Arkansas law. Each program

was initiated by farmers, is funded at least

in part by assessments paid by farmers, is

governed by a representative group that

includes farmers and is used to promote

goods and perform research. ARFB is a long-

time supporter of the programs. Our farmer

members believe the present structure of

each program is working well and shouldn’t

be changed.

Term Limits• Cooperate with other interested

groups to amend the present law to

lengthen the terms legislators can

serve.

Only two other states have term limits

as restrictive as ours, and the Capitol has

become a revolving door for legislators.

Governing the state is a complicated

business, and legislators need time to be

effective, to learn the law and, yes, gain

power to make good laws. ARFB and our

partners aren’t proposing an elimination of

term limits but a more reasonable length of

service. Extending the length of term limits

is what is best for Arkansas.

As always ARFB will work on many

issues beyond the priority list, working to

support legislation that agrees with our

policy and opposing legislation that is

damaging to agriculture or rural Arkansas.

Arkansas is entering a new era in

political history. Republicans hold the

majority in both chambers but Democrats

still control several committees and can

block the Revenue Stabilization Act.

After the election, the Senate and House

both changed their leaders-elect. No one

knows exactly what recipe is brewing at the

Capitol.

It will defi nitely have some exotic

ingredients in addition to the base. Arkansas

could be in for a treat with a delicate balance

of fl avors but whatever the result, expect the

preparation and presentation to have a little

more spice.


�

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Refl ectionsRural Refl ections Contest winners take great photos depicting rural life.

Shelby Atkinson, 17, of Magnolia is the High School division winner and Grand Prize winner of Front Porch magazine’s 4th Annual Rural Refl ections Photo Contest. Her photo of a calf nursing at sunset was shot in the pasture on her family’s farm.

Honorable Mention: Bernard Skoch of Elkins took this photo and says: “After a hard round of mutton bustin’ Noah Presnell, 4, and Tyler Presnell, 7, watch other events at the rodeo, clutching their hard-won trophies.”

Honorable Mention: High school student Blake Eiermann of Blevins captured these two beautiful roosters by an old hay rake on his grandpa’s farm.


Honorable Mention: Tracy Boyd took this photo of her dog Jasper as “he was running through the clover watching the bees at work.”

Vickie Watts of Harrison is the Adult division winner of our photo contest. She captured this beautiful fall scene of a maple tree and a rainbow after a storm. She says the rainbow disappeared moments after taking the picture.

Honorable Mention: Kaelyn Lay of Prim named this photo Lil Cowboys. It features her nephews, A.J., 2; Andrew, 6; and twins Adam and Aaron, 4.

Honorable Mention: High school student Kamron Forga of Mt. Ida composed this black & white still life of an old water pump by a pond.


TArkansas agriculture

Agriculture is the lifeblood of Arkansas

and its largest industry. Arkansas has

more than 49,000 farms that annually add

about $16 billion to the state’s economy.

Yet, concern about how our food is grown

or raised seems to be in the media almost

daily. It can be hard to understand farm

life if you haven’t lived it, and it isn’t

always easy to explain the process of

food production. It’s important to fi rst

understand something about where food

comes from and a little about those who

grow or raise it.

Families own and operate more than

97 percent of those farms. Often, farming

is portrayed as “industrial” or “corporate,”

like it’s some faceless assembly line

process. That’s simply not the case. Yes,

there are large food companies, but those

companies don’t own the overwhelming

percentage of farms. Rural families own

those farms.

The average U.S. farmer already feeds

more than 150 people. Fifty years ago,

it was approximately 43 people. Today,

with about 7 billion people in the world,

there are only 1.7 acres of agricultural

land per person. The growing population

requires farmers to improve effi ciency to

meet the growing need for food. Better

land management, improved technology

and sophisticated equipment are just a

few examples of the advances that have

increased effi ciency. Necessity forces

agriculture to constantly evolve.

I’ve asked a several people involved

in Arkansas agriculture on various levels

about the one thing they would like

everyone to know about agriculture. The

answers may surprise you.

When I asked Jim Carroll, a farmer in

Monroe County, he said: “I want them

to know that most farmers are energetic

and educated. If they weren’t enthusiastic

about what they are doing, they wouldn’t

be doing it.”

Jason Brown, a public relations

specialist who works with the Arkansas

Soybean Board, said: “Arkansas farming

is a family business that supports

Arkansas families. The farmers in

Arkansas’ 75 counties bring an incredible

economic impact to each of our

communities. It’s our responsibility to

support our farmers.”

Casandra Cox, an instructor

of agricultural communications and

leadership at the University of Arkansas

and mother of two, said: “It is critical

for parents to learn about agriculture,

so they can help their children make

educated decisions. With fewer families

having direct connections to agriculture,

it is important for parents to

make agriculture a priority in raising well-

rounded children.

“Parents spend a lot of time and

money making sure their children have

the resources needed to do well in school,

engage in extracurricular activities, learn

about languages and culture,” Cox said.

“All of this we do to ensure the brightest

future for our children, and agriculture is

an essential component of their daily

lives. If we are going to live it, we should

learn about it.”

The role agriculture plays in our society

is incredibly important. This year, don’t

forget about the farmer. Visit arfb.com to

learn more about Arkansas agriculture.

Taste Arkansas From farm to table

Family owned The overwhelming majority (97 percent) of farms in Arkansas are family owned.

compiled by Tara Johnson


Healthy swapsEvery January, there’s a mad dash

to the health food section. It seems like

everyone has a New Year’s resolution to

eat healthier. With all the misleading

information out there, navigating the

path to healthy eating can be confusing

and overwhelming. There are a few simple

swaps that can help you make the change.

Use olive oil instead of vegetable

oil. Olive oil is a great source of

monounsaturated fatty acid and amino

acids. In fact, olive oil is also a good

source of vitamin E and contains vitamins

A and K, iron, calcium, magnesium and

potassium

Cook with Greek-style yogurt

instead of sour cream. One cup of

full-fat Greek yogurt has 300 calories and

no cholesterol, while one cup of full-fat

sour cream has 445 calories and 120 mg of

cholesterol. Another added bonus to Greek

yogurt is that it contains probiotics to

support digestion. Plain Greek yogurt has

a taste similar to sour cream. Use the two

interchangeably.

Drink sparkling water instead of

diet soda. The taste of sparkling water is

defi nitely an acquired one. Some fl avors

are better than others. For example, the

lime fl avor tastes like lemon-lime soda but

without the sweetness. If you like water

with lemon, you will like the lemon fl avor.

You may initially miss soda’s sweetness, but

after a few tries, you’ll be hooked on the

healthier sparkling water.

Use hummus as a sandwich

topping or dip. Hummus is underrated.

It’s rich with protein, comes in a variety

of fl avors and is perfect for dipping with

vegetables and whole-grain crackers. Dip

your favorite raw vegetable in spinach-

fl avored hummus from the refrigerator

section at the grocery store for a fi lling,

healthy snack.

Swap potato chips for popcorn.

Popcorn is a whole-grain snack packed

with fi ber. It will satisfy your craving for a

salty crunch without the empty fat calories.

Eat whole fruit instead of snack

bars. Fruit is a fi lling, natural snack

alternative that can satiate afternoon

hunger pangs. A lot of snack bars, even the

ones with whole grains, are full of saturated

fat. Avoid them and snack on a banana

with a teaspoon of peanut butter instead or

apple slices dipped in peanut butter.

It’s easy to make simple swaps. Order

balsamic vinaigrette instead of ranch

dressing. Pick fruit over candy. Drink water

instead of soda and many others. You don’t

have to completely change everything you

eat, just swap to healthier options for a

manageable way to overhaul your diet.

Tara Johnson is a contributor to Arkansas

Farm Bureau’s Taste Arkansas blog. For recipes,

videos and farmer profi les visit tastearkansas.

com today.

Healthy oil Olive oil is a healthier subsitute for vegetable oil.

1. Turn bread upside down and cut from

the soft side.

2. Freeze grapes to chill white wine without

watering it down.

3. Lay a wooden spoon over a pot of boiling

water. It will keep the water from boiling

over.

4. Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you

want a hint of garlic. For stronger fl avor,

add garlic at the end of the recipe.

5. To warm biscuits, pancakes or muffi ns

that have been refrigerated, place them

in a microwave with a cup of water.

�


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Food, like nothing else, brings us together.

After all, everyone eats.

On Taste Arkansas, a new 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


TThe DeSalvo family of Center Ridge

is the 2012 Arkansas Farm Family of the

Year. Tony DeSalvo, along with his son

Phillip and daughter-in-law Beth, own

Big D Ranch, a 1,300-acre cattle and hay

operation. Phillip and Beth have two

children, 8-year-old Benjamin and 6-year-

old Isabella.

Big D Ranch consists of a 350-head

commercial cow-calf operation, 150-head

of registered Ultrablack cattle, which

includes 30-40 registered bulls. The

DeSalvos are believed to have the largest

herd of registered Ultrablack cattle in

Arkansas. Additionally, they grow some

900 acres of wheat, sorghum, sudan silage

and Bermuda hay.

The fi rst generation of DeSalvos

settled near Center Ridge Conway Co.

in the late 1800s, and since 2003, Tony

and Phillip have worked diligently to

ensure the commercial and seed-stock

cattle operations run effi ciently. Phillip is

proud to work the same land his ancestors

established more than 100 years ago.

He is raising Ben and Isabella to share

his passion for ranching, and they are

learning to work on the farm.

Phillip works directly with a beef

nutrition specialist and Land O’Lakes

Purina Mills Feed Co. to ensure his cattle’s

nutritional needs are met. Artifi cial

insemination and careful genetic selection

among the bulls are reasons for the

success of their operation.

“The DeSalvos are another great

example of the many successful and

effi cient family farming operations that

exist in Arkansas,” said Andy Guffey,

coordinator of the Arkansas Farm Family

of the Year program. “They are diligent

protectors of the natural resources used in

growing their forage and pastures and are

a prime model of a hardworking, multi-

generation farm family.”

Phillip is a member of the Conway

County and Arkansas Cattlemen’s

associations and the National Cattlemen’s

Beef Association. Beth is a substitute

teacher and volunteer at Nemo Vista

Elementary School, where Tony drove

a school bus for 13 years. The family

also serves in numerous capacities at St.

Joseph Catholic Church.

As Arkansas’ Farm Family of the

Year, the DeSalvos will compete in

the 2013 Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo

Southeastern Farmer of the Year program.

A winner will be named from among 10

southeastern state winners in October in

Moultrie, Ga.

“The Arkansas Farm Family of the

Year program is the longest-running farm

family recognition program of its type in

the United States,” said Arkansas Farm

Bureau President Randy Veach, a cotton

farmer from Manila. “We congratulate

each of the county and district winners

for this well-deserved recognition.”

The Farm Family of the Year program,

now in its 67th year, begins with selection

of the top farm family in each county.

Then, eight district Farm Families of the

Year are selected. The process concludes

with the selection of the state Farm Family

of the Year. The competition is judged on

production, effi ciency and management

of farm operations, family life and rural/

community leadership and values. �

DeSalvos named Arkansas Farm Family of the YearFifth-generation farm family from Conway County earns 2012 honor

Land&People

Back in black The DeSalvo family of Center Ridge is the 2012 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year. (Left to right) Isabella, Tony, Benjamin, Beth and Phillip DeSalvo check on some of their Ultrablack cattle. Their Big D Ranch has been in operation since the late 1800s.

Keith

Sut

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by Ken Moore


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TThe New Year is here, and it

comes with the prospect of making

New Year’s resolutions we finally

hope to keep this year. These

resolutions usually revolve around

health and finances. Here are five

ideas for financial resolutions that

will lead to peace of mind in 2013.

1. Set goals. If you don’t set a

goal, it’s impossible to reach it. After

all, it’s hard to know how to get

where you want to be if you have

no idea where that is. Take a break

from this holiday season, and ask

yourself what steps you need to take

to achieve those goals and what they

would cost you. Most importantly,

write it down to hold yourself

accountable and make them more

likely to actually happen.

2. Check your credit and pay-

off debt. If you’re like most people,

you’ve probably been using your

credit cards all over the place for the

last several weeks, so keep an eye

on your credit card statements for

any purchases you didn’t make. You

also can take it a step further and

check your credit report for free at

annualcreditreport.com if you haven’t

done so in the last 12 months. Use

the report to help identify where you

need to start to lowering debt.

3. See where you can cut

back. When you know where your

money is going, try to think of ways

to reduce expenses by spending less

than you earn each month. Then,

no matter how small the amount

you can save is, start saving for your

goals. Ask yourself if there are ways of

doing the same thing while spending

less money. Can you bring lunch

to work instead of eating out every

day? Putting that extra money aside

will help when unexpected expenses

occur.

4. Make sure you have the

right amount of insurance. You

want to have enough insurance to

cover necessities and enough life

insurance to provide for anyone

dependent on your income. This

is also a good time to examine

your health, property and casualty

insurance coverage. Contact your

local Farm Bureau agent to schedule a

review.

5. Get on track for retirement.

If your employer offers a retirement

plan with a match, try to contribute

at least enough to get that full match,

so you don’t leave any “free” money

on the table. You can get additional

tax benefits by contributing more to

your employer’s plan, a traditional

IRA and/or a Roth IRA. Don’t forget

you’ll be able to contribute more to

your 401(k) next year and you have

until April 15 to contribute to IRAs

for 2012.

Making 2013 a success requires

you to start planning now. Set your

goals immediately, and plan your year

to become debt free and establish

some savings all at the same time.

If you’re interested in opening an

IRA or money market account, visit

farmbureaubank.com, or visit with

your local Farm Bureau county office.

Here’s wishing you all a prosperous

New Year!

BuildingWealth

�

by Allyson Hamlin

Secure peace of mindFinancial resolutions to make 2013 a success

Plan for peace Financial peace of mind comes from purposeful

planning. The New Year is a great opportunity to make sure

you’re on the right path.


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MMy mom and dad make the best

chicken and dumplings. When I was

young, a steamy pot of chicken and

dumplings could always make a bitter

winter day better. I often fi nd myself

making a big pot of my old favorite on

particularly stressful days. The moist, yet

fl uffy dumplings, creamy broth, tender

chicken and veggies never fail to lift my

spirits and warm my soul.

I’ve simplifi ed my parents’ recipe

and can whip up a big pot of chicken

and dumplings in close to 30 minutes.

The dumplings are my favorite part, and

because you boil them in the soup itself,

it gives the broth a punch of creaminess.

This will easily become one of your go-to

comfort food recipes.

Ingredients• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped in

bite-size pieces

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

• 48 ounces low sodium chicken stock

• 1 (12 ounce) bag frozen peas

• 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen carrots

• 1 teaspoon savory seasoning mix

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon pepper

• 2 cups Bisquick

• 2/3 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 1 teaspoon parsley

DirectionsIn a large stockpot over medium heat, add onions, olive

oil and garlic. Cook until onions just start to turn translucent,

stirring occasionally. Add chicken and cook for 10 minutes or

until the chicken is almost done. It will be white. Add chicken

stock, salt, pepper, savory mix, peas and carrots. Bring to a boil

over medium-high heat. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In the meantime, combine Bisquick, milk, oregano and parsley.

The dough should be moist. Drop dumpling dough by the

heaping spoonful into boiling soup. Cover and simmer over

medium heat for another 5 to 10 minutes or until dumplings are

no longer doughy and have fl uffy centers. The outside will look

moist. Serve immediately.

Tara Johnson is a contributor to Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Taste

Arkansas blog. For more recipes visit tastearkansas.com.

Chicken and dumplings is cold-weather comfort food.

by Tara Johnson

A universal favoriteChicken & dumplings is a soul satisfying elixir

InTheKitchen

I di t

�


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LLike most things worthwhile in life,

happiness just doesn’t happen of its own

accord. Research in the fi eld of “positive

psychology” indicates that you build a

foundation for happiness through deliberate

action. Mom used to say something similar.

“You make your own luck by working hard

and making smart, informed decisions.”

1. Know thyself. A huge part of

personal happiness is being involved

in things that energize you and

give you a feeling of signifi cance.

Psychologists will tell you that

knowing your personality type

is an important step to learning

how you think and react to things.

Mom simply said, “Don’t try to be

somebody you’re not. Be yourself.”

2. Be thankful. Feeling a little down

in the dumps? Psychologists often will

recommend sitting down and making

a list of the things you’re thankful

for. A handwritten list once a week, a

thankful prayer at bedtime: these are

things that can help lift your spirits.

Mom would say, “Quit complaining,

and count your blessings. You’ll be

surprised how good you’ve got it.”

3. Get some fresh air. For Mom that

was code for “get outside and get

out of my hair.” However, she was a

strong believer in physical exercise

and an advocate of a daily brisk

walk to “get the

blood circulating.”

Medical research

of the physical and

mental benefi ts of

regular exercise is

indisputable.

4. Get a good night’s

sleep. This one is a no-brainer. Again,

the medical research is indisputable.

A good night’s sleep cures a lot of ills.

Turn off all electronic devices (yes,

the TV, too!) at least an hour before

turning out the light. Mom grew

up in Philadelphia, so often quoted

that famous patriot, statesman,

philosopher and inventor, Benjamin

Franklin. “Early to bed, early to rise,

keeps a man healthy, wealthy and

wise.”

5. Volunteer in your community.

You know you’ve experienced it.

When we help others, it puts a smile

on our face and makes us feel well.

There are so many in need. And you

have so many talents that are needed,

so be generous. Mom always liked to

say, “Be of service to others and you

will serve yourself well.”

6. Make and take time to laugh.

The health benefi ts of a life seasoned

well with laughter are renowned.

My mom’s father was a cornball

jokester. His jokes were always clean

but horribly corny. Grandpa Wilcox’s

cornball classics brought the greatest

joy to the joke teller because of the

reaction they’d elicit from the receiver.

We’d groan initially when fi rst told

the joke but couldn’t wait to tell it

ourselves. Mom’s favorite was: “What’s

a small joke?” Answer: “A mini

ha-ha.” It’s bad corny, but admit it.

You know you’re going to repeat it to

someone.

7. Don’t overdo it. “Everything in

moderation.” This simple yet universal

three-word truth is the statement

of all statements that I’ll remember

my mother by more than any other.

Experience in the opposite direction

was the hard-learned lesson for me

before I took it to heart and got wise.

You can overdo everything no matter

how wonderful you think it is.

So that’s it. Seven steps to a happy life

fully endorsed by my mom.

Thank you, Mom.

by Gregg Patterson

Health&Safety

Don’t worry. Be happyMom wasn’t too far off on what it takes to be happy in life

�

Mother knows best Barbara Patterson, aka “Mom,” always believed attaining happiness in life requires purposeful action on your part.

Geo

rge

Patt

erso

n


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R

Grass Seed IsFor The Birds! Stop wasting money, timeand work sowing new grassseed each spring, only to see birds eat the seed – or rain wash it away – before it can root. Plant agenuine Amazoy™ Zoysialawn from our living Plugsonly once… and never plant a new lawn again!

Zoysia Grows Where Other Grass Doesn’t!Zoysia is the perfect choice for hard-to-cover spots,areas that are play-worn or have partial shade, and for stopping erosion on slopes. North, South, East,West – Zoysia will grow in any soil, no ifs, ands or buts!

Eliminates Endless Weeds And Weeding!No more pulling out weeds by hand or weeds sprouting up all over your lawn. Zoysia Plugs spreadinto a dense, plush, deep-rooted, established lawnthat drives out unwanted growth and stops crab-grass and summer weeds from germinating.

Environmentally Friendly, No Chemicals Needed!No weeding means no chemicals. You’ll neverhave to spray poisonous pesticides and weedkillers again! Zoysia lawns are safer for the environment, as well as for family and pets!

Cuts Watering & Mowing By As Much As 2/3!Many establishedZoysia lawns onlyneed to bemowed once ortwice a season.Watering is rarely,if ever, needed –even in summer!

Stays Green In Summer Through Heat & Drought!When ordinary lawns brown up in summer heat anddrought, your Zoysia lawn stays green and beautiful.The hotter it gets, the better it grows. Zoysia thrives in blistering heat (120˚), yet it won’t winter-kill to 30˚below zero. It only goes off its green color after killingfrosts, but color returns with consistent springwarmth. Zoysia is the perfect choice for waterrestrictions and drought areas!

Our Customers Love Their Zoysia Lawns!One of our typical customers, Mrs. M.R. Mitter of PA, wrote how “I’ve never watered it, only when I put the Plugs in… Last summer we had it mowed 2 times... When everybody’s lawns here are brownfrom drought, ours just stays as green as ever!”

Order Now And Save!The more Amazoy™ Zoysia Plugs you order, the moreyou SAVE! And remember, once your Zoysia lawn is established, you’ll have an endless supply of new Plugsfor planting wherever you need them. Order now!

SAVE When You Grow A Zoysia Lawn From Plugs!

SAVE When You Grow A Zoysia Lawn From Plugs!

GRASS SEED WILL NEVER GROW A LAWN LIKE THIS!Save Water! Save Time! Save Work! Save Money!

Zoysia thrives in partial shade to

full sun!

Order Now! www.ZoysiaFarms.com/mag

FREE Shipping On Larger Quantities!Get Up To 900 Plugs — FREE!

Order Now and Save Over 50% -- Harvested Daily From Our Farms And Shipped To You Direct!

Name

Address

City State

Zip Phone

Write price of order here $

Md. residents add 6% tax $

Shipping $

ENCLOSED TOTAL $

Mail to: ZOYSIA FARM NURSERIES3617 Old Taneytown Road, Taneytown, MD 21787

Card # Exp. Date

Payment method (check one)

❑ Check ❑ MO❑ MasterCard❑ Visa

# PLUGS

150

500

750

1100

1500

+ FREE Plugs

__

+ 100

+ 150

+ 400

+ 900

__

FreeStep-on Plugger

FreeStep-on Plugger

Free AmazoyPower Auger

Free AmazoyPower Auger ANDStep-on Plugger

YourPRICE

$ 14.95

$45.60

$74.50

$99.10

$147.50

+ Shipping

$ 5.00

$ 7.00

$10.00FREE

$15.00FREE

$25.00FREE

YOU SAVE__

$27.20

$45.20

$100.40

$171.70

Please send me guaranteed Amazoy plug packs as marked: Dept. 5003

We ship all orders the same day plugs are packed at earliest correct planting time in your area.

✂ ✂

Saves time, work and effort when making holes for Plugs!

PLANTING TOOL

With Order of 500 Plugs or More!FREE!To ensure best results, we ship you living sheets of genuineAmazoy™ Zoysia Grass, harvested direct from our farms. Plugs arenot cut all the way through. Before planting, simply finish theseparation by cutting 1"-sq. Plugs with shears or knife. Then followthe included easy instructions to plant Plugs into small plug holesabout a foot apart. Our guarantee and planting method are yourassurance of lawn success backed by more than 5 decades ofspecialized lawn experience.

Each Zoysia Plug You Plant In Your Soil Is

GUARANTEED TO GROWWithin 45 Days Or We’ll Replace It FREE!

©2013 Zoysia Farm Nurseries, 3617 Old Taneytown Rd, Taneytown, MD 21787

Not shipped outside the USA or into WA or OR

Meyer Zoysia Grass was perfected by the U.S. Gov’t, released in cooperation with the U.S. Golf Association as a superior grass.

Amazoy is the trademark registered U.S.Patent Office for our Meyer Zoysia grass.

www.ZoysiaFarms.com/mag

We ship at the best planting time for you!We ship at the best

planting time for you!

Quantity +FREEPlanting Tool

❑ Extra Step-on Plugger $8.95 + $3 Shipping ❑ Extra Amazoy Power AugerTM for 3/8” Drill $24.95 +$5 Shipping

Zoysia Lawns are thick, dense and lush!

DRIVE A BETTER BARGAIN*

Existing Farm Bureau Bank vehicle loans are excluded from this offer.

Documents

Front Porch - January/February 2013