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Arkansas GROWN A guide to the state’s farms, food & forestry Labor of Love Pecans, Weddings and Bed & Breakfast Cotton’s Return is a Royal Story Wilson Serves as the Delta Cotton Empire 2019 | SP ONS OR ED B Y T HE AR K ANS A S A GR ICUL T UR E D EP AR T MEN T

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Serving Arkansas, Reaching the world... Rick Crawford U.S. Congressman Allyson Baugh Senior, Agribusiness Major The College of Agriculture at Arkansas State University offers outstanding academic preparation and a wide range of internship opportunities to apply your knowledge in a working environment. From the Delta to Washington D.C., the College of Agriculture prepares you to reach your greatest potential. “The College of Agriculture provided me with an excellent academic education, and more importantly, with life-changing internship opportunities that prepared me to be a positive force for Arkansas Agriculture,” said Senior Agribusiness Major, Allyson Baugh. The college offers academic programs in agribusiness, agricultural education, agricultural systems technology, animal science, pre-veterinary medicine and plant/soil science. Research in the college is enhanced through its partnership with the Arkansas Bioscience Institute where researchers are providing leadership in the discovery of innovative plant-based materials for sustainable food production, energy and bio-based pharmaceuticals. Serving Arkansas, reaching the world; we invite you to become part of a tradition of leadership at Arkansas State University. A-STATE AGRICULTURE (870) 972-2085 AState.edu/CoAT AStateCoAT ARKANSAS BIOSCIENCES INSTITUTE (870) 972-2025 AState.edu/ABI

Creating Life to Sustain Life Ben E. Keith Helps Connect the Dots Standing the Test of Time Farmer’s Markets and Food Trucks Straight from Grandma’s Kitchen Service and Sustainability Projects Today, Purpose Tomorrow Ranch Raised Raising the Steaks Simmons Foods Four Generations of Fish Farming Bringing an Industry Back Keeping Arkansas Natural Arkansas’s Keeping it in the Family Project Think of a Farmer AAD Provides Livestock Market News Reporting AGFC Turns to AAD Lab for CWD Testing Task Force Combating Feral Hog Problem Table of Contents 22 26 28 32 36 50 54 58 64 68 72 76 80 82 84 86 88 89 ON THE COVER Photo courtesy of ArkansasTravelChannel.com. 14 18 40 46 60 Labor of Love Pecans, Weddings and Bed & Breakfast All Offered at the Charlotte Teresa Plantation From Seed to Shelf A Rice Mill in Cattle Country The Tomato Legacy: From the Ground Up Cotton’s Return is a Royal Story Wilson Serves as the Delta Cotton Empire Calling THE Hog Raising the University of Arkansas Mascot Arkansas GROWN A guide to the state’s farms, food & forestry ARKANSAS GROWN 5

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Arkansas GROWN A guide to the state’s farms, food & forestry Arkansas Grown is published annually by the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) and is distributed by the Arkansas Agriculture Department (AAD). For questions or advertising information, please call the ACA at (501) 224-2114 or email acacommdept@arbeef.org. For more information about the AAD, visit agriculture.arkansas.gov or call (501) 219-6362. LEAD WRITERS Michelle Bufkin, ACA; Brooke Clanton, AAD GRAPHIC DESIGN/PRODUCTION Autumn Fuhrman, ACA CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kenley Bramall, University of Arkansas; Katie Gardener, University of Arkansas; Bailey Corwine, University of Arkansas; Jim Gilliland, JG Communication Group; Brett Dawson, AAD LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Michelle Bufkin, ACA CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brooke Clanton, AAD; Lauren Cheevers; Kenley Bramall; Katie Gardener; Bailey Corwine; Russ Summers, AAD; Hans Stiritz, Evening Films LLC; Doug Akin, AAD PUBLISHER Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association ACA EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Cody Burkham Arkansas Agriculture Department SECRETARY Wesley W. Ward DEPUTY SECRETARY Cynthia Edwards DIRECTOR OF STATE PLANT BOARD Butch Calhoun DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY Patrick Fisk STATE FORESTER Joe Fox DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Bob Midles © Copyright 2019 Arkansas Agriculture Department, 1 Natural Resources Dr., Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, (501) 225-1598. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. No state appropriated funds were used in the publishing of this magazine. ARKANSAS GROWN 7

TOMMY YOUNG and his nephews, Blake and Jim Young, farm more than 7,000 acres of row crops near Tuckerman. Tommy’s father, Norman, began their family farm in 1943 with just 40 acres. More than 70% of the CORN grown in the state of Arkansas is used to feed the local poultry market. FROM OUR FARMS TO YOUR TABLES SORGHUM offers a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour. SORGHUM CROP St. Francis County Arkansas Corn & Grain Sorghum Board w w w . c o r n - s o r g h u m . o r g 8| ARKANSAS GROWN

Agriculture is i Arkansas’s #1 industry. If Arkansas had a middle name, it would be “agriculture.” At so many levels in our state, agriculture defines us, from the small family gardens to the field to fork farms to the operations that produce crops and livestock by the ton. Agriculture is our Number 1 industry. Farmers and ranchers contribute more than $21 billion to our economy on 43,000 farms that cover 14 million acres. Each of our 75 counties produces livestock, timber, and/or at least one crop. One out of every six jobs in Arkansas is related to agriculture. Arkansas consistently ranks in the top 25 in the nation for the production of more than 15 different agricultural commodities. We rank 16th in the nation with $8 billion in total cash receipts from agriculture. Arkansas grows more rice than any other state, and our farmers rank among the top 10 for broilers, soybeans, eggs, turkeys, and rice. Arkansas is among the top 25 states for acres harvested in specialty crops such as blackberries, dewberries, peas, okra and turnips. Add in our timber industry, which covers 19 million acres, and you see that our farms and ranches occupy more than half of Arkansas’s land mass. In my four years in office, I have observed farmers and ranchers endure drought and flooding. Their creativity, resilience, and efficiency benefit Arkansas, the United States, Americans, and people around the world. There is a saying that we shouldn’t fuss about farmers with our mouths full. I think that adage also applies to those of us with clothes on our back and a roof over our head. As your governor, I certainly am grateful for the risks you take and the sacrifices you make to ensure that the rest of us are well fed and well supplied. Thank you. Respectfully, Governor Asa Hutchinson State of Arkansas ARKANSAS GROWN 9

ARKANSAS AGRICULTURE OVERVIEW A glimpse at the state’s leading agricultural products Arkansas’s top agricultural commodities in terms of cash receipts Soybeans Broilers Cattle/Calves Rice Turkeys Eggs Cotton Lint Corn Hogs $384 $434 $485 $489 $201 $64 $3,136 $1,028 $1,437 Arkansas commodities rank nationally as: • No. 1 in Rice • No. 2 in Broilers • No. 3 in Turkeys • No. 3 in Catfish (foodsize) • No. 4 in Cotton (upland) • No. 4 in Cottonseed • No. 10 in Grain Sorghum • No. 10 in Chicken Eggs Arkansas has 13.7 million acres of farm land with an average farm size of 322 acres. Cash Receipts (In Millions) ARKANSAS RANKS NATIONALLY IN THE TOP 25 IN THE PRODUCTION OF 15 DIFFERENT AG COMMODITIES. 264,215 JOBS provided by Arkansas Agriculture 41% of land is comprised of farms 50% of all U.S. rice production. Sources: 2017 University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service Arkansas Agriculture Profile (2016 data), USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (2016 data) INFOGRAPHIC PROVIDED BY THE ARKANSAS AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT. 57% of the state is forestland AGRICULTURE IS THE LARGEST INDUSTRY IN ARKANSAS, CONTRIBUTING MORE THAN $21 BILLION ANNUALLY TO THE STATE’S ECONOMY. Arkansas rice accounts for over

t Welcome to the 2019 edition of Arkansas Grown. The Arkansas Agriculture Department exists to serve and promote Arkansas agriculture, our state’s largest industry. Our goal with each edition of Arkansas Grown is to provide you an overview of the breadth and diversity of Arkansas agriculture and the families that make the industry possible. Agriculture contributes over $21 billion to our state’s economy each year and accounts for one of every six jobs. We consistently rank in the top 25 in the nation annually in the production of over 15 different agricultural commodities. Our diverse agricultural production includes livestock, poultry, aquaculture, row crops, specialty crops, and forestry. We have a lot to be thankful for and many reasons to be proud. Across the state, our agriculture industry is comprised of creative, resilient, and hardworking individuals that are some of the best and brightest in the world. Arkansas’s proud agricultural heritage has given us the ability to overcome challenges and work tougher for the benefit of the industry at the state, national, and international level. I’m confident Arkansas agriculture will remain strong and continue to provide safe and affordable food, fiber, fuel, and shelter here at home and across the globe. Respectfully, Wesley W. Ward Secretary of Agriculture ARKANSAS GROWN 11

GROW WITH US We invite you to join the Federation to become a part of a growing network of leaders, educators and growers like you. Grower membership to the Federation is $50 annually and includes the following: access to insurance benefits, industry news and information through TPF bi-weekly e-newsletter, registration discounts to educational seminars, and much more. Join now at thepoultryfederation.com. 321 South Victory Street • Little Rock, AR 72201 • (501) 375-8131 • thepoultryfederation.com

ARKANSAS AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS ARKANSAS GROWN, a program administered through the Arkansas Agriculture Department (AAD), began in 2012 to help promote the many agricultural products that are grown here in Arkansas. The program helps connect the growing number of consumers, who want to know where their food comes from, with local producers. MADE ARKANSAS MADE, another AAD program, promotes goods and products manufactured in our state by businesses and connects them to potential buyers. Since 2014, Arkansas Made has encouraged the purchase of Arkansas Made products by creating a community of suppliers and buyers that call Arkansas home. When consumers search for a Arkansas Grown or Made item and see a HOMEGROWN BY HEROES logo, they know that the item was produced in Arkansas by an Arkansas veteran. In 2015, the AAD adopted the national Homegrown by Heroes branding program that enables farmer veterans to market their agricultural products by labeling them as veteran-produced. Membership is available in five tiers: DIAMOND ‣ GOLD SILVER ‣ BRONZE ‣ FREE There are currently over 800 MEMBERS in these programs. Clanton Farms, LLC ‣ Arkansas Foodbank’s Gift from the Heart ‣ Ben E. Keith Foods Mid-South ‣ Bentonville Farmers Market ‣ Diamond J Orchard and Ranch ‣ Dogwood Hills Guest Farm ‣ Holly Springs Homestead, LLC ‣ JA Fair School Garden Learn more at ArkansasGrown.org ARKANSAS GROWN 13 ARKANSAS GROWN JUNIOR was announced October 2018 as a membership option for 4-H and FFA. The Eureka Market DIAMOND MEMBERS Ritter Agribusiness GOLD MEMBERS ‣ Massey Ranch LLC. ‣ Ozark Valley Bison Farm, LLC ‣ Petit Jean Meats ‣ Proffer Wholesale Produce ‣ Riceland Foods, Inc. ‣ SalScilla Farms ‣ Simkins Brothers Sweets ‣ Tammy Sue’s Critters

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Labor Of Love Pecans, Weddings and Bed & Breakfast All Offered at the Charlotte Teresa Plantation i “If we’re going to raise something, it’s going to be something we like, and we like pecans,” said Billy Wilchman. But Billy and his wife, Charlotte, are doing more than just raising pecans. Along with their 200acre pecan orchard, the Wilchmans operate a plantation home which doubles as a wedding venue and bed and breakfast. Using these two thriving businesses together, they promote agri-tourism in the best way. Growing up, Billy helped a family in a pecan orchard and fell in love. When he had the opportunity to start PawPaw’s Pecans, he jumped in head first, despite Charlotte’s protest. “When he drove us out here and said, ‘What do you think?’ I said no. It was a junkyard: combines, boats, concrete and even houses. That was 15 years ago and now I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” said Charlotte. The Wilchmans now have an orchard with over 5,000 trees. From September until December, they work 12 to 16-hour days to harvest over 60,000 pounds of pecans. They shake several trees a day, dry the pecans and sweep the nuts into rows. Afterward, the pecans are taken to the cracking station which is managed by Charlotte and doubles as the wedding reception hall outside of harvest time. The pecans are then bagged, labeled and sold. “The pecans sell themselves now. We will sell every pecan we harvest. Once people eat a fresh pecan, they don’t want anything else,” said Charlotte. The pecans are mostly sold through word of mouth and are sold out well before Christmas. “I go to one farmers market every Saturday morning, and I sell every pecan I take. That’s my getaway. By the time I come back home there are ten people in line to buy here. It’s a good problem to have,” said Billy. The Wilchmans also use their other businesses to encourage their pecan sales. “We sold a lot of pecans to the people that built our house. When people come here for a wedding or a party they know where to get their pecans; and vice versa, when people come for pecans they know where they can have a wedding,” said Charlotte. These two unique endeavors allow the Wilchmans to share their agricultural story. “There are adults that have become smitten by the idea of agriculture after seeing us shaking the trees and harvesting the pecans,” said Billy. After being named Conway County Farm Family of the Year in 2015, Billy and Charlotte fell in love with showing their farm to people. The dream for the bed and breakfast and wedding venue had been there for over 10 years, but the enjoyment that comes with sharing their story was the igniting spark to finally build. Named after Charlotte, the Charlotte Teresa Plantation is a plantation style home modeled after Oak Alley in Louisiana. The wedding venue and bed and breakfast opened in December 2017, and they started hosting guests in July 2018. Each of the bedrooms in the five-bedroom, five-bathroom home is themed after a plantation in the South. The Wilchmans loved the look ARKANSAS GROWN 15

of old southern homes and wanted to pass that to their guests. Visitors to the Charlotte Teresa Plantation can enjoy the beautiful view from a rocking chair on the balcony, explore the pecan orchard or sit and visit with the owners. “You meet very interesting people through the B&B. We could have somebody every night and wouldn’t mind,” said Charlotte. The couple also hosts weddings at their plantation home. For one fee they provide necessities such as: tables, tablecloths, chairs, changing rooms, reception hall and even a bouncy house. They aim to have one wedding a month but scale back during pecan harvest. While the couple enjoys weddings and the bed and breakfast, their true dream for the plantation home was to educate others. Billy often tells visitors that agriculture, while not an easy job, is an incredibly important one. “You may not get that new washer this month; you may not get that new car this year. But you’re going to eat somewhere today,” said Billy. They want to grow the farm into a place that school children can visit on field trips. Their goal is to educate people about where their food comes from. Whether it is an elementary school group, high schoolers taking pictures for prom, a wedding party or people buying pecans, the Wilchmans are constantly using their businesses to educate the public about agriculture. Brides and grooms, high school students, weekend vacationers, pecan lovers, and practically anyone who visits PawPaw’s Pecans will learn the definition of hard work and see a true labor of love. Billy & Charlotte Wilchman 16 ARKANSAS GROWN

“Once people eat a fresh pecan, they don’t want anything else.” –Charlotte Wilchman ARKANSAS GROWN 17

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From Seed to Shelf A Rice Mill in Cattle Country r Ralston Family Farms grows and produces rice in the Arkansas River Valley, commonly known as cattle country. Tim and Robin Ralston, along with the rest of their family, have worked hard to make their dream of taking rice from seed to shelf a reality by building their own rice mill in their backyard. “For 99 percent of rice farmers, the elevator is where the product ends for them,” said Tim. “Most farmers don’t get to see the end result. We get to see what shelf it ends up on.” The Ralstons work hard to make sure their product ends up on popular shelves at Wal-Mart, Kroger, Costco, Albertsons, Amazon and Blue Apron. To provide for these companies, Ralston Family Farms grows and mills large amounts of rice, producing 12 million pounds of rice a year. That equates to about 20,000, 24-ounce cartons a day. However, not all of their rice ends up on grocery store shelves. Ralston Family Farms rice is sold into a farm to school program that covers multiple school districts. The Arkansas Farm to School program is part of a national initiative that encourages local farmers to sell their products into the local school cafeterias. Tim says rice is a great farm to school product because it is not perishable and is available yearround. Quantity is important when milling and selling rice, but really, quality is most important to the Ralstons. “Because of our size, our volume is pretty decent, but as far as rice mills go, we’re still pretty small,” said Tim. “We knew we had to get outside the box on what we were offering. We’re trying to create some difference between what we’re doing and general commodity rice.” The Ralstons grow numerous varieties of rice, but golden, basmati, jasmine and traditional are typical of most rice mills. The differential rice for the Raltsons is nature’s blend -- long, whole grain rice that is a combination of aromatic purple, red and brown rice. The rice has a nutty texture and is full of nutrients and antioxidants that white and brown rice alone do not have. Ralston Family Farms is one of few farms that grow the “We knew we had to get outside the box on what we were offering.” –Tim Ralston purple and red rice in any quantity. Tim and Robin decide what to plant based on feedback from retailers, customers’ input and the market. Ralston Family Farms is a true family business. Robin is the managing partner and owns the majority of the company, Tim manages the farming aspect, and all of their children are employed at the company as well. “The family wanted to come back to the farm, and we realized that farming the way we were was not sustainable. We had to add value,” said Robin. Thus, a rice mill was constructed

in the middle of a former cow pasture. Tim said research has been conducted that shows cooler night-time temperatures improve the milling quality of rice. Tim said less insect pressure because of their unique location results in less damage to the rice. “I enjoy hearing everyone’s story – and everyone has one. Plus, when you’re feeding people that’s always a good experience,” said Robin. A goal for the family is to create a space on the farm to incorporate an educational component to their mill and fields so consumers can see first-hand where their rice is grown, milled and packaged. “It makes a difference when people come out to the farm and we can say this came from that field right there,” said Robin. Knowing your farmer and where your food is grown is a popular trend in society. The Ralstons have capitalized on this in a big way, by providing a safe, delicious product to consumers with the faces of the family that farmed it on the package. They’ve also partnered with local Arkansans and companies to help their dream come true. The Ralstons attribute a lot of their success to working with P. Allen Smith, Ben E. Keith and the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. These collaborations, along with a family’s willingness to work, made a rice mill in the middle of cattle country not only possible but a success. The Ralstons 20 ARKANSAS GROWN

Cultivating leadership in public policy since 1939. GROW WITH US Agriculture is more than land and crops; it is Arkansas's economic foundation. We promote this industry and advocate for its future and our state's prosperity. @AG C O UNC I L O F A R AG C O UNC I L . N E T / J O I N With over 50 years of experience in poultry lending, our Arkansas loan officers will work with you one-on-one to finance your poultry operation. You won’t talk to dozens of people, just one experienced loan officer who’ll be with you every step of the way. www.ffb1.com ARKANSAS GROWN 21

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Creating Life to Sustain Life JA Fair School is Putting ‘Environmental’ into EAST m More than 700 students will walk the halls of JA Fair High School in southwest Little Rock every year. Over 100 of these students will have the opportunity to join the Education Accelerated by Service and Technology (EAST) program. EAST uses project-based learning and service to give students the opportunity to solve the real world problems identified in their community. Located in a high poverty area of Little Rock, JA Fair EAST students use modern agriculture and environmental sciences to provide local food to their community. The EAST gardening program at JA Fair began three years ago as an effort to incorporate environmental science into the curriculum. There were only 40 kids involved the first year; today, the EAST program has over 100 students enrolled and many on a waiting list. Students come from all over Little Rock to plant sale, a greens festival and a sunflower mailing. “We want to build positive relationships with the community,” said Coach Dennis Troutman, the instructor for the EAST environmental program. In 2018, the plant sale supplied 10,000 plants to churches, community gardens and soup kitchens across central Arkansas. Plants are grown in the greenhouse by students throughout the year and sold into the community for a discounted rate. “I have kids that work in agriculture now because of this program.” –Dennis Troutman attend school here, but most are from the southwest area of Little Rock. The gardening program’s mission is to give back to the community through the service of providing food. The students host three major community service projects throughout the year: an annual The greens festival is held annually the Thursday before Thanksgiving. From sidewalk to sidewalk, the garden in the front of the school is planted in collard, mustard and spinach greens. The students will plant and harvest the greens, then sell them at a large event before Thanksgiving break. “We get to provide food for the community by simply planting vegetables – that is so exciting,” said Nathan Collins, a senior at JA Fair. The sunflower mailing is a new project where students mail sunflower seeds, harvested from their garden, around the country. It’s like spreading “sunshine from Arkansas,” said Coach Troutman. JA Fair will also be participating ARKANSAS GROWN 23

in a Farm to School project where salad greens from the garden will be served at a salad bar in the cafeteria once a week. Farm to School enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and early care and education settings. “The gardening program opens the door for kids to get exposed to agriculture. Most of the kids don’t know anything about this lifestyle. They are so interested in where their food comes from,” said Coach Troutman. Growing up in inner-city Little Rock, 70 percent of the students that attend JA Fair have never stepped foot into a garden. “I grew up around technology. Arriving at JA Fair and working in a garden is a new experience for me and it’s very enjoyable,” said Deandre Dolphus, a student at JA Fair. Couch Troutman said this program is teaching students to “create life to sustain life.” “I have kids that work in agriculture now because of this program,” said Coach Troutman. At least three to five students every year go into an environmental or agriculture program in college after being involved in the JA Fair EAST program. JA Fair and Couch Troutman are working diligently to incorporate an environmental focus into EAST. By including agriculture, environmental sciences and community service in students’ daily lives, JA Fair is truly cultivating the next generation of agriculturalists who will both create and sustain life in Arkansas. 24 ARKANSAS GROWN

CONGRATULATIONS 2018 Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Winners 2018 Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year – Sheridan Intermediate School, Sheridan Best Nutrition Education Garden Bayyari Elementary School, Springdale Best Community Collaboration Garden Carolyn Lewis Elementary School, Conway Not pictured: Best Environmental Education Garden Perryville Elementary Perryville The annual school garden of the year contest is sponsored by Farm Credit and the Arkansas Agriculture Department. The contest started in 2014 to promote the importance of involving young people in the process of fresh food production and cultivation. Any Arkansas school, grades pre-K-12, with a working school garden during the 2017-2018 school year, or a startup proposal for the 2018-2019 school year was eligible to apply. Best Start-up Garden Proposal Central Elementary School, Van Buren ARKANSAS GROWN 25

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Ben E. Keith Mid-South Helps Connect the Dots Food Distributer Supports Local Producers h Have you ever wondered exactly how the food on your plate gets from the farm to the restaurant? Many producers sell directly to restaurants, institutions, and businesses but some sell directly to a food distributor like Ben E. Keith, a leader in fine food and premium beverage distribution for more than a century. Ben E. Keith was founded in 1906 and offers a food division that serves as a complete broadline distributor for restaurants and other food service institutions across fourteen states – and the Mid-South headquarters happens to be in the heart of Arkansas. Ben E. Keith and other food distributors work to connect the dots all the way across the agricultural supply chain, serving as the middle man between their customers and food producers. “By knowing the producers and their products, and our customers’ needs, we are able to provide that necessary connection and get the best product where it’s needed,” said Brad May, produce and dairy category manager. Although Ben E. Keith generates over $3 billion in sales every year, they never lose focus on the importance of providing the products their customers want. “Our customers want to know where their food is being sourced from, and especially recently, we are seeing that customers want it sourced locally,” said May. “We serve all types of food service businesses, from cafes to country clubs to larger institutions; we see the need and want for local.” “There’s efficiency in buying Arkansas products.” The location of Ben E. Keith MidSouth’s headquarters in Arkansas is an advantage for sourcing from Arkansas producers. Ten percent of Ben E. Keith Mid-South items are Arkansas Grown or Arkansas Made. The Arkansas Local Food, Farms, and Jobs Act was passed in the 2017 legislative session and set a goal for institutions receiving state funding to procure 20 percent of its food purchases locally. Distributors like Ben E. Keith will play a key role in helping institutions track their local purchases to –Brad May ensure compliance with the law. “There’s efficiency in buying Arkansas products,” said May. “We have been pleased with the quality of Arkansas Grown and Arkansas Made products and want to stay on the forefront of the local movement.” ARKANSAS GROWN 27

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Standing the Test of Time 140-Year-Old Ritter Agribusiness Turns To Sunflowers and Berries f Founded by Ernest Ritter in Marked Tree in 1886, Ritter Agribusiness—a division of E. Ritter & Company— has grown to be one of the most respected farm management providers in eastern Arkansas. They are proudly known for their values of hard work, dedication to customer service, and efforts to reinvest in the communities in which they operate. Traditionally, Ritter is recognized for services in the row crop industry, but began searching for other investment opportunities and decided to diversify. For the first time in over 130 years, Ritter Agribusiness is direct farming. Ritter Agribusiness, an Arkansas Grown Diamond Member, is in the beginning stages of berry and sunflower farming in the Delta. “We wanted to move closer knowledge to build those direct relationships, so we took it,” said Kevin Wright, president of Ritter Agribusiness. “Serving the rural community continues to be important to the descendants of Ernest Ritter. We’ve owned and operated lots of businesses in rural Arkansas, but our focus on farming is a big part of the heritage and passion of the family.” –Kevin Wright to the consumer, and this was a great opportunity to do that while leveraging our company’s agronomic Ritter currently owns a 400-acre berry farm and a 70-acre sunflower farm in addition to the 27,000 acres of farmland leased out for row crops. Production is not yet at full capacity on either specialty crop farm, but they anticipate utilizing the entire acreage in the coming years. Wright said Ritter is in the process of developing a brand, which he hopes will become well established in the next three to five years. “Long term, we are looking at the legacy and the brand we can build. We really want to capture the value of that brand and the story behind it,” he said. Being the first Diamond Member in Arkansas Grown is one piece of the new brand. “Ritter was founded in Arkansas and has done business here for over

a century,” said Brandon Lawshe, farm management analyst for Ritter Agribusiness. “The Arkansas Grown logo brings a lot of value to our brand and it fits well with our story.” The Diamond level is the top tier of membership in Arkansas Grown. Since 2012, Arkansas Grown has been administered through the Arkansas Agriculture Department and helps promote the many agricultural products that are grown in Arkansas. The program is often used to help make the critical connection between producers and consumers. “Consumers like to know their products are locally grown,” said Lawshe. “We like promoting Arkansas and the consumer likes seeing Arkansas Grown, so it’s a win-win.” Over time, Ritter will be selling its branded products to both wholesale and retail establishments. The business will continue to lease land to farmers for row crops, but the specialty crops will be a direct farming operation. “Serving the rural community continues to be important to the descendants of Ernest Ritter. We’ve owned and operated lots of businesses in rural Arkansas, but our focus on farming is a big part of the heritage and passion of the family,” said Wright. The company will continue to support the farming community by creating yet another powerful Ritter brand that will honor that legacy and stand the test of time. 30 ARKANSAS GROWN

The Arkansas Century Farm Program recognizes Arkansas farm families who have owned and operated an area of 10 acres or more for at least 100 years. The Arkansas Agriculture Department began the Century Farm program in 2012 as a way to highlight the impact of these families on the agriculture industry as well as their overall contributions to our state. The Arkansas Century Farm program is open for applications each year from February until May. To get more information about applying, visit www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-century-farm-program. Number of Century Farms by Region Since the program began, over 418 farms have been inducted. In 2018 alone, 42 farms were inducted. 91 46 Information provided by Arkansas Agriculture Department, Century Farm Program 2018 CONGRATULATIONS to the 2018 Century Farms! Acre Farm (Austin) Acre Farm (Justin) Cecil Acre-Kelso Family Farm The Barnes Family Farm E.C Blair-Dennis & Gladys Tyler Farm Bradford Family Farm’s Brown Family Farms Bryant Family Farm Comer Farm Comer Farm Council Family Farm Dalmut Farms Doyle Farm Drace-Provost Farm Duncan Farm Evans Family Farm Flying C Ranch Freeman Rocky Mountain Farm Harrod/Sanson/White Farm Ben-Lyn Hicks Farm Holland Farm Kaufman Farms Craig Nygaard Keith Farm Lake Rest Farm McClurkin Nygaard Keith Farm Mears Family Farm Money-Sanson-Harrod Family Farm Montgomery Farms B.B. Norris Farm Pendergrass Ranch Rockin B Farm Charles & Belvia Rodgers Farm Roselawn Farm Rowe McCarver Farm Rowlett Homestead Farm Sain/Morton/Gould/Smith Farm Steed Rowe Tree Farm Skeets Ranch The Slaten Farm Chris (Kit) Teeter Farm Underwood Cattle Company Waldrip Lands INFOGRAPHIC PROVIDED BY THE ARKANSAS AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT. 49 88 71 73

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Farmer’s Markets and Food Trucks A Driving Force in the Northwest Arkansas Local Movement f Farmer’s Markets are all the rage these days, and ideally enough, so are food trucks. Walking through the Bentonville Farmer’s Market is an experience to remember. Farmers and makers from across Benton County and surrounding counties set up tents to display their produce and product. Live music sits on every corner and a local yoga instructor offers classes in the middle of the square. Bentonville Farmer’s Market, a member of Arkansas Grown and Arkansas Made, is operated by Downtown Bentonville Inc, a nonprofit funded by donations, sponsorships and grants. The company focus is on coordinating downtown events that bring the community together. Bentonville Farmer’s Market is set up every Saturday from April to October on the Bentonville Square. Bentonville is a historic town and the farmer’s market has done a great job of breathing a modern, exciting twist into the vintage atmosphere. “We want to make the market an interactive experience, more than just shopping,” said Dylan Taylor, the farmer’s market manager. The farmer’s market currently supports 75 vendors of all kind and is growing. “We are continuously promoting local vendors and recruiting new vendors to our market,” said Taylor. “We only allow vendors within the five contiguous counties surrounding Bentonville to ensure that all products offered at the market are as local as possible, while keeping a variety of products.” “We want to make the market an interactive experience, more than just shopping.” –Dylan Taylor This past year, the first ever “Under the Vine” market was launched, offering a Wednesday market on 8th Street to provide options to purchase fresh produce in the middle of the week. Eleven vendors are currently serving this market from June to October. However, the most unique piece to this farmer’s market is the Brightwater Food Truck. Bentonville Farmer’s Market has capitalized on the local movement in a very unique way – a partnership with a local culinary school’s food truck. Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food was conceived to be more than a typical cooking school. As an academic division of Northwest Arkansas Community College, Brightwater offers academic and career training in the areas of culinary nutrition, artisanal food, ARKANSAS GROWN 33

Brightwater food truck beverage management and food entrepreneurship. A piece of that culinary journey just happens to be the organization, management and placement of a food truck. The food truck purchases fresh produce from the Wednesday market, which is conveniently located at the Brightwater School and prepares signature dishes featuring the farm fresh product to sell to customers on Saturday. “Showing people how to prepare fresh food is important because it lets people know that it doesn’t always have to be a difficult recipe and that anyone can shop at the farmer’s market and be able to create some wonderful food,” said Taylor. Taylor said the food truck partnership helps show the benefit of shopping at the farmer’s market and buying local, fresh produce from local farmers and vendors. “Partnering with Brightwater has been an amazing part of the farmer’s market this year,” said Taylor. “This has allowed Brightwater to provide fresh, prepared food at the market using local ingredients from our farmers and has also allowed Brightwater to get in front of the community to educate the public about what they do.” Taylor said in the future, Brightwater will hopefully be able to offer a classroom experience at the market that would be able to show people food preparation techniques and in depth cooking demonstrations. Bentonville Farmer’s Market has provided access to fresh foods for over 40 years. With the help of Brightwater and its food truck, the farmer’s market will continue to promote and support local farmers and vendors, and help grow and support a healthier community for another 40 years and beyond. 34 ARKANSAS GROWN

Arkansas Farmer’s Markets 1,391 ARKANSAS FARMERS direct sell at farmer’s markets. A farmer’s market is a place where producers from a local area gather to sell their own product directly to the consumer. There are F100+ MARKETS across the state. TWO-THIRDS OF ARKANSAS COUNTIES have an active farmer’s market. ARMER’S Since 1921, our family farmers have grown this small but mighty grain right here in Arkansas. We show our passion for the land and our communities by using sustainable growing practices. We embrace our responsibility of growing for good, and that’s what drives us to deliver products that families are proud to serve. riceland.com ARKANSAS GROWN 35

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Straight from Grandma’s Kitchen Two Fayetteville Brothers Base Their CandyMaking Startup On a Family Recipe t The Simkins brothers’ passion for candy making came from a favorite past time many children share–making holiday candy with grandma. Every year, the two brothers, Austin and Quinn, would make chocolate covered peanut butter treats with their grandma to give to neighbors for the holidays. Finally, in April 2017, they sat down with their parents and grandma to ask permission to turn the family candy recipe into the foundation of their business. Simkins Brothers’ Sweets, an Arkansas Made Gold Member, is a candy and treat company tucked right off College Avenue in Fayetteville. Raised in northwest Arkansas, Austin and Quinn received their degrees in Agriculture Business and Accounting and “When we are looking at making new products we think, ‘How can we come in and disrupt this category of food?’ We are doing that by using cricket flour in our chocolate and olive oil in our peanut butter.” –Austin Simpkins Finance from the University of Arkansas and jumped right into entrepreneurialism. “When we first started the business our family wasn’t really sure where it would go, but it has truly brought a lot of energy to the whole family,” said Quinn. “Most kids in their mid-20s don’t have such a deep connection to their families.” The brothers both agree they are innovative and challengedriven people. The candy industry is a challenging market to break into, so it was obviously the perfect fit for the Simkins. “My initial thoughts were ‘it is a nice idea, but could it really happen?’” said Alice Ann Simkins, the Simkins brothers’ grandma. “But the boys are so passionate about making this a growing business.” The star candy of their show is the Popper–a dark or milk chocolate covered peanut butter square. They started selling their product at farmer’s markets and online, but quickly expanded to supply local ARKANSAS GROWN 37

grocers such as Walmart and Harps Food Store. Austin Simpkins (left) & Quinn Simpkins (right) After the Popper became a success, the brothers decided to create a protein-rich candy to supplement their active lifestyle–thus the discovery of the Chirpee. This is a chocolate covered peanut butter square with an active ingredient of cricket flour. “We really like the trend of highprotein, sustainable options like cricket flour,” said Austin. Cricket flour is a powder made from crickets using various processes. Cricket flour differs from true flours made from grains by being composed mainly of protein rather than starches and dietary fiber. “A lot of food has so many processed ingredients, and we wanted to make food that tasted good and is still good for you,” said Quinn. They also have begun to create a line of peanut butters, using olive oil as an alternative to other more saturated oils such as palm oil. “When we are looking at making new products we think ‘How can we come in and disrupt this category of food.’ We are doing that by using cricket flour in our chocolate and olive oil in our peanut butter,” said Austin. All ingredients used in their products are U.S.-sourced. They aim to provide a great taste with an affordable price. “The business has truly drawn our family closer, and they really appreciate seeing how hard we work at it,” said Austin. Although they are no longer producing in grandma’s kitchen, Quinn says grandma still comes by to help and make sure they are doing it right. 38 ARKANSAS GROWN

Arkansas Grown ON THE GO. ENJOY Have the entire Arkansas Grown publication at your fingertips with our digital magazine. Read, share and enjoy the stories of Arkansas farmers wherever you go! Visit the AAD website to view the complete online version: www.agriculture.arkansas.gov Labor of Love Pecans, Weddings and Bed & Breakfast Cotton’s Return is a Royal Story Wilson Serves as the Delta Cotton Empire 2019 | SP ONS OR ED B Y T HE AR K ANS A S A GR ICUL T UR E D EP AR T MEN T Arkansas GROWN A guide to the state’s farms, food & forestry A history as rich as the fertile soil of the Delta. At Simmons Bank, we’re proud to support this vital industry. We know the American farmer and understand the important role agriculture plays in our local and national economies. Our history can be traced back to the deep farmland roots of the Mississippi Delta — a strength of our business that continues today. So if you’re looking to expand your farming operation, buy new equipment or purchase livestock, stop by today and talk to an agricultural lending specialist. Subject to credit approval. ARKANSAS GROWN 39

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The Tomato Legacy: From the Ground Up Clanton Farms Moving Into the Fifth Generation of Tomato Farmers r Randy Clanton, Sr. hopped into his white GMC pickup, adjusted his John Deere ball cap, put in a big chew of Levi Garrett and shifted the truck in drive. He drove down the gravel driveway onto Highway 160, the road that paved his entire life. He was raised on 160 and then raised his own family on the same road. This road was his commute to work every morning and the path his tomatoes traveled to market every evening. He’s a tomato farmer, but not just any tomato farmer. Randy Clanton Sr., known as “Big Randy,” changed tomato farming in Bradley County. Raised in Johnsville by farmers, he was destined to be in the field. Big Randy grew up on his family’s secondgeneration farm. He did not know that within forty years, the same farm would be the state’s largest producer of vine ripened tomatoes. Arkansas Grown Diamond Member Clanton Farms is a fifth-generation producer of tomatoes, cabbage, squash, zucchini, watermelon and other assorted produce. The company sells fresh commodities across the country, serving wholesale and foodservice nationwide. “Daddy has built a farm that’s four times as big as any other,” said Randy Clanton Jr., Big Randy’s youngest son. Randy Jr. said his dad is the best salesman and people person he has ever known. He said his dad always told him to make sure the customers are serviced right and should always be as happy at the end of a deal as the beginning. In the 70’s, Big Randy was the first farmer to cut out the middle man in tomato sales by selling directly to the customer. Previously, all Randy Clanton, Sr., (1970) farmers brought tomatoes to the auction and sold to wholesale buyers. “I always believed the best way to market your product on the farm was to go as straight to the consumer as possible,” said Big Randy. He was also the first farmer in southeast Arkansas to strike a deal with Walmart. Michael Hensley, president of Harrod and Hensley Tomato in Hermitage, has been a friendly competitor of Clanton Farms for 13 years. ARKANSAS GROWN 41

Randy Clanton, Jr. & Randy Clanton, Sr. “Randy had the Walmart business before I had anything,” said Hensley. “Seeing what he did with that is why I got into it. The Arkansas Grown Walmart deal changed everything for me for the better.” The farm has recently been passed onto Randy Jr. Randy Jr. said he is prepared to run the operation the same or better than his father, and Big Randy is excited for this next chapter. “I’ve sat beside him for 20 years while he groomed me for this,” said Randy Jr. “I’ve always loved to see tomatoes planted, grown and harvested,” said Big Randy. “And now that my time is not spent in the packing and selling end, I’m allowed a lot more time to be in the field doing what I like to do.” Big Randy’s legacy will not go unnoticed. Hensley said he is iconic to the tomato business around here. “Big Randy is the symbol of Arkansas tomatoes,” said Hensley. Randy Jr. said he hopes to continue with the legacy his dad started in the company. Clanton Farms is continuing to diversify their produce offerings and find new markets. Randy Jr. has also began new business endeavors such as Clanton Transport, a trucking fleet including a timber operation, all located in Hermitage. “Nothing was ever good enough to quit,” said Randy Jr. “We may not necessarily get bigger, but we will always try to get better and provide good service.” Big Randy is now a full-time grandpa and part-time farmer. After years of laboring to build a tomato empire, he hopes to spend the rest of his life watching his son continue the business from the farm he built from the ground up. 42 ARKANSAS GROWN

“Big Randy is the symbol of Arkansas tomatoes.” –Michael Hensley ARKANSAS GROWN 43

Led by cattlemen, for cattlemen. Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association 310 Executive Ct., Little Rock, AR 72205 501.224.2114 ® arbeef.org Legislation ® Education ® Advocacy ® Development

The mission of the Arkansas Agriculture Department’s State Plant Board is to protect and serve the citizens of Arkansas and the agricultural and business communities by providing information and unbiased enforcement of laws and regulations thus ensuring quality products and services. For more information on programs, regulations and services, go to: agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-state-plant-board PEST CONTROL PESTICIDE Fire ant quarantine area: 39 counties 4.3 MILLION pounds of unwanted pesticide have been collected and disposed of in counties across Arkansas since 2015 22,034 applicators certified BUREAU OF STANDARDS perform inspections and testing on 877 moter fuel dispensers 6,681 retail business inspections 2,832 scale inspections APIARY 2,923 registered beekeepers 47,968 registered bee colonies 100 different crops, fruits and vegetables in the U.S. rely on bees for pollination Information provided by ASPB 2018. INFOGRAPHIC PROVIDED BY THE ARKANSAS AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT. 1,355 certificates issued attesting export products are free of pests, weeds and diseases 13,818 QUALITY ASSURANCE TESTS ON SEEDS FOR MORE THAN 60 CROPS 903 N-P-K tests performed on 1.2 MILLION TONS of fertilizer sold in Arkansas Emerald ash borer quarantine area: 33 counties

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Cotton’s Return is a Royal Story Wilson Serves as the Delta Cotton Empire a A traditional town tucked away in the north side of the Arkansas Delta is much like many other small towns across our state – one highway runs all the way through, a small school sits in the center and the largest industry is agriculture. But unlike other small towns, Wilson, population 900, is completely surrounded by cotton fields with the cotton gin serving as the beating heart of the community. The town of Wilson was known as a hub of a diversified agricultural system and eventually the seat of a major cotton empire. The Wilson Cotton Gin, an important center of industry and activity in the town, has continued to gin cotton for the past 125 years. For many years, the Wilson Family owned and operated the entire town, as well as the surrounding rich farmland. Life revolved around agriculture and by the twentieth century, Lee Wilson & Company was actual ginning process to shipping. “All these small towns have to have “The town, like our cotton production, is just growing.” –Kevin Johns one of the most significant cotton plantations in the country. In 2010, Gaylon Lawrence purchased the Wilson gin as part of GM Lawrence holdings. Even then, he knew there was something special about Wilson. To maintain tradition, he kept the original name, Lee Wilson and Company. The gin now employs around 40 people who are involved from the a few things, and jobs are one of them,” said Barry Braden, general manager of the gin. “The stronger the gin the more stable jobs you have. A cotton gin or something like a gin is necessary in a small town.” The traditional gin has modernized and allows the facility to process about 1,200 bales a day, which equates to 160,000 bales in a season. The cotton for these bales comes from northeast Arkansas farmers, and the farmers are an important aspect of the gin. “We appreciate the investment our farmers have made in growing cotton,” said Braden. “They in turn appreciate the steps we’ve taken to bring more value to their cotton. We’re willing to invest in areas that are beneficial to the growers.” Today, around 60 growers gin their cotton at Wilson. Kevin Johns, a local resident and cotton grower, said cotton is a personal passion that he likes to concentrate the majority of his time on. “It’s like growing anything -- you plant it, watch it grow and harvest it,” said Johns. “Cotton is my crop of choice. There isn’t anything I dislike about it from seed to harvest.” Johns said growing cotton is a challenge, but Wilson is a great place for a cotton farm.

“The town of Wilson has been around so long, and there’s always been cotton around it,” said Johns. “There’s a gin there, and the soil here is best suited for cotton. The town, like our cotton production, is just growing.” Cotton acres blooming across the state After hitting a low of 201,000 acres in 2015, Arkansas’s cotton production has rebounded with 463,000 acres in 2018…an increase of 131 percent. In addition to the gin in Wilson, the state has an additional 32 locations that gin cotton. Sammy Angel, a fourth generation cotton producer in Lake Village, said cotton producers have to be greater risk takers than other row crop growers due to the infrastructure investment and the fluctuation of the market; but the outcome has potential to be greater as well. “You’ve got to love cotton to grow cotton,” said Angel. “Cotton is a fiber, and everyone is going to wear cotton at some point in their day. To have a part in clothing America makes it worth it for me.” Although the cotton market continues to rise and fall, interest to grow this beautiful traditional crop remains the same. Growing cotton is more than a choice of seed; it’s a lifestyle -- one that those in the town of Wilson and throughout the Arkansas Delta know and love dearly. Employees of the Wilson Cotton Gin 48 ARKANSAS GROWN

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The Moll Brothers 50 ARKANSAS GROWN

Service and Sustainability Four Arkansas Brothers Transition From Military Service To Entrepreneurship t Three of the four Moll brothers served in the United States Marine Corps. Now they all continue to serve their country by employing fellow veterans and creating sustainable furniture. Jonathon Moll and his brothers bought the Arkansas-based company EcoVet. The company recycles old semi-trailers and partners with Arkansas sawmills to create custom furniture. About 70 percent of employees are veterans from various branches of the U.S. military. Prior to EcoVet, the company was called Sustainable Aerodynamics (SA) Concepts and it focused on recycling the aluminum from decommissioned semi-trailers. While SA Concepts focused on recycling, the core value of the company was to employ veterans. The company transitioned once more into EcoArk and is now known as EcoVet. Moll said that when he originally came to EcoVet for an interview, he was unsure of what the job would entail, but the general atmosphere of the company helped change his mind and made him excited to be a part of the veteran-owned and -operated company. “I have always loved the story and the idea behind it, and I like being around the other veterans. It is easy to go away, but it is hard to come back from the military,” said Moll. Mike Hagwood began serving as the CEO of EcoVet in 2014, but now serves as director of sales since the Moll brothers serve as CEOs. Hagwood said the mission of the company is dear to his heart, and he believes that EcoVet is serving the country in ways that most can only imagine. “I never served in the military, but my dad did, my wife’s dad did and just about all of my uncles did. My wife and I both lost family in wars,” said Hagwood. “This has kind of been my way of giving back a little bit. It’s good to be around these guys, I really enjoy the relationships I have with them. I feel like they are very loyal, and they work very hard toward a common goal we have of building this business.” Matthew Davis, a Navy veteran, has been working at EcoVet for six years as a painter and finisher in the shop. Today, every product goes through his hands before it is sent out the doors. “These guys know where you’re coming from. It helps to know what each other is going through. Some guys are going through PTSD … some might have family problems,” said Davis. “But there is always someone here that knows what it’s like to be where you are. It helps to keep us stable and focused. It is good to know there is somebody to ask if you need help with a problem.” Moll said the company has completed him, in a sense. “The culture of EcoVet and the rapport I have with the company and vice versa and the other veterans and employees here is fulfilling. It’s not just me going and punching a clock in a factory. I get a sense of ownership and a sense of fulfillment from being a part of something like this opposed to just having a job,” said Moll. “I love coming to work every day.” There are a few primary materials that EcoVet uses, including all salvageable parts from semi-trailers as well as some locally sourced ARKANSAS GROWN 51

rough-cut materials. EcoVet has a heavy focus on utilizing all parts from the decommissioned trailers, including bolts, braces, brakes, metal and wood. The rough-cut materials are sourced primarily from partnership with sawmills. Some of the products feature some bark and wood grains, along with a natural tree shaping. EcoVet partners with some Arkansas sawmills to use wood for certain projects. Moll said that he would like to develop more partnerships with Arkansas mills. “We are trying to expand our repertoire of materials and are hunting down other reclaimed products and even mill products,” said Moll. “There is a company in central Arkansas called Rising Fast LLC, and they have a large inventory of reclaimed wood. They take cross braces off electrical poles and reclaim a lot of different wood.” In the end, it’s all about creating a quality product while continuing to support and uplift Veterans. “EcoVet has such a good atmosphere,” said Moll. “A lot of the same comradery we had in the Marine Corps, you can still feel it here. We interact a lot in ways that we couldn’t in a normal job environment. Being here almost gives you a sense of nostalgia.” By: Kenley Bramall The Arkansas Agriculture Department manages the state Homegrown by Heroes program. This program enables farmer veterans to market their locally sourced agricultural goods by labeling them as veteran-grown. Participants in the program have a United States Armed Forces status of veteran, active duty, National Guard or Reserve. Homegrown by Heroes is a product of a partnership between the Arkansas Agriculture Department and the Farmer Veteran Coalition. For more information on the program visit ArkansasGrown.org/ homegrown-by-heroes. 52 ARKANSAS GROWN

Agriculture ARKANSAS. Study in Arkansas State University Jonesboro | (870) 972-2100 www.astate.edu/college/agriculture-and-technology Arkansas Tech University Russellville | (844) 804-2628 www.atu.edu/agriculture Southern Arkansas University Magnolia | (870) 235-4000 www.web.saumag.edu/science/agriculture University of Arkansas at Fayetteville Fayetteville | (479) 575-2000 www.bumperscollege.uark.edu University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello | (870) 460-1026 www.uamont.edu/pages/academics University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff | (870) 575-8000 www.uapb.edu/academics/school_of_agricutlure_ fisheries_and_human_sciences.aspx THE voice of forestry. Resources (501) 374-2441 The Arkansas Forestry Association advocates for the sustainable use and sound stewardship of Arkansas’s forests and related resources to benefit all Arkansans, today and in the future. Ei ARKANSAS GROWN 53

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Projects Today, Purpose Tomorrow Agricultural Youth Development Programs Prepare Arkansas’s Future Leaders y Youth ag programs are more than just plows and sows. Since the early 1900s, Arkansas 4-H and FFA have served as programs for the state’s youth to participate in personal and professional development projects, community service work and leadership activities. Both programs began with roots in agricultural education, but have expanded to encompass a wide variety of subjects, including science and mathematics, healthy living, and citizenship areas. Through this, the programs create well-rounded members who are passionate about the work they do. Many of Arkansas’s public service leaders began their careers as members of these programs that continue to shape visionary youth today. In Arkansas, the governor, the 4th district U.S. congressman and one senator all share a background in 4-H and FFA. “My dad was a farmer, and I loved our farm life. It was natural for me to join 4-H when they started the club in Gravette,” said Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Hutchinson said his continued involvement taught him leadership skills, the importance of conservation and stewardship of natural resources, and expanded his project interest in a variety of fields. “The 4-H project I remember most vividly was planting pine trees on our farm. Many of those trees are still growing there,” said Hutchinson. “During my time in 4-H, I learned a lesson that I still value to this day. I learned the importance of finishing every job you start.” Years beyond his time as a 4-H member, Hutchinson continues to support 4-H programming through celebration days at the state capitol and hosting 4-H members at the Governor’s Mansion for leadership awards events, such as the Arkansas 4-H Governor’s Award. “Regardless of the profession a young person wants to enter, the lessons of 4-H will be beneficial for a lifetime. When I was in 4-H, I had no idea I’d be governor of Arkansas, but many of the good habits I learned in 4-H continue to be useful to me today,” said Hutchinson. 4-H and FFA combined serve over 157,800 youth in Arkansas. With the help of dedicated volunteers, families, and alumni, the programs are supported by those who can attest to the impact they make on their members and how they shape future leaders. From Greenhand, a chapter level degree recognition, to State FFA President, U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman rose through the ranks of FFA during his youth. Westerman began his FFA journey showing pigs at the fair and competing in creed speaking competitions. Westerman said that the motto and parts of the creed are words that still impact him daily. “I reflect on them often, especially as I work on agricultural policy in Congress and in helping my constituents in the fourth district,” said Westerman. Westerman credited FFA for the traits and lessons he learned in high ARKANSAS GROWN 55

school that continue to be valuable in the workforce, from something as simple as tying a tie to using the proper manners at a meal. As an engineer and forester by training, Westerman said FFA gave him the confidence and skills he needed as he entered the political arena. Likewise, State Senator Bruce Maloch’s journey began with poultry chain contests and talks and demonstrations in his local 4-H club. In 9th grade, he joined the Emerson FFA chapter, continuing his project work in livestock, public speaking, and parliamentary procedure. While 4-H and FFA project areas vary from animal science and horticulture to performing arts and bicycle safety, Maloch said that he is still reaping the benefits of his project work long beyond his time as a member. “So many of the things I learned help me every day,” said Maloch. “They would help a young age, which often carry on beyond members’ years in the program, becoming part of who they are as a person. Maloch said these values were instilled in him and they guide his life and career. “Regardless of the profession a young person wants to enter, the lessons of 4-H will be beneficial for a lifetime.” “It taught me the value of learning to win, and learning how to not win. I don’t say it as ‘how to lose’ because even when I didn’t win, I still learned to appreciate the value of the experience,” said Maloch. “When you do win, you do it gracefully, and when you don’t, you learn.” National FFA Organization provides opportunities for its members to lead not only at the state level, but at the national level as well. Between the national headquarters in Indianapolis and the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C., FFA members are able to put –Governor Asa Hutchinson everyone, regardless if they’re in the agriculture industry or not.” Senator Maloch served as a State FFA Officer, like Westerman, but later went on to be elected National FFA Secretary, representing 653,359 members nationwide. As the organization continues to grow today, Maloch said he is an avid supporter and advocate for the difference FFA makes in the lives of youth. 4-H and FFA members alike are taught the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance at 56 ARKANSAS GROWN their leadership skills in action in a variety of capacities. Arkansas 4-H’ers have a decades long history of participating in the Citizenship Washington Focus and National 4-H Congress trips that allow its members to travel nationwide, sharing their ideas and visions for the future of the organization. To learn more, visit UAEX.edu/4hyouth and arkansasffa.org. By: Katie Gardner

Ranch Raised. AUG 23-24 Hot Springs Convention Center For Exhibitor & Visitor Info: 501-224-2232 or email: lboccarossa@sbcglobal.net Equipment Services Attachments Technology Products Logger Training Insurance Representation Growing Sustainable Forests for Arkansas’ Future YouthRanches.com Belonging! Your donation helps create the next generation of leaders. Visit us online to invest in the future. www.arkansas4hfoundation.com ARKANSAS GROWN 57 You can help raise a young person on a working ranch by supporting Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches (ASYR). Founded by sheriffs, ASYR is a non-profit, family-style foster care facility helping children from all across Arkansas. arkloggers.com

Ranch Raised Changing Children’s Lives With Love and Hard Work r Raising kids with hope is the focus of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch. The group foster care organization in Batesville views themselves as a family; they just look a little different than the typical family. The Youth Ranch was started in 1976 by the 75 sheriffs in Arkansas to help the children “falling through the cracks of society.” The goal was to create a home on a working ranch where children who were abandoned, abused or neglected could feel safe and learn to thrive. The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch is licensed by the state to care for up to 40 children from ages 6-17. Since its foundation, the Youth Ranch has been home to over 2,000 children. “Our mission is to prevent and alleviate child abuse and neglect through providing homes for children,” said Nancy Fulton, chief executive officer. “The kids that are here are not for behavior or discipline issues, but because they’ve been vulnerable and in bad situations. We try to raise them like they’re our own children.” The ranch currently has five cottages, three for boys and two for girls. Each cottage has house parents, who live in the home and care for the children as if they were truly related. “I love how the house parents treat us like family. You can tell they don’t do this for the money. They truly 58 ARKANSAS GROWN love us,” said Natasha, a 12-yearold who has been on the ranch five years. “We like to say we raise kids and cows.” –Matt Cleveland The name “Youth Ranch” rings true because the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch is an actual working ranch. They have 600 acres, the majority of it being wooded, and raise 160 head of breeding cattle. The children work on the ranch during the weekends or for four hours a day in the summer. “They feed animals, groom the animals and help with hay,” said Philip Ives, chief operating officer. “The kids also have the opportunity to show livestock nationally. It teaches a lot of responsibility.” Ben, a 17-year-old that has been on the ranch for four years, has learned how to show cattle and is working on showing pigs. He had no experience with large animals before coming to the ranch, but now that is his favorite part of living there. When he decided he wanted to show pigs he had to create a budget and present it to Mrs. Nancy. Because of what he has learned at the ranch he wants to be a game warden when he graduates. But the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch is more than just raising show animals. Currently, they raise registered Herefords and are adding Brangus (Brahman/Angus crossbreed) influence into the herd to produce a few commercial cattle (cattle that aren’t purebred or registered). Philip runs the cattle

side of the business and he loves teaching any child that is interested in the industry. Children learn to check female cows for pregnancy, artificially inseminate cattle and give vaccines. “We like to say we raise kids and cows,” said Matt Cleveland, chief development officer. “There’s a lot that goes into raising a child, whether it’s raising their standard of living, raising their prospects for a brighter future or raising their GPA.” Along with working on the ranch, the children have daily household chores, which rotate and are ageappropriate. The children help clean the house, do laundry, make beds and work on the grounds. An allowance is given to each child based on grades, behaviors and chores. They also learn how to cook, manage finances and other beneficial life skills. The ranch hosts events throughout the year to ensure the children can have the best experience possible. Events include anything from a pumpkin patch in October to an annual fundraising dinner. The Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch is funded through the donations and support of Arkansans. The money is used to continue providing children with a supportive environment to learn life skills and succeed after school. “A lot of people think you have to be wealthy to make an impact, but the ranch really appreciates all donations. We couldn’t do this without our small dollar donors just as much as our bigger donors,” said Cleveland. The ranch is raising children that can defy the odds of their situation. ARKANSAS GROWN 59 Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch

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Calling THE Hog Raising the University of Arkansas Mascot c Calling the hogs sounds a little different for Keith and Julie Stokes of Dardanelle. Instead of “Woo Pig Sooie,” they prefer “here big boy,” the family nickname for the official University of Arkansas mascot, Tusk. The Stokes said Tusk belongs to every Razorback fan; however, they are the ones who have always been responsible for the care of the beloved mascot, from Tusk I to Tusk V. Almost every Razorback fan can recognize Tusk, but behind our beloved Tusk, there is a great story with a greater family. Keith searched extensively for a mascot representative to spice up the atmosphere at University of Arkansas sporting events. In 1997, he finally found a Russian and European cross, called a razorback, highlighting the line down its back. Tusk I came from Greenbrier, making him and his sons true Arkansans. The ability to care for Tusk comes from Keith’s background in agriculture. At the time Tusk I was found, Keith was the president of the Arkansas Pork Producers Association and a swine producer. He uses this knowledge to not only care for Tusk but to educate the public about agriculture. “Tusk is a way that we can tell our ag story. He gives me the foot in the door to talk about farmers and to educate others that no one loves their animals or land more than a farmer,” said Keith. “There is a farm family behind that milk and meat, and Tusk helps make that connection for people.” The Stokes focus on making sure each Tusk is safe, healthy and happy. Tusk is a part of the family, and their primary concern is his health and well-being. “We want people to drive by and say, ‘I don’t know who takes care of that pig, but they do a darn good job,’” said Julie. “There is a farm family behind that milk and meat, and Tusk helps make that connection for people.” –Keith Stokes A commonly used quote in University of Arkansas recruitment efforts and the Stokes family is, “There are dozens of lions, tigers and bears, but there is only one Razorback.” Tusk’s identity and personality truly make him unique, including the process for selecting future Tusks. All of the breeding decisions for the Tusk lineage are made by Keith and Julie. Tusk is one of only two, lined college mascots, where the father sires the replacement. It took two years to locate two potential mothers for the next razorback, Tusk V. The decision was made based on breed, coloring and overall disposition. ARKANSAS GROWN 61

These are important characteristics as Tusk should be able to interact with people with his own unique personality. Tusk IV started his duties in 2011 and is set to retire April 2019. In the past eight years, he has attended numerous football games, pep rallies and Razorback clubs and met fans from all across the state and country. During Tusk IV’s tenure, the biggest responsibility is football games. Game days usually last 16 to 18 hours for Tusk IV and his family. “It’s something we can do as a family, and it’s something that we love. But, it takes all of us,” said Keith. The Stokes travel to Fayetteville on Friday night for the pep rally and parade on Dickon Street. Afterward, they go back home to Dardanelle where Tusk IV can rest. On Saturday, they leave six hours before the game and attend two fuel stop pep rallies along the way. These pep rallies allow fans to come and see Tusk IV without having to travel to the game. The trailer goes into the stadium about 45 minutes to an hour before the game and will not leave until two hours after the game. “Once he steps foot on the trailer, it’s go time for him,” said Keith. “Tusk IV knows his job and loves the attention.” The Stokes know Tusk IV is not just the mascot for the university, but really for the whole state. Tusk IV will continue his mascot duties until the spring, when he will assume a well-earned retirement. Upon retiring, he will get to enjoy the farm life of relaxation on the Stokes’ place in the Arkansas River Valley. With the retirement of Tusk IV, Tusk V will take over and bring his own unique personality into the stadium. There will be a new Tusk in the Donald W. Reynolds Stadium, but the hog call will continue to be just as loud and proud as ever. Woo Pig Sooie and Go Hogs. 62 ARKANSAS GROWN Tusk V Keith Stokes & Tusk IV

The mission of the Arkansas Agriculture Department’s Livestock and Poultry Commission (ALPC) is to safeguard human and animal health and assure food safety and quality for Arkansas livestock and poultry industries. The ALPC serves and protects the animal agriculture industries of Arkansas. For more information on animal agriculture programs, regulations and services, go to: agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-livestock-and-poultrycommission FOOD SAFETY & QUALITY 1.68 BILLION pounds of chicken meat inspected 768 MILLION pounds of turkey meat inspected 121 MILLION dozen eggs graded ANIMAL HEALTH 16,800 hours served at livestock markets 39,786 equine infectious anemia (EIA) tests 85,359 animals in the tracability program 900 animal movement permits issued Information provided by ALPC 2018. INFOGRAPHIC PROVIDED BY THE ARKANSAS AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT. 32,441 animal exhibits OVER $1.43 MILLION provided to Arkansas Fairs 9,721 health certificates processed NATIONAL POULTRY IMPROVEMENT PLAN 13,099 certified poultry flocks 450,000 DIAGNOSTIC procedures performed FAIRS OVER 800 hours worked by ALPC inspectors 82 fairs in Arkansas

“I am a firm believer in not undercutting anybody to get business. If you produce a good product and stand by it, it will sell itself.” –Michael Lee The Lee Family 64 ARKANSAS GROWN

Raising the Steaks Farm Family Connects With Local Customers to Bridge the Gap Between Pasture and Plate k Know your farmer, know your food. With most people being four generations removed from the family farm, knowing someone who spends their day raising food is difficult. Michael and Lauren Lee, who market beef directly to the consumer, are allowing people the first-hand experience of knowing the farmer and the farm where their food was raised. The Lees have been selling freezer beef since 2014 and this year they had a higher demand than in any previous years. They owe their success to producing the best possible product and being transparent with consumers. To Michael, it all starts with the quality of the cattle. He has been working on his family’s farm since he was 15 and has learned a lot over the years. He took over the operation as manager in 2012 and decided to change the focus of Flying C Ranch. “I can have over 300 mamas [female cows] and them not be worth too much, or I can have 160 really good mamas. That’s the campaign we went on, quality versus quantity, and it has really paid off,” said Michael. The quality has continued getting better over the last year after Michael decided to begin genetically testing his animals. This helps determine which steers are the best fit for his freezer beef program. He is looking for ribeye area, marbling and weight gain - all things he can’t see from the outside. Flying C Ranch now processes two or three steers a month. Before processing, Michael wants them on feed for 120-150 days. In his opinion, the quality of the meat is better after being on feed for that amount of time. It helps produce the marbling, flavor, fat and tenderness that his customers love and have come to expect. The typical steaks (sirloin, ribeye, New York Strip, T-bones, and filets) are their most popular cuts. Skirt and flank steaks, along with hamburger meat and brisket, are also popular. The Lees are willing to provide whatever cuts their customers want. They’ve sold chuck roast, sirloin roast, round steaks and even unique products like bone, heart, bone marrow and kidneys. “Whatever they’re asking for, we will experiment and find a way. There’s not too much we throw away,” said Michael. Flying C Ranch beef is sold via social media, their website, farmer’s markets and word of mouth advertising. The Lees price their meat on a year to year basis. In January they will visit every store they can, local and big distributors, to see where they should fit in price-wise. “I am a firm believer in not undercutting anybody to get business. If you produce a good product and stand by it, it will sell itself,” said Michael. The Lees are selling more than just beef. They also provide customers with tips and recipes for new or sometimes difficult cuts. They utilize a lot of family recipes either from Michael’s mother or Lauren’s grandmother to help consumers make the most of their product. The farm also provides a free insulated grocery bag if customers purchase ARKANSAS GROWN 65

$75 worth of freezer beef. Lauren explained that it adds value to their purchase while keeping the meat at safe temperatures on the drive home. Lauren does most of Flying C Ranch’s marketing–whether through social media or their website. But on both, one thing is obvious, connecting with the consumer is incredibly important. The couple uses social media to highlight their day to day life on the farm, as well as sell their products. “People say they love seeing our actual life on the farm on social media, so we take it one step further. We invite them right out to the farm – to see where their beef is grown and how we treat them. We want to make sure the consumer is educated, and we’ve done a lot of that through marketing,” said Lauren. The Lees are focused on producing the best possible product, but also on interacting with consumers in a way that shows their passion and proves they are trustworthy. Before they sell anything, they get to know the consumer as a person first. Consumers can’t trust people if they do not know them. “We use social media to show that the farmer works seven days a week. And to show that we feed this beef to our family too,” said Lauren. Social media allows their passion for their product and their way of life to shine. It also allows people who otherwise would not know their farmer to connect with and ask questions of the people who are raising the food. Selling directly to the consumer is not always easy, but it provides a unique educational opportunity that the Lees participate in with pride. “We’re taking a product from birth to the plate and selling it to consumers that we used to know nothing about, but through this process, we get to know them. They leave here knowing your story,” said Michael. 66 ARKANSAS GROWN

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Simmons Foods A Homegrown Arkansas Company With Deep Roots in Benton County s Siloam Springs-based Simmons Foods is a third-generation, familyowned company that has called Arkansas home since 1949. A key ingredient in Simmons Foods’ homegrown recipe for growth has been a strong foundation of solid family values. “My father and grandfather built this company on strong family values like hard work and treating people right. Today we are proud of the fact that the majority of our 7,000 team members call Arkansas their home too,” said Todd Simmons, CEO of Simmons Foods, Inc. and Affiliates. On September 27, 2017, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced Simmons Prepared Foods was building a $300 million, 350,000 square foot poultry processing facility in Benton County on 870 acres between Decatur and Gentry off Highway 59. The site allows for both the future expansion and the creation of a campus-like environment for the benefit of the Simmons team members who will work at the new location. The production facility will incorporate the newest production technologies and ergonomicallydesigned work areas. Simmons Prepared Foods is nationally and internationally recognized for its unique ability to supply highly customized products to the foodservice industry. Bolstering the local economy Benton County officials expect the new poultry processing facility, coupled with Simmons’ other operations in the area, will continue to bolster the economy in the region with more jobs. The additional jobs, payroll and tax dollars going into Benton County will help this region thrive for years to come. Payroll projections for the processing facility, based on current hourly wages and operating at full capacity in 2022, are projected to be more than $86 million annually, which will be infused into Benton County and surrounding area economies. The resulting demand for new and expanded serviceoriented businesses, such as retail stores, grocery stores, and desirable commercial and residential development will help boost the local economy. Simmons estimates it will pay $2 million annually in water rates to the City of Gentry and an estimated $2.6 million annually in sewer rates to the City of Decatur. Simmons is proud to use local businesses and suppliers at every opportunity. Poultry farmers also have an opportunity to improve their businesses as Simmons plans to contract with existing and new grower partners to meet the demand for chickens for the new processing facility. That means an estimated 218 additional chicken houses will be needed in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri with more than 50 percent of these new houses expected to be on existing farms. In addition to the new facility, Simmons’ already has existing operations in the Benton County area that include a feed mill, hatchery, propane distribution, business offices and a chicken processing facility, along with a dry pet food production facility operated by Simmons Pet Food. ARKANSAS GROWN 69

Good jobs and solid careers The facility, projected to begin operations in 2019, will create 1,500 new jobs, with total employment at the Benton County facility to be over 2,300 people by 2022. More than 50 percent of Simmons team members earn $16 per hour or more (nearly double Arkansas’ current minimum wage). The Benton County facility is forecasting 164 salaried positions ranging from about $40k to more than $100k. Simmons’ offers starting hourly pay up to $16.45 an hour. Simmons opened a Hiring Center in Siloam Springs in late 2018. The Hiring Center, open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, is designed to make the application process faster and more convenient. Applicants will be able to complete their application, interviews and drug screenings in one place. The Hiring Center will process applications for 12 different Simmons facilities in the area. Interested applicants can apply online at WorkAtSimmons.com or by visiting Simmons Foods Hiring Center at The Shoppes at Siloam, 2998 Hwy 412 East, Ste 80, Siloam Springs, AR 72761— just across from the Walmart on Highway 412. This is not your grandfather’s poultry processing plant The design of Simmons’ Benton County processing facility has a substantially less intrusive exterior. The plant will look nothing like the production facilities of its kind in Northwest Arkansas—just one reason why Simmons says this isn’t your grandfather’s chicken plant. This new processing facility also represents numerous opportunities for Simmons to introduce new technologies to processes, equipment, energy use, safety, air quality, water management, water quality, and environmental stewardship. The facility will also have the latest technologies to 70 ARKANSAS GROWN ensure compliance with industryaccepted, science-based animal welfare standards. Just northwest of the new processing facility in Benton County, Simmons recently invested in the development of a new research farm. Simmons will use this fullscale, completely operational poultry farm to conduct its own research and pilot innovative techniques for improving nutrition, equipment and technology, personnel training and housing enrichments. The farm employs cloud technology allowing data collected in control rooms to be accessed remotely. This research farm will enable nutritionists to test ingredients in diets first hand. The new facility will also feature advanced technology to pre-treat wastewater in accordance with all state and federal requirements. And, from an air-quality perspective, Simmons is introducing a fleet of specially designed, enclosed tanker trucks for hauling offal products. A homegrown company firmly rooted in Arkansas “Arkansas is open for business and is the right place for agriculturalbased companies like Simmons Foods to put down their roots. That’s one of the many reasons we made the decision to build this groundup processing facility in Benton County,” said David Jackson, COO, Simmons Foods, Inc. and Affiliates.

Simmons’ Benton County processing facility From left: Bill Simmons, Mark Simmons and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Orville Freeman in 1963 ARKANSAS GROWN 71

Four Generations of Fish Farming I.F. Anderson Farms, the World’s Largest Bait Fish Hatchery h Hard work – that’s what keeps a family fish farm successful after four generations. “We work seven days a week, go home at night, rest a bit, get up the next day and do it all again,” said Jamie Anderson, vice-president of I.F. Anderson Farms Inc. Jamie has been working on the farm since he was 12 years old and his father, in his 70s, is still the president. The farm began in 1949 with Anderson’s grandad and great granddad catching wild fish and running bait routes. Then, they purchased 800 acres that had an 80acre rice farm. After building ponds, they caught wild fish, stocked them and started domestically raising fish. Now the farm has the largest hatchery in the world, of any kind. They hatch over 1.3 billion head of golden shiners alone. I.F. Anderson also raises goldfish, black and pink fatheads and Black Salty. Black Salty baitfish is a patented trademark of I. F. Anderson that Jamie and his dad developed in the early 2000’s while offshore fishing and gathering bait. “For those that don’t know, your first couple of hours are spent catching your bait and then going out and trying to catch bigger fish,” said Anderson. “Dad and I thought there has to be a better way. We started selectively breeding fish and developed a freshwater fish that will live in salt water long enough to be used for bait. It’s one of the toughest fish you’ve ever seen.” The Black Salty was so popular in saltwater markets that people started using it in freshwater as well. Keeping a fish farm successful 72 ARKANSAS GROWN requires work and not just in the outdoors. There are many unique challenges that face the aquaculture industry–depredation, regulations and market competition. Depredation, mainly birds feeding on the fish, is the biggest on-farm issue that I. F. Anderson faces. They are constantly working to maintain permits for great blue herons, pelicans and cormorants. “Baitfish is on the bottom of the food chain, so everything eats it. We’re constantly fighting that issue whether it’s here in Arkansas or trips to D.C.,” said Anderson. Fish farmers actually spend a large portion of time in D.C. working on regulations that could affect their industry. Two of the biggest issues are transportation and labor. I. F. Anderson ships to 41 states in total, primarily using roads. This makes it important that their employees know and understand the laws as they cross state lines. “If you can’t deliver your product, you can’t sell your product,” said Anderson. The fish they ship go to retail shops, individuals and wholesalers, and they want to receive their bait fish alive. Transportation regulations can make that difficult. Anderson is combating ground regulations with their air freight division. Fish, which have slowly been cooled on ice, are shipped overnight to customers. Another influence on the business is the H2A visa program. I. F. Anderson Farms seasonally employs 17 H2A visa workers. “I would love to fill those spots with local people but cannot find them. The visa program is

expensive and it’s a question mark every year. It’s never a given, and that’s scary. If I had to fill those 17 positions overnight because I got turned down, I couldn’t do it,” said Anderson. The third biggest challenge in the baitfish industry is the market competition which comes from other recreational activities or other types of bait, wild-caught or artificial. “Because we are recreational, we are always fighting the recreational dollar – whether that be the lake, race track, football stadium, Gameboy or Xbox,” said Anderson. Diversification is a big part of fighting all of these challenges, but especially the entertainment dollar. In that respect, the farm recently launched a retail website for aquaculture supplies. “I started a list years ago with ways to diversify, some of them have been proven right; some have been proven wrong. You’ve got to change or die. As the fourth generation, I do not want it failing on my watch,” said Anderson. Between Jamie and his father, they check on all 334 ponds as much as possible, to ensure that their customers receive quality products. They feed every day that it is possible because it is their best management tool. When the fish come to the top to eat the floating feed, they see if the fish are healthy and see the size and determine if the fish are ready for market. “In the spring and summer, if it’s not hunting season, you might as well work,” said Anderson. He has done just that. ARKANSAS GROWN 73

www.minnowsplus.com Conventional, Organic. Grass-fed, Grain-fed. Genetically enhanced, Non-engineered. Free-range, Barn-raised. Large scale, Small scale. No matter what’s on the plate, it probably came from a farmer. #ARfeedstheworld arfb.com 74 ARKANSAS GROWN

The mission of the Arkansas Agriculture Department’s Forestry Commission is to protect Arkansas’s forests, and those who enjoy them, from wildland fires and natural hazards, while promoting rural and urban forest health, stewardship, development, and conservation for all generations of Arkansans. For more information on forestry programs and services, go to: agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-forestry-commission Arkansas has 11.9 BILLION trees 1,845 volunteer firefighters trained in 2018 1,005 wildfires burned 19,300 acres WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION BAUCUM NURSERY 8,112,925 seedlings planted (hardwood & pine) LANDOWNER ASSISTS 3,289 landowners were supported with forest management plans and general forestry needs 177 Firewise communities 41 Tree Cities reaching 837,836 residents INFOGRAPHIC PROVIDED BY THE ARKANSAS AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT. Information provided by AFC 2018. NEARLY 19 MILLION acres of forestland cover the state MORE THAN 56% of the state’s land area

“We’re happy to be bringing back an industry to the state of Arkansas that hasn’t been here in a long time.” –Gene Cannon III 76 ARKANSAS GROWN

Bringing an Industry Back Lumber Mill is Reviving a Segment of Arkansas’s Forest Industry w What started as a phone call between co-workers soon evolved into the revival of a once-lost aspect of the Arkansas forestry industry. The last stave mill in Arkansas closed about 70 years ago, and the industry quickly moved on. However, all changed in 2016 when two former petrochemical workers decided they wanted to pursue different careers. Arkansas Stave and Lumber, located in Malvern, was founded in July 2016 by Grantt Guillory and Gene Cannon III. The company produces cross ties for the railroad industry, hardwood for the flooring industry and white oak staves for the production of barrels. Prior to founding the mill, Guillory and Cannon were managers for a Texas petrochemical company. Guillory said he had been feeling burnt out working in the oilfields and was looking to make a change, so he contacted Cannon. After some convincing, Cannon eventually decided to take the leap of faith with Guillory. Both business partners relocated their families to central Arkansas where they established their headquarters because of the closeness to the southern range of true white oak. Six months before the mill opened, another area business, General Cable, closed its doors, leaving many skilled laborers unemployed. Guillory said this provided the perfect labor force for Arkansas Stave and Lumber. “Since starting production, the mill has added almost 50 jobs to Hot Spring County,” said Phillip Qualls, general manager of Arkansas Stave and Lumber. The barrels produced from Arkansas staves have many different purposes, including the production of wine, sake, and a traditional Korean drink called soju. Primarily, though, the barrels are used for the production of whiskey and bourbon. The mill sources white oak from logging companies, with the majority of the timber coming from tracts very close to the mill. One tract is located directly across the street. “Grantt concentrates on buying logs from big industrial land owners as well as small land owners,” said Cannon. Cannon said Arkansas Stave and Lumber is the only mill in the state of Arkansas to produce staves full time, and possibly the largest independently owned stave mill in the U.S. “We’re happy to be bringing back an industry to the state of Arkansas that hasn’t been here in a long time,” said Cannon. The majority of the company’s staves are sent to the area surrounding Louisville, Kentucky, which is the epicenter of bourbon production. The other hardwood products milled at Arkansas Stave and Lumber are sent to the “international market,” said Cannon. In the future, Guillory said he hopes to see their staves sent to Arkansas cooperages and then to Arkansas distilleries. But long before a barrel is used to age whiskey, it must undergo quite a transformation. “The loggers harvest white oak, which is the only wood that barrels can be made from,” said Cannon. “The pores of the white oak are filled with a compound called tylosis, which makes it nonporous.”

Once at the mill, the logs are merchandised, de-barked, and cut using the quarter-saw method, which involves cutting the trees in half vertically, then each half is cut in half again to create a quarter. After a stave is graded and stacked, it is allowed to air dry for anywhere from 3 months to five years, but the average time is 36 months. Throughout the entire process, sustainability is carefully considered. Guillory said the Arkansas Agriculture Department’s Forestry Commission outlines best management practices, and the mill adheres to those closely. Sustainability is ingrained into the production of all products at the mill. “We don’t actually have any waste; we have what we call residuals,” said Cannon. “Everything that we have is reused: the bark, the chips and the dust.” Any byproducts are sold to other companies as fuel or to make paper or mulch. Both Cannon and Guillory said their relationship with the Arkansas forestry industry is critical to their business, and Cannon believes the mill is helping the forestry industry as well. “I think the mill gives the forest industry more options for places to take their timber,” said Cannon. Guillory said he hopes to purchase tracts of timber in the near future to vertically integrate Arkansas Stave and Lumber and that stave production will be a vital part of achieving that goal. As Arkansas Stave and Lumber grows, so does the Arkansas distillery industry. It is possible that some time in the near future, Arkansas residents can imbibe a true “Arkansas made” product, from a tree growing in the forest to a smooth glass of Arkansas bourbon whiskey. In the meantime, Arkansas Stave and Lumber will keep milling along, bringing back the stave industry with each log fed through the planer. 78 ARKANSAS GROWN By: Bailey Corwine

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Keeping Arkansas Natural w “We need to manage our forests because if we do not, Mother Nature will,” said Joe Fox, state forester. The best way Arkansas timber owners, foresters, loggers and companies manage their forests is through the implementation of voluntary best management practices (BMPs). The goal of BMPs is to improve water quality through proper forest harvesting and pollution-reducing techniques. In addition to water quality, BMPs can assist in minimizing damage to forest caused by wildfires, diseases and insects. “We tout the forest as being the best filter for our water that exists,” said Fox. Water quality and proper forest management are directly related. Trees are left along streamside management zones, or SMZs. This helps prevent erosion and runoff into water systems and is one of the main tenets of the best management practices, said Fox. While the program is voluntary, it is still highly effective and utilized. From landowners and than any state in the nation - approximately 50,000 people from 26 states in 1,300 workshops. Those numbers are proof that the Arkansas timber industry is continuously working to improve. “We need to manage our forests because if we do not, mother nature will.” foresters to loggers and corporations, the timber industry in Arkansas has adopted BMPs. The Arkansas Timber Producers Association (ATPA) leads training to make sure that BMPs are common practice. Since 1995 the ATPA has trained more loggers and foresters 80 ARKANSAS GROWN A survey was conducted in 2017 and 2018 to see how the Arkansas timber industry is implementing the voluntary BMPs. According to the results, BMPs implementation rate overall was 93 percent. That percentage is higher than the last survey and higher than some states that have a mandatory program. “The survey shows that we’re teaching the right thing, and we just need to keep pushing forward to get to 100 percent,” said Larry Boccarossa, executive director of the ATPA. “This industry is key to the state, and we have to keep promoting the industry as such.” The BMPs –Joe Fox implementation survey randomly selected 237 final harvest sites around the state and asked yes or no questions related to the BMPs manual to determine whether practices had been implemented, explained Doug Akin, assistant state forester. The survey is split into four sections: streamside management zones, roads, harvesting and regeneration. Regeneration had the highest rate of implementation at 98 percent, and streamside

management zones had the lowest rate at 89 percent. All areas have increased since the last implementation survey though, and Akin hopes the trend will continue. “It’s a report card of how well the forestry BMPs are being implemented in Arkansas, and Arkansans are receiving an A,” said Akin. “They are also a good measure of water quality, and 93 percent means we are doing a great job of conserving water quality.” The survey is used to prove that Arkansas forests are ecologically, environmentally and biologically sustainable. “It helps the forest community market to everyone in the state from community leaders to the garden club,” said Fox. “We can tell people with a good bit of confidence that we have more timber and forest land than we had in 1978, and it is managed better than back then as well.” When forests are managed correctly, they have multiple, integrated uses – wildlife, recreation, timber production, aesthetics and ecological sustainability. All of these will benefit from correct production practices, and this survey shows that Arkansas is implementing these practices. Scott Meek of Green Bay Packaging says the use of BMPs in the forest industry is common and happens every day. “Almost every logger or forester I know loves to hunt and fish; we love the outdoors in general,” said Meek. “We implement BMPs because we want to do everything we can to keep Arkansas natural.” ARKANSAS GROWN 81

Arkansas’s Keeping it in the Family Project i In 1894, Ann Boles was granted more than 500 acres of land in Howard County by President Grover Cleveland. Today, only half the land remains in the family due to the lack of estate planning. Unfortunately, this is a common problem for many minority land owners. Ann’s estate is now split among 27 family members, and great grandson Jerry is working with other family members to ensure the remaining land stays in the family by participating in Arkansas’s Keeping it in the Family (KIITF) project, funded by a national grant. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, land owned by minorities was often passed down informally to family members without legal documentation after the original owner died. This is referred to as heirs property, which is extremely vulnerable to being lost through partition sales, misuse by some heirs, voluntary sales and tax sales, the main cause for the Boles’ land loss. This vulnerability, coupled with discrimination in lending and government agencies, has had a devastating effect on African-American land owners, according to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s William H. Bowen School of Law, one of the partner agencies in KIITF. To combat this problem, Arkansas became the fifth state in the country 82 ARKANSAS GROWN to enact the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act, which helps to protect the interests and needs of vulnerable landowners. Boles and his family are currently working with the Bowen School, which provides heirs property resolution assistance, application guidance to USDA technical and financial assistance programs and legal education and outreach to rural communities. Clearing the problems with heirs property opens up opportunities for the land to become profitable for the owners and for the community, according to Professor Amy Ann Boles Pritchard from the Bowen School. “This project helps provide rural land owners with economic opportunities that they would otherwise not have,” said Pritchard. “Those economic benefits are also returned into the community exponentially by allowing the land owner to start forestry activity on the property and in-turn providing individuals there to benefit from that activity.” The Boles family began working with the KIITF project in spring of 2017, when Jerry learned about it from social media, and is thankful for the information and assistance that they have been provided from Bowen School of Law and the Arkansas Agriculture Department’s

Minnie and Maggie Boles (1904) Forestry Commission (AFC). “What I’ve learned has helped us with clarification of ownership for the remaining 253 acres and that has put us on a road to a solution and a plan,” said Jerry. “The project also gives us a way to make the land profitable for generations.” The KIITF project was originally set to end in September 2019 but has been extended for another two years. There are also plans to make the project self-sustaining for years past the extension, and Jerry will be a key player in that plan as a spokesman for the project. He has been instrumental in providing information to families in Howard County who are in the same situation as the Boles family, and he serves as a proponent of the services that the partner agencies provide. Partners of the project include: Arkansas Agriculture Department; U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities; USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Forest Service; Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention program; Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts; Arkansas Land and Farm Development Commission; Center for Arkansas Legal Services; Silas H. Hunt Community Development Corporation; University of Arkansas Pine Bluff and University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen School of Law. For additional information on this project, contact Outreach Coordinator, Evette Browning, evette.browning@agriculture. arkansas.gov or (501) 219-6385. ARKANSAS GROWN 83

Jim Carroll Think of a Farmer w Jeff Rutledge When you think of a farmer, visions of them driving a tractor in a field, working with animals and harvesting the grains and produce we eat easily come to mind. Rarely does one think of a farmer meeting with political leaders in Washington, D.C., or traveling overseas to participate in trade missions, or working with state agencies on proposed regulatory issues. But for some Arkansas farmers, the hours spent away from the farm are just as critical to their livelihood as the ones spent in the field. “Today there’s more to farming than planting a seed and growing a crop,” said Jeff Rutledge, chairman of the Arkansas Rice Federation and Arkansas Rice Council. “It’s a business that requires many different functions, and being involved with the process that determines regulations and policies on our industry is an important one.” By committing their time to serving on commodity boards and associations, Arkansas farmers are ensuring not only a better future for their family farm, but all the other farms they represent. “Having a hand in better agriculture legislation means having a hand in the future,” said Bernie Freeman, president of the Arkansas Cattleman’s Association. “Unfortunately with ever decreasing profit margins, sometimes the difference between a profit and a loss is a new law, government regulation, or lack thereof. By being able to advocate for better legislation, we are working to ensure that there are more profitable years than not.” 84 ARKANSAS GROWN Rutledge estimates that he spends on average 10 hours per week working with different rice farming organizations but this involvement has given him exposure outside the local area where he farms and lives. “Half of the U.S. rice production is exported, so international issues have a huge impact on the price of our crop,” said Rutledge. “Because we are in a global market, understanding and influencing things like trade agreements and tariffs are critical to farms in Arkansas and all rice-producing states.” Whether at the state, national, or global level, farmers are the true face of agriculture. These men and women work diligently serving on boards, attending meetings, learning more about legislation and fighting for rights of farmers. This commitment to agriculture should not go unnoticed and should be a reminder of the true sacrifices each farmer makes not only for the benefit of a single farm, but farms statewide. “You have to have a plan for getting involved so you fulfill the duties expected without sacrificing things on the farm,” said Jim Carroll III, vice chair of the United Soybean Board (USB). “The chair of USB spends 80 days on the road. This type of commitment requires a support team consisting of family members, employees and local suppliers to maintain operations.” Some of these leadership roles require significant time, but Carroll learned from his grandmother the importance of being involved in issues that can impact your personal life.

“With less than 2 percent of U.S. population living on a farm, it requires all farmers to be active in telling our story to influence decisions that benefit the Delta region and all of rural Arkansas.” – David Gairhan “She was heavily involved in getting phone and electric services into rural areas of Arkansas, so I saw and learned at an early age to play an active role in your community and industry,” said Carroll. Rice farmer David Gairhan participated in the development of the 2014 Farm Bill, and this experience is a key reason why he now serves as chairman of the Arkansas Rice Farmers. “It was an eye opener and helped me realize the importance of playing an active role in making sure that rice farmers are taken care of,” said Gairhan. “With less than 2 percent of U.S. population living on a farm, it requires all farmers to be active in telling our story to influence decisions that benefit the Delta region and all of rural Arkansas.” So the next time you see a farmer around town in their normal attire of dusty jeans and work boots, think about the amount of unpaid time he or she spends away from home and family to ensure farmers in Arkansas and across the nation can continue to provide Americans with a plentiful supply of safe and affordable food choices. ARKANSAS GROWN 85

AAD Provides Livestock Market News Reporting f For 100 years, the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS) has provided free, unbiased price and sales information to assist in the marketing and distribution of farm commodities. USDA-AMS Market News works with State Departments of Agriculture and local and regional food systems to provide prices, volume, and other information on agricultural commodities sold at local and regional markets throughout the United States. The Arkansas Agriculture Department (AAD) signed a cooperative agreement in 2018 with USDAAMS to serve as the state partner for the Livestock Market News reporting program. In August, AAD employees began collecting data at livestock auctions across the state to be used by AMS to create daily and weekly reports for the cattle industry “This serves not only local markets and agriculture entities but also national audiences via the USDA Market News website and online resources.” to measure local, state, and regional market trends. “The Arkansas Agriculture Department is proud to partner with the USDA-AMS to provide information that will help Arkansas 86 ARKANSAS GROWN cattlemen make informed marketing decisions based on reliable data,” said Arkansas Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward. “Livestock market news reporting is another way that we can equip our farmers and ranchers with the best available tools to help make their operations as competitive and profitable as possible.” AAD previously managed the Livestock Market News reporting program until the mid-1970s when the duties were transferred to the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service (UAEX). “The Cooperative Extension –James Ward UAEX. Daily and weekly market reports are listed on the USDA website and at the AAD website. Livestock market news reporters started by collecting industry-specific data from Service was glad to host it for the last 40 years as a service to our clients, but it’s good to have it return to its original home,” said Dr. Vic Ford, Interim Associate Director, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Extension with

five Arkansas livestock auctions in August and added two additional auctions in September. A total of five reporters collect the data. “The cooperative agreement between USDA Market News and the Arkansas Agriculture Department allows us to serve Arkansas producers and stakeholders at a grassroots level by equipping Arkansas market reporters with training and tools provided by USDAAMS Livestock, Poultry and Grain Market News to carry out our critical mission,” said James Ward of USDAAMS. “This serves not only local markets and agriculture entities but also national audiences via the USDA Market News website and online resources.” The seven Arkansas livestock auctions with market reporters include: Arkansas Cattle Auction Company, Searcy; Ash Flat Livestock Auctions, Ash Flat; Benton County Sale Barn, Siloam Springs; County Line Sale Barn, Ratcliff; Hope Livestock Auction, Hope; North Arkansas Livestock Auction, Green Forest; and I-40 Livestock Auction, Ozark. More market reports will be added in 2019. “AAD - USDA Market News livestock auction reports provide Arkansas producers and stakeholders total market transparency,” said James Ward. “ Market reports give farmers, producers and other agricultural businesses the information they need to evaluate market conditions, identify trends, make purchasing decisions, monitor price patterns, evaluate transportation equipment needs and accurately assess movement.” ARKANSAS GROWN 87

Game & Fish Turns to AAD Lab for CWD Testing t The leaves change color, the air gets crisp and the deer begin to roam. November is a favorite time of year for many Arkansans for many reasons, but deer season ranks near the top. Arkansas has a deer herd estimated to be around 1 million animals. Some 300,000 Arkansans hunt deer, harvesting approximately 200,000 a year. However, since 2016, the Arkansas deer population has been facing a recently discovered threat -- chronic wasting disease (CWD). CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects members of the deer and elk family. CWD is a slowly progressing disease. Infected animals will not show signs of disease for a long period of time, but late in the disease process, they will be thin and may demonstrate weakness, abnormal behavior, excessive thirst, or drooling. The disease is fatal. As of October 1, 2018, there have been a total of 370 cases of CWD in Arkansas -- 356 in deer and 14 in elk. Surveillance for this disease continues statewide. No Arkansas lab, until now, had been certified to screen for CWD. Prior to 2018, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) had to send tissue samples to the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Madison. AGFC completed their contract with Wisconsin this past deer season and will begin sending hunter-harvested samples to the Arkansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory during the 2019 modern gun deer season. The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory of the Arkansas Agriculture Department’s Livestock and Poultry Commission 88 ARKANSAS GROWN is the only lab in Arkansas that is a member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, which coordinates the nation’s response to outbreaks of animal-borne diseases. Together, both commissions have drafted a memorandum of understanding on how the Arkansas lab will now perform screening for CWD. With both commissions and the lab being located in the same complex on Natural Resources Drive in West Little Rock, logistically the partnership just makes sense. “To put it simply, it’s a logistical thing,” said Cory Gray, chief of the Research, Evaluation and Compliance Division of AGFC. “Previously we’ve had to send tissue samples to Wisconsin; now that we can do all that in-house and keep it local with a quicker turnaround, I don’t see any problems.” Road-kill and visibly sick deer have been screened for CWD at the Arkansas Veterinary Diagnostic Lab for several months now. The lab does not accept submissions for CWD screening from the public, but instead coordinates all screening activities through its partnership with AGFC. Hunters can submit their samples to Game and Fish. Currently, there is no scientific evidence of CWD transmission to humans, pets or livestock under natural conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend having your deer tested for CWD and properly disposing of meat from animals that test positive for the disease. AGFC continues their surveillance activities and encourages Arkansans to report all sick deer and elk, 1-800-482-9262.

Task Force Combating Feral Hog Problem h Hogs seem to always be a topic of conversation in Arkansas, especially when it comes to the nuisance that is feral hogs. By rooting, wallowing, carrying disease and eating agricultural commodities, feral hogs are more than a problem; they are a threat. Feral hogs are wild hogs, (Russian or European wild boar; Old World swine; New World swine; or a hybrid of the above) that roam freely upon public or private lands. They have few, if any, natural predators and have reached an estimated population of four to five million across approximately 39 states in the United States. Their damage and control are conservatively estimated to result in agricultural and ecological costs of $1.5 billion annually. Hunting and shooting feral hogs have been implemented for the last few decades. Studies show at least 66 percent of a hog population must be removed each year just to prevent it from growing. Hunting has shown to reduce hog populations by only 8 to 50 percent. With a mutual interest in preserving wildlife, agriculture and natural resources in Arkansas, the Feral Hog Eradication Task Force was formed by Act 1010 of the 91st Arkansas General Assembly. The task force was charged with creating and implementing a plan for the eradication of feral hogs in Arkansas. While Act 1010 expired in June 2018, the task force has been very active in attempting to accomplish the tasks set forth by legislature and will continue to help eradicate feral hogs in Arkansas, while operating through a memorandum of understanding. Wes Ward, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture, serves as chair and Chris Colclasure, representative for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, serves as vice chair. “The task force has worked hard to bring all stakeholders together to identify strategies to eradicate or at least significantly reduce feral hog populations,” said Ward. “The damage to our agricultural industry and natural resources is devastating, and action is needed sooner rather than later.” The task force formed three committees in order to address specific topics and provide recommendations to the full task force: management and control; policy and legislation; and education. “I hope that the task force can educate the public that feral hogs are not a resource and that we have to be urgent with our actions to reduce their numbers,” said Colclasure. “They are a nuisance and a competitor.” Through the efforts of the task force, a report to the Arkansas Legislative Council was developedoutlining tasks accomplished by the group along with all research and data collected over the year. The task force developed an online reporting system which is used by landowners to track the number of kills and sightings of feral hogs. There will be a feral hog eradication handbook developed in the coming year. ARKANSAS GROWN 89

Advertising Directory Agricultural Council of Arkansas agcouncil.net 21 Arkansas 4-H Foundation arkansas4hfoundation.com 57 Arkansas Agriculture Department agriculture.arkansas.gov 92 Arkansas Beef Council arkansasbeef.org 67 Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association arbeef.org 44 Arkansas Corn & Grain Sorghum Board corn-sorghum.org 8 Arkansas Farm Bureau arfb.com 74 Arkansas Forestry Association arkforests.org 53 Arkansas Rice Council arkansasrice.org 91 Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches youthranches.com 57 Arkansas State University astate.edu 3 Arkansas Timber Producers Association arkloggers.com 57 Bruce Oakey, Inc. bruceoakley.com 4 Farm Credit arfarmcredit.com 6 First Financial Bank ffb1.com 21 I.F. Anderson Farms minnowsplus.com 74 Riceland riceland.com 35 Simmons workatsimmons.com 2 Simmons Bank simmonsbank.com 39 The Poultry Federation thepoultryfederation.com 12 U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish uscatfish.com 74 Arkansas GROWN A guide to the state’s farms, food & forestry 90 ARKANSAS GROWN

The Arkansas Agriculture Department is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. Promoting and Protecting Our State’s Largest Industry

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