Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

Farmers from across the United States gathered in Grand Rapids, Michigan

this week to attend the National Commodity Conference hosted by Michigan Farm Bureau.

It's an opportunity for different commodity groups to share information, 

discuss issues that impact their farming operations,

 and develop potential policy ideas to present during the grassroots

 policy development process of Farm Bureau.

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall gave us an overview 

of issues we are facing in agriculture. Things are tough in agriculture but 

President Duvall has the ability to tell the truth and

 season it with hope for our future.

I  met with the dairy commodity group for information and discussion

about trade,immigration, and milk price.

You don't find all the answers at any meeting, 

but

 we can gain strength and insight from talking

 with others on shared problems and concerns.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with others on behalf of dairy farmers,

to experience  the beauty of other places,

to learn about agriculture in other states,

and

                                             to be home  down on the Arkansas  dairy farm.

Arkansas Dairy Supports Ditch the Rule

 

After little rain in the month of April, mud puddles and water standing in the pastures and fields is a welcome sight. This has always been a very expected outcome after a good rain in Northwest Arkansas!

Normal Arkansas weather outcomes  could become costly if the Environmental Protection Agency, lovingly known as the EPA, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps)  get there way in proposing the rule to change the definition of "waters of the U.S." and expand the range of waters that fall under federal jurisdiction.

 

Can you imagine needing a permit for a mud hole? Sounds silly, but under the proposed rule change, it's not impossible. It goes deeper than just water--it would impact common farming practices that have existed for years. The rule change would make it more difficult for private landowners to farm and ranch, build homes or make changes to the land--even if the changes that landowners propose would benefit the environment.

 

Even if you live in the city, you can be affected by this rule change because cities and counties would be subject to new rules or standards that will increase the cost to citizens by requiring increased  permitting of more ditches  that will be more time-consuming and expensive for local and state  governments. 

 

You can learn more about the impact of this law change and how you can help oppose this law   at Ditch the Rule.

 

 

We already follow rules enacted by the Clean Water Act and the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality and  use best management practices that help us to protect our natural resources for our cows, our family and our community. 

 

I support Ditching this Rule!

 

                                                                     #DitchTheRule

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

 

 

 

The best part of any trip for me is coming home! Although the calves did seem to be extra happy to see me, our sons and employees took great care of all the calves and cows while Ryan and I  were attending the American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Nashville,Tennessee.

I'm thankful for living on the dairy farm with my family and working to provide high-quality,wholesome milk.

 

 

Farm Bureau Style Storytelling

As I prepare to leave for Nashville,Tennessee, to attend the American Farm Bureau Convention, I am reminded of my friends who share their passion for agriculture by volunteering each year to educate children about the importance of agriculture in our everyday lives. This past year we had a great experience in downtown Bentonville sharing information about Benton County's agricultural history.

Mrs. Sears shared about the impact of electricity to rural Benton County and the impact it made on agricultural productivity.

            Mrs. Tina Crawley shared about her fifth generation Benton County  dairy farm family.

Ms. Edith Glover shared how her father decided to transition her backyard chicken flock into a booming poultry industry in Northwest Arkansas.

Apple Dan provided information and entertainment to inform how Benton County transitioned from apples to poultry,beef and dairy. 

 Volunteering brings great joy and it is an honor to be a farmer and  share the agriculture story!