August 2013 issue of Arizona Agriculture.

PER

IOD

ICA

LS

www.azfb.org

AUGUST, 2013 Volume 66 No. 8 Official Publication of the Arizona Farm Bureau

See WATER Page 5

See McCLENDON Page 4

By Julie Murphree, Arizona Farm Bureau

Local and organic sells better than either one alone. Just ask Robert (Bob) and Marsha McClendon, members of Arizona Farm Bureau and owners of McClen-don’s Select; a retail/direct-market farm. They’re so niched

and specialized, they shake their own heads at how strong the demand is for their product.

Bob and Marsha, along with their son Sean, his wife Kate and their grandson Aidan grow exclusively USDA cer-tified organic, all local, on a limited amount of acres and mainly to chef-owned, chef-directed restaurants, never to chain restaurants. They sell directly to the public twice-a-week at the Town and Country Farmers’ Market and the Old Town Farmers’ Market during their growing season. They started selling at the Town and Country Market more than a decade ago, and forged relationships with customers and chefs that have lasted and grown ever since.

“We only wanted to work with restaurants that are pas-sionate about using organic, local produce,” says Marsha. They have developed such a following of such chefs that the farm now has a waiting list of restaurants wanting to do business with them. Beginning with 25 acres, Bob says “We continue our quest for excel lence even as we expand our acreage.”

They sell citrus, vegetables, dates and honey, along with many specialty items that are in high demand from chefs and market customers, like heirloom tomatoes and baby greens. During the season, they grow more than 150 kinds of fruits and vegetables. It is their relationship in working with chefs to find their needs that have led them to try new crops, such as Yuzu, Gilfeather Rutabaga, Spigariello, and Sun Gold Tomatoes.

Arizona has only a handful of growers catering exclusively to chefs and the resort market but the niche is lucrative. Others in the business describe the same kind of cus-tomer waiting lists and a clientele that may call up one season begging and pleading to have a new type of veg etable to feature for a restaurant’s seasonal menu.

To highlight the variety, McClendon’s Select grows 14 types of micro-greens for just one chef.

One of McClendon Select’s customers, Chef Char-leen Badman of Scottsdale’s FnB restaurant is regu-larly inspired to create unique culinary dishes thanks to Bob’s passion for farming.

Conversation with an Organic “Retail” Farmer: Bob McClendonWhile this organic farmer might disagree with some of Farm Bureau’s policies, he loves what

Farm Bureau does for him. He’s growing the business too.

And in the midst of all this, they’re devoted members of Arizona Farm Bureau; and this despite a few disagreements with Farm Bureau policy. But the McClendons

recognize the democratic process the Farm Bureau provides and more importantly the protection they believe the organization

creates on behalf of Arizona agriculture. If there is anyone that knows about farming in the di-

rect-market segment, it’s McClendon.Arizona Agriculture: What’s big in the direct-market

agriculture industry right now, in your opinion?McClendon: Direct-market sales directly to consumers

of any kind of food item that’s locally grown continues to be popular. People more and more want to know where their food comes from. The non-GMO label topic is becoming a huge issue too.

Customers are even focused on how the food is pack-aged. For example, I sell honey. Many of my customers would prefer to purchase honey in glass bottles. So I sell my honey in glass and plastic containers.

Arizona Agriculture: Since we’ve heard small-scale farmers say this, we must ask, does Farm Bureau under serve small, retail farmers?

McClendon: No, I don’t think so. I look at your book [A Farmer’s Guide to Marketing the Direct Market Farm]; it’s a

wonderful piece to help farmers direct market their products. I don’t know of anybody else in the country that’s done anything quite like that. You take care of small farmers just like you take care of big farmers. If we have a specific problem Farm Bureau can direct us to a specific solution. I don’t think that Farm Bureau under serves the small farmer at all.

How do you know if you’re under served if you don’t belong and you don’t partake in what Farm Bureau has to offer?

Arizona Agriculture: Why are you a Farm Bureau member? McClendon: It’s not just because we have to be to have the Farm Bureau ag insur-

ance. In fact, that’s not it at all. The insurance is the smallest part of it as far as I’m

Teacher Testimonial- Page 2Why She Loves Ag

Eyes on Safety - Page 6Keep Them Protected

New School Year - Page 6Programs, Standards& More

Water Talks are Bubbling up All OverBy Joe Sigg, Arizona Farm Bureau

Agriculture has a much more storied relationship with water than many other sectors of the public. It’s a key input of production, and for all of agriculture, it matters that it falls “somewhere” in some form out of the sky.

It is the “somewhere” that puts a different spin on water for Arizona agriculture. Of course, it has to fall somewhere in the Midwest, for example, but the “somewhere” is on the crop that needs the water. But even then you can’t gather it all up in a bag and pour it out where you wish.

Much of Arizona water involves availability and costs of putting it on crops and livestock. Water is not just necessary – it’s on the operating statement as water and/or power costs (issues we sometimes gloss over as cut out of the same cloth).

Water’s availability and cost causes the agricultural community to constantly be looking over their shoulders:

• I have it - but somebody else wants it.• I am short on water - what are my opportunities and what are the costs?• My costs are pushing water out of reach - what are my options?

In one of his letters, George Washington said the problem with repub-lics is they don’t respond when they see a problem, but respond when they feel a problem.

Be assured the Arizona agricultural community has an intimate feel for water. They don’t have to look around corners to feel the problems. We all depend upon water in our daily lives – it is essential. But it has a more conscious meaning for those who depend upon it for their livelihood.

We have areas where crop plantings are down by a third this year be-cause they don’t have reliable availability. We are facing shortages on the Colorado River which ultimately will impact all users of this water source.

The Voice of Arizona Agriculture325 S. Higley Rd., Suite 210 • Gilbert, AZ 85296 • 480.635.3600 • fax 480.635.3781 • www.azfb.org

OFFICERSPresident • Kevin Rogers, Mesa

1st Vice President • Tim Dunn, Yuma2nd V. P. • Stefanie Smallhouse, Redington

Exec. Secretary • James Klinker, MesaEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Rock Cramer • ParkerDeWayne Justice • Waddell

ARIZONA AGRICULTURE STAFFJulie Murphree, Editor

Peggy Jo Goodfellow, AdvertisingPlease send comments to:

[email protected] advertising, e-mail [email protected], call480.635.3609 or visit www.azfb.org/publica-

tions.htm

Arizona Agricultureis published monthly, except

December, plus three special editions, (ISSN 0274-7014) by the Arizona Farm

Bureau Federation325 S Higley Rd., Suite 210

Gilbert, AZ 85296Periodicals postage paid in Higley,

Arizona and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTERSend address changes to:

Arizona Agriculture325 S Higley Rd., Suite 210

Gilbert, AZ 85296Subscriptions are included in

annual dues.

2 www.azfb.org ARIZONAAGRICULTURE•AUGUST,2013

By Julie Murphree, Arizona Farm Bureau

Western Agricultural Insurance Company*, Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company* and Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*/ West Des Moines, IA. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services

With offices across the state, we make it simple to protect your family, home, car and business. Contact your local agent today.

buckeye311 N. Miller Rd.

623-935-6209

bullhead city2071 Hwy. 95, Ste A

928-763-8464

casa grande408 N. Sacaton, Ste. E

520-836-2511

caVe creek6554 E Cave Creek, Rd#4

480-575-0710

chandler912 W Chandler Blvd, Ste., B-6

480-284-4223

cottonwood1759 E. Villa Drive, #113

928-649-8686

dewey171 Hwy 69, # C

928-632-0014

FlagStaFF2733 E Lakin Dr. #1

928-527-1343

2500 S. Woodlands Blvd, # 3 928-213-5491

gilbert / higley325 S. Higley Rd. #100

480-635-3860

4365 E Pecos Rd. #136 480-279-1874

glendale18301 N. 79 Ave., #D146

623-878-2491

goodyear3673 S. Bullard Ave., Ste. 101

623-925-0190

15655 W. Roosevelt, Ste. 223 623.328.8511

kingman3518 N. Irving St., Ste. A

928-757-5555

lake haVasu city1600 McCulloch Blvd. N. #4B5

928-846-3232

mesa1012 S. Stapley Dr., #114

480-649-0260

1806 N Lindsay Rd.480-807-7987480-354-7654

1862 N Higley Rd.480.699.0861

oro Valley 10355 N. La Canada Dr. #197

520-885-3083

1846 E Innovation Park Dr.520-219-3600

parker1212 Kofa

926-669-2437

payson512 S. Beeline Hwy. #4

928-474-1775

phoenix22601 N. 19th Ave. #106

623-434-8092

10240 N 31st Ave. # 135602-997-6633

prescott3005 N. Hwy. 89928-778-9350

queen creek22632 S. Ellsworth Rd.

480-987-9163

21321 E Ocotillo, #K113480-779-4499

SaFFOrd620 S. 1st Ave.928-428-4618

scottsdale7650 E. Redfield, Ste. D3-4

480-483-8787

16427 N Scottsdale Rd Ste. 410480-696-2413

showlow810 E. Duece of Clubs

928-537-2990

sun city west13540 W Camino Del Sol Ste.18A

623-498-8657

tempe 6101 S Rural Rd #120

480-967-7306

tucson 460 W Roger Rd. # 101

520-407-1111

5151 N Oracle Rd # 1188 520-300-9782

7301 E 22nd St., Ste 4C 520-288-8154

wickenburg82 N. Valentine St.

928-684-6895

willcox365 N Haskell Ave.

520-766-3276

williams128 W. Grant, Ste. A

928-635-2181

yuma242 W. 28th St., Ste.C

928-341-0000

661 E 32nd St., Ste. A 928.782.0012

7175 E 31st Place 928-248-5038

Your Agent of the Month

David HigginsDavid has been with the Arizona Farm Bureau familysinceJanuary1,2004.Davidisapartof the Saguaro Agency and has two offices that heandhisstaffworkoutof,oneinWickenburgandoneinSunCityWest.Congratulations David!!

Your Agent of the Month

We make insurance simple.®

Annually, various Arizona agriculture groups come together to help organize the University of Arizona College of Ag and Life Sciences Cooperative Extension’s Agricultural Literacy Program’s Summer Agricultural Institute (SAI). The SAI is a 5-day seminar held in June to engage teachers with the many facets of Arizona agriculture. As a result, the program provides our state’s teachers with first-hand experience and knowledge to incorporate into their own classroom curriculum.

And, participating teachers go away from the program forever changed and enthusiastic about Arizona agriculture. So passionate about it in fact, that Arizona Agriculture caught up with one participating teacher that now annually spon-sors a teacher: Louise Bunker, a farm kid herself.

Bunker grew up on a farm near Princeton, Iowa. Together her father and brother farmed over 1,500 acres of corn and soybeans. A member of her local 4-H club, Bunker spent a summer posting Farm Bureau signs on fence posts of

members across their county. With a degree in Sociology and Landscape Architecture from Iowa

State University and a Post - Baccalaureate degree from Ottawa Uni-versity, Bunker has taught a Science/Technology/Engineering/Math (S.T.E.M.) Applications and Career Exploration class for the past four-teen years and is currently teaching at Cocopah Middle School in Scott-sdale.

Bunker serves on the Advisory Board of Directors at Treasures 4 Teachers, a non-profit organization and resource center that provides free and low-cost supplies to teachers from community reusable re-sources. She also chairs the School Advisory Council for The Be Kind People Project. Their mission is to thank teachers and positively impact students by inspiring kindness in classrooms.

Bunker and her family make a regular trek back to the family farm in Iowa. “We usually make homemade ice cream and top it off with fresh-picked raspberries, eat the sweetest ears of corn, and ride around on the tractors until it gets dark,” she says.

Arizona Agriculture: Share your experience the year you attended Summer Ag Institute.

Louise Bunker: Originally I attended because I wanted to see what jobs and careers there were in agriculture that might interest my stu-dents. I learned so much more! From seeing all the research at the MAC (Maricopa Agricultural Center), the USDA Arid Lands Research Cen-ter, Pinal Feeding in Maricopa, and the V Bar V in Rim Rock; to visit-

ing the majestic race horses at Hidden Springs Ranch, the gentle cows at Triple G Dairy, and driving the massive John Deere tractors at Ari-zona Machinery in Buckeye; or enjoying the beautiful flowers, trees and

herbs at Mortimer Nursery in Prescott, and then sampling flavorful wines at Granite Creek Vineyard in Chino Valley, snacking on pecans at Summer Place Pecan Farm in Camp Verde, savoring juicy watermelons at Rousseau Farms in Tolleson, eating the ‘best donuts on earth’ in Yarnell, yummy homemade ice cream served by gracious Cowbelles, and the delicious family-style dinner hosted by the Groseta family in Cottonwood. Agriculture in Arizona and the jobs in agriculture are so very diversified! It was an experience I’ll never forget!

Arizona Agriculture: You went the extra mile and became not only a Summer Ag Institute Alum but a teacher sponsor. Why?

Bunker: I think it is important for teachers to get out of their classrooms – out of their comfort zones– to experience something truly unique and at the same time relevant to any subject area. I wanted to make sure other teachers would have the opportunity to attend and experience what I did four years ago. I wanted to give back to an organization that had given so much to me. Through my involvement with Treasures 4 Teachers, I was also able to offer each participant a free one-year membership to their reusable resource center in Tempe, Arizona.

Arizona Agriculture: What would you tell other teachers about the Summer Ag Institute?Bunker: I would say, put any preconceived ideas about farming and ranching on hold for the week. Through the

Summer Ag Institute you are encouraged to meet hard-working, passionate farm and ranch families that make our state so special. Everyone involved in making the Summer Ag Institute successful; especially Monica Pastor, Brandon Moak, and ALL the committee members including Peggy Jo Goodfellow of Farm Bureau, make you feel extremely welcomed, appreciated, and valued as a teacher. You will come away with a new perspective about farming and ranching in Ari-zona, along with literally hundreds of ideas, activities and lesson plans for your classroom.

Arizona Agriculture: What do you tell others about Arizona agriculture?Bunker: I love to tell people (especially my students) that there are approximately 15,000 farms and ranches in Ari-

zona and 96% of them are still family operated. Farmers and ranchers not only feed us here in Arizona, but the nation at large. Most of my students know about Arizona’s “Five Cs” but few have taken the time to realize that three of Arizona’s “Five Cs” (citrus, cotton, and cattle) come from agriculture. In fact, before I attended the Summer Ag Institute, I had no idea that dairy was Arizona’s leading agricultural commodity. I think it’s pretty amazing that Yuma, Arizona is the winter lettuce capitol of the world. My students are always interested in the fact that Arizona grows enough cotton each year to make more than one pair of jeans for every person in the United States! Interesting facts are fun, but I love to tell others about the sincere, incredibly intelligent and kind people involved in Arizona agriculture. In many ways, the future of our land is in our farmers’ and ranchers’ hands – just as the future of our students is in our hands as teachers.

Editor’s Note: Since the next group of teachers won’t be selected until next year, there’s plenty of time to share SAI’s story. In the meantime, we know one valley teacher who will be promoting it.

Iowa Farm girl and arizona teacher louise Bunker loves arizona agriculture so much she annually sponsors a teacher to attend Summer ag Institute

A Teacher Shares Why Ag Education InspiresEducator Louise Bunker attended Summer Ag Institute and became one of its biggest fans

ARIZONAAGRICULTURE•AUGUST,2013 www.azfb.org 3


McClendon continued from page 1

concerned. The amount of lobbying and information provided, in addition to legislative events that Farm Bureau hosts, is key to me. Farm Bureau is always out there fighting for all-size farmers. How well they do this and the fact that they do these things is far better than what one single farmer could ever think about doing. All these things are so important including a tax structure that favors the farmer in order for us to be profitable. I see Farm Bureau fighting for that every year.

The whole legislative umbrella that Farm Bureau does and does so well means I can stay in business and be successful.

You communicate so well too. I wouldn’t know what’s going on if I didn’t get the regular publication and other communication tools including the weekly eNewsletter; even the legislative alerts tell me what I need to engage in as it relates to state and na-tional issues. It also means that I don’t have to personally be on top of all that’s going on that impacts Arizona agriculture. You guys can worry about that for me.

So overall, Farm Bureau communicates extremely well and lobbies extremely well at the state level supporting legislation that helps every-size farmer no matter how big

or small; whether that’s dust control, pest man-agement or tax issues.

Arizona Agricul-ture: In today’s climate, we must address GMOs. Arizona Farm Bureau policy is opposed to mandatory labeling though not opposed to the market driving label-ing. Isn’t it true that the real non-GMO label is certified organic? Ex-plain?

McClendon: Right. If it is certified organic, [the product] cannot be

GMO. An organic farmer cannot have used GMO seed to produce his organic product. The USDA program makes me keep a statement from every seed company I purchase seed from that they have not supplied, nor stocked, any type of modified seed in their inventory. They are that specific. So, people wanting to avoid GMO can buy certified organic and avoid it.

Personally, I think there should be mandatory labeling so people can make their own decision. I’m not saying that we shouldn’t allow GMO in this country. I’m not say-ing that we shouldn’t have any GMO crops. All I’m saying, and a lot of people are say-ing, we just want to know so we can make our own conscious decision. We don’t want anyone telling us that we have to do this or that. We want labels so we can make the decision. We can still buy [GMO products]; they’re not going to be outlawed.

Arizona Agriculture: So you don’t think the Certified Organic product satisfies the GMO labeling issue in the market.

McClendon: It satisfies it for the organic market. There are so many products we eat that are not organic or available organic or too expensive organic. There are a whole lot of things to consider in the food chain from farm to table. Yes, if you buy 100% or-ganic you know you’re avoiding GMO products. But, if [organic is] too expensive or not available, then it leaves a [information] void in the market for those concerned.

Arizona Agriculture: Beyond labeling, why is USDA certified organic so impor-

tant to you? Or, certified organic in general?McClendon: First, the term organic can’t be used unless it’s USDA certified.

There’s another group called Certified Naturally Grown. Right now you can go online and get your backyard certified Naturally Grown. They use the good ole boy approach where Sam Jones wants to be certified and he calls Phil Roberts who lives a mile down the road to come by and say, “Oh, yes, you’re certified.” They claim they are the same standards as the nationally certified organic standards but the big difference is there is no independent third-party inspection and review.

It’s a way to get around the USDA Organic certification without the expense, the trouble and the compliance.

The value in the USDA Certified Organic program is that the public has a great deal of trust in it. It’s the only standard that they can hang their hat on. They know with a high degree of trust in this program they are getting a true [organic] product. Plus, the penalties for non-compliance can be really stiff.

There is no true definition for local, by the way. Most people consider local to fall within a 100-mile radius; maybe 120-mile radius.

From the time we became USDA Organic certified our business has grown expo-nentially. Our vegetable space has quadrupled in the last 12 months. Plus, we’re going to add more acreage in 2014. We’ve gone from 25 acres; we’re now farming 50 acres and we’ll add an additional 50 acres in 2014. It’s still small potatoes when you talk about farmers farming thousands of acres of cotton and alfalfa.

This fall and into 2014, we’re going to produce so much product that we’ll have to start wholesaling and open up a whole new market. I have several produce companies that want to provide McClendon’s Select produce to their customers. In lots of cases, some retail stores plan to feature a McClendon’s Select section. Whole Foods wants to do a McClendon’s Select section in their Town and Country Whole Foods Market that will open in September. That whole section will be devoted to our organic produce.

To manage all this, I have to make sure I take care of all my direct market custom-ers because that’s my highest profit margin. When I wholesale, my profit margin goes down, yet we’re looking at scale. We’ve purchased enough big farm equipment to move into what we’re planning on doing in the wholesale market.

Arizona Agriculture: In 30 years, what does McClendon Select look like?McClendon: Well, I won’t be around in 30 years but Sean will be. In fact, he’ll be

my current age in 30 years. The way I see our future is growth. I see us continuing to develop more markets. We’re already looking into the wholesale market I mentioned earlier. I think that we could even have a brick and mortar; a retail outlet. We’ve had several opportunities in the last few years but we’re not ready to take on the overhead that a retail store requires. I think we’ll do more farmers’ markets; currently we only do two. Farmers’ markets have steadily increased and grown in Arizona. There’s good ones and not so good ones. The good ones are marked by the presence of good farmers. If you find a good market like the Litchfield Market, it’s because it’s marked by the pres-ence of Arnott Duncan’s Duncan Family Farms. Town and Country is a good market because of McClendon’s.

A real opportunity for up-and-coming direct-market farmers is to pick out logisti-cally a good farmers’ market that they can shine in. Some potential markets exist that need some really good farmers.

And to anyone that wants to get into direct-market farming they have to live the business. This is not a 9 to 5 job. They have to love it and live it; it has to be a part of their life. That sometimes means doing some things seven days a week. It’s just something you better love doing because if you’re looking for a job to make a lot of quick money you’re wasting your time here.

In retail/direct-market farming, customers will tell you exactly what they want and what they don’t want. Because of cus-tomer requests, McClendon offers his honey in plastic and glass packaging.

See McCLENDON Page 5


the Issue of replenishment CreditsIn Pinal County, there is a movement for a “do-over” on the issue of replenishment

credits. And the issue of “water augmentation” has been the subject of five legislative hearings held across the state. The focus here has been on what is and what is not aug-mentation, as well as possible solutions.

These are but a few examples of water being a central issue. We have placed all AZFB policies, with respect to water, in a prominent place on our website, azfb.org.

Some of our policy requires clarifying and updating, while perhaps some require outright revision. What do you think applies? At the very least we wish to push the

conversation as to water and inform as to our policies. As Farm Bureau leaders, you’ll need to take it from there.

If you wish to change our policies, now would be the time to re-think them. This can apply generally as to principle or be quite specific.

One of the challenges is there will be discussion of some statewide water policy, but then tying implementation to the controls and forces of local communities. Through the recent hearings, it was evident different communities have different issues and see dif-ferent means to the end of water to fit the local demands. Just understanding the realities can be taxing at times.

None of this or the comments are new. Issues have cycles – they surface and re-surface. This one on water is bubbling up all over the state.

We need a new conversation as to water.

Editor’s Note: Go to azfb.org to find out about Arizona Farm Bureau’s water poli-cies. You’ll find the information on the home page.

Arizona Agriculture: On marketing, what do you recommend that our aspiring retail farmers do?

McClendon: Live the business. Get to know your customers. Define the market and cater to that market and meet that market’s needs. If they go into a farmers’ market and see an opportunity they first need to assess the status quo and figure out how to do it better. [The aspiring direct-market farmer] must ask how they can offer something different, something better; high quality. Sometimes, it’s the simplest shifts in how they are doing something, for example, if they’d just keep something cold by packing the produce in ice. If not, within two hours you will have a wilted product but don’t expect to sell it.

Customers want to see and know who grew their stuff. As a result either Sean or I are at the market. Don’t send the hired help to put out a bunch of stuff to sell. Direct-market farmers also need to have an educational mindset. If they put out a variety of produce they should be prepared to tell people how to cook it because they’ll ask you. They’ll also ask how to cut the produce. We hire a well-known, local chef to work market hours to talk to our customers about cooking and recipes. It’s the educational part of what we do. If our customers know how to cook something, they want to know a different way to cook it.

McClendon continued from page 4 continued from page 1Water

as Farm Bureau leaders, you’ll want to consider clarifying and updating our water policy. at the very least we’ll want to push the conversation as to water and inform as to our policies.


Thousands of people are blinded each year from work-related eye injuries that could have been prevented with the proper selection and use of eye and face protection.

Eye injuries alone cost more than $300 million per year in lost production time, medical expenses, and work-ers’ compensation, according to the U.S. Department of La-bor. Especially when working on farm equipment, farmers and ranchers need to remember to protect their eyes and ensure that their employees are wear-ing proper eye protection based on the type of work being per-formed.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to ensure the safety of all employ-ees in the work environment, which means eye and face protection must be provided whenever necessary to protect against chemical, environmen-

tal, radiological or mechanical irritants and hazards.Each year, SCF receives scores of workers’ compensation claims from workers who

have been injured by debris that has injured their eyes or struck them in the face.OSHA addresses eye and face protection in specific standards. In general, these

standards require that employers provide the kinds of protection, whether it is safety goggles or complete face shield, to ensure safety from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially inju-rious light radiation.

OSHA also requires that all eye and face personal protection equipment be marked so the manufacturer can be identified easily.

For full-face protection, face shields are the best choice. They protect the worker from splashes, heat, flying particles and other hazards, while allowing for plenty of ventilation.

glasses with impact resistant lenses that have side shields provide adequate protection for most types of work.

Protect Your EyesBy Liz Foster, Arizona Farm Bureau

New School Year, New Programs and New Standards for AITCStaff Reports

The Arizona Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom Program (AITC) is excited to start the school year off with new programs and new standards. In an effort to stay relevant and provide resources that can be used in the classroom, AITC has

updated every lesson in each of the ten different commodity curriculum kits to reflect the new Arizona Common Core Standards be-ing implemented by all Arizona schools this year. “We are excited to provide our Arizona teachers with resources that are ready to be used along with their new curricula,” says Ka-tie Aikins, Assistant Director of Education for Arizona Farm Bureau. “As teachers make the transition to the Arizona Common Core, they are looking for curriculum and resources to help a smooth transition. AITC, with its new curricula and standards can be that curriculum and that resource for teachers.”

In addition to new standards, AITC also has new programs. High School classrooms can now receive presentations and lessons on biotechnology/GMOs and animal welfare and care in agriculture. These new presen-tations strive to encourage critical thinking amongst the high school-age population. “If we can get students to think critically, we won’t have to create a new presentation every time a new video, story or claim comes out against agriculture,” says Aikins. “They will be able to think through the fear mongering and decide for themselves what is happening and what they believe.” Also look for Food Inc for Thought to be released later this year.

Do you want AITC to be a part of your classroom this year? Reserve one of their many curriculum kits and presentations, all aligned to the Arizona Common Core. All resources can be found on the web at azfb.org, just click on the tractor and books logo. Coming soon, all lesson plans will be downloadable from the website.

Already use the many resources offered by AITC? Participate then in one of their special events throughout the year. Life Cycle of a Pumpkin Ag Literacy Weeks October 21st - November 1st Dr. Seuss & Read across America Ag Literacy Weeks February 24th - March 7th Earth Day Ag Literacy Weeks April 21st - May 9th

Due to the demand for these 30-minute presentations, AITC has extended the event to include 400 classrooms instead of the usual 200. What does this mean for you? If you are one of the first 400 teachers to request the presentation to be held during the designated time slot, you will get to keep the book for your classroom library. Contact Katie Aikins to secure your reservation and free book by emailing her at [email protected]. See EYES Page 7


By Peggy Jo Goodfellow, Arizona Farm Bureau

continued from page 6EyesFace shields are recommended for activities that involve extreme heat. But remem-

ber, face shields won’t protect the eyes, so they must be used in combination with safety glasses or goggles. And some face shields are designed specially to be fitted with hard hats.

As far as protecting the eyes, never rely on regular glasses. Workers in areas where there is a lot of airborne dust or grit, flying particles or splashing chemicals, need to choose protective eyewear best suited for the job.

tips provided by the american National Standards Institute:• Glasses with impact resistant lenses that have side shields provide adequate

One hundred agricultural producers gathered recently to learn, network and have some fun at the 17th annual Women in Agriculture Conference. This year’s theme,

“Leaders: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” led participants through an evening and full day of information on how to lead while promoting agriculture.

The conference began with “True Colors” presented by Cheryl Goar, Executive Director of the Arizona Nursery As-sociation and Project CENTRL Board of Directors president. Forty five “Aggies” attended this interactive workshop that had an artful blending of education and entertainment.

The keynote speaker this year was our very own Sherry Saylor, vice-chair of the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, Arizona Farm Bureau Ex-Officio, and cotton, wheat and alfalfa farmer in Buckeye. Sherry’s humor, knowledge and leadership abilities motivated attendees to be-come leaders of today and forever!

First Vice-president Tim Dunn was on-hand to welcome and commend attendees for their continued support of Agri-culture. “Everyone here has the opportunity to reach out to our neighbors, someone at church or co-worker and start a conver-sation about agriculture,” Dunn said. “We can create advo-cates for agriculture, one person at a time.”

“Sticks and Stones can Break my Bones but Words WILL Define Me,” was a thought-provoking session by Lauren Scheller, Arizona Beef Council Director of Consumer Marketing and Public Relations. A clever presentation, “Getting to Know and Feeling Comfortable with The Leader in You” was presented, by Bryan Chadd, 4-H Extension Agent, UA CALS Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County.

Agriculturalists: It’s Time to Lead

Pinal County Women’s leadership Commit-tee Chair diann Prechel presents Pinal County farmer and long-time 4-H leader Oliver ander-son with one of the 4-H leadership awards celebrating this youth organization’s 100 years. to celebrate the 4-H Centennial 18 awards were given to outstanding 4-H leaders throughout arizona.

protection for most types of work.• Flexible-fitting or cushion-fitting goggles fit easily over prescription glasses and provide front and side protection.• Special purpose eyewear, such as chemical or chipping goggles, provides maximum protection from fumes and flying debris.• Full face shields may be worn in addition to protective eyewear for maximum facial protection.For more on eye safety, watch the Eye Safety video on SCF Arizona’s website,

scfaz.com, under Safety Net. You also can order eye safety posters and informational brochures on the SCF Arizona website.

The Awards luncheon held a special tribute to the 4-H Centennial while recognizing outstanding past and present 4-H leaders in Arizona.

After the awards presentations, Hickman’s Family Farms’ Glenn Hickman gave an encouraging and insightful talk to attendees about keeping your ag advocacy light and entertaining without putting someone on the defensive.

In the afternoon, a panel of leaders told us about their style of leadership and how they managed to balance the right amount of management and leadership skills. Janice Bryson, member of the Arizona Cowbelles and historian, moderated “Don’t Dream in Secret: How Leaders Cast Their Vision.”

“Now’s the Time to Lead” was expertly done by Ste-fanie Smallhouse, second-vice president of the Arizona Farm Bureau. Stefanie tied it all together and challenged attendees to take that extra step to talk about agriculture, promote the truth and reach out into your community.

Editor’s Note: A big thank you to this year’s conference sponsors: Hickman’s Family Farms, our annual sponsor. Other sponsors include: Arizona Farm Bureau Federation, Ameri-Gas, Arizona Beef Council, Arizona Ford Dealers Associa-tion, Arizona Dept. of Agriculture, Arizona Milk Producers, Arizona State Cowbelles, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Farm Bu-

reau Financial Services, Farm Credit Services SW, Milling Machinery, Inc, Sanderson Ford, UA College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, and Western Refining Wholesale, Inc.


Ag Stories

Join the Young Farmers & Ranchers for the 3rd Annual Barn Dance Fundraiser at Jim Boyle’s Dairy in East Mesa. This year we have Nashville recording artist Jason Wyatt from the Lost Trailers coming to play for us. Dinner is included in the price of your ticket and worth ev-ery penny. Enjoy an evening on the farm and help support your Young Farmers and Ranchers program.

When: October 5, 2013. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Where: The JIM at Jim Boyle’s Dairy, Elliot Rd. and Hawes Rd. in East Mesa.

Tickets are $25 including dinner and 2 beverages. Look up the Arizona YF&R on Facebook or call Chrisy Davis at 480.635.3615 for up-to-the-minute information!

arizona has a $12.4 billion agricultural industry and has 15,000 farms and ranches across the state.

Arizona Ag Factoid

Cooler weather is around the corner. If you have kids and want to visit Harmony Farm at the Phoenix Zoo, Farm Bureau members receive discounts on adult and child admission tickets. Before your Farm Bureau dis-count, current gate prices are $20 per adult and $10 per child. Senior discounts are not offered by the Zoo.

Farm Bureau discounts include:$2.00 off regular Zoo admission including adult and

child tickets, by showing a Farm Bureau membership identification card at the admissions booth. Not valid with any other offers.

10% discount off any Zoo membership by showing an Arizona Farm Bureau membership identification card at the membership booth. Not valid with any other offer.

For location and a list of Zoo hours, go to www.phx-zoo.org.

Mark Your Calendar! YF&R’s Third Annual Barn Dance, October 5th

Choice Privileges Program Through Choice HotelsArizona Farm Bureau members can use Choice Hotels and belong to the Choice Privileges program. Please remember to change your membership ID in your profile to the code 00209500. This will help reduce the messaging on the use of the old ID that you receive during the online reservation process.

Phoenix Zoo Discounts for Members

Jason Wyatt from the lost trailers

Speakers…. it’s fun and easy to:

· give a face-to-face presentation to local groups in your area.

· tell consumers about agriculture and dispel any misconceptions about food safety.

· talk about the things you do everyday Need a Speaker? this is a free service offered by the arizona Farm Bureau. Call 480.635.3609 or email Peggy Jo goodfellow at [email protected]

Fence Line Needs Your Voice

August 2013 issue of Arizona Agriculture.

Documents

Transcript of August 2013 issue of Arizona Agriculture.