Across the Ozarks

I got to visit with different folks up at the Ozark Empire Fair in Springfield, Mo., this year; I hope you didn’t miss it. I know Arkansans get up there, because I see you showing, and hear of the good results that come from the northwest Arkansas’ showmen and women. Well, I have to say, I was really impressed with one of the exhibits I saw up there. In the breezeway off the north side of the arena up there was a small petting zoo where livestock and farm machinery were showcased, complete with educational posters. These posters explained the difference between a heifer and a steer, told how much water a cow drinks and displayed a lot of other good-to-know farm facts. Several local FFA chapters and farm families staffed the area. These kinds of public relations thrusts are essential to our industry’s success in an ever-urbanizing world.

“All We Need’s More Rain”

The efforts of the American people forced the U. S. House of Representatives to look real hard at the administration’s and congressional leadership’s energy bill. Lots of trading went on before the vote, and they tell me that the bill is riddled with pork barrel projects. The biggest good thing is many of the electric coop members have been spared the brunt of the bill by the actions of folks that had you and me in mind. Not entirely, but in northwest Arkansas, southwest Missouri and eastern Oklahoma most of us can breathe some easier. It passed the house by six votes, not much when the majority party exceeds the other one by such a large margin. If we all tell our U.S. Senators to look out for us we should get an even better energy bill in the end.

Life Is Simple

Judy got home from work on Thursday afternoon, quickly changed into her work clothes and proceeded to do some yard work. When I got in from the fields about 6 p.m. and sat down at the kitchen table to drink some iced tea, I heard the back door slam and the sound of Judy’s footsteps walking much faster than normal. I looked up as she entered the kitchen to see her hair all messed up, her arms flailing around her head, her face reddened, missing a shoe and her glasses, with a hint of tears rolling down her cheek. “They got me good!” she exclaimed with a quivering voice as she headed for the garage.

Across the Ozarks

I enjoyed visiting with lots of folks up at the Ozark Empire Fair this year; I hope you didn’t miss the fair. I have to say, I was really impressed with one of the exhibits I saw. I heard Larry Ellison and committee are to be thanked for the neat little breezeway off the north side of the arena. In it was a small petting-zoo type area where livestock and farm machinery were showcased, complete with educational posters. These posters explained the difference between a heifer and a steer, told how much water a cow drinks and displayed a lot of other good-to-know farm facts. Several local FFA chapters and farm families staffed the area. These kind of public relations thrusts are essential to our industry’s success in an ever-urbanizing world. Great job to all who had a part in that exhibit.

Headin’ for the Last Roundup

"Then there was Jerry"

Life Is Simple

Judy got home from work on Thursday afternoon, quickly changed into her work clothes and proceeded to do some yard work. When I got in from the fields about 6 p.m. and sat down at the kitchen table to drink some iced tea, I heard the back door slam and the sound of Judy’s footsteps walking much faster than normal. I looked up as she entered the kitchen to see her hair all messed up, her arms flailing around her head, her face reddened, missing a shoe and her glasses, with a hint of tears rolling down her cheek. “They got me good!” she exclaimed with a quivering voice as she headed for the garage.

Across the Ozarks

I just got back from a trip to Ghana, Africa. It was a service trip of sorts, I worked at two schools, one in Accra, Ghana’s capital city, and the other in Kumasi. Ghana is the better of most African countries, it is safe, with a stable government allowing its citizens to make their way selling fruits and vegetables, eggs and fish, or an assortment of imported prepackaged items of all shapes, sizes and colors. Agriculture is a vital part of the economy of Ghana, and I witnessed this on the large scale – in the marketplaces and roadside vendors aplenty – as well as in one beautiful, yet small, example of self-sustainability.

“All We Need’s More Rain”

There was something casual about Tyson Foods back when I joined them in 1963. We all wore khaki. My boss back then, Bill Martin explained that farmers were uncomfortable around folks in ties and suits. Since they were the core of our business, providing the housing and labor for the birds, it was a good idea. Don and John even wore tan outfits, (I understand Don still does).  They had our name on them so folks would know who we were. Tyson  called us servicemen, and we were a big part of the company’s management – about all of us were college graduates.

Life Is Simple

I don’t know whether the entire country has become agriculturally illiterate or just the people in Hollywood and on Madison Avenue, but I’ve about had enough.

Across the Ozarks

I just got back from a trip to Ghana, Africa. It was a service trip of sorts, I worked at two schools, one in Accra, Ghana’s capital city, and the other in Kumasi. Ghana is the better of most African countries, it is safe, with a stable government allowing its citizens to make their way selling fruits and vegetables, eggs and fish, or an assortment of imported prepackaged items of all shapes, sizes and colors. Agriculture is a vital part of the economy of Ghana, and I witnessed this on the large scale – in the marketplaces and roadside vendors aplenty – as well as in one beautiful, yet small, example of self-sustainability.
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