www.azfb.org
JULY, 2013
Volume 66
No. 7
Official Publication of the Arizona Farm Bureau
Conversation with a Soldier in the War on Hunger: Mike Ivers
Yuma Food Bank’s CEO reminds politicians that farmers convert water to food to feed a nation.
By Julie Murphree, Arizona Farm Bureau
N
1%), Yuma County had the highest rate of food insecurity at 27.3%, followed by Apache
ew “Map the Meal Gap” data recently released shows almost 1 in 5 Arizonans
County at 26.1% and Navajo County at 22.7%.
(19.1%), or 1.2 million people, were food insecure in 2011 (latest figures availSomeone on the frontlines and who understands these statistics all too well is
able) – figures that held steady from 2010 data. Generally, food insecurity reChicago-area transplant, Mike Ivers, Presifers to individuals not always knowing where
dent and CEO of the Yuma Food Bank. Ortheir next meal will come from. Nationwide,
dained a Catholic priest in 1974, He spent
the food insecurity rate was 16.4% in 2011, or
four summers studying at the Institute of
nearly 50 million people, a 2% increase from
Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University
2010.
in New Orleans, Louisiana. During his 27
“Even though it appears that hunger did
years as a Catholic priest, he made an impact
not increase in Arizona, that doesn’t mean
by organizing efforts to combat gangs, elimithat it isn’t a real issue affecting many of our
nate substandard housing, build new housing,
friends and neighbors,” said Ginny Hildeband bring new retail stores to Chicago’s West
rand, Association of Arizona Food Banks
Side. He spent his active ministry in Chicaretiring president and CEO. “We know some
go’s African-American community, lately as
Arizona communities have seen an increase
Pastor of St. Agatha Church in North Lawnin hunger according to the data. We know
dale where he served from 1988-2000, walkchildren are disproportionally affected by
ing the streets, visiting homes, and building a
food insecurity. We know the economic resense of community among the residents.
covery has yet to reach many households.
Ever active in his community and coArizona’s food banks continue to work hard
founder of various community service orgato make sure those struggling have access to
adequate amounts of nutritious food.”
nizations, Ivers was president of Goodcity
President and CEO of Yuma Community Food Bank, Mike Ivers (center),
stressed throughout the interview how fighting hunger could not be done withfrom May 2001 to November 2011, focusing
The data comes from Feeding America’s
out staff, volunteers and donors. “Yuma is an incredibly generous community.”
his energy on building relationships among
Map the Meal Gap 2013, a comprehensive
people, churches, organizations, and civic enanalysis of the latest 2011 data on food insetities to build a better Chicago.
curity in the United States, including food insecurity estimates at the county and conFollowing his wife, Greta, out to Arizona after she came on with Indian Health
gressional district levels.
Service in Yuma, Ivers has been President and CEO of the Yuma Community Food
The only county to see an increase in Arizona (though the increase was less than
See HUNGER Page 4
Help the Voice of Agriculture be YOUR Voice
Participate in your county’s Policy Development and Annual Meetings
By Paul Brierley, Arizona Farm Bureau
PERIODICALS
F
arm Bureau is almost 100 years old, and a lot has changed since the first county Farm Bureau was
organized in 1914. But one thing has stayed the same over all this time: Farm Bureau’s members
come together once a year to decide on issues and solutions that their organization should engage in.
Why are we so successful? Because our on-the-ground production Ag members are the ones who
know what’s going on, and what will best solve the problem. Who are these “on-the-ground production
Ag members?” You are!
Tim Dunn is 1st vice-president of Arizona Farm Bureau and chair of the Policy Development Committee. “In order for Farm Bureau to truly be the Voice of Agriculture, we need to hear from every sector
of our industry. I encourage all Ag members to have their voices heard by attending their county’s PD and
annual meetings,” says Dunn.
As an agricultural member of your county Farm Bureau, you will be
invited to your county’s policy development meeting this summer and to
the county annual meeting this fall. You are not invited just to watch, but
to tell us what we need to be working on.
Any issue is fair game. The Arizona Farm Bureau commodity committees have recommended that policy be considered on issues such as
restrictions on drone monitoring, PM10 dust regulations, border security,
guest worker programs, crop insurance in the new farm bill, food labelling, animal welfare, forage testing, water augmentation and transfer, and
biotechnology education. The Commodity Committee reports are available upon request. Current Farm Bureau policies can be found at www.
azfb.org, click on the Public Policy tab at the top.
The American Farm Bureau commodity committees suggested work
on policies regarding Endangered Species Act reform, confidentiality of
proprietary information, raw milk, and the Renewable Fuels Standard.
And of course issues of water and land use restrictions, taxation, and property rights are always ripe for discussion.
All of these and any other issues that are important to you, your family and your operation can lead to new policy suggestions to be approved
as official Farm Bureau policy. Once that happens, yours is no longer a
single voice in the field, but a strong chorus of voices with the power of the
Farm Bureau behind you. A voice that legislators and regulators listen to
because they know that it’s YOUR voice!
All this starts with you participating in your county Policy DevelopSee YOUR VOICE Page 2
Are You Over Exposed?
– Page 2
Protection from the Sun
Affordable Care Act
– Page 5
More Questions than
Answers
Public Outreach - Page 5
Strong Numbers Continue!
www.azfb.org
2
ARIZONAAGRICULTURE•JULY,2013
We make insurance simple.
®
Your Agent of the Month
Your Agent of the Month
John Popp
JohnPopphasbeenwiththeArizonaFarm
BureaufamilysinceApril1,1988.John
andhisstaffworkoutofhisofficelocatedin
PrescottandareapartoftheHighCountry
Agency.CongratulationsJohn!!
Avoiding Over Exposure: Heat Stress and Skin Cancer
With offices across the state, we make it simple to protect your family,
home, car and business. Contact your local agent today.
By Liz Foster, Arizona Farm Bureau
S
ummer is known for warm temperatures and constant sunshine. The sun is not discriminatory against anyone.
Kids, hikers, construction workers, farmers, ranchers and even baseball spectators are at risk for melanoma skin
cancer and heat stress.
Living and working in the sun can increase the risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is not limited to just agricultural
workers; anyone is susceptible to cancer. However, farmers and ranchers can be at the top of the list because they work
outside on a daily basis. Too much exposure to the sun, fair complexions and severe sunburns as a child are risk factors
according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Skin Cancer is the most common form of cancer
in the United States and Arizona ranks at the top as one of the states with high incidence of skin
cancer. If detected early, the melanoma-type is highly curable. Eighty percent of melanomas are diagnosed at the local stage
where survival rate is 99 percent.
Melanoma can spread to other
parts of the body where survival
rates range from 15 to 65 percent.
wide-Brimmed hats and
Long-Sleeved Shirts Help
Prevent skin Cancer
To prevent and reduce your
risk of skin cancer, the American
Cancer Society advises people to
avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. If that is not an option ACS
also advises people to wear wide- Wearing wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved shirts are some of the most effective
brimmed hats that protect the clothing to battle over exposure to the sun.
neck, face and ears to keep your
head and face cool. They also suggest wearing long-sleeved shirts at all times. The ACS suggests reapplying sunscreen
throughout the day as perspiration and water can decrease the effectiveness of the sunscreen.
Being smart about sun protection will reduce your risk of being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer. According
to ACS, a simple ABCD rule can be used in detecting problems: A is for asymmetry (one half of the mole does not match
the other half), B is for border irregularities (are the edges ragged, notched or blurred?), C is for color (the pigmentation
is not uniform) and D is for a diameter of more than six millimeters (the size of a pencil eraser). For more information
you can access the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.
signs of heat stress
Summers can be taxing on the physical body because of heat stress. Heat stress occurs when the body is unable
to cool itself. High temperatures, physical exertion, direct sun and some medications are factors in heat stress, heat
exhaustion or heat stroke.
Symptoms of heat stress include: headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, moist skin, mood changes including irritability or confusion, upset stomach or vomiting. Heat stroke symptoms are dry, hot skin with no sweating,
mental confusion or losing consciousness and seizures or convulsions.
To help prevent heat stress, whether working or not, water should always be with you and water should be consumed
often throughout the day. According to OSHA, one should drink approximately one cup every 15 minutes. In addition
to water, taking frequent breaks in the shade during the hottest times of the day or using cooling fans will help prevent
heat stress. Also helping prevent heat stress is wearing lightweight, light colored and loose fitting clothes and avoiding
alcohol, caffeinated drinks and heavy meals.
If you or someone near you has heat stress, call 911 and move the person to a cool shaded area. Loosen clothing or
remove heavy clothing. Provide them with cool drinking water and fan or mist the person with water.
BuCkEYE
ParkEr
311 N. Miller Rd.
623-935-6209
1212 Kofa
926-669-2437
BullhEad CItY
PaYsOn
2071 Hwy. 95, Ste A
928-763-8464
512 S. Beeline Hwy. #4
928-474-1775
PhOEnIx
Casa grandE
22601 N. 19th Ave. #106
623-434-8092
408 N. Sacaton, Ste. E
520-836-2511
10240 N 31st Ave. # 135
602-997-6633
CaVE CrEEk
6554 E Cave Creek, Rd#4
480-575-0710
PrEsCOtt
3005 N. Hwy. 89
928-778-9350
COttOnwOOd
1759 E. Villa Drive, #113
928-649-8686
quEEn CrEEk
22632 S. Ellsworth Rd.
480-987-9163
dEwEY
21321 E Ocotillo, #K113
480-779-4499
FlagstaFF
620 S. 1st Ave.
928-428-4618
171 Hwy 69, # C
928-632-0014
saFFOrd
2733 E Lakin Dr. #1
928-527-1343
2500 S. Woodlands Blvd, # 3
928-213-5491
gIlBErt / hIglEY
325 S. Higley Rd. #100
480-635-3860
shOwlOw
4365 E Pecos Rd. #136
480-279-1874
810 E. Duece of Clubs
928-537-2990
633 E. Ray Rd., #107
480-284-4223
tEMPE
6101 S Rural Rd #120
480-967-7306
glEndalE
18301 N. 79 Ave., #D146
623-878-2491
tuCsOn
460 W Roger Rd. # 101
520-407-1111
gOOdYEar
3673 S. Bullard Ave., Ste. 101
623-925-0190
7604 N. LaCholla # 7604A
520-219-3600
15655 W. Roosevelt, Ste. 223
623.328.8511
5151 N Oracle Rd # 1188
520-300-9782
kIngMan
3518 N. Irving St., Ste. A
928-757-5555
wICkEnBurg
82 N. Valentine St.
928-684-6895
lakE haVasu CItY
1600 McCulloch Blvd. N. #4B5
928-846-3232
MEsa
wIllIaMs
1806 N Lindsay Rd.
480-807-7987
480-354-7654
continued from page 1
ment meeting, so make sure to watch for your invitation and bring you concerns and solutions to the discussion.
Later in the summer, you’ll be invited to attend your county’s annual meeting. As an Ag member you will vote on
proposed policies, and elect local leaders and delegates to represent your county at the state annual meeting.
County policies that require state or national-level solutions are forwarded to the State Annual Meeting where the
elected delegates from all 13 county Farm Bureaus will discuss and approve them.
Policies approved at the state level become part of the Arizona Farm Bureau Policy Book, from which their implementation is pursued. Likewise, approved policies regarding national issues will be sent on to the American Farm
Bureau, where delegates from all 50 states will approve final policies.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference on the issues you care about, and make Farm Bureau’s “Voice of
Agriculture” be YOUR voice! The latest schedule of county policy and annual meeting times is on page 7, and on the
events calendar at azfb.org.
To discuss this further or to get involved, contact Paul Brierley at [email protected] or 480.635.3612.
See Your Voice Page 7
128 W. Grant, Ste. A
928-635-2181
1862 N Higley Rd.
480.699.0861
OrO VallEY
wIllCOx
365 N Haskell Ave.
520-766-3276
1012 S. Stapley Dr., #114
480-649-0260
Your Voice
sCOttsdalE
7650 E. Redfield, Ste. D3-4
480-483-8787
YuMa
242 W. 28th St., Ste.C
928-341-0000
10355 N. La Canada Dr. #197
520-885-3083
661 E 32nd St., Ste. A
928.782.0012
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
The Voice of Arizona Agriculture
325 S. Higley Rd., Suite 210 • Gilbert, AZ 85296 • 480.635.3600 • fax 480.635.3781 • www.azfb.org
OFFICERS
ARIZONA AGRICULTURE STAFF
Arizona Agriculture
POSTMASTER
President • Kevin Rogers, Mesa
1st Vice President • Tim Dunn, Yuma
2nd V. P. • Stefanie Smallhouse, Redington
Exec. Secretary • James Klinker, Mesa
Julie Murphree, Editor
Peggy Jo Goodfellow, Advertising
is published monthly, except
December, plus three special editions,
(ISSN 0274-7014) by the Arizona Farm
Bureau Federation
325 S Higley Rd., Suite 210
Gilbert, AZ 85296
Periodicals postage paid in Higley,
Arizona and additional mailing offices.
Send address changes to:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Please send comments to:
[email protected]
For advertising, e-mail [email protected], call
Rock Cramer • Parker
DeWayne Justice • Waddell
480.635.3609 or visit www.azfb.org/publications.htm
Arizona Agriculture
325 S Higley Rd., Suite 210
Gilbert, AZ 85296
Subscriptions are included in
annual dues.
ARIZONAAGRICULTURE•JULY,2013
www.azfb.org
3
www.azfb.org
4
Hunger
ARIZONAAGRICULTURE•JULY,2013
continued from page 1
Bank since December 1, 2011. He is currently serving on the Board of the Yuma Area
Non-Profit Institute and is on the Board of Directors of Yuma Catholic High School.
Arizona Farm Bureau met Ivers at the Regional Water Augmentation Authority
Meetings, the first one in Yuma of several being held throughout Arizona. From his
testimony during the meeting, attendees were given an insight into Ivers’ passion for
the needy and his enthusiasm for Arizona agriculture and especially Yuma agriculture.
Arizona Agriculture: You recently testified at Yuma’s Water Augmentation hearings. Tell us what you said.
Ivers: Water is the mechanism that keeps Yuma economically thriving. If water is
rerouted or cut off, the Yuma Food Bank will be
out of business. In some ways we’d be happy to
“With the curbe out of business. Unfortunately with a 30.3%
jobless rate in this area we are not out of busirent tax advantages
ness and with a 42.9% child food insecurity
in Arizona it’s a good
rate we are in trouble in Yuma. We are in a war
time for local agrion hunger. Overall in 2010 and 2011 we were
serving 10,000 people, now we serve 22,000 to
culture.”
26,000 hungry people in Yuma.
The Yuma Food Bank covers 10,000 square
miles with 13 distribution sites including backpack programs to the children. It’s important for
people to understand in Yuma the Food Bank is
not an entitlement program but a safety net. Less
than 10% of our funding is government funded.
Where does our funding come from? It comes
from all the people in this room but especially
from the agriculture community.
It’s important that you know that the water
used by the agriculture community in Yuma benefits the entire state of Arizona and the
nation. Since 2008/2009, the last five years, 832 truckloads –18 wheelers mind you –
have gone from Yuma with donated produce from the ag community here to Arizona
and the rest of the nation. That does not include the 6 million pounds of produce that the
agriculture community donates to the hungry in Yuma every year, which is a total of 30
million pounds. Yuma is not hogging the water for themselves.
The Yuma Food Bank has been in existence since 1978 but I’ve only been here for
a year and a half [as President and CEO of the Food Bank]. I have never met such an
incredibly generous community.
Unfortunately, Yuma County is number one in Arizona in food insecurity at 27.3%.
For the first time we will surpass Apache County. Even more significant though is that
on May 15th, 480 families were served in one day which is the most we have ever done.
I finished by saying, thanks for coming and reminded the panel and audience that
Yuma agriculture cares about the entire state of Arizona.
Arizona Agriculture: What’s the typical profile of people coming to you in need
of food?
Ivers: There isn’t one. There is no typical profile. They are all age groups and when
talking about what we do for our customer I tell everyone it’s a team effort involving
staff, volunteers and those who donate.
For those food insecure, we’re seeing seniors, children, single dads, single moms,
grandparents raising grandchildren and we see the working poor. Every person has a
different story. It’s why we launched the “Step Up to the Plate” campaign that includes
our families that come in for food to tell their story on a paper plate.
Yuma Food Bank’s “Step Up to the Plate” campaign aims to raise $1.4 million and in the
process is telling everyone’s story when families come to the Food Bank for food.
So the profile of our customer is the least, the last and the lost.
Reading from one of the plates, “I am a surviving spouse of a veteran. I only live
on a month to month income. It is very hard and if it would not be for the Food Bank I
would not have food in the middle and towards the end of the month. Thank you, Food
Bank.”
Arizona Agriculture: Certainly, we’ve had gleaning programs in Arizona for years;
but tell me your relationship with the farmers and ranchers and what more can we do?
Ivers: The gleaning program has been strong in some years and then lean in other
years. We have regular donors of regular product but we could certainly use more. A
new program exists called “Invest an Acre” where the produce from that acre or the proceeds from that acre are donated to the local Food Bank. The program was introduced
nationally by Howard Buffett.
I want to add that our farmers and ranchers are incredibly generous. They are one of
our strongest donor groups. Not just in donated produce but money. For every dollar we
get we can purchase nine meals. One of our farmers has donated a $500,000 matching
grant to our capitol campaign, “Step Up to the Plate.” That’s incredible.
I would like to see us go to more of the “Invest an Acre” kind of partnerships with
designated crops.
Arizona Agriculture: Considering all the stakeholders in this process, how can we
work together more effectively, especially the agriculture community?
Ivers: With the current tax advantages in Arizona it’s a good time for local agriculture to connect with their local food banks. These are difficult times and by working
together we can make our communities stronger.
We should also work together for immigration reform. We work closely with our
farmers here because they desperately need workers. It’s ridiculous that we don’t have a
better guest worker policy. I’ve seen the growers here collaborate and cooperate rather
than compete to try and make this all work.
Senate Bill 1121, which gives a 100% tax benefit to growers who donate produce is
a valuable incentive that’s helping farmers and helping hungry families in Yuma. This
is very exciting.
I think working collaboratively with the Yuma Community Food Bank to make
sure we’re making the best use of everyone’s resources makes for a better community.
We provide accountability to make sure the food gets to hungry people. We need stakeholder support at every turn.
Others’ wisdom to help us make the best choices is tremendous. We’ve been fortunate to have the loyal stakeholders that we have. They share their expertise, time and
resources.
See HUNGER Page 6
ARIZONAAGRICULTURE•JULY,2013
www.azfb.org
Affordable Care Act:
More Questions than Answers
By Joe Sigg Arizona Farm Bureau
T
here remain more questions than answers as to the Affordable Care Act, and
there are questions specific to agricultural employers. And, there are not only
questions but challenges that vary by circumstance. Sometimes it feels like walking down an unlit hallway, slowly feeling your way along. We would like to add a little
illumination.
There are still questions out there which policy makers have yet to cover, and while
we are certainly no substitute for legal
or professional guidance, we hope that
what we are providing is helpful.
You will find on azfb.org the
document, “Overview of Health Care
Reform and its Impact on Agricultural Employers.” The document is
the top story on the “Features” section of the home page of azfb.org. This
document was prepared for American
Farm Bureau and with agricultural
employers specifically in mind. If you
remain muddled on something, even
after reading this, please contact us
and we will work through your question. Chances are many others share
your confusion. Here is hoping this
unravels things just a bit for you.
Go to azfb.org for Ag-specific details you must
prepare for as an Employer.
If you have additional questions
contact me at 480.635.3603, or email at
[email protected]. You can also contact Ana Kennedy at 480.635.3614, email is [email protected].
5
Beyond Big Numbers: Telling Our Ag
Stories
“Reach a Million” Campaign Continues Strong Push
I
n 2009, Arizona Farm Bureau launched a campaign called “Reach a Million.” We
wanted to reach a million Arizonans with the Arizona agriculture story. In its first
year, we met and exceeded the goal. As we annually build on those numbers, the
campaign effort continues to move forward.
“The organization learned after
the Hogwash campaign just how important staying connected with the
public is in today’s fast-paced world,”
said Arizona Farm Bureau President
Kevin Rogers. “We’ve been caught
off guard too many times with certain
groups misleading the public about
modern agriculture.”
As we’ve advanced in these efforts
we’ve come to realize a broader focus
too in outreach to the public. Providing the public and our school children Total public outreach numbers in this last
year not yet complete (October 2012
the opportunity to learn what farmers fiscal
to September 2013) are currently 4,064,233.
and ranchers do is becoming a larger The first year we began our “Reach A Milpart of the mission of the Arizona Farm lion” Campaign we reached 1,582,865. Every
year, we’ve leaned heavily on Arizona Farm
Bureau.
Bureau’s Fill Your Plate program to connect
Communicating our story is no lon- with the public, where today the website
ger simply putting out news releases, continues to attract Arizona families about
visiting with editorial boards and doing food and health.
radio and TV interviews. Communication now includes social media, which is growing every day in all age groups.
The renamed Communication, Education and Marketing Department is now driving much of its communication efforts through “new media” channels that include
Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube
and Google+ to continue telling our Ag
story and advance the ongoing Reach a
Million Campaign.
“For the first time since launching
the Reach a Million campaign we’re going to attempt to drive a good portion
of those outreach numbers using our social media tools,” says Julie Murphree,
Communication, Education and Marketing Director. “In fact, it could make
our numbers drop a bit initially but it’s
worth the challenge since we need to really be where our audiences are and you
can certainly find them on these various
social media channels.”
In this latest Reach a Million push,
we’re currently at 3,064,233 impressions. Compare that to the first year of
the campaign: 1,582,865. What’s an impression? An impression is sometimes
called a view or a “message” view, referring to the point in which the message,
advertisement or story is viewed once
by a visitor, or displayed once on a web
page. The number of impressions of a
particular message is determined by the
number of times the particular message
is viewed. It’s not really fair to say “person” since “Jane Doe” may have seen the
same message or ad on more than one
of our communication channels, for example on television and then on our Fill
Your Plate blog. But the fact is Arizona
Farm Bureau is reaching thousands of
Arizona families every month!
And, variety is the spice of life!
We’re connecting with the public
through public relations, Fill Your Plate
blogs, advertising, sponsorships, general marketing strategies and agriculture
education. Ultimately, everything and
anything!
We even have a new blog for azfb.
org we call “The Voice.”
What’s Our Focus?
The Communication, Education
and Marketing department’s overarching goals have three main focuses: 1)
Improve agriculture markets for farmers and ranchers in Arizona, 2) Dispel
misconceptions in agriculture through
education, marketing and public relations, and 3) actively engage Arizona
families in the exciting story of Arizona
agriculture.
See AG STORIES Page 8
www.azfb.org
6
Hunger
ARIZONAAGRICULTURE•JULY,2013
continued from page 1
Arizona Agriculture: What are your current goals for the Yuma Community Food
Bank?
Ivers: For us our goals are centered on the capital campaign right now to raise
$1.4 million so we can improve our capacity and to help pay down some of the debt we
have on the facility. We’d like to have more distribution sites. We want to more fully
implement a strategic plan. Plus, we’d like more board members representing all of our
constituents and our Yuma and La Paz County service area.
Eventually, I’d love to get us to a sustaining funding model. I want a backpack
program that would go to every single kid on weekends that doesn’t have food in Yuma
and La Paz Counties. The idea behind putting the food in the backpacks is so they don’t
get bullied.
We also need more staff to do all this. We’ve been living too long on rubber bands
and Band-Aids and especially with our trucks. The growers will call to offer product but
don’t have the capacity always to deliver it. So often, we have to use dollars to satisfy
the capacity using trucks.
Finally, we’d love to develop additional relationships with farmers to satisfy the
“Invest an Acre” program, especially with designated crops. I’d like to make it cost effective for both parties. We distribute 12 million pounds of product a year and 6 million
of that is produce. We want this to be a mutually beneficial relationship. It’s a way for
us to advocate for the farmers as well.
Arizona Agriculture: Operating in the Winter Lettuce Bowl of America, do you
experience unique benefits to the Food Bank as a result?
Ivers: Are ya kidding me! 93% of the world’s lettuce is grown here and we do get a
huge benefit from that. We are very grateful for our relationships with the growers and
packers right in our backyard. When they offer us product it’s in the best condition and
gives us the best opportunity to help our hungry neighbors. We are lucky to be here with
such an abundant set of donors.
It’s a huge benefit to be right here in the heart of it all.
Arizona Agriculture: The Yuma County Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers
have worked with you. Share your experience.
Ivers: The youth are our future but they’re also our present. My goal is to have
every High School student in Yuma volunteer at least one time at the Yuma Food Bank
before they graduate. FFA, 4-H, Yuma County’s Young Farmers & Ranchers are always
doing things for us. Jonathan Dinsmore, one of your farmer members, has done so much
for us. He’s really led a lot of this effort to engage the younger set. Harrison Farms was
just in here helping us out and so many more. It’s been very inspirational for us and
we’re grateful they want to continue working with us.
Arizona Agriculture: If you had an audience before our entire 3,500 farmer and
rancher members, what would you tell them?
Ivers: Thank you! How can we help you increase your production? I’m not sure we
can but let’s think out-side the box. Are we using your product and your dollars in the
best way we can to effectively battle in this war on hunger? We want to use our creative
brains to figure out what we can do better. Plus, what can we do for you?
I would also say to the farmers and rancher to be patient with the Food Banks and
develop relationships with us. You have the opportunity to make a difference for every
hungry man, woman and child in Arizona and beyond. Pick up the phone when you
have product that’s edible but not marketable, you have the need to move product and
we have the need to distribute it to hungry people.
Arizona Agriculture: Can we ever end hunger in America?
Ivers: We’re certainly not going to stop trying. We’d love to put ourselves out of
business. We have to do it together. Food Banks alone cannot end hunger. Growers and
shippers are a big part of this picture. We all have to focus, do what we can and together
we can get the job done.
The fact remains that hunger will always be with us. We’ll always have low-income
seniors, the disabled and the working poor. We can go far in our efforts to work together
to work toward a hunger-free America.
Editor’s Note: To connect with the Yuma Community Food Bank, call Mike Ivers at 928.259.2203 or email him at [email protected]. To learn more about
Yuma Community Food Bank go to the website at yumafoodbank.org.
ARIZONAAGRICULTURE•JULY,2013
Your Voice
www.azfb.org
continued from page 1
2013 Policy Development & Annual Meetings
County
Meeting
aPaChE
location
Policy Development
Annual
Policy Development
COChIsE
Annual
COCOnInO
Policy Development
Annual
Policy Development
grahaM
Annual
Policy Development
Annual
Policy Development
Annual Policy Development
Annual
PolicyDevelopment
grEEnlEE
la PaZ
MarICOPa
MOhaVE
Annual
naVaJO
Policy Development
Annual
Policy Development
Annual
PIMa
PInal PolicyDevelopment
Annual
YaVaPaI
Policy Development
Annual
YuMa
7
Policy Development
Policy Development
Annual
TBD
TBD
Sulphur Springs Board Room
350 N Haskell Ave, Willcox
Willcox High School
240 N Bisbee Avenue, Willcox
TBD
Williams Rodeo Grounds
La Paloma Resturant
5183 E Clifton St, Solomon
TBD
TBD
TBD
17555 14th Ave, Parker
Elk’sLodge
714 S Laguna Ave, Parker
Already Occurred
East Side TBD
Calico’s
418 W Beale Street, Kingman
Hualapai Recreation Area
6250 Hualapai Mountain Rd., Kingman
TBD
TBD
Already Occurred
Hilton El Conquistador
10000 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley
MiAmigoRicardo’s
821 E Florence Blvd, Casa Grande
The Property
1251 W Gila Bend Hwy, Casa Grande
AAEC School
7500 Civic Circle, Prescott Valley
Summer Place Pecan Farms
213 E Quarterhorse Ln., Camp Verde
7175 E 31st Place, Yuma
Basque Etcha
8575 S Ave 40 E, Tacna
Booth Machinery
6565 E 30th St. Yuma
date
TBD
TBD
time
TBD
TBD
Tuesday, August 13
7:00 PM
Friday, August 23
TBD
Saturday, August 10
6:00 PM
5:00 PM
10:00 AM
Tuesday, August 6
Thursday, September 12
TBD
TBD
Friday, July 12
12:00 PM
TBD
TBD
TBD
2:00 PM
Friday, August 16
Thursday, September 5
Thursday, August 1
Saturday, August 24
Wednesday, August 28
Wednesday, September 4
6:00 PM
10:00 AM
2:00 PM
10:30 AM
6:00 PM
6:00 PM
Friday, August 16
5:00 PM
Thursday, August 29
6:00 PM
Thursday, September 5
6:00 PM
Tuesday, July 16
6:00 PM
Saturday, September 7
Wednesday, July 17
5:30 PM
12:00 PM
Wednesday, July 31
5:00 PM
Thursday, August 22
4:00 PM
8
Ag Stories
www.azfb.org
ARIZONAAGRICULTURE•JULY,2013
continued from page 5
In the department’s first goal, improving markets, while we know Arizona Farm
Bureau does this most effectively through its public policy efforts, the communications
department strives to promote Arizona agriculture in a way that makes consumer and
other markets commit dollars to our agriculture. One way we’ve been doing this for the
growing retail market is through the searchable database of retail farmers and ranchers
on Fill Your Plate, including the farmers’ markets our farmers and ranchers serve.
With actively engaging Arizona families in the Arizona agriculture story, this year
our “Faces of Arizona Agriculture” has become a big hit on Facebook. Our most
popular “Faces” so far is Sherry Saylor with more than 6,000 views on Facebook.
A new tool in this arena is our newly launched publication series with the first
book, A Farmer’s Guide to Marketing the Direct-Market Farm, going to retail farmers
Equipment Benefit with Case IH
Our newest member benefit is with Case IH. Eligible
Farm Bureau individual, family or business members
will receive the following manufacturer discount on purchases of the following products:
Farmall Compact tractors (A & B)
Farmall Utilities – C, U, & J series
Maxxum Series and Farmall 100A series
Self-propelled windrowers
Large square balers
Round balers
Small square balers
Disc mower conditioners
Sickle mower conditioners
Case IH Scout
$300 per unit
$500 per unit
$500 per unit
$500 per unit
$500 per unit
$300 per unit
$300 per unit
$300 per unit
$300 per unit
$300 per unit
To print out a certificate log on at: http://www.azfb.
org/apps/benefit/default.aspx?c=28
A current Member Verification Certificate must be
presented to the Case-IH dealer IN ADVANCE of product delivery to receive the incentive discount,
For a list of dealers log on at: http://www.azfb.org/
apps/benefit/default.aspx?c=28.
Don’t Forget Your Ford Rebate!
$500 off Your Next Ford or Lincoln Vehicle
Eligible Arizona Farm Bureau members can get a
$500 rebate toward the purchase of new Ford or Lincoln
vehicles (standard exclusions apply).
You must be a member of the Arizona Farm Bureau
for at least 60 days prior to date of delivery to be eligible
for this rebate.
To obtain your certificate and verify membership
go to http://wwww.fordspecialoffer.com/farmbureau/az.
The Farm Bureau member must present the certificate
and membership card to the dealer at time of purchase
** HELPFUL HINT…If your membership number starts with a zero DROP THE “0” and enter the
“2” first. (Example: 20999999)
For more information, call Peggy Jo Goodfellow at
480.635.3609 or email [email protected].
Ag Factoid
On June 17, 1913, farmers in the Upper
Gila Valley went to the Supreme Court
to prevent copper mines from polluting
streams in the area and won their case.
Source: The Arizona Republic
in Arizona and elsewhere. One beef producer at a local farmers’ market said, “Before
I read Arizona Farm Bureau’s book, I was not very successful at selling my beef. But
after reading A Farmer’s Guide, I now sell out every weekend I’m at the Farmers’ Market.”
The book is also available on Amazon.
The second goal, dispelling misconceptions in agriculture, is most successfully
achieved through our Ag in the Classroom program. We can now boast “completion” of
its fifth year in action. Having already reached more than 63,000 students, teachers and
parents this last school year, we’re planning an exciting 2013/2014 school year which
will include revised curriculum that’s aligned to common core standards. We will also
have another misconceptions presentation called “Food for Thought” ready for this fall.
But also along this line, we’re addressing some of the tough issues, such as biotechnology (better known by the public as “GMO’s) to bring the truth about modern
agriculture to the public. Though wading into some of these more controversial issues
can be challenging, every time Arizona Farm Bureau does, we increase our outreach to
the public. (Along these lines, Katie Aikins is brainstorming on a possible presentation
on biotech for youth.)
In the area of engaging Arizona families in the Arizona agriculture story, we’re
achieving this on several fronts. But one of the more fun ways is through our blogs with
a new series called, “Ask a Farmer” and also through our “Faces of Arizona Agriculture” on Facebook.
In both instances we’re drawing thousands of visits with these efforts. In the “Ask
a Farmer” series we’ve run four articles to date with answers by farmers that were
addressing questions posed by our Arizona moms. We asked moms on the “Friends
of Arizona Farm Bureau” Facebook page to ask us questions. Then in turn we found
farmers willing to answer their questions. Each time we do these Q&A series articles
we obtain hundreds of visits to our Fill Your Plate blog.
In the “Faces of Arizona Agriculture” on our Facebook page we’re weekly posting
a photo and information on that farmer or rancher. To date, our most popular “Faces”
generated 6,123 visits to that post.
In all of our efforts we continue to align to the objective of our Board of Directors:
That Arizona Farm Bureau get the Arizona agriculture story out to the public.