PINE BLUFF, AR – More than 320 row crop farmers and agriculture industry representatives from around the country gathered here for the fifth in a six-part series of Model Farm Field Days sponsored by the
National Black Growers Council (NBGC). This event featured rice and took place on fields farmed by NBGC Chair PJ Haynie.
Following formal welcomes from NBGC Executive Director Dr. Dawn Mellion, Haynie, Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian Flowers, and County Judge Gerald Robinson, the program was turned over to Dr. DeWayne Goldmon who served as a master of ceremonies and kept the packed schedule on time.
The first stop was an excellent showcase of modern rice growing techniques with a patch of levee rice on one side of the path and furrow irrigated rice on the other. County Extension Agent Brady Harmon gave a quick overview of rice in the region, followed by a more detailed presentation from University of Arkansas Extension Rice Agronomist Dr. Jarrod Hardke. Hardke fielded multiple questions from the crowd, many of whom were seeing rice growing for the first time, including about yield variations on furrow rice that Hardke said makes up about 20 percent of the state’s rice crop.
University of Arkansas irrigation consultant Mike Hamilton talked about efficient water management and costs associated with multiple inlet irrigation and holding and pumping water. “One inch of rain on 40 acres is one million gallons of water that the farmer gets for free,” he said.
This gave way to a spray drone demonstration from Rogue Air Agri-Drone Services of Dumas, Arkansas. After flying a short pattern (spraying water), the pilot answered questions about capacity, battery life, wind speeds, and how drones compliment ag pilots by being able to operate in tight spaces that are too dangerous for fixed wing aircraft.
Representatives from BASF, FMC, and Bayer, all sustaining members of NBGC, spoke about the various solutions they provide to rice farmers, before NBGC member and local rice farmer Roger Smith talked about his recent experiences, including how an agri-drone helped him save a 200-acre field earlier in the season.
At the next stop, attendees were treated to presentations on crop insurance and other risk management tools before John Deere and Greenway Equipment demonstrated a self-driving tractor in a field that Haynie was forced to leave fallow this season.
Haynie and fellow farmer Terry Sneed took questions about the technology, data security, and the value of adopting technology, while remaining vigilant about how the farmer allows his or her data to be used.
The group then moved to the nearby STEM Building at the University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff (UAPB) for updates from the many U.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA) staff in attendance, including Farm Service Agency (FSA) Deputy State Director Emund Woods who, with his team, fielded questions about loans, USDA staffing, disaster assistance, and more, including Woods reminding any farmer who interacts with an FSA office to request a receipt for service. “You will need that paper trail, so please be sure to get it,” he said.
Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Reginald Jackson and Assistant State Conservationist Alvin Peer reminded attendees of the programs their agency oversee to assist growers such as EQIIP, CSP, and more.
A common refrain from Haynie throughout the meetings was that row crop farmers are providing the food, fuel, and fiber that supplies the world, and that farmers need to think about what they do on a larger scale.
To that end, chef and registered dietitian Tessa Nguyen and Dr. Kimbery Haynie, associate professor at UAPB, showcased dozens of consumer products that featured rice, corn, soybeans, oats, and more from savory snacks to cooking oils. They implored attendees to think not about what they grow as just a commodity, but rather as a value-added product that moves the world.
Other speakers throughout the day included Dr. Ma’at Latham from the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Dr. Henry English of UAPB on the distressed buyer program for small farms, Dean of UAPB School of Agriculture Dr. Bruce McGowan, UAPB Chancellor Dr. Anthony Graham, Vice President, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Dr. Deacue Fields, and NBGC Program Director Elzadia Washington.
Before turning the program over to lunch, PJ Haynie again thanked everyone for attending and participating and helping to build the nationwide community of black row crop farmers. Dr. Goldmon echoed these sentiments and provided a sobering warning that if farmers receive a call from anyone claiming to represent a class action lawsuit to battle past discrimination and they ask for money up front, be wary.
“I’m not aware of any additional resources being made available to settle old claims, and it is very unusual for members of a class to be asked to pay anything up front,” he said. “That’s not how it typically works, so be careful and reach out to your NBGC representatives before sending anyone money.”
The
next NBGC Model Farm Field Day is scheduled for September 11-12 in Marianna, Florida, and will focus on cotton and peanuts. Additionally, the
NBGC Annual Meeting is December 9-12 in New Orleans.