ACA
NEWSLETTER

                        NEWSLETTER

Volume 69, No. 4                                             August 15, 2008
                                
                            WHEW, IT’S SUMMERTIME!

                   BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING AUGUST 28, 2008

ACA’S Board of Directors will meet August 28, 2008, 10:00 a.m.
at Walnut Lake Country Club in Pickens.  Special speakers will be
presenting information on fertilizers and bioenergy.  ACA
members serving on  promotion boards will be reporting on the
accomplishments of their respective organizations.  As ACA moves
forward, it is very important for our leaders to have input from
every member; visitors and their views are also welcome.  In
addition, as shared interests are discussed, there is a vast
amount of  information exchanged.  Of yes, let’s mention the
excellent lunch to be served at 12:00 noon?

        AGRICULTURAL COUNCIL OF ARKANSAS IS MOVING FORWARD

Leading members of the Council participated in a strategic
planning session in Stuttgart last month.  The past, present and
future of the organization was discussed in depth with A positive
outcome.  Throughout the life of the organization, foundational
beliefs have remained constant:  Strong belief in sustainable
agricultural heritage; credible advocacy for agriculture; good
stewards of land and natural resources; consideration of our
members, stakeholders and rural communities; through the simple
structure of the  organization---maintaining knowledge through
information sharing and distribution of information concerning
public policy on local, state and national levels.

Through the two-day process of evaluating the organization, the
mission of ACA was defined: “To enhance profitable and
environmentally responsible agricultural communities through
credible representation.”  In looking forward, the vision was
formed: “To recruit and develop future agricultural leaders.”  
Goals were set to enforce the mission and move toward the
vision.  Objectives and strategies were discussed with various
options for implementation.  ACA is moving forward!

COTTON INCORPORATED REQUESTS COTTON PRODUCERS  INPUT

Cotton Incorporated requests assistance in promoting U. S. cotton
by identifying the great  strides  cotton producers have made
toward production efficiency.  Each cotton grower  in Arkansas
can participate in a 20 minute survey to provide information that
only each of you can provide.  Since each input will be
anonymous, you can be comfortable in truthfully answering the
questions.  A third party has been commissioned to administer the
survey, collect and analyze data, and ensure web-based
communications and information services.

The summarized data from the information provided will greatly
benefit future cotton research.  It will also reflect the positive
impact on the environment made by cotton producers.  The global
textile industry, brands, retailers and even consumers need to
know how conscientious cotton producers are in protecting our
environment.

J. Berrye Worsham, President & CEO, Cotton Incorporated, and Dr.
Kater Hake, Vice President of Agricultural Research, express their
appreciation in advance to each person participating in the
survey.  Please access the “Natural Resource Survey” at
agsurvey@cottoninc.com. If you need technical assistance, contact
CareerCurrency tech support at 1-800-834-7111.

          ACA’S ANNUAL MEETING – DECEMBER 4-5, 2008

Don’t forget  ACA’s 2008 Annual Meeting at the Capital Hotel in
downtown Little Rock, Arkansas.  This meeting will be a valued
experience for everyone as we enjoy a step back in time.  Very few
of America’s historically important hotels remain; most are either
gone entirely or living on in memories; the Capital Hotel has
avoided fate and ultimately has stood the test of time.  In 2005,
the hotel was closed for a thorough historical restoration; the
results are amazing.  

Be sure and mark your calendars and make your reservations
early; reservations can be made by individual attendees by phone,
501-374-7474 or toll free at 1-877-637-0037.  Reservations must
be made by Tuesday, November 4, 2008, to assure
accommodations.  Downtown Little Rock will be lit up and buzzing
during this Christmas season!

                  25x’25 ---AMERICA’S ENERGY FUTURE

What is 25x’25?  An alliance formed as a rallying cry for
renewable energy with a goal for America---to get 25 percent of
our energy from renewable resources like wind, solar and biofuels
by the year 2025.  The Agricultural Council of Arkansas is proud
to have joined forces as a leader and partner soon after the
alliance was formed, looking forward to new technologies creating
new jobs in rural Arkansas’ farming communities and adding value
to agriculture while our producers continue to produce safe,
abundant and affordable food and feedstock.

Last month, Governor Mike Beebe offered his support for the goal
of the 25x’25 Alliance.  He stated as follows, “Because Arkansas
has established itself as a provider and user of renewable energy
resources and products, biofuel-production facilities and clean-
energy manufacturers have chosen to locate in the State to take
advantage of our skilled labor force and feedstock supplies.  I
believe that a strong cooperative effort among the states is
essential if we are to succeed in the mission and goals of the 25x’
25 Alliance.”

             ACA WELCOMES NEW SUSTAINING MEMBER

Pioneer, a DuPont Company with representation in North Little
Rock has joined ACA as a sustaining member.  Pioneer is
committed to improving peoples’ lives and livelihoods.  The
company’s plant technology is used in collaborative projects that
held alleviate hunger and improve farmer profitability.  The
organization shares ACA’s focus of developing leadership in the
next generation of farmers.  Welcome, Richard Koester,
representative of Pioneer---a Dupont Company!