AAC F A M I L Y F R I E N D S » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » Honoring family farmers
and commodity prices. Many of those variables were adversely affected by last season’s months of extreme drought. We saw that the inherent risks associated with farming require determination, perseverance and a wide range of skills.
E More impressive is the fact that many of today’s farmers come
from families who have worked the same land for generations. Te ancestors of today’s farmers didn’t have the same resources or technology we have today, and still, they made it through the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. When you trace the history of Arkansas’s resilient farm families, the stories are truly remarkable.
To acknowledge these families, the Arkansas Agriculture
Department last year created the Arkansas Century Farm Program. It is designed to pay tribute to Arkansas families who have owned their farms for at least 100 years. Tis program reminds all of us how important it is that Arkansas’s farming traditions continue to be passed from generation to generation.
According to the USDA, family farms make up more than 96
percent of all agricultural operations in our nation. However, in Arkansas, the average age of a farm’s principal owner is now 56 years old. Tat means many farms will change hands in the next 20 years. In the past, it was safely assumed that ownership would shift to the family’s next generation. But these days, the next in line for many farm families lacks either the skills or the desire to carry on the family business.
To give these farm families an extra sense of their importance in our history, the Arkansas Century Farms Program certified 83 farms in its first year. Once again in 2013, farms can apply for this prestigious designation. To qualify, a farm must have been
Recent Attorney General Opinions
correct in releasing the interview questions submitted to applicants. However, the public has an interest in
knowing the most qualified applicant was hired and therefore the scores of the person hired to the interview questions should be released and not redacted.
AG OPINION NO. 2012-123
Te AG determined from submission of the necessary information that the custodian’s decision to not release an employee evaluation that did not according to the custodian play
COUNTY LINES, WINTER 2013
a part in the subject termination. Under Attorney General Opinion No. 2012-144 the AG agreed with the custodian’s decision to release a transcription of two e-mails by a former employee, one to department heads and one to the employees generally, tendering his resignation. However, the AG found that the redactions made by the custodian were inconsistent with the FOIA. Resignation letters are generally subject to release under the FOIA, however, the custodian may be able redact certain
information invasion of privacy. as an unwarranted
ven with today’s sophisticated equipment, the life of a farmer is never easy. Despite technological advances, Arkansas’s farm families must still contend with the unpredictable variables of weather, pests, crop yield
family-owned for a century or more as of Dec. 31 of this year. Te line of ownership from the original settler or buyer of the farm may be traced through children, grandchildren, siblings, nephews, nieces, even through marriage and adoption.
At least 10 acres of the original land acquisition still need to be part of the farm and make a contribution to the farm’s income. Eligible families will receive a personalized metal sign and an official certificate. For more information on the Century Farm Program, call (501) 225-1598, or go online to
aad.arkansas.gov.
From The Governor
Hon. Mike Beebe Governor of Arkansas
We don’t know what the future of agriculture will hold for
Arkansas. But we do know that we will depend on the hard work of Arkansas farmers to continue bringing food, fiber and energy to our state, the nation and our world. To the operators of the more than 49,000 farms in our state, I say thank you for the extraordinary job you do from sunrise to sunset. Your families’ dedication through generations has strengthened a love of the land, making Arkansas’s largest industry one of the best agricultural producers in the modern world.
Mike Beebe
Te Honorable Mike Beebe Governor of Arkansas
Continued From Page 11 <<< Because the two resignation letters were not
provided and the release of information to the requesting party was a transcription of the two e-mails, the AG could not determine that the custodian acted inconsistent with the FOIA. At a minimum the amount of information deleted shall be indicated on the released portion of the record, and if feasible at the place the redaction was made. Te use of a transcription was inconsistent with these methods of disclosure and redaction under the FIOA.
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