Tag Archives: community involvement

Arkansas Weekend Celebrations Centered on Homegrown Goodness

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Scripture says the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles was a harvest feast, a colorful and joyous time drawing great throngs to Jerusalem where all would enter carrying a piece of fruit. They called it “the season of our gladness.” More than 2,000 years later, many Arkansans recognize the bounty of the state’s largest industry in similar ways. Agriculture drives Arkansas’ economy and it’s celebrated on summer weekends with fruit festivals. Below are a few favorites to visit.

Cabot Strawberry Festival (May 2-4)

Bright red, juicy and delicious! Taste and purchase fresh strawberries while taking in a carnival, pageant, kid zone, 5k and more. The 20th annual festival focuses on family fun and promoting local businesses, but its stars are Lonoke County strawberry growers. The Junior Auxiliary of Cabot has grown it to one of the state’s most popular festivals with multiple food booths and 120 exhibitors. Facebook.com/StrawberryFestivalCabot

Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival (Jun 14-15)

One of Arkansas’ longer running festivals returns for a 68th year. Pink tomatoes first sold commercially in Bradley County in the early 1920s when cotton became less profitable. Tomatoes are characterized as a pink breed when the skin is translucent, and the interior looks more pink than red once mature. This ‘world famous’ event always happens the second full weekend of June (including a Friday) in the “Land of Tall Pines and Pink Tomatoes.” There is a tomato eating contest and “Great Bowls of Fire” salsa contest, pageants, truck and car show, and live music both nights. Pinktomatofestival.com

Johnson County Peach Festival (July 18-20)

Arkansas’ longest running festival started in 1938 and has only missed a few years due to wars and Covid. Peach Pickin’ Paradise, a local farm in Lamar, provides most of the peaches for the festival at the Clarksville Courthouse Square or you can pick your own at the orchard. There will be a peach eating contest, peach pit-spitting contest, a parade, multiple pageants (Baby Peach, Petite Peach, Princess Elberta) and lots of live music, featuring the Kentucky Headhunters on Saturday night. Festival president Milisa Woodard tells us the greased-pig chase on Saturday morning is her favorite event. Jocopeachfest.com

Cave City Watermelon Festival (July 25-27)

This festival started in the very hot, dry summer of 1980 with 2,400 attendees, including Gov. Bill Clinton. The weather had made melons hard to find but a grower named Herschel Runsick, who planted his in the nearby Strawberry River bottoms, produced enough for that first free feast presented by the Chamber of Commerce. The festival has expanded to three days with up to 10 area growers supplying “the world’s sweetest watermelons.” Catfish dinners, pancake breakfasts, talent shows, watermelon judging contests, 5k runs, ice cream making contests, car shows and local entertainment fill the weekend. Grab a lawn chair, lift a slice of melon and let the juice roll down to your elbows. Cavecitywatermelonfestival.com

Altus Grape Festival (July 26-27)

The 41st annual will include traditional attractions at Altus City Park, but just easing by the beautiful vineyards makes it worth the drive. If you take exit 41 off I-40, you’ll see rows of grapes on rolling hills and a majestic, Romanesque church built with stone in 1902. There will be a grape stomp at the festival, live music, food and beverage competitions, including an amateur wine competition with lots of taste testing. The wine industry has driven the Altus (population 662) economy since 1872. It is an official U.S. viticultural (wine growing) area. Facebook.com/altusgrapefest

Hope Watermelon Festival (Aug. 8-10)

It dates to the mid-1920s when close to 20,000 attended a one-day event and farmers sold ice-cold, giant melons (weighing close to 200 pounds) to passengers on the many trains that stopped in Hope. It became an annual event in the 1970s and is now a three-day celebration featuring chilled melons sold whole or by the slice. There will be close 150 arts and crafts booths from six states, dozens of food vendors, a car show, entertainment and other family-oriented activities like a melon-toss and seed-spitting contest. Hopewatermelonfest.com

Finding Fun During an Arkansas Winter

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Warm temperatures are the preference for most Arkansans. If you don’t believe us, just check the nearest body of water here in the Natural State any time between April and October. That said, we often get a little cabin fever during the colder months, so it’s good to have a list of climate-controlled activities that will keep your family active and smiling all winter long.

We’ve pulled together a list of some of the best spots to have a little indoor fun while we wait on the thermometer to rise a bit more. From Smackover to Jonesboro and Little Rock to Bentonville, here’s a list of 9 great options for non-stop action that should definitely hold you over until it’s shorts-and-sandals season again.

Mid-America Science Museum – Hot Springs

Mid-America Science Museum is a resource for innovative Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and serves as a unique destination for families. It provides an escape for curious minds of all ages and is located less than a mile from Hot Springs National Park.

Little Rock Climbing Center – Little Rock

This indoor hub of fun and fitness features climbing walls, top-rope stations, auto-belay stations, a fitness gym, large bouldering area and much more! Day passes are available and they’re open seven days a week.

Scott Family Amazeum – Bentonville

The Amazeum features approximately 50,000 square feet of exhibit and learning spaces inside the museum to bring learning to life and enhance family involvement, while evoking a sense of curiosity and discovery through hands-on activities.

Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center – Jonesboro

The Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center on the southern edge of Jonesboro tells the story of a unique ridge atop the Mississippi Delta with indoor and outdoor exhibits, films and trails. The three-story facility adjoins the southern boundary of Craighead Forest Park and includes a 5.5-acre prairie, 2.5-acre pond and approximately 100 acres of woodlands. Game and Fish Nature Centers are also located in other areas of the state. See a full list here.

U.S. Marshals Museum – Fort Smith

Complete with immersive exhibits and interactive storytelling, get the history of the U.S. Marshals Service. From tales of colonial days and the western frontier to challenges of a Marshal’s life today, you’ll encounter an America you never knew and be inspired by the men and women whose service and strength helps hold it all together.

Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources – Smackover

South Arkansas is home to the unique story of the 1920s oil boom. Inside the museum, tour a reproduction of a boomtown with an old jail and café. The streets are even lined with vintage trucks and gas pumps. Walking the grounds of the state park, you’ll see working oil field equipment used in the area, including a replica of a 112-foot derrick and a central power station that could pull up to 15 wells.

Blanchard Springs Caverns – Fifty Six

Located in Stone County, approximately 2 miles off Highway 14 near Mountain View, the Blanchard Springs Caverns is one of the most spectacular and carefully developed caves found anywhere. Visitors enter a “living” cave where glistening formations like stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstones are still changing. 

Hijinx – Jonesboro

From bowling to ropes courses to laser tag and everything in between, there’s lots to choose from at this NEA hotspot offering a host of family entertainment options for fun-seekers of all ages and skill levels. The only problem might be getting your family to leave!

Museum of Discovery – Little Rock

The Museum of Discovery is Little Rock’s premier science and technology center, with a mission to ignite and fuel a passion for science, technology, engineering, arts and math through dynamic, interactive experiences. For kids young and old, the museum is a great place to explore the exciting world of science!

Farm Bureau Insurance Kickball Team Wraps Up Season in the Playoffs

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The Farm Bureau Insurance kickball team, also known as F.B.I., recently wrapped up their second season of play in the Little Rock Kickball Association. The team is made up of staff from many of our departments, including: underwriting, claims, finance, and information systems.  Finishing the season ranked 4th in their league and with a record of 6-4, F.B.I. was proud to represent Farm Bureau Insurance and had a fantastic time bonding and working as a team.

The Farm Bureau Kickball team is just one of many ways the company strives to be an active, positive force in the community–and show that Farm Bureau Insurance is a local company with local employees.

We are looking forward to the next season of Kickball. GO F.B.I.!!

Farm Bureau Insurance Summer Interns

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Farm Bureau Insurance in Arkansas has a long history of involvement in our local communities. One way we do that is through our internship program. The intent of the program is to provide a hands on work experience to students that will increase their understanding and knowledge of Insurance and Agriculture. To be eligible to participate in the program, students must be actively enrolled in an accredited Arkansas College/University, entering junior or senior level status and pursuing a degree in insurance, business, agriculture or a related field.

This summer our interns were Chance Redfearn, Kaylee Brasko and Kasen Bloodworth. All three interned in our Claims Department, this allowed them to work at different locations across the state. Each spent time working with our adjusters and learning about the crucial role that our claims employees have in the success of our company.

Our interns have diverse backgrounds and interests. Chance is from Ashdown and is a student at SAU where he majors in Ag Business. He is President of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity and a Senator for the College of Science and Engineering.

Pictured: Chance Redfearn

Kaylee is from Stuttgart and attends UAM where she is a Plant and Soil Science major. She participates in Collegiate Farm Bureau, Collegiate Cattleman’s Association and is involved with the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority.

Pictured: Kaylee Brasko

Kasen is from Brookland, he is a student at UCA and is an Insurance and Risk Management major. He enjoys spending his time outdoors and is involved with the Fisheries and Wildlife Society.

Pictured: Kasen Bloodworth

We hope that our program better prepares these students to enter the workforce after college. A number of our past interns have even transitioned into being employees here at Farm Bureau Insurance in Arkansas. Kasen had this to say about what he learned during his internship: “I learned the importance of interacting with insureds in a positive way. We are able to better people’s lives in the course of a claim, which is very rewarding.” We are proud that we are able to offer this internship program and thankful for these interns that spent their summer learning about the insurance industry!

2019 Farm Bureau Insurance Awards Winners

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Farm Bureau Insurance is pleased to announce the winners of the 2019 Farm Bureau Insurance Awards. 

The Farm Bureau Insurance Awards honor Arkansas’ top offensive player, defensive player and coach of the year for each classification. The veteran staff at Hooten’s Arkansas Football selects three finalists for each category, and those 45 finalists and their families are invited to attend the Farm Bureau Insurance Awards in North Little Rock.

Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas, Inc., Executive Vice President and General Manager David L. Moore said, “We congratulate our 15 winners. All 45 finalists represent some of the best coaches and student-athletes in our state. Farm Bureau Insurance is proud to honor excellence as the title sponsor of this outstanding event.”

Farm Bureau Insurance has supported education and community involvement in Arkansas for more than 65 years.

7A/6A OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR (winners in CAPS)
BRANDON THOMAS, NORTH LITTEL ROCK
Jake Meaders, Bryant
Hunter Wood, Har-Ber

7A/6A DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
AUSTIN BAILEY, BRYANT
Daylon Land, Bryant
Jashaud Stewart, Jonesboro

7A/6A COACH OF THE YEAR
MARK KELLEY, SEARCY
Jamie Mitchell, North Little Rock
Buck James, Bryant

5A OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
BRADEN BRATCHER, PULASKI ACADEMY
Jacolby Criswell, Morrilton
Chris Hightower, LR Christian

5A DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
BROOKS BOTH, HARRISON
Clay James, Pulaski Academy
Jackson Woodard, Little Rock Christian

5A COACH OF THE YEAR
KEVIN KELLEY, PULASKI ACADEMY
Sean Cockrell, Valley View
Eric Cohu, Little Rock Christian

4A OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
CANNON TURNER, ARKADELPHIA
Vincent Steppes, Warren
Truitt Tollett, Shiloh Christian

4A DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
P.J. HALL, JOE T. ROBINSON
Bryant Burns, Ozark
Kyren Harrison, Arkadelphia

4A COACH OF THE YEAR
TODD ESKOLA, JOE T. ROBINSON
Jeff Conaway, Shiloh Christian
Bobby Engle, Jonesboro Westside

3A OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
M.J. VANCE, OSCEOLA
Xaylon Falls, Camden Harmony Grove
Eli Roberson, Atkins

3A DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
DANIEL HICKS, CAMDEN HARMONY GROVE
Carter Hawkins, McGehee
Derriun Thompson, Prescott

3A COACH OF THE YEAR
NEIL EVANS, HARDING ACADEMY
Robert Hooks, Osceola
Ernie Horstkamp, Camden Harmony Grove

2A OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
CALEB JACOBS, PARKERS CHAPEL
Isaac Carver, Foreman
Jackson Morton, Des Arc

2A DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
JAKIRON COOK, JUNCTION CITY
Kyle Kidwell, Junction City
De’Arius Sledge, Fordyce

2A COACH OF THE YEAR
TIM RODGERS, FORDYCE
Kyle Jackson, Gurdon
Brad Smith, Junction City

Farm Bureau Insurance Generously Invests in SAU Through Gift to Poultry Science Facility

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Dr. Trey Berry, SAU president, and David Moore, executive vice president and general manager of Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance of Arkansas, celebrate with SAU administrators and the Farm Bureau leadership team as Farm Bureau contributes $100,000 to the University’s new poultry science facility. Also pictured are, left to right: John Bonner, Vice President – Underwriting, Dina Bates, Vice President – Products and Education, Wade Berry, Vice President – Information Systems, Mack Wallace, Vice President – Sales, Kevin McKenzie, Vice President – Claims, Dr. David Lanoue, SAU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Jeff Miller, SAU Agriculture Department Chair and Boulware Professor, Tammy Crumey, Vice President – Human Resources, Dr. Abdel Bachri, SAU College of Science and Engineering Dean, and Rick Wells, Vice President – Finance.

In a tremendous show of support for the students of Southern Arkansas University, Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas, Inc. has generously donated $100,000 to the University’s new poultry science facility.

Dr. Trey Berry, SAU’s president, said the gift represents the extraordinary bond between Farm Bureau and SAU and its budding poultry program.

Farm Bureau Insurance made the gift to the SAU Foundation. It supports construction of the new poultry house on the north side of the Agriculture Center.

“SAU is truly grateful for our partnership with Farm Bureau,” said Dr. Berry. “It is committed to providing facilities necessary for our students to be educated in an environment that meets local industry needs.”

He thanked David Moore, executive vice-president and general manager of Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance of Arkansas, for his ongoing support for SAU’s students. “Farm Bureau has been a partner in our success long before this commitment,” Dr. Berry shared. “They have provided internships for many of our agriculture and business students and employed many of our graduates.”

Moore said that as the leading provider of agricultural insurance services in Arkansas, Farm Bureau Insurance assumes a responsibility of helping customers make informed buying decisions. “Our partnership with Southern Arkansas University is unique in that it provides educational opportunities for our customers and staff. Plus, it assists SAU in providing learning activities for students who want to be involved in the poultry industry. Southern Arkansas University, Farm Bureau, and the surrounding communities all win.”

In recognition of this extraordinary gift, the university will name the Agriculture Mechanics Teaching Laboratory in honor of Farm Bureau Insurance. Inside the First Financial Bank Poultry Facility, Farm Bureau will also be recognized in the naming of the Broiler/Breeder Room.

In addition to strengthening the educational component of SAU’s poultry program, Farm Bureau will document the proper construction techniques used in building the poultry house.

Poultry is the leading agriculture industry in Arkansas, and SAU’s Poultry Science program will prepare students for careers in the ever-growing and changing industry. The poultry industry provides more than 15,000 jobs in Arkansas. Forty-one percent of farms in Arkansas produce some type of poultry, and the poultry industry pays an average of $58,776 in wages and benefits.

Team Farm Bureau Donates to the Arkansas Foodbank

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Recently, Team Farm Bureau came together for a community outreach project aimed at helping the Arkansas Foodbank with a need for canned goods in the aftermath of recent flooding that has impacted much of the state.

The Team Farm Bureau Community Outreach program donated 1,176 canned food items to the Arkansas Foodbank. The food donated came from a combination of employee donated items and a company match on those donations. Always a champion of the company’s community outreach efforts, VP of Human Resources Tammy Crumley had this to say, “The Foodbank requested help, so Team Farm Bureau jumped right in and made it happen!”

Farm Bureau employees helping to load canned good donations.

The Arkansas Foodbank started in 1984 as an organization serving a number of south Arkansas counties as a source of food for local agencies who sought to reduce hunger in their communities. Since then the Foodbank has grown to serve 450+ partner agencies and more than 280,000 people. Farm Bureau Insurance in Arkansas and its employees are proud to be able to help those individuals in our state who benefit from the essential work of the Arkansas Foodbank.