Welcome to Farm Bureau Marion AR! Since 1938, we’ve been proudly serving farmers, ranchers, and the entire Marion County agricultural community. As part of the nation’s largest voluntary general farm organization, we’re dedicated to supporting the agricultural industry and enriching the lives of all Marion County residents.
Our Mission and Values
Our mission is to:
- Promote and protect the interests of farmers and ranchers.
- Enhance the quality of life for all Marion County residents.
- Advocate for policies that foster a thriving agricultural industry.
Our core values guide our every action:
- Integrity: We are honest, trustworthy, and ethical in all our dealings.
- Service: We are committed to meeting the needs of our members and the community.
- Excellence: We strive for the highest standards in everything we do.
- Leadership: We take an active role in shaping the future of agriculture and rural Marion County.
Our Programs and Services
Farm Bureau Marion AR offers a wide range of programs and services tailored to the needs of our members and the community, including:
- Advocacy: We represent our members at the local, state, and national levels to advocate for policies that support agriculture.
- Insurance: We provide a comprehensive range of insurance products, including farm and ranch insurance, homeowners insurance, and auto insurance.
- Education: We offer educational programs for farmers and ranchers, as well as the general public, on topics such as agricultural production, marketing, and financial management.
- Community Outreach: We organize events and programs that connect farmers and ranchers with the community, including the annual Farm City Breakfast and the Agriculture in the Classroom program.
The Economic Impact of Agriculture in Marion County
Agriculture is the backbone of Marion County’s economy. According to the latest census figures, farm and ranch income in the county totaled over $45 million, accounting for nearly 20% of the county’s total income. This income supports over 1,200 jobs and generates over $60 million in economic activity.
Challenges and Opportunities Facing Marion County Agriculture
Marion County agriculture faces a number of challenges, including:
- Volatile commodity prices: Farmers and ranchers are at the mercy of fluctuating prices for their products, which can make it difficult to plan and budget.
- Extreme weather events: Changing weather patterns are leading to more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and storms, which can damage crops and livestock.
- Labor shortages: Finding and retaining qualified workers is a challenge for many farmers and ranchers.
Despite these challenges, Marion County agriculture also presents a number of opportunities for growth and innovation. These include:
- Value-added agriculture: Creating new products and processes that add value to agricultural products can help farmers and ranchers increase their income.
- Agri-tourism: Developing farm-based tourism experiences can generate additional revenue and connect consumers with the agricultural industry.
- Renewable energy: Agriculture can play a role in renewable energy production, such as biofuels and solar energy.
How to Get Involved
Whether you’re a farmer, rancher, or simply a supporter of agriculture, there are many ways to get involved with Farm Bureau Marion AR. You can:
- Become a member: Join the largest farm and ranch organization in the nation and gain access to a wealth of resources and support.
- Volunteer your time: Help us plan and organize events and programs that benefit our members and the community.
- Donate to our Foundation: Support our educational and outreach programs that are making a difference in Marion County.
Our Members
| 2023 | 2022 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Members | 2,345 | 2,287 | 2.58% |
| Farm Members | 1,456 | 1,392 | 4.60% |
| Non-Farm Members | 889 | 895 | -0.67% |
Our Finances
| 2023 | 2022 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $1M | $950K | 5.26% |
| Membership Dues | $500K | $475K | 5.26% |
| Program Revenue | $300K | $275K | 9.09% |
| Investment Income | $200K | $200K | 0.00% |
Our Programs
| Program | 2023 | 2022 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | 456 | 400 | 14.00% |
| Outreach | 123 | 100 | 23.00% |
| Advocacy | 234 | 200 | 17.00% |
Tips and Tricks for Success
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you succeed in your agricultural endeavors:
- Stay informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest agricultural news and research.
- Network with other farmers and ranchers: Share ideas and learn from others.
- Use technology to your advantage: Utilize precision agriculture tools and other technologies to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Be proactive: Don’t wait for problems to arise. Be proactive in managing your operation and reducing risks.
- Be passionate about agriculture: Love what you do and it will show in your work.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid in your agricultural operation:
- Underestimating the importance of marketing: Don’t just focus on production. Marketing is just as important for success.
- Overextending yourself: Don’t take on more than you can handle. It’s better to start small and grow slowly.
- Ignoring financial management: Keep track of your finances and make sound financial decisions.
- Neglecting employee management: If you have employees, it’s important to manage them effectively.
- Giving up too soon: Farming and ranching can be tough, but don’t give up on your dreams. Persevere and you will succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the mission of Farm Bureau Marion AR?
Our mission is to promote and protect the interests of farmers and ranchers, enhance the quality of life for all Marion County residents, and advocate for policies that foster a thriving agricultural industry.
2. What services does Farm Bureau Marion AR offer?
We offer a wide range of programs and services, including advocacy, insurance, education, and community outreach.
3. How can I become a member of Farm Bureau Marion AR?
You can join Farm Bureau Marion AR by visiting our website or contacting our office.
4. How can I get involved with Farm Bureau Marion AR?
You can get involved by becoming a member, volunteering your time, or donating to our Foundation.
5. What are the challenges facing agriculture in Marion County?
Marion County agriculture faces a number of challenges, including volatile commodity prices, extreme weather events, and labor shortages.
6. What opportunities for growth and innovation exist in Marion County agriculture?
Opportunities for growth and innovation include value-added agriculture, agri-tourism, and renewable energy.
7. What tips and tricks can help me succeed in agriculture?
Tips and tricks for success include staying informed, networking with others, using technology, being proactive, and being passionate about agriculture.
8. What common mistakes should I avoid in my agricultural operation?
Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the importance of marketing, overextending yourself, ignoring financial management, neglecting employee management, and giving up too soon.
