HH packed for Farm Bureau Banquet

By Natalie Hood, 09/23/17 3:50 PM

HOPE- Hempstead County Farm Bureau held its annual meeting and member appreciation meal on Thursday, September 21, at Hempstead Hall.

Farm Bureau members and their families attended the event that was catered by Amigo Juan’s Mexican Cafe. While eating members listened to music performed by the Hempstead County Melody Boys.

Farm Bureau agents, Heather Wheelington, Darrel Davis, and Reed Camp took the stage together to say a few words. The annual meeting consisted of getting motions to approve the three resolutions, all approved, and will be taken to the state office. Caleb Plyler gave the report on membership, currently there are 118 new members and that’s 94.24 percent of the group’s quota with 1,864 members who have paid their dues.

Steven Yates and Brady Gentry were introduced as the two recipients of the $2,000 scholarship given to Hempstead County students.

Mindy Lockhart spoke on behalf of the Farm Bureaus Women’s Committee. They have about 20 women in the committee and do community service in the community. Throughout the year they have done projects such as hosting the hospitality booth at the farmer’s market, reading to the first grade classes at the local schools, donating to Hope in Action, and helping at the Hempstead County Library carnival. Door prizes presented to the members as they entered were part of a community service project from the students at Hope Academy of Public Service(HAPS) as the student’s community service project for the year.

Brady Gentry, the Arkansas State FFA president, spoke about a trip to Washington D.C he took this summer. He said while there he had two thoughts, one being how thankful he was for his life and how he couldn’t be where he is at today without God, his parents, and those supporting who were present at this event. Gentry’s second thought was “you can do anything.”

The Hempstead County Farm Family of the year, Clovy Keaster and her two daughters, with Keaster Farms in Ozan, were also recognized at the nights event. Autumn Wood, membership marketing specialist spoke on the benefits that the members receive such as hotel discounts, vehicle discounts from Ford and Lincoln.

To end the event, more door prizes were given away to the members present.