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• "I've Looked at Life From Both Sides Now..."

  Sharman Hickman talks about a graphic encounter she had with a free-range chicken.

• Glenn Hickman Warns Against Anonymity

  At the recent Arizona Farm Bureau annual meeting, Hickman president Glenn Hickman warned against farmers and ranchers concealing their professional identities from the general public.

• Going Green at Starbucks Helped a Women's Shelter

  Recycling and healthy eating, with help from Starbucks!

• Punkin' Palooza, 2011

  Grandma Gertie’s pumpkin pie recipe is everybody’s favorite.

• 10th Annual McLane Foodservice Duel in the Desert

  It was a great day for a great cause.

• A Great Debate Is Over

  The chicken or the egg? It’s been a scientific squabble and a philosophical debate for generations. Finally, there is a real answer. And the winner is…

• The American Egg Board Provides an Answer

  The American Egg Board addresses a question that is making its way around the Internet. Does soy residue in animal feed have a role in triggering an allergic reaction?

• Arizona Farmers Came to the Rescue This Summer

  Arizona farmers showed the true spirit of ag this summer.

• Hunter Education Campout a Great Success

  It’s always safety first, and then some really great eating.

• Banner West Valley Family Safety Fair to be November 12, 2011

  The Banner West Valley Family Safety Fair is a must-do for this autumn. Get it on your calendars now for November 12!

• Arizona CENTennial Penny Drive Declares Estes Elementary School in Marana Winner

  And we have a winner! Estes Elementary School in Marana will be honored at a pizza party on Friday, May 20 at 10:30 a.m.

• Trinity Preschool Welcome Breakfast Recipes

  We’ve had a lot of requests for the recipes from the welcome breakfast at Trinity Preschool. Here they are — and they will feed an army of very short young people, or a regular hungry family. Note that the Base Mix can be used for several recipes, with a couple of minor modifications.

• 2011 Raven Golf Club at Verrado Summer Punch Cards

  The summer season is nearly upon us, and with it comes some great opportunities to enjoy your favorite golf course at unbelievably great rates.

• Junior Golfers: 2011 Jr Golf Summer Camps

  If you’ve got a Junior Golfer in the family, be sure to register them for one (or both!) of two Junior Ravens JR Golf Camps. Each camp offers three days of instruction, competition and fun!

• Estes Elementary School in Marana is winner of pizza party!

  More than 40,000 students in 70 schools have registered to participate in the Arizona CENTennial Penny Drive, a K-8 program for students to collect pennies in a bid to clean, reseal, and brighten the Arizona State Capitol Copper Dome this fall, and learn a bit about Arizona history as well.

  The Arizona CENTennial Penny Drive, a children’s legacy project of the Arizona Centennial 2012 Foundation continued through April 15, to “shine the dome,” the de facto centerpiece of Arizona’s 100th Statehood Day next year.

  Penny Drive Ambassadors, teachers who coordinated the program at their school, were entered to win prizes such as a $50 or $100 gift certificate from Wist Office Supplies, as well as a bicycle donated by Hickman’s Family Farms, and more.

• Rules for Arizona Egg Competition

  Good luck to each and every competitor!

• MEDIA ADVISORY -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  Hickman’s Family Farms is giving back to the Southern Nevada community and donating nearly 130,000 eggs to the Three Square Food Bank – just in time for Easter.

• Your Dog Will Love This Beauty Tip

  Eggs and healthy coats — they go together for our four-legged friends.

• Karen Friend Announces Arizona Egg Competition

  The Arizona Egg Competition will take place at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park on Saturday April 23 at 7:00 a.m.

• Protected Hens Live Longer Lives

  “Free-range” may sound idyllic for a laying hen, but it is actually an almost certain early death sentence when predators abound.

• Here's a New Kind of "Green Grocer"

  Two Albertsons stores are “green giants” in the grocery field with their efforts to recycle.

• ARIZONA AGRICULTURE MOMS CELEBRATE FOOD CHECK-OUT WEEK

  NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace is going with Arizona Farm Bureau’s Women’s Leadership Committee as they deliver homemade apple pies to Arizona’s state representatives and senators at the capitol from 10:00 a.m. to noon this Thursday, April 24. Made by local Willcox apple farmer, Ann Holcomb of Apple Annie’s, each apple pie will also contain information about Arizona’s $10.3 billion agriculture industry.

• Young Authors Day Is March 1, 2011 at Desert Thunder

  Young Authors Day at Desert Thunder is coming up on March 1. They could use your help, if you have some extra pantry items to share.

• American Egg Board Launches New National Advertising Campaign

  Kevin Burkum announced the “You Do Everything” campaign, which launched January 17, 2011. We are pleased to share his memo.

• Five For Food -- the Factory Farmers Among Us

  Are you sure you know where your food comes from, and how much care goes into producing it? Before you assume that so-called “factory farmers” are hardened and uncaring, be sure to watch these clips.

• Thanks to Everybody for Helping at Breakfast for Dinner

  Hickman’s Family Farm team members and their families gave up precious holiday preparation time to make Breakfast for Dinner for the guests of the St. Vincent de Paul dining room in Phoenix. Hickman’s is grateful to everybody who helped make this event — which was so deeply appreciated this year — such a success.

• A Plea from Julie Murphree, Arizona Farm Bureau

  Please go to the Pepsi website and vote for the project currently running in second place, a project to help children with cystic fibrosis breathe easier. It has the best chance of beating the HSUS and, quite unlike HSUS, is actually a worthy cause.

• Help Needed at St. Vincent's Dining Hall

  Hickman’s invites any of our employees/spouses/partners to help serve breakfast for dinner to families in need.

• Flocking to AZ Ag Literacy Days

  Funky continues to make friends wherever he goes. Yesterday, Principal Sharon Marine of Estrella Mountain School surprised everybody when she revealed her presence inside the chicken suit.

• Bashas' Simplifies Fund Raising with Rechargeable Card

  Your organization purchases the Community Card and receives a 6% discount. The new Community Card offers your members a choice where to shop as it is accepted at all Bashas’, Food City, and AJ’s stores. Your organization then sells the Community Card to supporters at face value and receives a 6% profit. The cards can be recharged, too, and earnings will be distributed once a month. For more information, please call 1-866-292-6407 or email communitycard@bashas.com.

• 7th Annual 5K Charity Walk

• Julie Murphree Confirms Facelift!

  The Arizona Farm Bureau relaunched its Fill Your Plate website after having more than a little work done. This popular site is dedicated to Arizona food and connecting farmers to Arizona consumers. Visit it at www.fillyourplate.org.

• El Chorro's Chef Charles Kassels Is Heavy Medal Winner at C-CAP Competition

  The Careers through Culinary Arts Program supports high school culinary students.

• Fund Raising Through Bashas'

  Fund Raising is Now as Simple as Doing Your Grocery Shopping

• T.C. Eggington’s celebrates its 25th EGG-iversary

  T.C. Eggington’s uses an average of 800 eggs a day during the week (all eggs purchased locally through Hickman’s Family Farms), and 2,400 eggs on weekends. That’s over 8,000 every week, or nearly 10.5 million eggs in the 25 years T.C.’s has been serving up eggs. Most folks would consider that eggscellent numbers!

• A letter from Pastor Nate of Summit Community Church

  Pastor Nate of Summit Community Church wrote a great letter we’d like to share. visit them at www.summitcc.org..

• The Biological Value of Eggs -- It's Egg-streme

  We are reprinting some information that is available from experts at several sources. Eggs are true power houses of nutrition.

• 5th Annual Arizona Agriculture Literacy Days, November 22-24, 2010

  We really do promote “ chick lit,” because we bring our own chicken along with the literature. A big shout out to Desert Thunder and Emmaus Lutheran School. We will see you soon! Check out all the information at extension.arizona.edu/events/arizona-agricultural-literacy-days.

• 5th Annual Arizona Agrigulture Literacy Days, November 22-24, 2010

  Reading to our kids may seem like a little thing to do, but it is actually a huge experience for everybody involved.

• Another Important Perspective from Julie Murphree Regarding Cage Housing

  Egg production will continue regardless of what happens in the United States. The point is, who will be doing the producing? Julie Murphree is the author of a thought-provoking article.

• Food on the MOOOVE at Superstition Farm

  Thursday, October 28 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., get free entrance to the farm and all kinds of other wonderful free treats. Hayrides for $1. More information is found at www.SuperstitionFarm.com

• 2011 Arizona Farming & Ranching Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

  Eight Arizona agricultural pioneers will be honored at the Fourth Annual Honoree Dinner on March 5 at the Estrella Vista Reception Center in Avondale.

• Julie Murphree Writes About Eggs

  Little-known facts about eggs are the subject of one of Julie’s latest informative blog entries. To read the complete text, go to fillyourplate.wordpress.com/2010/10/21/little-known-facts-about-eggs.

• Paul Horton's Car Wash

  What’s big, wet, and good clean entertainment? Funky at Paul Horton’s Car Wash! (And what a week of glamour for Paul…)

• Another Use for Hickman's Egg Storage Boxes

  Our egg storage boxes are being recycled in hundreds of creative ways. Do you have a suggestion as to how to use them, too?

• AJ's Epicurean Market

• Ride for Kids is October 17

  It’s time to ride for a good cause, and eat good food just because. For more information about the Ride for Kids, visit www.phsrfk.com.

• Julie Murphree Writes about Promoting Your Brand

  Julie Murphree’s blog is always filled with excellent points to ponder. Check out her recent entry at juliemurphree.org/?p=1921

• PCH KTAR Radiothon!

  GIVE A TEDDY BEAR
  Become a Monthly Miracle Maker!

• A letter from Lyric B. of Mesa, Arizona

  Lyric asked some good questions, and we decided to share the answers with everybody.

• Why Some Folks Can't Wait for Dinner Tonight

  Tonight I hoep everybody will be wearing something with elastic. There is serious eating to be done. Check out how many dishes owe their magnificence to some hard-working chickens. Eggs are everywhere on this menu.

• Some True Food for Thought

  Thanks to Jean Haward for sending us this letter from an 85-year old fan of eggs.

• Brain Cramp? Time to Crack An Egg!

  You need acetylcholine to do your best thinking. Help is available in the yolk of a Hickman’s egg. What could be more simple?

• Eat an Egg, Then Sleep Well Lose Weight

  Put down that sleeping pill, and pick up a carton of eggs! You can sleep better and lose weight.

• Chefs For Kids 5K Run/1 Mile Fun Walk in Las Vegas

  It’s all happening on January 22, 2011 at Wayne Bunker Family Park, starting at 8:00 a.m.

• He Said/She Said (About Eggs)

  We thought we’d share some conversation between a customer (Dan), and Sharman Hickman regarding organic and uncooped eggs, and eggs from a caged nesting environment.

• Girl Scout Troop 2307

  We are a local troop that is doing a series of cooking lessons.

• Shriners' Hospital for Children Benefit: Night of the Child

  On November 13, you can enjoy dinner, auctions, and fun while you benefit children with very serious medical challenges. It all takes place at Shriners’ Auditorium. Go to www.nightofthechild.org for complete information and tickets.

• Free Omelet Day at all First Watch Locations!

  Wednesday, October 6, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — the omelets are free to the public. Donations are encouraged to help St. Vincent de Paul help the poor and homeless in the Valley.

• Recent Recall Reminds Us About the Basics in Food Safety, by Julie Murphree

  Julie Murphree of the AFB posted this article on her blog. We wanted to reproduce it here.

• Jeff Fowle Talks About Social Networking in Agriculture

  Hickman’s has been diving into social networking a a way to keep everybody up to date with what’s happening in agriculture, and to keep the conversation going. Regardless of what your position is on individual issues, it’s so important that we communicate.

• Green Is One of Our Favorite Colors

  Hickman’s Fine Fertilizers loves the color green, and we love young agriculture enthusiasts. Recently we donated 20 bags of 4-2-2 fertilizer to two schools in the Balsz School District — Orangedale Jr. High Prep and Brunson-Lee Elementary School (for the community garden).

• Some Nutrition Conversation

  Here is a bit of some interesting conversation that went on recently about protein and nutrition. It’s worth repeating. Be sure to read through to the end.

• Reprint: Embrace the Egg, Not the Recall!

  Julie Murphree of the Arizona Farm Bureau has written a powerful article detailing her love of eggs, and why they are such an important part of a healthy life. We are pleased to offer it here in its entirety. For more information about the AFB, visit www.azfb.org.

• KEX interview with Sharman

• Tomorrow's Winners Health and Fitness Program

  700 girls will participate at two high schools in Buckeye on September 16.

• Glenn Hickman's Statement

  The recent voluntary national egg recall does not involve any product produced by Hickman’s Family Farms. The following is Glenn’s statement:

  Remember, there are almost 300 million hens out there each producing about an egg a day. Billions of eggs are eaten around the world daily, and many people depend on them for their daily nutrition. Eggs contain the most digestible protein available in nature. I wouldn’t recommend eating raw eggs, raw pork, or drink un-pasteurized milk. In fact no one since Rocky Balboa has actually eaten a raw egg on purpose. Isn’t there even a warning on the carton and every menu in the country? You shouldn’t drink downstream from the herd, play in the street, or eat unwashed greens. Proper food preparation is everyone’s responsibility. It’s a shame if eggs disappear from anyone’s diet.

• Food Safety Fashion

• The Journey of My Eggcellent Egg, from the Arizona Farm Bureau

  This video is especially helpful as an educational tool for teachers and instructors of all kinds. Thanks to the Arizona Farm Bureau for this posting. bit.ly/aD5NpD

• More Fertilizer for the International Rescue Committee

  Once again, we’re happy to help the IRC “grow their business.” We’re on our way on August 17 with 34 pallets of 50-pound bags of pellets. That’s 1,360 bags of really good Hickman’s fine fertilizer, just in time for the fall growing season. For complete information about the IRC, visit www.theIRC.org.

• C-CAP Heavy Medal Culinary Competition

  You’re invited on September 19, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. as two renown chefs challenge each other for the title. Go to bit.ly/bguYPA for complete information and to order tickets.

• Register Online for the 2nd Annual Drive for Agriculture Golf Tournament

  Individuals can now register online for the golf tournament benefitting Arizona Farm Bureau’s Agriculture in the Classroom. The event will take place November 10th at the Raven at South Mountain Golf Course. The event will fill with 36 teams. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to win one of several Hole-In-One prizes including a new Ford Pick-Up donated by the Arizona Ford Dealer’s Association. For more information visit www.azfb.org.

• We had a letter from Sprouts VP Joe Dobrow that we want to share with you.

  Sprouts Farmers Market featured Hickman’s recently in their newsletter. The response was wonderful, and we thought you’d enjoy reading what one Sprouts customer had to say.

• Hickman's The Farm Choice Scores Winning Goal

  We made an early touchdown at Westview High School at 107th Avenue and Indian School. Their football field was anything but a champion until it went into summer training with The Farms Choice fertilizer. For more information about Hickman’s line of amazing fertilizers, visit hickmanseggs.com/fert.html.

• Hickman's makes an impression on a young customer.

• Hickman's Is Happy to Be a Part of the Hunger Solution

  Here are useful cooking suggestions using typical resources distributed at a food bank. We are happy to forward this on.

• Golf & Lunch Deal

  This week (Wed. thru Fri.), play golf AND have lunch at the Raven Golf Club – all for only $39. – great deal!!

• Thank You Letter from Jon Vosper

  Thank you so much for spotlighting our project in your newsletter!

• Make the Green for AITC

  You are cordially invited to join us at our 2nd annual Golf Tournament to benefit the Agriculture in the Classroom Program.

• Association of Arizona Food Banks Officially a Feeding America Partner State Association

  Four of AAFB’s five member food banks are members of Feeding America: Community Food Bank in Tucson, St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance in Phoenix, United Food Bank in Mesa, and Yuma Community Food Bank in Yuma.

  Hickman’s Family Farms has been pleased to support the efforts of Arizona’s food banks by donating eggs and egg products.

• Jan D'Atri Features Young Farmers and Ranchers

  this past weekend, Jan D’Atri featured some really great young people on her show. We thank Julie Murphree of the Arizona Farm Bureau for sending us the information.

• Revisiting the Farm to Table Mom Blog Tour

  It seems like a good time to take a look again at the connection we made with some great ladies earlier this year. Several of the mom bloggers said that visiting Hickman’s changed their minds about how they buy eggs. And hey — if you can’t trust a mom, who can you trust? Visit this link for the complete story: www.doublebugs.com/index.php?s=hickmans+eggs

• Hall of Fame Dinner Date Changed

  Okay, so it’s next March. But we know your schedule gets full early, so be sure to block out this date: March 5, 2011.

• Is Henrietta is missing?

  Don’t get your feathers ruffled.

• Response to Questions About Caring for Hens in Cages

  In response to customer feedback regarding the caged bird correlation to inhumane treatment, Sharman Hickman offers these observations.

• Glendale Celebrates Veterans, November 6

  Be sure to mark your calendars for this wonderful event. Thanks to Rosie Hardenburger, volunteer, for alerting us.

• USDA Study Shows No Nutrional Benefit to Organic, Cage-Free Eggs

  Everybody at Hickman’s is committed to providing eggs to our customers that are the best quality available anywhere, produced under the best possible conditions. When it is done with precision, care, and experience — egg production can be both efficient and humane, to provide an affordable source of protein food.

• Local Businesses Hold Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive Through July

  A peanut butter and jelly sandwich may not sound like a lifeline, but for many people in Arizona, it can make the difference between going to bed hungry and having something to eat. This article is taken from AZ Central’s website.

• AgChat Announces Farmer-Oriented Social Media

  Thanks to Julie Murphree of the AFB for this article. Hickman’s has fully embraced social media, and we look forward to talking to you, however you’d like to contact us — cell phone email, Facebook Twitter, or by good old land line.

• Baby Nicolas George Cortez

  Dan and Maria Cortez send photos of their new son, Nicolas George Cortez, who was born on June 9, 2010.

• See How It's Grown

  Are you an educator who wants to show ag students how fresh produce can be grown in desert Arizona, despite the challenges of the heat? Consider visiting the farming site being cultivated by Somali Bantu farmers, who are here through the International Rescue Committee. They have transformed land near Maricopa in the East Valley into a producer of squash, zucchini, melons, and much more.

• Boxed In? Round Out Your Breakfast With Hickman's

  Well, it’s really an oval we’d like to see you get to know, if you haven’t already. Hickman’s eggs are real food for breakfast. Now that Kellogg’s has recalled 28 million boxes of its cereal, you might want to try something that doesn’t come in a “wax-like” wrapper.

  Read more about it at www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-06-25/kellogg-recalls-28-million-boxes-of-cereal-over-wax-like-taste-from-liner.html.

• At-Risk School Kids Will Have a Great Breakfast on July 8

  What could be better than Hickman’s eggs and Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Las Vegas?

• Mrs. Smith's Mobile Office

  Maria Smith shows how the multi-tasking professional mom gets it all done down on the egg farm.

• Questions about egg dating? Here are some answers.

  Are you paying big money to buy fresh eggs? Here’s what you need to know about freshness.

• Arizona Farming & Ranching Hall of Fame Seeks Nominees

  The Arizona Farming & Ranching Hall of Fame is seeking nominations of pioneers who have led the way in the field of agriculture. To be eligible nominees must be individuals who have been associated directly with farming and ranching, or who are part of the farming and ranching community in the fields of education, business or the sciences. Nominations are encouraged from all corners of the state. (Thanks to Julie Murphree of the Arizona Farm Bureau for this item.)

• A Note from Norma Macias

  Glenn spoke at the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce last week, and we received a wonderful note from Norma Macias, the Member Services Director. Norma, it was our pleasure!

• Want Summer Fun? Herd On Over to Superstition Farm!

  Working Dairy Farm Offers Unique Summer Camp Program

  From fresh air to animal care, this summer Superstition Farm offers a four-day camp program that will be the cow’s moo for every child who attends. Beginning June 15th and running for five sessions, cow campers ages six to fourteen will learn about recycling, gardening, how a farm is operated and the journey that food takes from the farm to the table. A daily snack is provided and fun farm crafts and lots of moooo-velous surprises lie in store, too!

• Here's Something for Any Meal Today -- Onion Frittata

  Sometimes it’s good to focus on simple dish that is easy, affordable, and good for you. This delicious dish is a perfect one for the beginning cook.

• National Day of the Cowboy

  National Day of the Cowboy is Saturday, July 24 in Flagstaff from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Hickman Chicken will be there, cowboy hat and all.

• Iron Chef Winner Mark Tarbell Is Egg-spert on Youtube

  Want to make some amazing eggs in the French tradition? Go to this link and watch Mark Tarbell show how it’s done. www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRHmwIAgXfQ

• Superstition Farm Will Highlight Local Farmers (including Hickmans!)

  You have to buy your tickets by tonight, so don’t let this great event get by without you. This may be the last weekend of beautiful outdoor dining weather for awhile. Don’t miss this “Chef Du Moo” extravaganza. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m.

• May Is National Egg Month

  Hickman’s met with some egg-ceptional students yesterday at Trinity Lutheran School.

• The Good Project Wants You!

  Have you taken The Pledge yet? Go to www.goodeggproject.org/take-the-pledge

• Post 41 Children’s Easter Egg Hunt

• “Chef Du Moo” Dinner

  Celebrate local foods with local farmers, chefs and artists… on a real working farm.

• It takes real eggs to make a real egg hunt

• 2nd Annual Drive for Ag Ed Golf Tournament

• Question: Where is the pumpkin pie recipe that you talked about on Jan D'Atri's radio program?

  I’ve heard from some of you who were out there recently in Radio Land. Here is the classic Hickman pumpkin pie recipe that Jan D’Atri says is her favorite.

• Here's another one that easy and festive! Tortilla Quiche!

  Cinco de Mayo is getting close. This would be perfect for your May 5 celebration.

• A real Easter egg hunt

• Mommy & Me Ice Cream Classes

• Superstition Farm Camp: June - July 2010

• Eat an Egg Before Your Interview

  Found in egg yolks, peanuts, soybeans and flaxseeds the nutrient choline helps support the brain’s messenger service, called neurotransmitters. It’s also linked to new memory cell production. For more information, see www.ajc.com/health/eating-to-prep-for-440283.html

• In the Kitchen With Jan (D'Atri)

  It was so great being able to share some air time with Jan, and to get to see her and her mother in action together.

• AIMS Snacks Score Big

  Fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Mosley, dropped us a note to tell us how her flock had done during AIMS testing.

• Check Out Jeffrey Saad's Blog Today!

  Jeffrey Saad — National Spokesperson for the American Egg Board, recipe consultant, motivational speaker, and acclaimed chef — talks about his recent visit to Hickman’s Family Farms.

• More 'Skinny' on Eggs

  Yesterday’s Rachael Ray “Incredible People” segment sponsored by the American Egg Board was eggscellent. This segment featured Carrie Curtis who is finally living the double life she’s dreamed about for years – first grade teacher by day, roller derby girl by night! She explains why fulfilling her dream didn’t happen overnight.

• Dried Egg Sticking on Dishes?

  Here’s a Hint from Heloise that we know you will want to remember.

• 'The Journey of My Eggcellent Egg' is on Youtube.com

  Check out this great video. It’s another wonderful offering from the Arizona Farm Bureau. Here’s a story you can sink your teeth into…

• You've got to read this! This article from incredibleegg.org will make your day!

  Eating eggs for breakfast helps reduce calorie consumption throughout the day by 18 percent. New research reports that eating protein in the morning helps manage hunger.

• Eggs Reach Arizona Food Banks in Time for Easter

  The hens have been busy getting ready for Easter. Here’s another link to a great story about this spring’s egg donation to the food banks in Arizona. www.azfamily.com/good-morning-arizona/inside/Hickmans-Family-Farms-donates-eggs-to-food-banks-in-time-for-Easter-88933582.html

• The Easter Bunny in Vegas

  The Easter Bunny was pressed into service in Las Vegas duringour latest egg donation. Follow this link to the full story: www.lvrj.com/news/special-delivery-for-needy-89583462.html

• Media Coverage for Egg Donation to Las Vegas Food Bank

  Three Square receives eggs just in time for Easter, and the media helped raise awareness of the hunger crisis in Las Vegas.

• Easter Funnies

  

• Hickman's 'Funky Chicken' Visits Food City

  Temporary tattoos and eggs are a hit with customers.

• Journal of Clinical Nutrition Ranks Eggs High

  Eggs ranked high as low cost source of nutrients.

• The Incredible Egg Breakfast Club

  If you’re boiling your eggs, you may want to reconsider your hard-cooking method.

• 2010 Women in Ag Conference Scheduled for June 4

  Mark your calendar for the 2010 Women in Ag Conference to be held at the Buttes, in Tempe on Friday, June 4. Hosted by the Arizona Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC), the University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the Arizona Cattlewomen, the 14th annual conference is open to anyone interested in improving leadership, professional and personal skills.

• Angus Scholarship Opportunities Are Still Available

  The Angus Foundation and American Angus Auxiliary are providing several scholarship opportunities to Angus youth pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees.

• A letter from Colleen Pope

  Desert Marigold Charter School in Phoenix hosted its Second Annual Medieval Games Event. Hickman’s Family Farms helped keep the knights bright!

• Over Easy to Feed Customers Who Feed Others March 29-31

  What could be better than getting a free breakfast for helping others?

• Write About Arizona Agriculture and Win Free Harkins Tickets

  The Arizona Farm Bureau will send you to the movies if you are a contest winner.

• Hickman's Family Farms to Donate 300,000 Eggs to Arizona Food Banks

  Part of an Overall Donation of 700,000 Eggs in Four States

• You'll Love It at Bashas' -- With the Hickman's Chicken

  When you’re out shopping at Bashas’, watch for the Hickman’s chicken and all sorts of fun and surprises. Here’s the schedule so far.

• Heart Walk for American Heart Association -- UPDATE

  The Heart Walk was Saturday, February 27. We’re happy to have participated, and know you will be interested in the letter we received.

• The American Egg Board Provides Timely Tips for Perfect Easter Eggs

  This Easter, the incredible edible egg has enlisted two eggsperts, Howard Helmer, Guinness World Record holder for omelet-making, and “Next Food Network Star” runner-up Chef Jeffrey Saad, to share their top tips on foolproof hard-cooking along with some tasty, affordable recipes for entertaining family and friends.

• Easiest Scrambled Egg Ever

  You need a coffee mug, a fork, a microwave, a Hickman’s egg, and 45 seconds.

• Great Egg Recipes from the Food Network

  My sister-in-law, Audrey Hickman, sent on this link. It takes you to many fabulous egg dishes. Click www.foodnetwork.com/recipes-and-cooking/50-egg-dishes-1--10/index.html for some cooking magic.

• Family Fresh Cooking Blogster Posts about Farm to Table Tour

  Marla Meridith gives a great recap of her recent trip to Arizona, and her experiences on the Farm to Table Tour.

• Letter to Peoria High School Culinary Students

  We had the pleasure of sharing an evening with some exceptionally “good eggs” from Peoria High School.

• Uganda method of delivering fresh eggs...

  Pastor Bolte took this photo of a young boy in Kampala, Uganda.

• NUTRITIOUS FOOD IN SPOTLIGHT DURING FOOD CHECK-OUT WEEK

  Thanks goes to Julie Murphree of the Arizona Farm Bureau for this information. During Food Check-Out Week, the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee is focusing on ways consumers can stretch their food dollars, but still buy healthy, nutritious food.

• I'm Going Back to Grade School -- Again!

  March 3 is Young Authors Day at Desert Thunder School in Avondale. I’ll be reading the “classics” to students.

• IT'S MORE THAN FARMING AT THE SOUTHWEST AG SUMMIT

  The theme of the 2010 Agricultural Summit on March 10 and 11 in Yuma sets the stage for the event by featuring information about the low-desert vegetable industry.

• American Egg Board Establishes 'Eggs for Haitian Relief'

  The Good Egg Project is going international to help Haiti. America’s egg farms donated more than 275,000 dozen eggs (3.3 million eggs).

• Calling all incredible people!

  America’s egg farmers are on the look out for the next “Incredible Person.” If you or your kid has a cool talent, here’s how you can become a part of a commercial and help feed the hungry.

• Eggs-treme Cooking Competition

  Students will compete making crepes and omelets.

• A note from Julie Murphree at the Arizona Farm Bureau

  The AZFB has just completed a two-part series about the partnership relationship between professors, aggies, and extension agents. Check out the articles!

• Pediatric Safety Fair

• Arizona Farm Bureau Begins "Hug a Farmer" Week Before Valentine's Day

  Be ready next week: If someone comes up and says “thank you” or asks if they can give you a hug, they’re participating in Arizona Farm Bureau’s “Thank or Hug a Farmer” campaign.

• Superstition Farms Highlights Local Farmers and Chefs

  The “Chef du Moo” event series includes dinner every 2nd Saturday, February 13 through June, rain or shine.

  “Making award winning butter, cheese and ice cream has put me together with some great chefs,” said Casey Stechnij, owner of Udder Delights Desserts and co-owner of Superstition Farm. Co-owner and sister, Alison Crittenden adds, “Because we are in the agriculture community, we also have some great friends growing some great foods. The next step was to get them together.”

• Trinity Lutheran 'tween' tigers have big hearts

  To train for the Heart Walk, Mrs. Mosley’s fourth grade students will walk to the Litchfield Park Public Library on Friday, February 5.

• Remembering When

  Lisa Barker and I used to roll racks of at 4:00 a.m. when we were in junior high.

• Western Sky Middle School in Goodyear to Host Kid's Fun Run

  February 13 is the first “Kids’ Fun Run”, the user friendly portion of the Arizona Marathon. The non-competitive 1-mile run will also feature bouncy houses, entertainment, and lots of fun.

• Joanne from the American Egg Board has some great information to share.

  Cristin Jones, contributing editor to Self magazine, was featured recently on “Regis and Kelly” discussing ten “superfoods” for a healthier 2010. Eggs are number one on Cristin’s list! She notes, “it’s safe for everyone to have up to one egg a day. They’re loaded with nutrients in the yolk so it’s important to eat the whole egg, and they help to improve eye health in the long term.”

  Also, an accompanying article, “Top Ten Superfoods,” highlights eggs’ incredible nutrient package, while also debunking the eggs-cholesterol myth and citing Dr. Dhurandhar’s popular weight loss study.

• Listen to Jan D'Atri's Cooking Show

  Missed the Jan D’Atri Cooking Show last Saturday? You can listen to it on www.azfb.org.

• Southwest College Hoedown

  Southwest College Homecoming Events
  Saturday, January 30, 2010

• Arizona Farming & Ranching Hall of Fame Announces 2010 Inductees

  Each of the honorees has spent a lifetime in the field of agriculture and has made significant contributions to the industry, and the community. The Hickman family was honored to be recognized last year.

• 7th to 12th Graders -- Enter the National AG Essay Contest

  February 12 is the deadline for the national AG essay contest. The winner will receive a $1,000 prize and a trip to Washington, D.C.

• Help for the Breakfast Challenged

  Here’s a great little article on the omelet.

• Head Your Buckboard to Buckeye for the Senior Pro Rodeo February 6 and 7

  What could be better than a rodeo in Arizona? A rodeo that starts off with a Cowboy Breakfast and Hickman’s eggs.

• Sign Up for 'Chat With a Farmer'

  Have you registered to chat with a farmer on the Arizona Farm Bureau site? Arizonans post questions for members of the agriculture community, and get answers straight from the horse’s mouth (or chicken’s beak, etc.).

• Become a Facebook Friend of the Farm Bureau

  Who says making friends isn’t easy? It’s just a click of the mouse away.

• A couple of words about cereal

  You may be shocked to read how little good food you’re kids are getting in the morning before school.

• We had a note from Sally Woods...

  The kids shopped on Saturday with the Sun City Elks Club, and nobody dropped! We made sure that everybody had their Hickman’s eggs afterwards.

• Don't Waste that Citrus!

  St. Mary’s Food Bank is looking for citrus. It’s actually a valuable commodity — and not just something you have to pick up in your yard every year.

• Who Needs Reindeer? We've Got the Sun City Elks Club!

  Saturday, December 5, the Sun City Elks Club will be shopping with kids from Apache Elementary School in Peoria. We will make sure they get a good breakfast afterwards.

• Arizona Farm Bureau Gives Thanks to Our Ag Producers

  Julie Murphree’s words were too good not to share with all of you. We also appreciate her suggestion to donate to a food bank during the holidays.

• States Lobby for Official 'Thank a Farmer Day'

  Do you think that Arizona should join in to proclaim November 20 as ‘Thank a Farmer Day’?

• Young Authors Day

  Did you know chickens can read? Well, the Hickman’s chicken will be doing exactly that on December 16.

• We Meet the Nicest People

  After the recent Tomorrow’s Leadership Conference at Buckeye Union High School, I heard from Sarah Rohrback. Sarah — thanks!

• Arizona Agriculture Literacy Days -- REMINDER

  The 4th Annual Arizona Agriculture Literacy Days will be held November 23-25.

• Clint Hickman on the CBS Early Show, Friday, October 9

  Joanne C. Ivy of the American Egg Board has sent us a heads-up that our own Clint Hickman will be on national television in the morning!

• Thousands Hear About the Abundance of Arizona Agriculture

  For the second time, local celebrity Jan D’Atri hosted Arizona farmers and ranchers on her Saturday afternoon radio show on 550 KFYI.

• Listen in as Arizona Farm Bureau Hangs Out with Jan D’Atri

  Saturday, October 3 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., local celebrity Jan D’Atri and Radio-Newstalk 550 KFYI will feature Arizona Farmers and Ranchers.

• Tomorrow's Winners Girls Program Gets Response

  We tackled some very serious topics last week, especially regarding body image and eating disorders. My thanks to Buckeye Union High School for hosting this event, and to this student who took the time to write me to share her feelings.

• SanTan Apple Festival

  Save the date — November 7. If you think Arizona doesn’t have a “real” autumn, be prepared to change your mind. The San Tan Apple Festival has all things apple — and a classic car cruise-in if gorgeous cars are the apple of your eye.

• Something Good For Breakfast

  My friend, Kristen, sent me a great recipe. I thought I’d share it with you.

• Demands on Food Banks Increase

  Brian Simpson, Director of Communications for the Association of Arizona Food Banks, says that 1,172,000 Arizonans are living in poverty, facing potential food insecurity.

• The Good Egg Project

  An initiative that aims to educate Americans on modern egg farming. Click on “Meet the Farmers” and say hi to Clint!

• Second Annual Farmer Chef Connection

  Edible Phoenix is doing it again on Monday, September 21. This year’s theme is Celebrating the Abundance of the Valley, Season by Season.

• National Science Teachers' Association (NSTA) Coming to Phoenix

  The science teachers will all be here in November — and they’ll be going home with a little bit of Arizona in their luggage.

• Slow Food USA Launches Time for Lunch

  There is a national campaign to tell Congress to provide America’s children with real food at school. More than 100 Eat-Ins were held on Labor Day to draw attention to the need for real, healthy food for the 30 million children who participate in the National School Lunch Program.

• Roxie's Farmers Market Offers Chance to Experience a Real Farm

  Local vendors are still being sought for the October 24 Roxie’s Farmers Market.

• Scary Farm Fact

  There are so few of us feeding everybody else. Thanks to Rhonda Ross for passing on this statistic.

• Know Him?

  I wanted to share this old farmer’s advice. I’m not sure who the author is — but it’s timeless wisdom.

• Save the Date!

  Shirley “Tot” Long and David Lewis, of Sasha Productions, proudly announce their next play, Mr. Franklin of Philadelphia. Please save a date for the theater! Visit their website at www.sashaproductions.org for more information.

  We hope to see you there!

• PJs and Eggs at TC Eggington's

  Thom and Kathy of TC Eggington’s dropped us a note.

• A Family Favorite Is Back

  Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was beloved by old and young for decades. Fortunately, highlights of his shows, videos, and games are available at www.pbskids.org/rogers. Share a true American with your kids or grandkids — or just make yourself feel better knowing that it’s a “beautiful day in the neighborhood.”

• UPDATE: PJs & Eggs

  When else could you eat breakfast for dinner while wearing your pajamas — and do something for Arizona kids in the AZCA Foster Care Program?

• Heavy Medal Culinary Competition, September 21

  Watch this space for more details about the chef throw-down coming up at the JW Marriott, Desert Ridge.

• Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

  Sign up for this noncompetitive walk on Saturday, November 7, 2009 that will unite communities to honor and celebrate breast cancer survivors, educate women about prevention and early detection, and raise much-needed funding for research and support programs.

• You can still get your Richardson's favorites!

  If Richardson’s fire has left you with an empty filling, here’s where you can go to fill up until they rebuild.

• Chix Pix Restaurants -- Check Out the Tortillas We Found!

  Great food doesn’t have to be trendy or expensive. We found some tortillas in Tucson that are unbelievably good — and good for you, too.

• Phoenix Start! Heart Walk Top Walker Ice Cream Social

  Here’s something really cool to do when it’s so darned hot!

• Liberian Refugees Find Farming Opportunity in Valley

  At last, here is a bit of inspiration during what everybody else is calling a “recession.” The Golo family is creating a new life for themselves, thanks to hard work.

• Find Your Favorite Farmer on Fill Your Plate

  Want to support your local farmers at the farmers’ markets, but don’t know where they are? Here’s the answer!

• *FOOD, INC.*

  Sunday, July 26 Phoenix Slow Food and Edible Phoenix sponsored a special showing of Food, Inc., the movie at the Camelview Theater followed by a panel discussion. Here’s what you may have missed.

• UPDATE: July 26 -- We Cooked for Some Really Good Eggs at the Ronald McDonald House

  We went to Tucson to the “house that love built” — the Ronald McDonald House — to make breakfast for some very special friends. It was a wonderful experience — one that you can participate in.