Arkansas AgCast by Arkansas Farm Bureau: Recent Episodes

Arkansas AgCast

Formed in 1935, Arkansas Farm Bureau represents more than 190,000 member families around our state. We are a grassroots organization that advocates for and promotes agriculture throughout Arkansas, the region and the country.

This week, USDA announced proposed changes to the poultry tournament system, which includes guarantees for base price and addresses other issues. We’ll have the details and how you can add input to the proposal. Plus, a Sicilian delegation visited the Natural State this week to form a partnership focused on agriculture with the U of A, how farmers continue to struggle with weather challenges and more on this episode of the Arkansas AgCast.

The House Ag Committee passed its version of the Farm Bill just after midnight last Friday, but despite the late-night action the legislation has a long road ahead. Plus, Arkansas experienced one of the biggest tornado outbreaks in history over Memorial Day weekend, with farmers and rural communities bearing the brunt of the impacts. We share the latest data on the storms. We also share leadership news from Riceland Foods, a look at the U.S. ag trade deficit and a lot more on the latest episode of the Arkansas AgCast.

Plant24 in Arkansas is wrapping up quickly and we’re still moving at a historic pace, but how does the crop quality look? Has it been impacted by storms? We answer that on this episode. Plus, you may be shocked at the increase of soybean seed prices in the last 20 years, and we’ll tell you why the new vet school dean at A-State has experience that may be music to farmers’ ears. All that and more on the latest episode of the Arkansas AgCast.

In recognition of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, we wanted to produce a Deep Dive episode dedicated to the impact of mental health challenges on the farm while sharing resources available to help anyone who may be struggling. We invited Brandon Wolfe, clinical therapist and cattle rancher, to join the podcast to talk about the unique issues farmers face. Brandon gives us a step-by-step look at the process of finding help to fit your needs. In true AgCast style, we have some fun along the way, and you know we covered the subject of food, too. Give this special episode a listen or share it with someone who may appreciate Brandon’s unique perspective.Connect with Brandon here: https://alleviant.com/brandon-wolfe/

On this episode, we’ll discuss how the Northern Lights phenomenon may have impacted agriculture over the weekend. We also recap the data from the latest WASDE report and what USDA is forecasting for commodity prices, plus how Cicadas could be creating a historical buzz in Arkansas and a lot more!

On this episode, we have the latest on timing for the EPA’s review of the newest dicamba label submission from Bayer. Also we discuss the latest information on the FDA’s new ag water rule and a crop planting progress update and a lot more.

On this episode, we cover farm bill news hot off the press in D.C., where the House and Senate ag committees released their vision for the legislation. We also give the details on H-2A labor regulations set to go into effect next month, share resources for Mental Health Awareness Month and much more.

On this episode we share how you can get involved in the State Water Plan update and when you should apply for Arkansas Century Farm status. We also cover new EQIP funding in Arkansas, give the forecasted timing for La Niña, share the latest data trends for ag industry greenhouse gas emissions and a lot more.

Rep. Rick Crawford stopped by the AgCast studio to share updates on his work in D.C. On this Deep Dive episode, we talk about his leadership of the Ag Labor Working Group within the House Ag Committee. Rep. Crawford walks us through the recommendations of that group, how those could become a reality for farmers and the significance of bi-partisan agreement in this age of politics. We also talk about his aspirations for additional leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives and much more.

Congressman Bruce Westerman stopped by the AgCast studio to share some updates on his work in D.C. On this Deep Dive episode, we talk about his work as chair of the House Natural Resources Committee and how that’s beneficial to the Natural State. In addition, we recap the impact his America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act will have on local communities and their ability to manage wildlife habitat. We’ll also cover the recent Energy Week legislation passed by the Natural Resources Committee and much more.

Avian influenza has made its way to mammals, and we talk about what that means for other industries in agriculture and consumers at the grocery store. We also cover the new heavy-duty truck rules on emissions that could impact farmers in the near future. Plus, conservation funding available from USDA and the outlook on row crop acres in the U.S. this year.

We welcome Sen. John Boozman back to the studio for an update on the farm bill, including his thoughts on the likelihood Congress will pass one in 2024. Sen. Boozman also shares some priorities he and his colleagues have for the framework of the legislation and we even find out what’s on the menu for his family’s Easter celebration.

We take a look at the latest round of tariffs leveed on Russian grain from the European Union, plus Congress is holding hearings on the topic of foreign-owned ag land in the U.S. We also share how Arkansas farmers are sending hay to help Texas farmers impacted by their state’s record-setting wildfires and tell you how to play a role in the next round of broadband infrastructure funding in Arkansas. Get it all on this episode of the Arkansas AgCast from Arkansas Farm Bureau.

We review the highlights of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s Ag Labor Working Group final report and recommendations to address challenges in the H2A program. Also, funds are available to help farmers markets across the state and we have all the details, plus more funding from USDA on climate-smart ag programs and a call for input on the revamp of the state’s water plan. We wrap up with a new farm-to-table restaurant recommendation from our producer, Matthew Magdefrau.

In this episode, we explore the reasons behind the EPA’s opening of its new Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and we calculate the impacts of 2023 weather disasters on crops in Arkansas. We also explore USDA's efforts to protect livestock and poultry farmers and cover Gov. Sarah Sanders' initiative to review Arkansas' levees, plus a lot more.

We invited Mike Klamm with USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service to join the AgCast and discuss the data from the latest Ag Census. From the number of family farms in the Natural State to the average age of farmers and a trend that might surprise you. We cover a lot of numbers on this episode, you don’t want to miss it.

The latest Ag Census data was recently released, and we break down Arkansas’ numbers. You may be surprised to learn what changed in the five years since the last census. We also talk about the Brazilian soybean and corn crop with data from the latest WASDE, including weather impacts. All of that and more on this episode.

On this episode, we sit down with ag economist Jake Cartwright for a closer look at current beef cattle prices and what could be driving them to near record-setting high levels. We'll also cover how market prices will likely make their way to grocery shelves and what that means for your bank account.

This episode covers the latest report on net farm income projections for 2024 and why it might set a record. We have some tips for farmers planning to be in the fields during the solar eclipse on April 8. We’ll also talk about the YF&R convention coming up and some menu options for the big game.

This week we cover the “State of the State: Arkansas Ag Industry” report recently released by Talk Business & Politics. We also discuss breaking news from the U.S. House of Representatives, covering newly passed legislation that brings tax relief to American farmers and families and a lot more agriculture news. We had a bit of fun too since Feb. 2 is Groundhog Day. We answered trivia questions and debated the best Bill Murray movies.

We took the show on the road this week and recorded this episode live from the Arkansas Grown Conference in Hot Springs. We recap all the news from the American Farm Bureau Convention, chat about all the buzz around the Hot Springs Convention Center and have a discussion with Greg Matteson from the Farm Credit Council about resources available for new farmers. It’s a jam packed show you don’t want to miss.

On this episode, we take a closer look at the first WASDE report from 2024 and why production numbers increased since last month. We also tell you how a new partnership between John Deere and Space X could bring better connectivity to equipment on the farm.

On this episode, we talk with Alvin Peer from Arkansas NRCS about the new ACT NOW funding model for EQIP applications. If you’re pursuing funding for high tunnel, soil health or energy initiatives, you don’t want to miss this episode. The $19 million in funding will be available over a 30-day period beginning Jan. 22.Zoom Link: https://uada.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwqduiprDspE9Xa_bxvdEPQOX-UVNUJsKFh#/registration

On this episode, we share how you can ACT NOW to get Environmental Quality Incentives Program funding faster than ever before, there’s a new round of USDA investment in meat processing and much more. Plus, we offer a few ideas on how you might spend your snow day this weekend.

On this episode we invited Congressman Steve Womack into the studio to talk about the priorities of his work based on input from Arkansas farmers and ranchers. Congressman Womack also gives us some great insight into his recent trip to the South Pole, and how work there impacts Arkansans every day.

On this episode we invited Dr. John Anderson, new director of the U of A Cooperative Extension, to share his vision for the organization he now leads. We’ll also learn a bit about Dr. Anderson’s background in agriculture and how he likes to spend his free time.

On this episode we invited Whitney Haigwood, staff writer for Delta Farm Press, to share some of the top stories of the year in Arkansas agriculture. She gives a rundown of row crop stats, new technology, how a pumpkin patch is innovating with precision ag and so much more. Join us for a rundown of the stories you may have missed this year - or just wish you knew more about.

On this episode we talk about several new conservation incentive programs from Arkansas Game & Fish, a poultry company in the state impacting farmers and a lot more. Plus, we discuss the most memorable Christmas gifts we’ve given and received over the years.Register for the Ag Producers Listening Session on solar projects here: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_1TqGU-qFSVuJ8Guw_TFlPA#/registration

On this episode we sit down with Dan Wright just seven days after being elected president of ArFB. You’ll learn what Dan sees as opportunities for the organization and how his history as a poultry farmer uniquely positions him to take the reins at ArFB. Give it a listen to get to know a bit more about Dan and his vision for Arkansas Farm Bureau.

Coming from location at the 89th Annual State Convention in Little Rock we talked all about the activities of the week, get the latest information on the H2A wage predictions, and we had our friend, policy analyst Macie Kelly all the way from Washington DC, on to talk about her background in ag, farm bill updates, and of course, some food talk. Check it out!

Economist Tyler Oxner has written an Ag Insider on what you can expect to pay for Thanksgiving dinner this year. Hear how turkey prices in Arkansas stack up to national costs, which item on the table increased in cost the most and much more on this special edition of the show.

Today’s episode covers the latest from D.C. on the farm bill extension, and we also run down the cost of Thanksgiving dinner this year, plus there’s great news from the USDA for specialty crop producers that you don’t want to miss. We’ll cover all that plus we build our best Thanksgiving plate. Don’t listen to this if you’re hungry!

Today’s episode covers the latest from that ag labor working group, which is led by Arkansas Congressman Rick Crawford. We also have the data on China’s largest soybean purchase in months and you’ll hear about a really cool school lunch program that is feeding kids locally grown beef and pork.If you’re looking for the link to the Ag Labor Working Group report, it’s here: https://agriculture.house.gov/policy/agricultural-labor-working-group.htm

We're bringing you a brand new AgCast Deep Dive episode this week, talking with EVP Jarrod Yates on his background in agriculture, goals for the organization, and most importantly, some of his favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants around the state.

Today’s episode covers agriculture news across Arkansas and beyond. We cover the governor’s eviction notice for Syngenta, the newest Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year and so much more. Plus, we’ll give you the latest on row crop harvest updates and share some surprising news about the Mississippi River. Check it out!

We recorded today’s episode live in the Ag in Action barn at the state fair. Yes, we talked all things fair, but we also covered some big ag news along the way. Catch up on the latest harvest updates, find out why Walmart is going into the dairy business and much more on today’s episode. Plus, we’ll tell you the ONLY sitting president to visit the state fair and the answer might surprise you!

On today’s episode of the AgCast, we recap the October WASDE report numbers, give the latest data on the Mississippi River levels and do the math on Arkansas’ net farm income calculations. We also taste tested all the food at the state fair and tell you what to leave room for and what you can skip.

On today’s AgCast, we’ll catch up on harvest progress, tell you how many tons of Arkansas rice were recently donated to families in the state and much more. Plus, Matthew Magdefrau produced the show, so you know he brought the rural restaurant recommendations with him, too.

The latest AgCast episode looks at the looming deadline for government funding plus U.S. Senator John Boozman’s latest travel stop for Farm Bill input. We’ll also talk about ag events you don’t want to miss in the final quarter of 2023 and report on harvest progress, as we do each week.

On this week's episode, we take a close look at the fallout at the grocery store based on California's Prop 12. We also run down the latest crop quality and harvest progress numbers, share news of 30+ Arkansas counties eligible for disaster relief following summer storms and much more!

We're bringing you a brand new AgCast Deep Dive episode this week, talking with ArFB economist Tyler Oxner about H-2A labor wage issues. Tyler and host John McMinn recently published an Ag Insider to outline the complexities of new wage requirements for H-2A workers on farms in Arkansas, tune in as they talk through the issues and what farmers need to know to navigate these regulations on specialty and row crop farms across the state.

On the latest episode of the AgCast, the crew takes a close look at this month's WASDE numbers, we give some dollars and cents for the Mississippi River level challenges and much more. Watch or listen here or on your favorite podcast platform!

Tune in to the latest Arkansas AgCast episode to learn about new federal funds available to meat processors in Arkansas. We also break down the latest farm income report from USDA, give the latest on harvest progress and crop quality, and much more!Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program application: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/meat-and-poultry-processing-expansion-program

On this episode of the AgCast, we'll talk about the latest updates on WOTUS and the ag industry's reaction to the changes. We'll also talk about how river levels could be impacting farmers just as harvest gets underway and a quick and simple way to provide feedback on ag labor issues.Ag Labor Survey link: https://agriculture.house.gov/policy/agricultural-labor-working-group.htm?utm_source=Ag[…]tm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-78d3e191f7-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

We invited Dr. Kyle Cunningham to join us in the studio to record an AgCast Deep Dive episode. During our conversation, we covered the role of the state forester, Dr. Cunningham‘s priorities for the state’s forestry industry and many more topics. Take a few minutes and listen to this episode to gain a bit more insight into one of Arkansas‘s most important agriculture sectors, the timber industry.

We discuss the State Water Plan executive action announced this week, how ag lending rates can impact the cost of production and we'll tell you how to bring your solution for the ag industry to life with the Arkansas Ag Innovation Challenge. It's all on this week's episode of the AgCast, where you can watch or listen to stay up-to-date with the news that impacts the Arkansas agriculture industry.

On this episode of the AgCast, we report on a WTO ruling that impacts Chinese-imposed tariffs for ag products. We also give a crop quality update and share the latest from the WASDE report plus lots more. Watch or listen to be updated on the latest news that impacts Arkansas agriculture.

From rising ag land values and cash rent trends to the impact of Tyson Foods plant closures, plus the latest USDA funds coming to the state. Catch all the latest developments impacting the state's agriculture industry on the latest episode of the Arkansas AgCast.

On this episode, we talk about India's new rice ban, give the latest on U.S. cattle inventory numbers and take a moment to appreciate delicious watermelon on hot summer days. Get all that and more, here:

On this AgCast Deep Dive episode, we are joined by state broadband director, Glen Howie, to take a closer look at the recently-announced $1 billion grant for broadband expansion in the state. Glen shares the details of how the funds will be used, when we should expect to see action and offers a way for the state's farmers and ranchers to get involved in their home counties. For background on the funding, see the recent news here: https://senate.arkansas.gov/senate-news/posts/2023/july/arkansas-to-receive-1-billion-for-broadband-expansion/#:~:text=LITTLE%20ROCK%20%E2%80%93%20Arkansas%20officials%20announced,intend%20to%20spend%20the%20funds.

The Arkansas AgCast was recorded live from the 75th Annual Officers and Leaders Conference in Hot Springs. In addition to covering the top ag headlines around the country, producer Matthew gives a rundown of his perfect breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the Spa City. Check it out now!

On today's episode of the Arkansas AgCast we discuss a record investment for broadband infrastructure in Arkansas and take a close look at the latest WASDE data from USDA. And in proper form, we don't get out without discussing food, covering the best bites in Rock City Burger Week too.

This week, we're bringing another AgCast Deep Dive to explore the impacts of sales tax exemption for Arkansas farmers and ranchers. We welcome guest Tyler Oxner, economist here at ArFB, to take a closer look at a recent Ag Insider he co-authored that outlines the economics of the state's exemptions for row crop and livestock producers. Give it a listen!

In the next AgCast Deep Dive, John McMinn sits down with staff economist Brandy Carroll to discuss the history and purpose of the Farm Bill plus a bit about what farmers can expect as a new Farm Bill is worked out in Washington D.C.

On this week's AgCast episode, we share how Arkansas farmers can lend their voice to an important river project, we share news of a new State Forester and share the announcement of a new EVP at ArFB. All that and much more, check it out now.

On this week's AgCast episode, we talk about the new EPA biotech rule for gene-edited plants, an update on Arkansas's planting progress and crop conditions, the weather effect of El Niño and a Mississippi River mega-study. You don't want to miss this episode. Listen now!

On this first edition of the Arkansas AgCast Deep Dive, we sit down with ArFB economist, Jake Cartwright, to take a closer look at the beef cold storage issue we covered on a previous episode. Jake outlines the causes of decreased beef inventory in the U.S., explains why the cattle count is so low and shares some insight on how this will impact consumers at the supermarket.

In this episode, we dive into challenges facing Arkansas agriculture: the future of WOTUS, the issues surrounding tomato production and stress pressure on Loblolly Pines in Southern Arkansas and dry weather impacts. We'll also recap row crop planting progress, crop condition and much more. As mentioned in the episode, if you see pine tree "browning" please report it to the Arkansas Agriculture Department here: arcg.is/1HyHCu0

On today's AgCast we talk about the impact of the Prop 12 ruling in California, Mississippi River levels are back in the news, rising brisket prices, and much more. Listen now!

On today's episode of the AgCast, we'll talk about a White House meeting aimed at advancing Farm Bill talks, new rules for H2A labor that Arkansas farmers need to know and a bit about a SCOTUS ruling that has far-reaching impacts on the farm and your dinner table.

This episode of the Arkansas AgCast includes news about beef prices at the supermarket, how weather May have impacted the Arkansas peach crop and a roundup of rural restaurants you must visit around the state.

On this week's AgCast we talk about a new medium grain rice variety in town, we will be looking at data on the aquifers that are vital to agriculture in the state, and much more. Watch or listen to find out more!

ArFB makes a big commitment to address the shortage of health care professionals throughout the state, plus new data on rice acres and export markets plus much more on today's episode of the show. Check it out!

On today’s episode we cover a lot of news on WOTUS, great news for consumers at the grocery store and much more.

We've got an abbreviated episode of the Arkansas AgCast this week, but it's still jam-packed with news that matters to the state's ag producers. Hear the latest on what's happening at the state capitol, an update on USDA projections for the year and more on today's show.

On the latest Arkansas AgCast episode we cover breaking news on WOTUS, recap great news for the farm economy and much more!

On this week’s AgCast we discuss an interesting update on Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS), more time for poultry companies to come to an agreement on the Illinois River watershed and more!

Big news on the right-to-repair front, we break down the "other" five titles in the Farm Bill, plus how the freezing could be impacting Arkansas farmers. We cover all that and much more on today's episode of the Arkansas AgCast!

Input Costs Update, Ag Hall of Fame, & More by Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation

On today's episode we recap the record setting Farmers Day at the Capitol event, chat about a big partnership with Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry and share some interesting news concerning the new WOTUS rule. Check out the March 2nd edition of the Arkansas AgCast.

On today's episode, we sit down with Senator John Boozman to talk about the upcoming farm bill, discuss USDA's February Trade report, and more, watch here now!

Are eggs getting cheaper? We have the answer on this week's Arkansas AgCast. Plus we recap all the important news out of USDA and give an update on all the action at the state capitol too. Watch it all here:

We’re a day late on the AgCast this week, but still have all the great news and information you get each week. We cover some interesting forestry industry news and have details on the latest interest rate increase from the fed this week with much more.

This week's episode comes from the halls of the inaugural Arkansas Grown Conference in Little Rock. We cover the potential for new ear tags in livestock, why egg prices are so high and chat with ag secretary Wes Ward too.

On this week’s episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we share some new details on the USDA funding for rice growers, recap the latest action from the state capitol and a ton more all on today’s episode of the Arkansas AgCast

On this week’s episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we have a recap of the American Farm Bureau convention, hot off the press data from the January WASDE and some great news for farmers who now have the option to work on their own equipment. Check it out!

On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast we unveil a new set for viewers and welcome John McMinn to help deliver the news. We’ll talk about updates to WOTUS, a win for solar energy users and much more!

We wrap up the Arkansas AgCast for the year by recapping some of the top farming news stories of the year and finish out the day with some Christmas trivia too.

On today's episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we celebrate the re-appointment of Arkansas Ag Secretary Wes Ward and cover the losses for row crop farmers in 2022 and we'll recap some encouraging data on for rural communities.

On today's episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we'll recap ArFB's state convention elections and priorities, share an exciting award for drone research at the U of A division of ag and we wrap up with an overview of the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program.

This week Arkansas Agcast comes to you a day early from the Hot Springs Convention Center where we are hosting our Annual State Convention. Listen in to get updates on current Ag news and to hear from Jeff McClure about all things convention. There's still time for you to make out for all that's happening at the convention this year!

On today's episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we'll talk about how much you should plan to spend when shopping for Thanksgiving dinner. We also have lots of information on the upcoming state convention and will cover a few important ag topics along the way. Join us!

We talk ag exports and international trade, new FDA funds for meat processing, interest rate worries in 2023, the latest on Arkansas crops and more.

On this week's Arkansas AgCast, we share a report from ArFB economists that outlines the impacts of low river levels for row crop farmers in the Delta. We also recap broadband funding making real impacts for farms in rural Arkansas counties and have some fun talking Halloween along the way.

This week we take the show on the road to the Arkansas State Fair, where we discuss the latest in ag headlines and sit down with Jennifer Cook, executive director of the Arkansas FFA Foundation. And we have a bit of fun along the way.

On this week's episode, we have the latest news on Farm Bill planning, crop updates, California pork law arguments at the Supreme Court, Avian Influenza and much more.

On today's episode, we have an update low Mississippi River levels, a new cover crop survey, state meat inspection and much more.

On today’s episode of the Arkansas AgCast we talk about new funding to offset the increase in input costs, tureky prices ahead of Thanksgiving, why soybean forecasts have decreased so much since March and much more.

We get the latest on FDA funding for Arkansas projects and rural broadband and we take a look at a new study on off-farm work. We also chat about Rock City Burger Week and other upcoming events.

We have the latest on rail worker strike news, a status report on harvest in the state, major USDA funding news and more.

We talk about the latest farmer sentiment survey, farmland values in Arkansas, the latest state agriculture stats and more.

We talk to Arkansas Farm Bureau team members about commodity markets, weather impacts, the Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation and more.

On this episode, we talk about new funding for farmers in the Inflation Reduction Act, remember a past Arkansas Farm Bureau board member and chat about an upcoming documentary on soil conservation efforts in Arkansas.

We recap the Arkansas General Assembly special session with new Arkansas Farm Bureau Director of State Affairs Mark Labmbert and we learn how one piece of legislation will have a major positive impact on farmers and small businesses.

We talk USDA drought assistance efforts, a new drought impact study for Arkansas and an upcoming Federal Milk Marketing Order Forum hosted by American Farm Bureau.

Weather predictions and problems, USDA cattle and crop updates & more.

We talk to Deacue Fields, vice president of agriculture for the University of Arkansas System, and discuss USDA grants, broadband access and more.

On this week's Arkansas AgCast, we talk Rice Leadership Development, Farm School, Avian Flu, crop health updates and how Goodyear is using soybean oil for commercial tires.

On this week’s episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we provide an update on Purdue University’s farmer sentiment survey, talk about bollworm pressure in the state and tell you how your favorite farm dog can get the ultimate treat.

We hear about the rising cost of 4th of July cookouts, dive into the latest USDA Acreage and Quarterly Grain Stocks reports and talk to a special guest from the Arkansas Rice Research & Promotion Board.

This week, the crew talks about last week's Senate Ag hearing in Jonesboro, the potential for relief at the gas pump and the interesting history of blackberries in Arkansas.

We talk crop updates, a Senate Ag Committee Field hearing, Farmers' Market Week, the announcement of District Farm Families and more.

We talk to Ken McDonald, grandson of recent Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame inductee Russell Roy Reynolds, about his late grandfather's accomplishments and tremendous impact on forestry in Arkansas. Reynolds was the director of the U.S. Forest Service Crossett Experimental Forest for 34 years.

We dive into the importance of the NAAS June Agriculture and Area surveys and we discuss upcoming workshops on fire policy and school gardens, as well as the latest planing update and Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation Week.

We begin this week’s podcast with a bit of breaking news about an Senate Ag Committee hearing in Arkansas. We also cover USDA assistance, temporary changes to the CRP program and how Arkansas cattle ranchers can get a step ahead of drought risk this summer.

On this Arkansas AgCast, we’re discussing an opportunity for growers to win some cash while making history, we’ll also give an update on the broadband work being done across the state, a downbeat report for rice growers and much more.

We have the latest on Farm Bill discussions, USDA programs and planting progress in Arkansas. Plus, a new leader at Arkansas Farm Bureau, County Farm Famillies of the Year and more.

5/5/22 - On this episode we discuss planting delays, broadband expansion, and cattle marketing. Share, like and subscribe!

We talk to Heather Friedrich of the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food about the Center’s multi-faceted program that includes classes, farm school and farm apprenticeships.

Though it isn't in Arkansas yet, Avian Influenza has been detected in nearby states and precautions are being taken to prevent its spread into Arkansas poultry. We talk to Arkansas Farm Bureau's John Bailey and Dr. Dustan Clark, Extension Veterinarian and Associate Poultry Center Director with the University of Arkansas, about the danger and the measures being taken to protect poultry in the state.

For this bonus episode of the Arkansas AgCast, Jana Carroll is fresh off her graduation from the American Farm Bureau's Women's Communications Bootcamp. She joins us to share pointers on how to effectively advocate for the agriculture industry in your own voice.

We talk to Nathan Reed of Marianna, recently elected chairman of American Cotton Producers, the grower segment of the National Cotton Council. Reed talks about the organization, the state of the cotton industry and challenges ahead.

On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we talk with staff economist, John McMinn, about farmers markets in the state and where you can go to pick your own fresh berries this Spring. We also cover some of the challenges farmers are facing, from input costs to the conflict in Europe with staff economist, Mark Lambert.

We talk about the impacts of inflation and world events on agriculture with Mississippi County farmer Heath Donner and economist and Arkansas Farm Bureau Senior Vice President Matt King.

Jeff Pitchord gives an overview of the General Assembly’s fiscal session, which kicked off last month and is set to wrap up early next week. Jeff covers the funding decisions that impact the state’s agriculture industry and a special change to vehicle assessments that will affect all Arkansans who assess a vehicle.

We dive into FFA Week with Arkansas FFA officers from around the state and get their thoughts on the importance of FFA, its history and the events of the week.

We introduce two siblings based in Little Rock and Pine Bluff who are promoting urban farming and educational efforts throughout the state. They have a unique story and big plans and they sat down with us to talk about how they got started in the urban farming arena and what they hope to accomplish.

Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Jason Brown was on hand for the 28th annual Arkansas State University Agribusiness Conference in Jonesboro this week, where he spoke to Chelsie Keys, GOP Senate Ag policy director, and journalist Jim Wiesemeyer of Pro Farmer/Farm Journal.

In honor of Farm Bureau Week 2022, Arkansas Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Warren Carter talks about what it means to be a member of Arkansas Farm Bureau and all of the important work membership supports around the state.

There's good news and bad news in a recent FDA decision on popular herbicides Enlist One and Enlist Duo, which are often used for controlling pigweed. Brandy Carroll, Director of Commodity Activities and Market Information with Arkansas Farm Bureau, explains the situation and why it's bad news for some western Arkansas. counties.

We check in with Dr. Bill Robertson, Cotton Extension Agronomist at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, to hear about record cotton yields last year and what could lie ahead in 2022. We also get a farmer’s perspective on last year’s cotton crop from Terry Pollard of Piggott.

We explore efforts by Arkansas farmers and ranchers to market directly to consumers and the challenges and opportunities in this space. To get some perspective on the issue, we talked to Karen Reynolds from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and Logan Duvall, owner of Me & McGee Market in North Little Rock.

After returning from an eventful American Farm Bureau Convention in Atlanta, our policy experts sit down to discuss how the event went and what to expect from national Farm Bureau policy in 2022.

In this special edition, we put together some of our favorite interviews from a very busy 2021, including our conversations with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, retired University of Arkansas Professor Andrew Sharpley and more.

This week, we talk to newly elected American Soybean Association president Brad Doyle and we get to hear from Dustin Cowell about direct to consumer marketing.

This week, we talk to an expert about agriculture estate planning, we get details on the Arkansas state meat inspection program and we hear about how a project related to Beaver Dam could impact farmers along the White River.

This week, we hear from the 2021 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year. We also hear about the problems caused by snow geese and the unique opportunity one farmer has found in growing yellow peas.

This week, we’re live at the 87th annual Arkansas Farm Bureau Convention in Little Rock. We talk to two first-time attendees at the Convention, we hear from an exhibitor at the event’s trade show and we also visit with a workshop leader about farm and ranch branding and marketing.

This week, we talk about the price of Thanksgiving dinner, along with personal Thanksgiving traditions and memories. We also catch up with Pulaski County Farm Bureau President Debbie Moreland about policy development and Farm Bureau’s upcoming annual convention, and we get the latest on November rice and cotton markets.

This week, we talk about Arkansas Soybean Month and the 50th anniversary of the soybean checkoff program in Arkansas. We also get to know Chris Colclasure, recently appointed director of the Dept. of Agriculture's Natural Resources Division, and we hear about Arkansas Farm Bureau's annual resolutions meeting, an important part of the organization's grassroots policy development process.

This week, we talk cotton and learn about harvest progress in Northeast Arkansas, and we hear about the art, etiquette and ethics of photo shoots on the farm. We also discuss problems caused by the invasive Egyptian Goose.

This week, we bring you tricks and treats, as we learn about disgusting Dead Man’s Fingers and mildly terrifying carnivorous plants and we talk about fun fall harvest and Halloween activities.

This week, we hear about the 2021 corn crop and get an update on grain markets. We also learn the ins and outs of cover crops and talk about the value and importance of Arkansas Farm Bureau membership.

This week, we talk to Arkansas State Fair Livestock Director, Chris Bacchus about the benefits of showing livestock and poultry. We also talk to Leigh Ann Bullington about the role as family consumer science educator, and we hear about the Farm Bureau PR team’s visit to media day at the state fair.

This week, we talk to Congressman Bruce Westerman as he kicks off his latest Ag Tour in the state. We also hear about this year’s Arkansas Youth Expo livestock event in Washington County, which wrapped up earlier this week, and we get the latest news on commodity markets from Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Brandy Carroll.

This week, we learn about unique, new research on “night pollinators” and we get to know another inductee in the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame, Andrew Wargo. We also explore the partnership between Five Oaks Duck Lodge and the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the launch of the Five Oaks Ag Research and Education Center.

This week, we take a “Rice Month” look at this year’s rice harvest and we get a farmer’s perspective on agriculture supply chain challenges. We also hear about the upcoming “How to Win and Election” workshop presented by Arkansas Farm Bureau and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.

This week, we hear about the critical role data plays in making sound economic decisions on the farm, and we talk about the history of grape breeding in Arkansas and how it led to development of the wildly popular “cotton candy” grape. We also learn about four livestock disease outbreaks that Arkansas agriculture experts are watching closely.

This week, we were on hand for the Arkansas Connectivity Summit at the Hot Springs Convention Center. We heard from a variety of experts, including a sitting FCC commissioner, about the state’s effort to expand and improve broadband internet access and about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. See our interview with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr at arfb.com.

This week, we hear about what's happening in the equine industry in Arkansas and we learn about a new "mobile" meat processing trailer. We also talk about Senator John Boozman's tour of farms and agriculture operations in the state and learn why these visits from Congressional leaders are so important.

This week, we learn about how certain new federal tax proposals could hit farmers hard and we meet another member of the next class of Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame inductees. We also get a progress update on the White River Irrigation District canal construction project.

This week, we get the latest on this year’s cotton crop and take a look at tools and techniques that will help with future crops. We also hear about a new and surprisingly sweet blackberry called the Ponca and we learn all about Rock City Burger week.

This week, we learn about the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff’s Small Farm Program and a new effort to get a better map of broadband and cell coverage in Arkansas. We also visit a Monroe County farm to get an update on this year’s corn crop.

On this week's edition we get an update on this year's rice production in the state and learn about the upcoming briefing with the Senate Ag Committee taking place in Arkansas.

On this week's edition, we hear about the importance of upcoming agricultural yield surveys from the National Agricultural Statistics Service. We also learn all about soil moisture sensors and other technology for managing irrigation and get the latest on this year’s soybean crop.

On this week's edition, we hear about the Diversity in Agriculture Virtual Conference and what was shared and learned by participants. We also talk to podcaster and speaker Vance Crowe, who delivered the keynote address at Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Officers & Leaders Conference, and we learn about all things hummingbird with an Arkansas Audubon Society ornithologist.

On this week's edition, we kick off a series of interviews with upcoming inductees into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame and visit with teachers attending the FFA’s Arkansas Agricultural Education Summer Teacher's Conference at Camp Couchdale in Garland County. We also learn about a new sheep herd at the University of Arkansas Monticello.

On this week's edition, we get a preview of the upcoming Diversity in Ag Virtual Conference, learn about the ongoing problem of fire ants and discuss the latest crop progress report from the USDA.

On this week's edition, we visit a Hempstead County farmers market to meet some local growers and vendors, we hear about the recently released Arkansas Groundwater Protection and Management Report and get some tips on avoiding tick problems.

On this week's edition, we hear from University of Arkansas experts about the physical and economic impact of recent flooding in Southeast Arkansas. We also get an update from the Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Environmental Issues Committee meeting in Cave Springs and we learn about Dairy Month in Arkansas.

On this week's edition, we travel through Southeast Arkansas to hear from some farmers facing heavy losses after last week’s floods. We also get an update on the Mississippi River bridge closure at Memphis and we hear how farmers and ranchers can avoid heat-related illnesses this summer.

On this week's edition, we hear about the impact of heavy rains and flooding across parts of Arkansas and take a look at what the economic impact might be of this week’s wet weather. We also learn more about the new Experience Arkansas Agriculture promotional campaign and get a preview of the upcoming Officers & Leaders Conference for Arkansas Farm Bureau.

On this week's edition, we hear about important issues facing the beef cattle industry. We also get an update on this year's rice crop and we take a look at overall row-crop planting progress and find out what might lie ahead this growing season.

On this weeks episode we hear about Arkansas Cicadas from Dr. Aaron Cato and we also talk to Marianna farmer Nathan Reed about his restoration of abandoned tractors. Finally we hear from Arkansas Farm Bureau's Mark Lambert on the agricultural impacts of the Memphis Mississippi River bridge closure.

On this week’s edition, we hear about recent Arkansas Supreme Court rulings related to the state Plant Board, get the latest on cotton planting in Arkansas and get to know Lauren McCullough one of the hosts of Good Roots, the new Arkansas PBS segment sponsored by Arkansas Farm Bureau.

On this week’s edition, we talk Arkansas weather with KATV meteorologist Todd Yakoubian and we learn about the next stage of construction on the Grand Prairie Irrigation District. We also hear about the long relationship between the Arkansas Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee and Ronald McDonald House Charities.

On this week’s edition, we sit down for a chat with the recently retired crop, soil and environmental expert Dr. Andrew Sharpley about his distinguished academic career and his experience working on the Discovery Farms Program and with Arkansas farmers. We also dig a little deeper into Arkansas Discovery Farms with the University of Arkansas’s Mike Daniels.

On this week’s edition, we learn about a unique new video project called “Experience Arkansas Agriculture,” and we talk to agriculture economics professor Dr. Bob Stark, who is retiring this summer after a distinguished career at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. We also get a final legislative session wrap-up from Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Jeff Pitchford.

On this week’s edition, we talk about the potential impact of cold weather on one grower’s peach crop, we hear from the Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives about agriculture-focused legislation, and we get an update on other happenings at the state legislature from Arkansas Farm Bureau’s own Jeff Pitchford.

On this week’s edition, we talk about the potential impact of cold weather on one grower’s peach crop, we hear from the Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives about agriculture-focused legislation, and we get an update on other happenings at the state legislature from Arkansas Farm Bureau’s own Jeff Pitchford.

On this week’s edition, we get the latest on cotton planting in Arkansas, learn about the important connection between water fowl and rice farming, and hear the latest on what’s being done to fight the feral hog problem in the state. We also get an update on what’s happening at the state legislature.

On this week’s edition, we dive into policy, with updates on agriculture-focused initiatives, programs and legislation at the federal and state levels.

We hear about progress and obstacles to early planting in the state and get a new update on agriculture-focused initiatives at the state legislature.

On this week’s edition, we learn how the state’s berry and peach crops fared after the hard freeze and winter storm of late February and we get one more update from the state legislature, including the latest on relaunching a state meat inspection program.

On this week’s edition, we talk to Sammy Angel of Lake Village, new president of the Southern Cotton Ginners Association. We also talk to LaTeresa Watkins of Watkins Cattle Company in Boone County, and we get the latest update from the state legislature with Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Jeff Pitchford.

On this week’s edition, we hear from a cattle rancher who testified at the State Capitol in favor of a new state meat inspection program, we learn about a grant to improve Arkansas State University’s Meats Lab and we get to know a produce-growing family in Bradley County. We also get our weekly update from the state legislature with Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Jeff Pitchford.

On this week’s edition, we hear about the lingering impacts of recent winter weather on agriculture and we learn about the ongoing work of the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust. We also get our weekly update from the state legislature with Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Jeff Pitchford.

On this week’s edition, we hear from row-crop farmer Jim Carroll of Brinkley about the impacts of last week’s winter storm and the upcoming planting season. We also talk to Travis and Ashley Appel of Appel Farms in Elm Springs and get an update from the state legislature with Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Jeff Pitchford.

On this week’s edition, we hear from University of Arkansas Extension livestock veterinarian Heidi Ward about caring for animals in the freezing weather and we find out what the impact of this week’s winter weather has been on a major baitfish hatchery. We also learn about the nonprofit Seven Harvest Inc. and hear about the interesting life one central Arkansas cattlemen who can’t quite bring himself to retire from the job he loves.

On this week’s edition, we get an update on progress at the new Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center in Poinsett County, we hear from a poultry and cattle grower about preparing for freezing winter weather and we talk to a farmer and veteran about his specialty crop business. We also get our weekly update about what’s happening at the 2021 Legislative session.

This week, we visit Trent Dabbs on his rice, corn and soybean farm near Stuttgart to talk about commodity prices and the impact they may have on planting decisions this year. We also check in with Arkansas Farm Bureau's Autumn Wood during Farm Bureau Week to learn about the benefits of being a Farm Bureau member, and we get the latest update on what’s happening at the State Capitol.

This week, we pay a visit to Mary Bone’s property in north Pulaski County, where she and her husband are preparing to grow fruit and vegetables to sell locally. We also get an update on what’s happening at the State Capitol and how Arkansas Farm Bureau’s priority issues are faring during the legislative session, and Arkansas Farm Bureau’s John McMinn tells us about the USDA’s new forest management incentive program for farmers and landowners.

This week, we get to know Arkansas Farm Bureau’s new director of Commodity Activities and Economics, Jessica Richard. We also learn about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the equine industry in Arkansas and we talk to one of the first participants to complete the Farm Apprenticeship program through the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food at the University of Arkansas.

This week, we learn about the Arkansas Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee’s recent work and their participation in American Farm Bureau’s Virtual Annual Convention. We also talk to Arkansas State Representative DeAnn Vaught about a new state meat inspection bill she is championing and we learn about a very busy week for Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Public Affairs and Government Relations team.

This week, we hear about Arkansas Farm Bureau’s top policy priorities for the upcoming legislative session at the State Capitol and we learn about a new “micro dairy” operation started by an enterprising Searcy County teen.

This week, we wrap up our podcasting year with a look at why feed costs are rising and what it means for livestock growers and we hear from the chair of the Scott County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, which was recently honored as the state’s top women’s committee.

This week is all about award winners. First, we get reactions from the newly named Arkansas Farm Family of the Year for 2020, then we hear from poultry grower Kallem Hill, the recipient of this year’s Stanley E. Reed Leadership Award. We also talk to Larry Smith, president of Stone County Farm Bureau, which received the prestigious President’s Award from Arkansas Farm Bureau during this year’s virtual annual convention.

This week, we learn about caring for poultry and other livestock during bitter cold weather, We talk to Rich Hillman about wrapping up his first year as Arkansas Farm Bureau president and the challenge of overseeing the organization’s first virtual convention and business session. We also hear from Garland County Farm Bureau President Tommy Sorrells about his reaction to participating in the virtual event after it concluded.

This week, we learn about the development of the first Roundup-ready forage soybean from Eagle Seed and we talk to Pope County’s Sam Cecil, Arkansas’s representative at the U.S. Meat Export Federation. We also talk turkey with Poultry Federation head Marvin Childers.

This week, we talk about the results of this year’s Arkansas Farm Bureau survey of the cost of traditional Thanksgiving dinner items and we learn about how the pandemic has affected the logging and timber industry in Arkansas. We also get a lesson on the history of soybeans in the state, along with details of a new survey of forest landowners and tips on battling bugs that cause problems for livestock.

This week, we talk to a beef broker at the Oklahoma National Stockyards about the challenges cattle ranchers have faced in 2020 and what’s ahead. We also catch up with James Meeks of Triple M Farms, who tells us about how COVID-19 has affected his produce business and we learn about the recently upgraded Senter & Sons Cotton Gin in Osceola. We also talk to Terry Laster of Union County about the pandemic problems that have hit poultry growers.

This week, we catch up with Michael Sparks of the Arkansas Chapter of the Farmer Veterans Coalition to talk about the group’s upcoming Veteran’s Day celebration. We also talk to Monroe County’s Jim Carroll about wrapping up his term as chair of the United Soybean Board, and learn about Prestonrose Farm & Brewing Co. in the Arkansas River Valley, a destination craft brewery with locally grown food options. And, finally, we hear from Arkansas Farm Bureau state affairs director Jeff Pitchford about Tuesday’s election results.

This week, we wrap up Farm to School Month in Arkansas with a discussion about outstanding school gardens and we hear from Daniel Keisler about his custom beef and pork business, Circle K Angus. We also talk to 82-year-old farmer Ellis Bell of Forrest City, who founded a local non-profit for promoting science-based agriculture education, and catch up with Rick Bransford of Lonoke County about this year’s cotton crop.

This week, we visit the state livestock show in Little Rock and we learn about the production and use of mass timber in Arkansas. We also talk to about the farming life with Steve Morgan of Johnson County and growing organic with Shawn Peebles of Augusta.

This week, we visit with Lee County’s Nathan Reed, who gives us an update on this year’s cotton crop. We also learn about the critical issues on the ballot this Nov. 3 and why they matter for rural Arkansas and we check in with Terry and Robin Fisher, who were 2020 finalists for the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association Regional Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award.

This week, we hear from the leader of the firefighting team from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division that recently returned from helping to fight destructive West Coast blazes. We also learn about the Arkansas Food Conservancy’s work in Northwest Arkansas, get an update on this year’s peanut crop and hear from a farmer working to bring in his harvest before more rain arrives this weekend.

This week, we hear from Brittany Carwell of B&D Genetics in Cross County about the business’s major new move into the European market. We also get an update on the 2020 pecan crop from Chas Davis of Davis Pecan in Little River County and we spend a morning Hicks Family Farms near Cabot, as they work to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines in preparing their annual pumpkin patch and corn maze for visitors.

This week, we hear from a cattle producer and mother about youth livestock events during this unusual year, and Arkansas Farm Bureau Director of Policy Development and Legislative Research Jessica Clowser Burkham fills us in on CFAP 2, the recently announced second round of Coronavirus aid for U.S. farmers. We also have a special interview with Jason Brewer of Ritter Farms.

This week, we hear how some counties are holding limited or scaled-back livestock shows despite COVID-related fair and rodeo cancellations. We also learn about the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust and what it can do for farmers and we get important mental health tips for National Suicide Prevention Month.

This week, we talk National Honey Month with Jeremy Bemis of Bemis Honey Bee Farm. We get the latest on cotton from agronomist Bill Robertson and we hear about the challenges facing agritourism businesses in Arkansas during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This week, we talk to Sen. John Boozman after one of his recent farm visits this week, and we hear from Cooperative Extension Service expert Julia Fryer on produce safety issues after Hurricane Laura. We also catch up with the Benton County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee's Brenda Patton about the challenges her group has faced during COVID-19.

This week, weather takes center stage. We hear from a National Weather Service Senior Forecaster John Lewis, Ag Extension Rice Agronomist Jarrod Hardke and Sevier County livestock and poultry grower Bruce Jackson about how excessive winds and rainfall from Hurricane Laura could impact Arkansas agriculture. We also get some tips and information for Arkansas small meat and poultry processors interested in the state’s new $5 million grant program for expanding processing capacity.

This week, we learn about a potential $5 million grant to help Arkansas meat processors expand. We also talk Catfish Month in Arkansas with Chad Causey of Catfish Farmers of America, and we discuss the recent outbreak of VSV that’s hitting horses in the state.

This week, we learn about a new partnership involving the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service and UAMS to help with COVID-19 testing in rural areas and we hear about more funding for rural broadband in the state. We also talk to Sara Gardner, who was recently named to the National 4-H Council’s Young Alumni Advisory Committee.

This week, we talk to the new, interim director of the Rice Research and Extension Center in Stuttgart, and we learn about new funding for research on improving management of crop burns. We also hear from University of Arkansas Professor Steven Ricke, who was recently honored for his work on poultry broilers and food safety and we get details on the Double Your Dollar farmers market program in Northwest Arkansas.

This week, we get an update on cotton from Extension Cotton Agronomist Bill Robertson; we learn about the latest research on blackberries, peaches and grapes; and we talk to Scott Bray from the State Plant Board about the mysterious seed packages some people have been receiving in the mail. We also hear from Dr. Nathan Slaton of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station about the cancellation of the popular Arkansas Rice Expo event in Stuttgart.

This week, we learn about a major donation by the Anheuser-Busch Foundation to support the Arkansas Discovery Farms Project and we get the latest on the federal Paycheck Protection Program. We also talk to Altus Mayor Veronica Post about the cancellation of three agriculture-related festivals her community due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This week, we talk about a new multi-million dollar infrastructure project at the Little Rock Port, learn the importance of written legal documents when leasing farmland, and hear the latest on LeadAR, the two-year leadership development program of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.

This week, we learn what the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak will mean for the 2020 Arkansas State Fair and we talk to a University of Arkansas professor about a recent grant to support technology research that could help the poultry industry. We also learn all about the Arkansas Youth Expo.

This week, we talk about the impact of the pandemic on Arkansas’s 4-H programs, and we get to know Dr. Bob Scott, the new director of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. We also hear from the man whose shoes he will have to fill, Dr. Rick Cartwright, who retired at the end of June. We also talk to horticulture research professor Elena Garcia about her recent retirement.

This week, we talk about Discovery Farms in Arkansas and dive into the issues facing the dairy industry. We also talk about China’s troubling reaction to COVID-19 infections at a Springdale poultry plant and learn about a deadly new virus strain in wild rabbits.

This week, we have an in-depth conversation with Arkansas Farm Bureau experts about efforts to establish a state meat inspection program in Arkansas and we chat with Cooperative Extension Service entomologists about summer insect pests Arkansas farmers will be facing.

This week, we are joined by Lou Jamison, owner of Jamison Orchard in Nashville, who tells us about her family’s peach orchard and how the COVID-19 outbreak has affected their business. We also talk to our own Brandy Carroll to get the facts on the recent 9th Circuit court ruling on dicamba and we chat with Michael Sparks of the new Arkansas Chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition and Karin Endy of the Northwest Arkansas Food Systems Program.

This week, we are joined by Yell County Judge Mark Thone, who tells us about the ongoing work to restore river levees in his area. We also chat with Luke Lewis and JP Fairhead about feral hog eradication efforts and with Diana Endicott, executive director of The Food Conservancy in Springdale.

This week, we are joined by Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Chief Economist Travis Justice for a deep look at the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the agricultural economy in Arkansas. We follow that with a discussion with Dr. Victor Ford, vice president for agriculture and natural resources for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, about the long-term impacts of the outbreak on production agriculture.

This week, we talk to poultry grower and Arkansas Farm Bureau Board Secretary/Treasurer Dan Wright about challenges for the poultry industry caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. We also talk to Jamie Anderson of I.F. Anderson Farms, the nation’s largest producer of baitfish, about what a recent increase in recreational fishing has meant for his operation. Finally, we speak to Arkansas Farm Bureau Public Affairs & Government Relations Director Matt King about the latest on the CARES Act and the creation of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.

This week, we talk cotton crop news with Bill Robertson, cotton agronomist with the University of Arkansas, and we learn more about the poultry industry’s COVID-19 problems from Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Bruce Tencleve. We also hear about a major food drive being led by the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council.

This week, we go in-depth on some critical issues facing agriculture in the wake of Covid-19. We talk with David Newman, president of the National Pork Board and Arkansas State University animal science professor, about troubles facing the pork industry, and we hear from the University of Arkansas National Ag Law Center Director Harrison Pittman about the President’s recent executive order designed to keep meat packing plants operating. We also hear from Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Travis Justice about the ongoing supply chain and processing issues hitting livestock and poultry growers.

This week, we talk to Farm Bureau’s Jason Smedley about levee restoration priorities and coordination of levee management in Arkansas. We also talk with Rusty Rumley of the National Agricultural Law Center in Fayetteville about issued related to the COVID-19 outbreak and we hear from State Representative Jeff Wardlaw about challenges facing produce growers and this year’s Arkansas tomato crop.

This week, we talk to Jara Settles of the Livestock Marketing Association in Kansas City about the importance of livestock auctions and we hear from Julia Fryer of the Cooperative Extension Service about produce safety. We also learn about a new website for local businesses and nonprofits called UpliftArkansas.

This week, we talk to Dr. Matthew Pelkki, an economist and professor at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, about the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the timber industry. We also get an update from Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Jason Smedley on the new Farm Corps program that connects job-seeking National Guard and Reserve soldiers and other military veterans to jobs in agriculture. And we hear from Arkansas Farm Bureau’s specialty crops expert John McMinn about issues facing that sector of agriculture.

This week, we talk to Dr. Amanda Perez, a professor and Food Safety Specialist with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture about how produce and specialty crop farmers are adjusting their businesses during the COVID-19 crisis, and we catch up with UA Division of Agriculture Wheat and Feed Grains agronomist Jason Kelley to discuss how rainfall has delayed this year’s corn crop planting and the impact Covid-19 concerns are having on crop farmers. And we also hear from John Gavin, staff chair of the Bradley County Cooperative Extension Service about tomato production in southeast Arkansas.

The second half of our extended interview with John Anderson, chair of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness at the University of Arkansas Bumpers College, who explains the challenges facing the livestock market during this coronavirus crisis, as well as the impact of labor challenges and other key issues in agriculture.

This week, we talk to John Crangle, FFA advisor and vo-ag instructor at Bismarck High School in Hot Spring County, about adapting to at-home, online instruction and Jay and Valorie Lee of JV Farms near Bismarck about the adjustments their making to their direct-to-consumer sales operation. We also catch up with Randy Arnold, a strawberry grower near Alma who is facing uncertainty because his business relies heavily on providing produce to schools and a u-pick operation. Finally, we have part one of a special interview with John Anderson, chair of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness at the University of Arkansas Bumpers College, who explains the challenges facing the livestock market during this crisis.

This week, we talk to rice agronomist Jarrod Hardke about the outlook for this year’s crop and what the current crisis means for farmers. We also talk to ag economist Scott Stiles about the impact of rains and the pandemic on agriculture and markets. Finally, we catch up with Andy Shaw of Cypress Valley Meat Company, to learn how they’re going about their work in the current environment, and farmer Tommy Tuckerman interviews the onwer of Zack's Flying Services.

This week, we talk to Fourth District Congressman Bruce Westerman about the impact of the corona virus on work at the U.S. Capitol, the importance of his Trillion Trees Act and other major issues for agriculture in the state. We also talk to an Oklahoma cattle broker about the impact of the virus crisis on beef cattle prices and to the Department Head of Animal Science at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville about how livestock at the university are being cared for during the school’s current shutdown. Finally, we chat about pesticide certification and training with a representative of the UA Division of Agriculture.

This week, we talk to representatives of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture about the recent Local Conversations event in McCrory, and we catch up with two recent inductees into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame. We also speak to Keith Perkins, an agent with the Lonoke County Cooperative Extension Service, about the implications of recent wet weather for planting season.

This week, it's all about policy issues, as we recap the just-completed Arkansas Farm Bureau President's Advocacy & Leadership Tour to Washington, D.C. We talk to the members of the Farm Bureau team who lead the trip about what was accomplished and why it's important for Arkansas farmers and ranchers to have their voices heard on Capitol Hill.

This week, we talk to Tracy Dunbar, Chair of the UAPB Department of Agriculture, about the school’s recent Rural Life Conference and we sit down with Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Brandy Carroll to learn more about the Arkansas Abandoned Pesticide Program. We also get an update on the latest Healthy Soils for Sustainable Cotton & Arkansas Soil Health Alliance meeting.

This week, we talk to John Lewis, a senior forecaster with the National Weather Service, about the long-range weather outlook and we sit down with Cooperative Extension Service entomologists to talk about insect problems farmers could face this year. We also visit with Ralph Pinkerton of Garland County Farm Bureau and Melony Ritter of National Park College in Hot Springs to talk about the recent Arkansas Farm Bureau Candidate Forum hosted by the college.

This week, we talk to Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center at the University of Arkansas about legal issues in agriculture and we learn about the importance of agricultural activism from speaker and logging industry veteran Bruce Vincent. We also hear from Ed Swaim, Executive Director of the Bayou-Meto Water Management District.

A Diversity in Agriculture conference has been set for Feb. 27-28 in an effort expand the awareness of the career and business opportunities that exist in agriculture. The conference will allow participants to explore opportunities through success stories and networking. It also is intended to foster an expansion of public and private partnerships within agriculture, Arkansas’ largest industry sector, accounting for more than $20 billion annually.

This week, we talk with members of Arkansas Farm Bureau commodity boards about the recent Winter Commodity Meeting in Little Rock and we learn what's going on with the Arkansas Forestry Association.

This week, we talk with experts on the outlook for rice in Arkansas in 2020 and the potential impact of the EPA’s final rule defining “Waters of the U.S.” We also get some helpful tips on preventing timber theft on farms, ranchers and other private property.

This week, we attended the 101st annual American Farm Bureau Convention in Austin, Texas. We sat down with two of the event’s workshop leaders to discuss the economics of farming and the science of gene editing for agriculture. We also talked to Arkansas Farm Bureau President Rich Hillman, who gave us his thoughts on the event and explained the importance of the policy development process that wrapped up on the final day of convention.

This week, we talk with soybean and trade experts about the latest news on trade negotiations and the road ahead in 2020. We also get the latest on the pork industry from Dr. David Newman, president of the National Pork Board and Arkansas State University animal science professor and learn about new urban agriculture classes being offered at the St. Joseph Center in North Little Rock.

This week, we talk to Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward, as well as the new leader of the state Agriculture Department’s Feral Hog Eradication Program. We also talk to a waterfowl expert from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission about the problems snow geese are causing for some farmers.

This week, we talk to leaders of Arkansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers about planning for the future and we sit down with Jim Carroll the Third of Brinkley, who was recently elected chair of the United Soybean Board of Directors. We also catch up on the latest news from the Arkansas Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee.

This week, we talk to this year’s Arkansas Farm Family of the Year winner and we have interviews with a “mobile veterinarian” and a farmer specializing in exotic animals. We also learn about a new survey project aiming to find out more about the local food system in central Arkansas.

This week's AgCast was recorded at the 85th annual Arkansas Farm Bureau Convention in Little Rock, and features a variety of interviews with experts, speakers and Farm Bureau leaders and members on the most important issues facing agriculture in the state.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson proclaimed Nov. 24-30 as Turkey Week in Arkansas during a special ceremony on the steps of the capitol Nov. 26. Members of the poultry industry were on hand for the ceremony and to recognize the importance of turkey and poultry production to the state in advance of Thanksgiving. We spoke with Marvin Childers, president of the Poultry Federation and Wes Ward, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture following the observance.

This week, we hear about the annual Thanksgiving Feast survey, which measures the cost of traditional Thanksgiving meal food items in Arkansas and around the country, and we get a complete update on this year’s cotton harvest from cotton agronomist Bill Robertson. We also hear from Col. Nate Todd, Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, about the recent Vets4Ag Summit, and we learn about a recent Young Farmers and Ranchers trip to our nation’s capital to discuss issues critical to farmers and ranchers.

This week, we talk to members of our Arkansas Farm Bureau team about important issues such as high-speed broadband access in rural areas and opportunities for veterans in the agriculture industry. We also learn all about the 85th annual Arkansas Farm Bureau convention, which will be held in Little Rock next month.

The week, we talk to Ashley County farmer James Meeks about issues facing specialty crop farmers and we hear from Dustin Cowell of Newton County about conservation and stewardship of land and water in his area. We also learn about a new “Farmer Apprenticeship Program” launching in January through the University of Arkansas.

The week, we talk to Jeremy Bemis of Bemis Honey Bee Farm and Supplies and Bemis Tree Farm about his family’s growing business in southern Pulaski County, and we hear from this year’s Arkansas Tree Farmer of the Year. We also talk to Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Jessica Clowser Burkham about new regulations for industrial hemp production just released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

This week, we talk to Natural Resource Commission Executive Director Bruce Holland about the work of the state’s Levee Task Force and we hear from Tommy Jumper, chief executive officer of Delta Peanut LLC, who discusses the latest on the peanut industry in Arkansas. We also visit with participants in this year’s livestock shows at the Arkansas State Fair.

On this week’s edition, we have an interview with Jackson County farmer Tommy Young about a successful effort to address road challenges that were hindering farmers transporting crops and equipment in his area. We also talk to an executive of Cotton Incorporated about a recent industry visit to Arkansas and we discuss Farm-to-School Month in the state.

On this week’s edition, we have interviews with State Senator Gary Stubblefield of District 6 and District 74 Representative Jon Eubanks about post-flood assessment of critical levees. We also talk to Poinsett County farmer Scott Matthews about his use of ag technology and we get an update from Jefferson County farmer Wes McNulty on how his season has turned out after flooding earlier this year.

On this week’s edition, we have interviews with the CEO of a new agricultural start-up in Northwest Arkansas, a rancher and poultry grower in Logan County, the new head of the National Pork Board and a representative of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, who tells us about an organization for students from primarily rural communities.

On this week’s edition, we have an interview with Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach, who tells us about his trip to Europe for a major trade conference. We also have the latest on muscadine research, the University of Arkansas Monticello’s Collegiate Farm Bureau and an on-campus retail meat market being developed at Centerpoint High School.

On this week’s edition, we’ll be talking about a variety of topics, from the importance of women in agriculture to the business of agricultural lending and banking. We also talk to the coach of an award-winning rodeo team and discuss a major donation of rice to the Arkansas Food Bank.

On this week’s edition, we have some interesting and in-depth interviews about critical issues in Arkansas agriculture, including news from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff's agriculture program, the latest on efforts to combat feral hogs and a conversation with Arkansas’s 4th District Congressman Bruce Westerman.

In this week's Arkansas AgCast, we interview experts on pasture maintenance and spraying and talk about potential dangers in livestock drinking water. We also talk to Arkansas Farm Bureau Chief Economist Travis Justice about the cattle market and the fallout from a major beef processing plant fire.

On this week's Arkansas AgCast, we visit a large animal vet in Morrilton and talk with UA Extension Horticulture Specialist Amanda McWhirt about the possibility of growing hops in Arkansas to support the state's burgeoning craft beer industry.

This week’s AgCast focuses on soybeans. Arkansas soybean growers have faced a lot of challenges in 2019, from weather to trade wars, so we talked to some experts to see where things stand as we enter harvest season. First up, Keith Sutton talks to Derek Haigwood, a soybean farmer from Newport who is chairman of the U.S. Soybean Export Council and member of the United Soybean Board of Directors. Derek talks about the troubled season and the importance of the U.S. Soybean Sustainability Assurance Protocol, or SSAP. Also, Ken Moore speaks with Dr. Jeremy Ross, Extension Soybean Agronomist, about the latest USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service acreage report and the implications of a smaller crop.

President Donald Trump recently authorized a second round of Market Facilitation Program payments to farmers and ranchers to offset economic losses due to the ongoing trade dispute with China and loss of that important market. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, Matt King, Director of National Affairs for Arkansas Farm Bureau, encourages producers to sign up for the payments before the deadline in December and explains why exporting our agricultural products is necessary to maintain a viable ag economy.

Solar arrays are beginning to become more visible on farms and ranches across Arkansas, especially on crop farms in the Delta as farmers are realizing the cost savings and benefits of solar energy. One of the leading firms helping farmers make the switch is Seal Solar, headquartered in North Little Rock. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, Seal Solar co-founders Josh Davenport and Heather Nelson, explain how solar arrays are efficient and cost-effective power generating systems that may one day become commonplace on many agricultural operations.

Taylor Wiseman of Fayetteville, a graduate assistant majoring in agriculture economics at the University of Arkansas, won the Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet at this year's Arkansas Farm Bureau Officers & Leaders Conference. Hear what she had to say after the competition.

Conway County pecan grower Robert "Crash" Carruthers talks about the impact of the ongoing trade and tariff war with China on pecans, how weather affects pecan nut development, the increasing acreage of pecan groves in Conway County, and more.

The August Congressional recess has begun and First District Congressman Rick Crawford kicked off his annual farm tour by participating in a roundtable discussion of issues affecting the 2019 farm economy with farmers and ranchers in Lonoke. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, Crawford shares his thoughts on the tariff war with China, how African Swine Fever in China is impacting the need for U.S. soybeans and why Arkansas farmers may need to “diversify their ag portfolio."

We spoke to Matt HIll, fire chief for Dierks in Howard County, about flooding from Tropical Storm Barry in the southwest part of the state. HIll said the area received more than 17 inches of rain and he described the impact on local rachers and farmers and the timber business in the county.

In 2018, the University of Arkansas at Monticello upgraded its forestry and agriculture programs by combining them and creating the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources. And more changes are on the horizon. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, Dr. Phil Tappe, dean of the college and director of the Arkansas Forest Resources Center explains how UAM has become the only university in the state with an accredited forestry program and why it is working hard to become the destination for students seeking to enter the timber and forest resources industry.

By Memorial Day weekend, only half of Arkansas’ cotton acreage for 2019 had been planted, but as cotton extension agronomist Bill Robertson tells us, figures obtained by the Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Program show planted cotton acres now exceed 580,000. That means this is the fourth year of increased cotton acreage and the highest planted acreage since 2012. Learn more in this edition of Arkansas AgCast.

Damage to property caused by wild or feral hogs in Arkansas is getting worse. Efforts to trap and kill the destructive swine the past 10 years has had modest success, but they continue to reproduce and move across the state. Fourth District Congressman Bruce Westerman led a roundtable discussion July 1 in Ashley County involving representatives of state agencies and Arkansas Farm Bureau to receive a briefing on the problem and how $75 million USDA is offering to fund pilot projects included in the 2018 Farm Bureau may be utilized to enhance the eradication and control efforts in Arkansas and other states. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, Caleb Plyler, chair of Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Feral Hog Committee and Mike Sullivan, State Conservationist with NRCS, discuss the severity of the problem and how the pilot eradication and control projects will be implemented in Arkansas.

Listen as Joe Fox, Arkansas’ State Forester, and Seward Hamilton, a training specialist for the U.S. Forest Service, talk about The annual Wildands Fire Academy to train wildlands firefighters. The Arkansas Forestry Commission and U.S. Forest Service team up each year with other state and federal agencies to host a multi-state wildlands fire academy to provide continuing education and training to wildlands firefighters.

Leslee Tell teaches Advanced Nutrition & Dietetics at the Conway Area Career Center in Conway High School. She spoke to us about attending the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s "On The Farm STEM Experience" in May and how it taught her labout beef production and provided ideas to share with her students.

Jessica Hamilton and her husband, Cory, farm in the Paris Bottoms of the Arkansas River in Logan County. Tragically, the couple lost their entire crop of wheat, corn and soybeans when a federal levee along the river was breached. Rushing water from the breach overtopped a secondary levee, ensuring the destruction of all crops, forcing livestock out and damaging ag buildings. Hear their story in our latest AgCast.

Rancher John Wahrmund of Wahrmund Farms near Point Remove went through some difficulties preparing for flooding from the Arkansas River that's now here. Good friends, family and ranch cowboys helped him through it all. Listen as he tells the story of racing the flood waters to move his cattle to safer and higher ground.

Arkansas row-crop farmer Robert Stobaugh, who farms between Morrilton and Atkins, talks about what is likely to be historic flooding along the Arkansas River and the problems it will cause for farmers.

Heavy rain in Oklahoma this past week is entering the Arkansas River basin and will result in another historic flooding event, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and National Weather Service. The Corps is warning farmers, ranchers and property owners in the River Valley to take steps now to protect their livestock and property. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, Laurie Driver, Public Affairs Specialist for the Corps of Engineers in Little Rock, describes how severe the flooding is expected to be and why and what farmers and property owners should do to prepare for it.

We spoke with Cathy Gifford, a Crawford County Arkansas Farm Bureau Insurance agent, who helped to launch a leadership program for the county that meets rgularly to learn about important industries in the area, including agriculture. We caught up with her during the county agriculture tour.

The 92nd Session of theArkansas General Assembly concluded recently and State Representatives Lane Jean and David Fielding were recognized by the Columbia County Farm Bureau at an appreciation dinner. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, representatives Jean and Fielding discuss some of the legislation that was passed that will benefit agriculture and their rural constituents.

Arkansas Agcast visited with Janeal Yancy, a meat scientist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, who leads the "Moms on the Farm" program. She takes groups of mothers on farm tours to learn firsthand how food is produced and how it gets from farm to table.

A new Arkansas FFA Officer Team has been elected and installed to lead the organization for the next year. Anna Mathis of Valley Springs in Boone County was elected president during the recent annual convention in Hot Springs. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, she shares her feelings about receiving the support of FFA student delegates across the state and her goals for the organization going forward.

Pigweed problems led to the use of cover crops and no-till farming techniques on Adam and Seth Chappell’s family farm near Cotton Plant. Hear about their experimentation with these techniques and the success they've had since beginning.

When it comes to cotton in Arkansas, few people know more than Bill Robertson, cotton extension agronomist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. As spring planting season begins, Robertson spoke to us about last year's season and what farmers need to know to get the most out of their 2019 crop.

A new online pilot program known as CropCheck is being offered in partnership between FieldWatch and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast Victor Ford, Interim Associate Director for Agriculture and Natural Resources with the Division of Agriculture, explains FieldWatch and describes how the CropCheck program could help farmers prevent damage to their neighbor’s crops caused by pesticide application.

Arkansas Women in Agriculture recently held its annual conference. We caught up with to group's president, Monica Paskewitz, who explained the reason behind the group's creation, its growth and success and why more of Arkansas's farming and ranching women should get involved.

Clyde Fenton is a program associate working for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture in Food Systems and Food Safety. He brings 30 years experience as a fruit and vegetable grower to the job, taking part in the university's efforts to certify produce farmers as part of the requirements that came from the 2011 Food Safety Improvement Act. He took time during a recent workshop with farmers to describe the law and the certification process with Arkansas AgCast.

On Tuesday, March 12, more than 100 Arkansas Farm Bureau member farmers and ranchers visited the Arkansas State Capitol to share their concerns with legislators and to attend the signing of proclamations declaring March 10-16 as Arkansas Agriculture Week and March 12 as Farmers' Day. Hear from some of those who attended in this edition of Arkansas AgCast.

Livestock farmers Cody Hopkins and Andrea Todt are part of a co-op that sells meat directly to consumers online. They utilize blockchain technology that allows customers to know how their meat was raised, what it was fed, who raised it and more. In this edition of Arkansas AgCast, Hopkins describes the value of block chain technology to his operation and for consumers.

A radio PSA for hearing safety during Ag Safety Awareness Month 2019.

A radio PSA for road safety during Ag Safety Awareness Week 2019.

PSA for Heat safety and Hydration during Ag Safety Awareness Week.

Radio PSA announcement for Ag Safety Week 2019.

Around 100 growers and fruit specialists attended a meeting in Little Rock Feb. 16 about forming an Arkansas Blackberry Growers Association. It was also an opportunity for growers to learn about a new blackberry variety and how to effectively market their crops. Listen to our interviews with a horticulture specialist and a blackberry grower.

Arkansas Farm Bureau Chief Economist Travis Justice gives a sneak peek of the soon-to-be-published Arkansas Beef Industry Assessment survey and his perspective of the state's $750 million beef business.

Arkansas cattlemen and dairy farmers have been experiencing the coldest temperatures of the season recently. Faulkner County dairy farmer Matt Simon has weathered many winter cold snaps over the past 20 years and, in this edition of Arkansas Agcast, he says dairy cows need to eat more when they are cold to help stay warm and that actually helps increase their milk production.

Arkansas Farm Bureau Forestry Chair Grant Pace discusses the impact of the wet winter weather on the Arkansas timber industry.

The Arkansas Agriculture Department held its 2019 Local Conversations event at the Hermitage Community Center in Bradley County January 17. Specialty crop farmers joined local school food service and nutrition directors, food distribution representatives and other industry officials to network and source new marketing opportunities for their locally grown products. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, Ron Rainey, director of the UA Division of Agriculture’s Marketmaker Program, and Bob Midles, Marketing Director for the Ag Department, discuss the success and importance of Local Conversations events.

A grant from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture is helping fund cutting-edge biotechnology research on corn at Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. Dr. Elizabeth Hood, distinguished professor of agriculture at ASU, joined us to discuss the research team’s work, which could ultimately lead to corn strains that produce proteins important for more environmentally sound industrial applications.

Chris and Judy Isbell of Humnoke are the 2018 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year. The honor was announced today at the annual luncheon honoring county and district Farm Families of the Year. The Isbells are fifth-generation rice farmers and have diversified their operation into growing specialty varieties for the Japanese market. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, they share with the honor means to them and how growing specialty rice has become a successful marketing strategy for them.

Brenda Patton chairs the Benton County Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, she discusses how hard her committee worked to earn the Outstanding County Women's Program Award this year.

The ongoing tariff war and dispute with China, a record soybean crop produced by U.S. farmers with limited storage capacity and need for new export markets, and the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement are all issues addressed by Ted McKinney, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at USDA at Arkansas Farm Bureau’s annual convention. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast McKinney comments on efforts to resolve the trade war with China and other trade issues facing agriculture as we approach the New Year.

Farm Bureau member and volunteer Dana Stewart made White County proud as she was recognized with the prestigious Stanley E. Reed Leadership Award at the state convention in Hot Springs, Nov. 28. Arkansas Ag Cast visited with her to get her reaction to earning this honor.

In this special edition of Arkansas AgCast, we talk with Terri McManus with the Farm Service Angency about the Dec. 7 deadline for producers who have generic seed cotton base who want to participate in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program for the 2018 crop. For more information about the program and to see if you are eligible, visit bit.ly/SeedCottonBase.

Many in Arkansas know all too well about the devastating impact Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia can have on families. Providing care for loved ones suffering from these conditions is difficult without adequate support or knowledge. That’s why Arkansas Farm Bureau has partnered with the UAMS Arkansas Geriatric Education Collaborative to provide training for caregivers at the county level. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, Sajni Kumpuris and Laura Spradley of the Collaborative discuss Alzheimer’s and dementia in Arkansas and this effort to help family members of those affected. They also explain how county Farm Bureau members can schedule presentations in their communities.

Farmers and ranchers from every county in Arkansas convened in North Little Rock recently and spent two days discussing resolutions that will soon become Arkansas Farm Bureau policy. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, ArFB president Randy Veach explains the importance of this grassroots policy development process and why it will determine the organization’s state and federal legislative blueprint for 2019.

Thanksgiving is upon us. And that means turkeys. According to tradition, turkey was one of the birds of choice for the Pilgrim’s first Thanksgiving feast shared with the Native Americans. Butterball is the choice of Logan County farmer Brian Weisenfels. Listen as he tells us about raising turkeys and whether the busy holiday season changes anything from a farmer's perspective.

KARN's Kevin Miller interviews Mark Lambert, director, commodity activities and economics, at Arkansas Farm Bureau. The two discussed the economic and weather challenges faced by Arkansas soybean farmers this harvest season.

Derek Haigwood, a fourth-generation row-crop farmer from Newport, serves as a U.S. Soybean Board director and chairman of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC). In this podcast, he discusses how many soybean farmers are facing a devastating hit to their bottom line this year due to low prices, trade issues, weather problems and more, and talks about USSEC efforts to create new markets and keep existing customers.

October is Farm to School Month, so for our latest Arkansas Agcast, we sat down with Andy Guffey, Arkansas Farm Bureau's director of education and outreach, to discuss this innovative educational program that brings agriculture and schools together, teaching students where their food comes from and the importance of agriculture to our state and country.

A native Arkansan, Dr. Charles Looney spent much of his career working in the cattle reproduction industry outside the state. He recently took advantage of an opportunity to return to Arkansas to fill an animal science position at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s Southwest Research and Extension Center. Artificial Insemination, or A.I., has revolutionized cattle breeding, but in this edition of Arkansas Agcast, Dr. Looney says the technology is being under-utilized. He says he intends to meet with Arkansas cattlemen through a series of workshops and educate them on how to use A.I., which he believes will help them raise higher quality cattle and become more profitable.

Earl Pepper, who turns 75 later this year, can't recall a time when he wasn't around horses. Raised in Alabama, he now lives near DeQueen, where he tends cattle on horseback. He formerly chaired Arkansas Farm Bureau’s equine division and was responsible for the equine program for the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Pepper has a love and respect for horses and, in this edition of Arkansas Agcast, he shares his story and explains why he believes horses are an important part of our culture and heritage.

Many public schools are realizing the importance of teaching students about how food is grown and have established gardens on campuses. Three years ago Sheridan Intermediate School partnered with the Grant County Cooperative Extension Service and other organizations to develop a garden. This week students harvested sweet potatoes they planted last spring, just in time for the holidays. October is Farm to School Month and in this edition of Arkansas Agcast, Extension Service staff chair Brad McGinley and his wife Serena, a science teacher at the school, discuss how they are using the garden to grow produce for the school cafeteria and its importance to students and the community.

The 2014 Farm Bill expires September 30, meaning the deadline for Congress to approve a new Farm Bill is this Sunday. Farmers and ranchers need the certainty and protection the new Farm Bill will provide and a House-Senate Conference Committee has been meeting for weeks to reach a compromise, but so far no agreement has been struck. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, Matt King, director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Arkansas Farm Bureau explains what happens if an agreement is not reached by Oct. 1.

Luke and Deedee Alston are participating in the "farm-to-school" movement in Arkansas by providing fresh vegetables and produce from their Holly Springs Homestead farm to the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain Community College in Mena. The Alstons are both alumni of the school and the produce they supply is used at the Mountain Range Grill restaurant on campus. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, the Alstons and Student Union Manager Jason Wood discuss this partnership and future plans for expansion.

The town of Gurdon sits near the heart of timber country in southwest Arkansas, and there's a growing need for logging industry labor in the area. That's why Gurdon Public Schools invested in two timber harvesting simulators to help train students for future jobs in the forestry business.

Wild or feral hogs have been reported in all 75 counties in Arkansas, carrying disease and causing extensive damage to property. It’s an old problem in need of new solutions, because control and eradication is an expensive and time-intensive process. Darwin Hendrix of Pike County is a member of the state feral hog eradication task force and he’s been trapping feral hogs for 10 years with some success. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, he discusses his efforts to deal with the destructive hogs and what will be necessary to successfully address this costly problem at the state level.

Terry Pollard of Piggott farms some corn and soybeans, but 1,260 of his 2,200 acres are planted in cotton this year. We visited with Terry on his farm to learn more about raising cotton from planting to harvest.

John Kirkpatrick and his daughter Cindy were on hand for the 42nd annual Hope Watermelon Festival this month, selling melons grown on their farm at Willisville. Growing and selling watermelons is a family tradition that has lasted decades and the father-daughter team share their memories.

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson conducted a two-day farm tour across south Arkansas recently and the first stop was Ricky Fawcett’s poultry farm at Winslow in Little River County. During a question and answer session, the governor responded to the concerns of poultry farmers in that part of the state. Among those in attendance was District 4 State Representative DeAnn Vaught. Vaught offers her assessment of the governor’s meeting with her constituents and what the chief concerns are facing poultry growers and rural residents in Arkansas in advance of the 2019 session of the General Assembly.

In this edition of Arkansas AgCast, Brandy Carroll, director of Commodity Activities and Market Information for Arkansas Farm Bureau, discusses upcoming sign-up dates and other critical information Arkansas cotton farmers will want to know.

In our latest Arkansas AgCast, Matt King, Arkansas Farm Bureau director of Public Affairs and Government Relations, discusses the organization’s response to the Trump administration's $12 billion emergency relief package plan for farmers and ranchers impacted by the ongoing trade battles with China and other countries. King says the aid comes at a time when U.S. producers are losing market share and suffering from years of depressed commodity prices.

The Bradley County 4-H Forestry Team has won the past two national forestry championships, but this year a team from Calhoun County will represent Arkansas and attempt to win the state’s third national title in a row. Jaret Rushing, staff chair for the county Cooperative Extension Service, is coaching the four-man team whose members all attend Hampton High School. In this edition of Arkansas AgCast, Rushing and 4-H team member Evan Beaver sat down to discuss what it would mean to bring home the championship trophy.

The U.S. began imposing tariffs on $34 billion in Chinese imports July 6 and China has announced it will retaliate with $34 billion in tariffs on U.S. goods, including key agricultural commodities, including soybeans. Other important American trading partners, including Mexico and Canada are also expected to respond with tariffs on U.S. products. In this edition of Arkansas AgCast Matt King, director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Arkansas Farm Bureau explains the impacts this trade battle is already having on agricultural commodities and American farmers and ranchers.

According to American Farm Bureau’s annual Summer Cookout Survey, the total average cost of 14 items included in the summer grilling survey was $55.07 or around $5.50 per person. That’s down 63 cents, or less than one percent from 2017. Learn more in this interview with Dr. John Newton, director of market intelligence for American Farm Bureau.

Harvest of the 2018 commercial tomato crop is underway in southeast Arkansas. In this edition of Arkansas AgCast, we catch up with John Gavin, staff chair of the Bradley County Cooperative Extension Service, to talk about this year's crop and why so many people eagerly anticipate their local, vine-ripened tomatoes each summer.

Kaylie Stone of Gurdon began showing goats at the age of 7 and has added lambs, hogs, rabbits and steers in the years since. Her drive and competitive spirit have led her to raise numerous grand and reserve champion animals through the years, making her a role model for young Arkansans in agriculture and beyond.

The Farm to Table movement is growing in restaurants across the state and Griffin Restaurant in El Dorado is on the leading edge of the effort to procure and offer local products from Arkansas farms and ranches. In this edition of Arkansas AgCast, Elizabeth Young, director of Farm and Sustainable Initiatives for the Murphy Arts District, where the Griffin is located, talks about why it's partnered with a number of Arkansas farms to offer its customers menu items featuring fresh, Arkansas grown food products.

The Danville School System is one several in Arkansas participating in the “Farm to School” program that connects farmers and ranchers with schools to provide fresh, locally grown produce for their food programs. In this interview for Arkansas AgCast, Marcia Tramel, Food Service Director for the Danville School District in Yell County, discusses how she is using local farm and ranch products as part of their school lunch program in an effort to offer students healthier, more nutritious food choices.

Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach spoke to Kevin Miller of Newsradio 102.9 KARN on Thursday, 5/24, to discuss attempts to pass a Farm Bill in Congress, the latest developments in trade and other issues affecting Arkansas farmers and ranchers.

Derek Helms, a dairy and row crop farm near Arkadelphia and president of Clark County Farm Bureau, discusses a variety of issues, from the importance of community outreach and the benefits of Farm Bureau membership to the state of the dairy industry, the importance of trade and a new Farm Bill to Arkansas farmers.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is rolling out a new program for Arkansas cattlemen. It’s called the “Natural State Preconditioned Calf Program – GoGreen.” In this edition of Arkansas AgCast Dr. Shane Gadberry, a professor of animal science with the Division of Agriculture, explains how this program will result in healthier calves, how cattlemen may participate and is a “win-win” for both the buyer and seller at the time of sale.

Member Service Representatives from county Farm Bureaus across Arkansas came together in Little Rock recently for their biennial conference. The event included a “Service Awards” recognition program honoring some of these "MSRs" for their years of service to the organization. In this edition of Arkansas AgCast, honoree Ann Davis of Fordyce reflects on her career and the important role MSRs play for Farm Bureau members.

Mark and Shay Morgan of Clarksville, chair of Arkansas Farm Bureau's state Young Farmer and Rancher Committee, addressed the 91st Arkansas FFA Convention in Hot Springs April 24. Hear their remarks in this edition of Arkansas AgCast.

The Arkansas FFA held its 91st convention at the Hot Springs Convention Center April 23-25. It was the final event for Brady Gentry as president and leader of the state officer team. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, Brady shares how being president has prepared him for the future and how being involved in FFA helps young people become better citizens and adults.

Tom and Shannon Olson have been raising water buffalo on their Turkey Creek ranch near Texarkana for almost 30 years and they recently hosted a tour for students from Genoa Central High School. In this edition of Arkansas AgCast, Ken Moore visited with Tom Olson and Kimberly Leigh, FFA Advisor and Vo-Ag instructor at Genoa Central about this unique breed and what the students learned from the visit.

Karen Rowe, Arkansas County equine enthusiast and biologist with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, visited with our Keith Sutton about the hordes of buffalo gnats wreaking havoc with horses, livestock, poultry and wildlife in the Delta of eastern Arkansas.

Several hours of subfreezing temperatures the morning of April 8 damaged much of Joey Jamison’s peach crop and likely that of other peach and berry growers in Arkansas. It’s too early to know the full extent of losses, but Jamison says that, while much of his crop was lost, he believes save of his young peaches survived. Watch and listen to learn more.

After reaching critically low levels in the 1990s, water table levels in the Sparta Aquifer in south Arkansas are being recharged thanks to a countywide campaign undertaken by the Union County Water Conservation Board, the local Chamber of Commerce and other area organizations. In this edition of Arkansas AgCast, Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Ken Moore sat down with two of the key leaders of the campaign to save the aquifer to discuss their efforts and the results.

Brett Ausley is a young cattleman producing and marketing Wagyu beef on his family ranch in Hot Spring County. He got into Wagyu about five years ago and he’s selling it directly to consumers through social media and to local restaurants. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, this entrepreneurial young rancher shares what led him to pursue this niche, premium market.

Krista Cupp, vice president of The Herald Group in Washington, D.C. was selected to be the keynote speaker during both days of the Arkansas Women in Agriculture Conference in North Little Rock, and with good reason. She's been working for years to help close the gap between food producers and consumers. Hear how she thinks women in agriculture can positively change how farmers and farming are viewed by the world.

President Donald Trump has signed orders imposing new tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, excluding Canada and Mexico. According to an analysis conducted by economists with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, if other trade partners inflict a 25 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. grain crops it could mean $383 million in overall value-added losses to Arkansas agriculture. Dr. Eric Wailes, distinguished professor of economics for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, discusses the analysis and why agriculture could be a target for retaliation.

Arkansas cotton farmers have been struggling due to heavily subsidized foreign fiber competition and other factors, but new programs are now available to help. In this interview, Arkansas Farm Bureau's Brandy Carroll provides the details on these programs, sign-up dates and more.

Recently, more than 100 private landowners in southern Arkansas attended a multi-county timber marketing workshop in Calhoun County. They learned the basics of tree identification and estimating the value of their timber. Workshop participants Jaret Rushing, staff chair of the Calhoun County Cooperative Extension Service, and Kyle Cunningham, assistant professor of forestry for the UA System Division of Agriculture, explain what landowners need to know to effectively market their timber and get the most value for their trees.

We recently had an opportunity to sit down with State Forester Joe Fox of the Arkansas Forestry Commission to discuss the state of the industry in Arkansas. Fox reflected on the outbreak of wildfires last year, as well as the employment and economic outlook for the timber and wood products industry in 2018.

Grant County Farm Bureau held a "legislative breakfast" last week where issues such as the “right to farm,” dicamba and education were all discussed. In this conversation, Grant County President Peggy Thomas and State Senator Bruce Maloch share their thoughts on the value and importance of Farm Bureau’s grassroots legislative outreach efforts.

The Seed Survivor mobile classroom program is making the rounds at elementary schools across east Arkansas. The latest stop was Woodlawn Elementary in Cleveland County. The interactive program, provided by Nutrien Crop Production Services, teaches students about the life cycle of plants and how food gets from the farm to their table.

Black vultures are a persistent problem for some farmers around the state. The population of these aggressive vultures has increased in recent years and this has led to an increase in property damage and livestock loss. Learn more about this issue and potential solutions in our latest podcast.

Taylor McNeel of Vilonia is set to graduate from Southern Arkansas University this spring, after taking a year off in 2016 to serve as president of the national FFA organization. Taylor attended the Arkansas Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher conference this past weekend and sat down to discuss her past and future and why it's up to millennials like herself to be the “voice” for agriculture now, not just in the future.

At the recent Arkansas Farm Bureau Forestry Division meeting, we sat down with Max Braswell, executive vice president of the Arkansas Forestry Association, to discuss a ranger of issues, from wildfire prevention and the need for more non-commercial landowners to participate in the association's tree farm program to the overall outlook for the industry in 2018. Listen to our interview to learn more.

A forum to bring all members of the Arkansas equine industry together to address priority issues facing horse ownership has been scheduled for later this year. The forum was a primary topic of discussion at the recent Arkansas Farm Bureau equine division meeting. Steve Jones chairs the division and in this conversation says the forum is needed to help unify the equine community in the state.

Max Braswell Executive Vice President Arkansas Forestry Association

Listen to our interview with Arkansas Farm Bureau State Board Member Jon Carroll of Moro as he discusses the work of the Voluntary Smoke Management Guidelines Task Force recently formed by the state’s rice industry. Task force members are working together to find ways farmers can voluntarily manage this smoke from field burning to reduce concern about the possibility of any associated health and environmental impacts.

Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach was interviewed on KARN Jan. 8 to talk about NAFTA's effect on Arkansas, guest worker programs and more!

Subfreezing temperatures the past two weeks may actually be a blessing to Arkansas soybean producers and some other growers. The cold weather has helped reduce the troublesome redbanded stink bug population in the state. In this conversation, Dr. Gus Lorenz, University of Arkansas Extension entomologist, says that while mild winters the past couple of years has allowed the stink bug to thrive in the, that shouldn’t be the case in 2018.

Michelle Miller, a popular blogger and speaker known as the "Farm Babe," spoke at the 99th Annual American Farm Bureau Convention in Nashville. We caught up to her after her presentation for a discussion about some common food myths, farmers reaching out to consumers and more.

The U.S. cattle industry is producing more beef than at any time in history and demand for it continues to expand domestically and around the world. In this conversation, Dr. Darrell Peel, a livestock marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University, discusses the current state of the industry and what cattlemen may expect entering the new year.

We sat down with Lauren Waldrip Ward, executive director of the Arkansas Rice Federation, to discuss the rise of "riced" vegetable products and the problematic way these products are being marketed to consumers.

Earlier this year only around 125,000 acres of wheat was harvested – out of a 200,000-acre crop, one of the smallest on record. And this fall continuing low prices led growers to plant only around 200,000 acres. On top of that, much of Arkansas is experiencing drought-like conditions that began in September. In this conversation, extension wheat and feed grains agronomist Jason Kelley discusses how the lack of rainfall is affecting this year’s crop.

Arkansas has been experiencing drought conditions since September, especially in the southwest part of the state. In fact, the month of November was the driest on record for many counties. This having an impact on some farm and ranch operations, limiting the amount of pasture available to ranchers for grazing their herds. John Jennings, a forage specialist for the Cooperative Extension Service, explains the impact an extended winter drought will have on livestock operations.

Luke and Deedee Alston of Polk County, owners of Holly Springs Homestead near Mena, were named the 2017 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year. After receiving the award, they took time to share what the honor means to them and how they will use this platform to educate visitors to the homestead about why agriculture is so important to Arkansas.

Arkansas Farm Bureau Convention keynote speaker Haydn Shaw, an expert on generational differences, provides details on how generational differences can be addressed within organizations like Farm Bureau and offers tips on tackling specific issues that arise on farms and ranches and in other businesses.

Magen Allen of Bismarck is a member of the Arkansas Farm Bureau State Women’s Committee and participated in the 2017 American Farm Bureau Women's Communication Boot Camp. The Boot Camp is an intensive training opportunity female Farm Bureau members interested in building skills needed to communicate about agriculture and for Farm Bureau. In this conversation she discusses her experience and why it’s important for more women to learn how to become better advocates for agriculture.

Food remains affordable and, for the third year in a row, it will cost consumers in Arkansas and across the country a little less to prepare the traditional Thanksgiving meal. In this conversation, John Newton, Director of Market Intelligence for the American Farm Bureau Federation, discusses the results of the Farm Bureau's 32nd annual Thanksgiving dinner price survey and explains the reasons for the drop in price again this year.

Arkansas Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization with volunteer leaders from 76 county Farm Bureaus across the state determining policy that guides it. Resolutions are submitted by each county Farm Bureau that are discussed and approved for consideration by voting delegates at the organization’s annual business session. Jeff Pitchford, director of State Affairs for Arkansas Farm Bureau, explains the importance of the resolutions process and why it is the reason Farm Bureau is so respected at the State Capitol and in Washington.

Jeff Pitchford Director State Affairs Arkansas Farm Bureau

In the conversation Michael Klein of the USA Rice Federation updates the situation concerning rice trade with China and why protecting the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada is so important.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello has a vibrant and successful Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapter that is allowing agriculture majors to learn more about Farm Bureau and develop leadership skills that will serve well them after graduation. Dr. Bob Stark is professor of agriculture economics and faculty advisor to the Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter. They assisted at the Arkansas Farm Bureau booth at the State Fair and in this conversation Dr. Stark says participating in Collegiate Farm Bureau is an invaluable experience for his students. He also discusses their research in and the popularity of heirloom tomatoes.

The Arkansas State Fair Livestock Show ends with the annual Junior Livestock Auction or "Premium Sale." Thousands of young people and their families have taken up residence at the fairgrounds in Little Rock for a week or more to show their animals in hopes of winning a ribbon and possibly earning the opportunity to participate in the sale. In this conversation, Sherman Lites, State Fair Livestock Administrator, says preparing to have their animals judged at the Fair is an important learning experience for Arkansas youth.

The first Veterans 4 Ag Summit will be held Friday, Oct. 6 on the campus of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Arkansas is home to more than 200,000 military veterans, many of whom may be finding it hard to re-enter civilian life and begin a new career. In this conversation, Jason Smedley, assistant director of local affairs and rural development for Arkansas Farm Bureau and a veteran himself, discusses the focus of the summit and how it can connect veterans with farmers and ranchers and others who can answer their questions about starting their own farming operation.

The mission of the Delta School in Wilson, Arkansas is to nourish every child’s strengths so each child is able to form healthy relationships, discover meaningful work, and make unique contributions to the world. The school’s state-of-the-art garden classroom allows all levels of learners to participate in the school garden initiative. It teaches students essential life skills and supports academic learning through hands-on classes in an organic garden. In this conversation, Kerry Sullivan, Director of the Lower School and Technology and Taylor Starkey, an instructor at the school who grew up in the Arkansas Delta, discuss how what the students learn in the garden classroom is integrated into other disciplines to teach them how to care for the environment, grow vegetables and plants and then use these skills to prepare them for life.

Agricultural losses inflicted by Hurricane Harvey are extensive. Gene Hall, director of the communications division of Texas Farm Bureau discusses the agricultural impacts of perhaps the most destructive storm in the state’s history.

The Grand Prairie and Bayou Meto surface water irrigation projects are on hold, waiting for additional funding in order to deliver water from the White and Arkansas rivers to farmers. In this conversation, two project leaders – Dennis Carman and Tom Fortner – discuss the challenges with the projects and how they're hoping a public-private partnership will provide needed funding to complete them.

University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture weed scientists Jason Norsworthy, Tom Barber and Bob Scott have conducted field trials to determine the volatility of dicamba-based products Eugenia and XtendiMax on soybeans. Damage from dicamba drift to soybeans and other crops has been extensive in northeast Arkansas and the researchers conducted a field tour to present their findings at the Research and Extension Center in Keiser. In this conversation Norsworthy discusses the results of his trial and why drift has become such a serious issue in Mississippi and Crittenden counties.

Governor Asa Hutchinson proclaimed August 6-12 Farmers Market Week in Arkansas. More than 100 farmers markets in almost every county play an important economic role in local and regional food systems and have become weekly destinations for consumers and families throughout the spring and summer. In this conversation, Arkansas Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward discusses the important role farmers markets play in local communities.

Former Congressman Charlie Stenholm of Texas, an advocate for agriculture and member of the House Agriculture Committee throughout his term, was the keynote speaker at the annual Arkansas Rice Expo in Stuttgart. Prior to his remarks Stenholm took to time to discuss the 2018 Farm Bill and what needs to be done in order for Congress to pass a new law that addresses the needs of all commodities and farmers and ranchers in the U.S.

Arkansas Farm Bureau has launched the Farm Bureau Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) fundraising arm of the organization to fund education efforts, research, litigation and disaster relief. The first organization to receive support from the Foundation was the Arkansas chapter of the Red Cross. In this conversation, Chuck Tucker of Arkansas Farm Bureau and Lori McFarlane of the Red Cross discuss why the Foundation was created and how it can help charitable organizations like the Red Cross in their time of need.

Satellite imagery and unmanned aerial systems are transforming the way farmers and ranchers are scouting their fields for disease and improving crop yield. Terry Spurlock, a plant pathologist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, discussed this topic at Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Officers and Leaders Conference in Hot Springs. In this podcast, he talks about how this technology will help producers save time and money and improve their operations.

South Dakota ranchers Troy and Stacy Hadrick were keynote speakers at the Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Officers & Leaders conference in Hot Springs. The couple travels the U.S. and the globe speaking to farmers and ranchers about "telling the farming story." Hear about their mission and why they are so passionate about it.

Hear about the current hot-button legal issues in agriculture from Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agriculture Law Center based at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Pittman discuses the upcoming Farm Bill, commodity checkoff programs, herbicide use and more.

Arkansas Farm Bureau was the host state for Farm Bureau’s National Commodity Conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center in Rogers. American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall spoke at the event and we had an opportunity to talk with him about the challenges facing agriculture in the second half of the year, such as helping develop a new Farm Bill that includes an adequate safety net for all agricultural producers.

For more than 30 years University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture health educators have been working through schools and local communities to encourage children and families about the importance of maintaining a healthy diet. In this conversation, Rosemary Rodibaugh, a professor of nutrition with the UA Division of Agriculture, explains the programs Family and Consumer Science agents are using to reach the public in their counties.

The results of the American Farm Bureau’s annual survey on what it costs to prepare the traditional 4th of July barbecue dinner with "all the fixins" has been released, so we talked to Dr. John Newton, AFBF director of market intelligence about the survey findings and why U.S. food prices remain so affordable.

A group of 55 teenagers from around the state recently participated in a three-day Arkansas 4-H Veterinary Science Camp at the University of Arkansas. They took part in a variety of hands-on sessions with veterinarians including honeybees, horses and cattle. Veterinarian Lloyd Keck of West Fork participated in the camp and shared his thoughts on the value of the camp and need for more large animal veterinarians.

Steve Morgan, his son Mark and their families own and operate Peach Pickin’ Paradise near Clarksville, Ark. They attended Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Specialty Crops Summer Division Meeting June 14. In this conversation they discuss issues facing the fruit and vegetable industry in the state, the quality of their crop this year and when their U-Pick operation will open to the public.

The Federal Risk Management Agency distributed updated "practical to replant" guidance in response to questions from farmers whose crops were destroyed by recent flooding, particularly rice farmers. In our latest podcast, Brandy Carroll, ArFB assistant director of commodity activities and market information, explains what this guidance could mean for Arkansas farmers.

An interview with Vernon Caviness, an agriculture aviator/cropduster pilot for Bell Ag Service in Des Arc, and photos of Caviness and other aviators in action. Caviness discusses how the recent river flooding affected business, the challenges flight services face and more.

Some are saying the effects of the recent flood in Arkansas could rival that of a similar event in 2011 that caused an estimated $500 million in losses to agriculture. While the full effects of this storm will not be known for several weeks, Dr. Eric Wailes, Distinguished Professor of Ag Economics at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, offers an early assessment of the magnitude of the recent flood and its impact on rural communities and agriculture.

Craig Wilson of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement updated members of Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Rural Health and Safety committee on a number of health-related issues, including proposed revisions to the state insurance program and the need and prospects for reform.

In our latest podcast, we close out Autism Awareness Month with a discussion about Ag For Autism, a nonprofit organization established in 2012 to help provide education, therapy and support for families with autistic children in rural parts of Arkansas. Nathan Waldrip of Armor Seed in Jonesboro, president of Ag for Autism, explains the program and the need for more support.

The 2017 crop planting season is underway and the USDA’s Agricultural Statistics Service has released its planting intentions report. Listen to Matt King, ArFB director of market information and economics, discuss the report, what it says about Arkansas and what to expect this year.

About 60 Louisiana Farm Bureau cattle ranchers spent three days in Arkansas recently, touring livestock operations, research facilities and networking with their Natural State counterparts. In this conversation, Marty Wooldridge, a Louisiana Farm Bureau state board member and chair of the livestock advisory committee, talks about the tour and why it’s important for their producers to learn how things are being done in other states.

A recent poll asked almost 2,000 registered voters their opinions on agriculture and sustainability. According to the survey, almost all respondents - no matter the political affiliation - supported sustainability, by one definition or another, and most believe agriculture and farming to be among the nation’s most sustainable sectors.

In this conversation, Mace Thornton, executive director of Communications for American Farm Bureau, discusses the survey results and why it’s good news for farmers and ranchers.

More young farm women are voluntarily giving their time to Arkansas Farm Bureau on the state and county level. Peggy Miller chairs the Arkansas Farm Bureau state women’s committee and Donna Bemis serves as vice-chairwoman. The annual state women’s conference was held recently and they took time to discuss the committee’s projects and why it’s important to get more farm women involved in advocating for agriculture.

Fighting hunger in Arkansas has become a priority for Arkansas Farm Bureau. The organization’s Young Farmers and Ranchers and Women’s Committees have adopted the “Pack Shack” and Backpack programs as their way of addressing the need to alleviate hunger in the state. In this conversation, Trent Dabbs, former chair of the state YF&R committee and Melanie Brown, a former elementary school teacher in Lonoke County, discuss these efforts and the need for young farmers and ranchers to get involved in their local communities.

Agriculture is one of the most dangerous occupations in the U.S., but most farm-related injuries and deaths are preventable. Listen as Amanda Williams, education and safety coordinator for Arkansas Farm Bureau, discusses the upcoming Agriculture Safety Awareness Week, the meaning this year’s theme of “Get out of my Space,” and some simple safety basics.

The theme of the 2017 Arkansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers conference was “Thrive to Survive.” That’s exactly what the 350 or so who attended the annual gathering in Little Rock are doing. They are the future of agriculture in Arkansas. Miller County cattleman Chase Groves and his wife Krystal chair the ArFB state YF&R committee. He sat down to share his thoughts on the vital role of his generation in advocating for the state’s largest industry to ensure it remains profitable and sustainable.

The Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University have formed a partnership to help fill a need for more graduates in poultry science. Dr. Tim Burcham, dean of the ASU College of Agriculture, Engineering and Technology, discusses the launch of this dual transfer "3-plus-1" bachelor’s degree program and its future benefits to the poultry industry in Arkansas.

More than 150 Arkansas farmers and ranchers participated in Arkansas Farm Bureau’s "Farmers’ Day at the Capitol" on Feb. 8. Agricultural producers met with their senators and representatives to speak with them in person about agricultural priorities. Listen to our interview with Jackson County farmer Jeff Rutledge, as he explains why the day was so important for the state’s largest industry.

As the number of family dairy farms continue to decline in Arkansas, Simon Brothers dairy near Conway endures. In this conversation, Matt Simon shares how he and his brothers are able to remain in business and what he believes needs to happen to the milk pricing system to make family dairy farming profitable again.

Arkansas Farm Bureau president Randy Veach discusses agricultural priorities for 2017 and offers his reaction to President Donald Trump's initial actions on international trade policy. He also shares his views on President Trump's nominees to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency.

The 115th Congress is now in session in Washington D.C. and House and Senate members are discussing possible changes to the federal tax code. Some of the proposed changes may benefit farmers and ranchers, while others may create new challenges. A special workshop, “Tax Code Changes that Could Impact Your Bottom Line,” was conducted at the American Farm Bureau annual convention in Phoenix this week to inform farmers and ranchers about what to expect. Hear workshop leaders Brennis Craddock and Patricia Wolff sum up their key concerns.

JoeThrash by Arkansas AgCast