Arkansas Farm Bureau Podcast

On this week’s Arkansas AgCast, we take a closer look at the economic pressures weighing on the ag industry. John Deere is scaling back production with layoffs as farmers cut back on equipment purchases, while Arkansas’s timber industry continues to struggle under collapsing pulpwood prices and mill closures. We also cover the latest initiative to stop the destructive New World screwworm spread with a new sterile fly facility in Texas and USDA’s policy shift to end subsidies for solar power projects on farmland.Farmers Market Application: https://arfbstateconvention25.vfairs.com/en/farmers-pageCollege Pick ‘Em: https://fantasy.espn.com/games/college-football-pickem-2025/group?id=d114c024-6b65-4704-bf7d-7ef95119e0e0&joining=true

In this episode, we cover new EPA guidance aimed at preventing sudden diesel power losses that could save farmers millions and USDA’s August WASDE report with record corn projections and tight margins ahead. We also take a look at USDA reorganization proposal that would move key offices into regional hubs and how Brazil’s surging sorghum production is reshaping global markets. To register for the Farmer’s Market at the 91st Annual ArFB State Convention, click here.

House Ag Committee Chair G.T. Thompson says “farm bill 2.0” is in motion, even with Congress on recess. We break down the latest reporting from AgriPulse and what it means for funding priorities like conservation, SNAP and rural broadband. We also highlight how the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is supporting wildfire response across the state with 75 new wildfire suppression kits available for rural volunteer fire departments. Listen to all the news that matters to Arkansas farmers. College Pick 'Em Link

On this Deep Dive episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we shift our focus to the state’s livestock industry and sit down with Dr. James Mitchell, assistant professor and livestock economist with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. We discuss current cattle inventory levels in Arkansas, ongoing challenges with hay quality and supply, and the economic pressures from rising production costs. Mitchell also breaks down the latest federal legislation and what it means for ranchers and whether conditions are right to start rebuilding cattle herds.

This week’s Arkansas AgCast comes to you live from the 77th Annual Arkansas Farm Bureau Officers and Leaders Conference in Rogers. In today’s episode, we have updates on the New World screwworm fly issues in Central America and Mexico. We also take a look at Arkansas’s investment in local fairs and livestock shows, with more than $1.4 million awarded through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Fair Funding Program.Plus, we sit down with keynote speaker Carey Portell, a nationally recognized author and inspirational speaker, to talk about the power of agriculture in her journey.

On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we break down the USDA’s new National Farm Security Action Plan, which is an effort to limit foreign ownership of U.S. farmland and protect national food security. We also highlight major agriculture wins in the newly signed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” including stronger safety nets for farmers, expanded crop insurance and the creation of a first-ever poultry insurance pilot program. Plus, the latest on USDA’s response to the growing New World screwworm threat along the southern border.

On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we cover key USDA reports impacting producers and consumers alike. We start with the latest Cattle on Feed report, which shows declines in marketings and placements, pointing to tighter beef supplies and continued high prices. We also break down the cost of a Fourth of July cookout, with Arkansas shoppers projected to spend just under $70 to feed 10 people this year. We also share updates on federal disaster assistance, including the upcoming signup for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program. And finally, we dive into the June Acreage Report, highlighting reduced rice and cotton acres in Arkansas and shifting trends across key crops.

On this episode of the AgCast Deep Dive series, UA Extension rice agronomist Dr. Jarrod Hardke offers an in-depth look at the 2025 rice crop. Hardke explains how persistent rains this year have disrupted planting and application schedules, and what that means for total acreage. He also talks about what growers should expect with yield and milling quality and provides advice to help farmers navigate the challenges ahead.

On this episode of Arkansas AgCast, we break down new USDA relief for livestock producers through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program for 2023 and 2024. If you received assistance through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, you may be eligible for additional funds. We have the latest data from the June WASDE report and take a closer look at how federal budget reconciliation could shape ag spending priorities, and what it means for the farm bill process moving forward.

On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we explore how Brazil’s record corn crop might benefit U.S. farmers, highlight the eight district winners in the 78th annual Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program and break down new federal legislation impacting SNAP and farm safety net programs. We also cover the closure of Cargill’s Springdale turkey plant and the local response to support affected workers. Get all this and more on the state’s only weekly ag news program.

On this episode of Arkansas AgCast, we break down the Trump administration’s proposed USDA budget for fiscal year 2026, which includes significant funding cuts across conservation, nutrition and rural development programs. We also highlight a bipartisan effort led by Rep. Rick Crawford to freeze wages for H-2A guest workers, citing concerns over rising costs for American farmers. Arkansas specialty crop producers should tune in for details on a newly opened grant opportunity. Plus, we have new research from the University of Arkansas showing that large-scale solar projects currently occupy just 0.2% of the state’s farmland, though more installations are on the horizon.

On this episode of the AgCast Deep Dive series, we sit down with Jay Robbins and Mark Lambert from Arkansas Farm Bureau’s public affairs and government relations team to break down the 2025 legislative session. They discuss key achievements from the 95th General Assembly, including improvements to sales tax ID processes, protections for poultry growers and expanded veterinary telehealth access. Catch this episode and get a behind-the-scenes look into how policy work impacts Arkansas agriculture.

On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we break down Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ new “Farmers First” policy agenda aimed at revitalizing small family farms. We also look at how wet weather is disrupting Arkansas’ rice planting season and what it means for crop insurance. Plus, we unpack President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” that just passed the House, covering tax cuts, farm program reforms, and controversial changes to SNAP. And finally, we clarify some buzz around Arkansas’ farm income outlook, which is trending up, but not for the reasons you might think.

In this special Mental Health Awareness Month edition of the AgCast Deep Dive, host Jason Brown sits down with Jennifer James, a fourth-generation farmer, and Haley Mills, a board-certified mental health nurse practitioner with deep ag roots of her own. Together, they explore the intersection of mental health and agriculture — what’s changed over the generations, what challenges persist and how farmers can prioritize their well-being.Our guests shed light on the unique stressors faced by rural communities and farm families, the evolving perceptions of mental health in agriculture and the importance of breaking the stigma around seeking help. Listen to also hear practical advice and available resources from Farm Bureau.

On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we unpack several developments that could have a big impact on Arkansas agriculture. We break down an additional federal review for certain Farm Service Agency loans, which is raising concerns among farmers and lawmakers alike. We also examine how escalating tariffs are threatening ag exports. We look at the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting and what the uncertain interest rate outlook could mean for farmers and rural businesses. Plus, we spotlight two new Arkansas appointments to key USDA leadership roles. It’s a packed episode with news for farmers and ranchers across Arkansas.

This week on the Arkansas AgCast, the EPA releases its long-awaited final insecticide strategy with key changes aimed at balancing species protection and farmer flexibility. We’ll break down what’s new and how industry leaders are responding. Plus, a destructive fungal disease is threatening Arkansas strawberry fields. Hear what experts are saying and how growers are adapting.In global ag news, China makes it clear they won’t rely on U.S. grain imports anytime soon. And good news for summer travelers - E15 fuel is sticking around. Catch it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.

On this episode of AgCast’s Deep Dive series, host John McMinn sits down with Dr. Jeremy Ross, extension agronomist for soybeans with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. As planting season hits full swing across Arkansas Dr. Ross shares insights on how the 2025 soybean season is shaping up, including the impact of recent flooding, crop damage, and what farmers can expect moving forward.Hear reflections on last year’s record-breaking yields, predictions for the 2025 season and practical advice for producers navigating weather-related challenges. Catch it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.

On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we cover the USDA's replacement of the Climate-Smart Commodities program, and a new requirement that at least 65% of funds from the program will directly benefit producers. We also detail the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture's estimate of $78.9 million in crop damage from recent flooding, with rice and soybeans accounting for most flooded acres. We discuss the potential negative economic impacts on Arkansas soybean, corn and cottonseed producers from a possible ban on seed oils for human consumption. Finally, we touch on the key updates from the April 2025 WASDE report for major row crops. Catch it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.

On this episode, we look at the latest tariff news and how that could impact agriculture. We also share how recent severe weather affects planting season in Arkansas, plus look at a new forestry initiative from USDA. Catch it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.

On this episode, we set up at the ArFB Women’s Leadership Committee conference in Little Rock. We talked all things WLC and the conference with state committee member Elizabeth Walker. Plus, we covered USDA’s Prospective Planting report and more news. Catch it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.