On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we discuss why row crop farmers in the state are weathering one of their most challenging years in decades. In 2025, falling commodity prices, stubbornly high input costs and tightening credit are pushing farm income deep into the red for a third straight season. Listen as Dr. Hunter Biram breaks down the numbers behind the row crop economy and what’s driving the rise in farm bankruptcies across the region. We also explore how government support programs are providing partial relief, what new policy proposals could mean for the year ahead and where farmers might still find a few bright spots heading into 2026.

On this week’s Arkansas AgCast, we take a closer look at Brazil’s fast-moving 2025–26 planting season, where record soybean and corn acreage could reshape global markets. We have the details on a new University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture two-part webinar series to help row crop farmers improve their cost-management strategies for the coming season. Finally, we break down the reaction from U.S. cattle producers after President Donald Trump floated the idea of importing Argentinian beef to lower consumer prices, a proposal that sent shockwaves through cattle markets.

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We’re coming to you from the Arkansas State Fair this week. A new report from University of Arkansas economists paints a tough picture for row crop farmers, with high input costs and low commodity prices are creating some of the tightest margins in decades. We also discuss the ongoing federal shutdown, which is holding up potential emergency farm aid meant to help struggling farms across the country. The corn dog microphone returns as John McMinn walks the midway and show barns visiting with youth livestock exhibitors.College Pick ‘Em: https://fantasy.espn.com/games/college-football-pickem-2025/group?id=d114c024-6b65-4704-bf7d-7ef95119e0e0&joining=true

On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, timber landowners across the South face new hurdles as buyers tighten contract terms to comply with Europe’s deforestation rules. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Labor has finalized sweeping changes to the H-2A farmworker wage system, a move that could lower labor costs for farmers.

We also take a closer look at the specialty crop industry, where rising input costs, labor shortages, and limited safety nets are putting farmers under mounting financial strain. And finally, signs of new federal aid for farmers emerge as the U.S. administration considers billions to offset trade losses with China.

On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we cover a packed slate of agriculture news out of Washington and abroad. We break down USDA and the Department of Justice’s new antitrust agreement aimed at curbing rising input costs and take a closer look at U.S. beef’s shrinking market share in China.Also, shifting soybean demand shaped by tariffs and policy in Beijing, and the latest on New World screwworm detections just south of the U.S. border.

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On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we spotlight the return of the Arkansas Farm Trail passport program for its second season. We share how to apply, who’s eligible, and what benefits come with joining the trail. We also discuss the growing concern for drought and how the U.S. Drought Monitor can be a helpful tool with local input from farmers and ranchers. We have the details on the Federal Reserve’s first interest rate cut of the year and what it means for agriculture. Finally, how Arkansas lawmakers are working to secure new federal relief for farmers as economic pressure continues to strain operations across the state.

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On this episode of Arkansas AgCast, we break down major changes to farm bill commodity programs under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including how reference price increases might pencil out. We also dive into the newly released “Make America Healthy Again” report, revising controversial health and agriculture recommendations. Finally, we look at how late the Arkansas soybean harvest will be, and what it means for yields and markets.

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On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we’re putting a spotlight on the Arkansas Farm Trail, ArFB’s passport program designed to connect Arkansans with local farms and food. Host John McMinn sits down with Margie Raimondo of Urbana Farmstead, one of the farmers participating in the program, to get her “boots on the ground” perspective.

Margie shares her unique journey into agriculture, the story behind Urbana Farmstead and how the Arkansas Farm Trail is helping her reach new customers while educating the public about where their food comes from. She also discusses the cooking classes she’s leading with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and how the Farm Trail ties into her

On this week’s Arkansas AgCast, we cover challenges facing Mid-South farmers. We start with the Mississippi River, where current low water levels could again disrupt barge traffic, raising transportation costs, and widening basis levels that cut into farm income. Next, we look at how extreme weather last spring is impacting yields during harvest, with rice producers facing some of the steepest declines in decades.We also cover comments from USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden, hinting at possible short-term relief for farmers until new safety net programs take effect. Finally, we provide the latest update on the New World screwworm, as U.S. officials confirm the first travel-related human case and expand surveillance to protect livestock.
Farmers Market Application: https://arfbstateconvention25.vfairs.com/en/farmers-page
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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-page

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