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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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.