This week on the Arkansas AgCast, we break down updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We look at how livestock, dairy, oilseed and pulse crop groups are responding to the shift and what it could mean for U.S. agriculture. We also cover new details on USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, part of a $12 billion aid package, including payment timelines and eligibility. Plus, we explore how Brazil’s rise as the world’s largest beef producer is reshaping global beef markets.

Finally, we share an important update for Arkansas farmers on the new Farmers Sales Tax Exemption Card from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration and how it’s designed to simplify tax-free purchases.

This week’s Arkansas AgCast covers several stories affecting farmers across the state. We start with Tyson Foods’ decision to halt poultry contracts in the Illinois River watershed unless Oklahoma shifts its legal approach in a long-running lawsuit. We also break down USDA’s new $12 billion bridge payment package to help producers manage tight margins heading into 2026, plus its $700 million investment in regenerative agriculture through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program. Finally, we highlight upcoming changes to crop insurance meant to streamline requirements and expand support for beginning farmers.

We packed the studio up and headed to Hot Springs for this episode. Catch up with us on the trade show floor as we discuss all the action from the 91st Annual State Convention. We also have a great discussion with Clint Bruce, Navy SEAL and former NFL player, before his keynote address at the event. Get it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.

On this week’s Arkansas AgCast, we cover USDA’s Stage Two disaster relief. We also look at Thanksgiving meal costs, nearly 20% lower than last year in Arkansas. Then we break down the Trump administration’s proposed WOTUS rule aimed at clarifying federal water jurisdiction after the Sackett decision. Finally, we share important animal health alerts: heightened HPAI risk for poultry growers and regional concerns over EHV-1 in horses.

On this Deep Dive edition of the Arkansas AgCast, we sit down with Dr. Calvin White Jr., provost and executive vice chancellor at Arkansas State University, on location during the Catalyst event in Jonesboro. We discuss how Arkansas agriculture is evolving, its impact on rural communities and how collaboration can strengthen the industry for all Arkansans. Dr. White shares insights on the university’s role innovation, rural revitalization and preparing the next generation of ag leaders through initiatives like A-State’s new College of Veterinary Medicine.

On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we’re in Hot Springs for ArFB’s 2025 Resolutions Committee meeting. We sit down with Monroe County farmer Bo Mason to discuss the policy-making process and the important role the meeting plays in our process.

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.