Arkansas AgCast

On this episode, we look at how the U.S.–Iran conflict is already affecting agricultural markets, from fuel and fertilizer costs to grain prices. We also have the latest on USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, a new effort to bring Arkansas-grown rice into school cafeterias and the latest farmer sentiment data on the ag economy.

On this Deep Dive episode, host John McMinn sits down with Dr. Hunter Biram, extension ag economist, to break down the modern farm safety net. They explain how ARC and PLC work, common misconceptions about who receives payments and whether these programs influence planting decisions or distort markets. They also cover yield volatility in Arkansas, which crops may be better suited for ARC or PLC, the opportunity to add base acres, and concerns surrounding payment limitations.

If you want a clearer understanding of how today’s safety net impacts Arkansas farmers, this episode delivers.

This week on Arkansas AgCast, we break down USDA’s new $1 billion Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program and what it means for Arkansas growers. We also discuss the House Agriculture Committee’s new farm bill draft as markup begins and EPA’s decision to reinstate over-the-top dicamba use for the 2026 growing season.

Plus, we provide an update on the decades-long Illinois River Watershed lawsuit and what recent settlements could mean for poultry producers in northwest Arkansas. Get the details on these key policy and regulatory updates affecting agriculture across the state.

This week on the Arkansas AgCast, we break down the sharp rise in farm bankruptcies, including Arkansas leading the nation in Chapter 12 filings. We also look at expanded Argentine beef imports, USDA’s new farm security partnership and what the latest WASDE report means for corn and soybean markets.

This week on the Arkansas AgCast, we’re covering the EPA’s latest actions aimed at reducing downtime from DEF system failures, we look at why beef prices are likely to stay high as the U.S. cattle herd remains tight and share the latest on Texas and USDA’s efforts to keep the New World screwworm out of the United States. We also trace some of your favorite Super Bowl snacks back to the farms and ranches that make them possible.

This week on the Arkansas AgCast, we cover highlights from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 107th Annual Convention, where delegates set policy priorities focused on labor, animal health, and risk management.

We also break down the first WASDE report of 2026, which showed larger-than-expected corn and soybean supplies and pressured grain markets. Finally, we take a forward look at farm technology trends for 2026, from drones and robotics to data-driven software tools, and how farmers are using innovation to manage costs, labor and efficiency moving forward.

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.