Arkansas AgCast

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.