Arkansas AgCast

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 br...

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.Plu...

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. P...

On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we cover key USDA reports impacting producers and consumers alike. We start with the latest Cattle on Feed report, which shows declines in marketings and placements, pointing to tighter beef supplies and continued high prices. We also break down the cost of a Fourth of July cookout, with Arkansas shoppers projected to spend just under $70 to feed 10 people this year. We also share up...

On this episode of the AgCast Deep Dive series, UA Extension rice agronomist Dr. Jarrod Hardke offers an in-depth look at the 2025 rice crop. Hardke explains how persistent rains this year have disrupted planting and application schedules, and what that means for total acreage. He also talks about what growers should expect with yield and milling quality and provides advice to help farmers navigate the challenges ahead.

On this episode of Arkansas AgCast, we break down new USDA relief for livestock producers through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program for 2023 and 2024. If you received assistance through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, you may be eligible for additional funds. We have the latest data from the June WASDE report and take a closer look at how federal budget reconciliation could shape ag spending priorities, and wha...

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 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 tu...

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...

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 controve...

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...

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 outloo...

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 wo...

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.
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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...