Read the latest edition of the Farm Bureau Press!

This week's AgCast was recorded at the 85th annual Arkansas Farm Bureau Convention in Little Rock, and features a variety of interviews with experts, speakers and Farm Bureau leaders and members on the most important issues facing agriculture in the state.

Rich Hillman of Carlisle was elected as Arkansas Farm Bureau’s new president, and Mike Freeze of Little Rock was chosen as the agriculture advocacy organization’s new vice president Friday morning. Both were selected during Farm Bureau’s 85th Annual Convention at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. Delegates also elected six other board members during the final day of the event.

The Women’s Leadership Committee from Benton County is the Outstanding County Women’s Program award winner for 2019. The group was recognized Dec. 5, during Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 85th Annual Conference at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. It was a repeat win for the ladies who also earned the honor in 2018.

Randy Veach took the podium at Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 85th annual convention today to give his final address to members as the organization’s president. Veach, a third-generation farmer from Manila, is completing his 11th term as Arkansas Farm Bureau president, and has served on the board for 20 years.

Arkansas Farm Bureau recognized Tim Cunningham of Cedar Ridge High School in Independence County as its Outstanding Ag Educator. Carlisle High School’s Carly Bokker earned the Outstanding New Ag Educator Award, and Clinton High School grabbed the top spot as the Outstanding Ag Education Program. All were recognized at Farm Bureau’s 85th Annual Convention, Dec. 4, at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.

White County is the state’s top county Farm Bureau organization for 2019. Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach and Vice President Rich Hillman presented the organization’s President’s Award to White County President John Hamilton, Dec. 4, at the 85th Annual Arkansas Farm Bureau Convention at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.

Trent Dabbs is the 2019 recipient of the Stanley E. Reed Leadership Award from the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation. Dabbs accepted the award Dec. 4, during the organization’s 85th annual conference at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach and Charlene Reed, widow of ArFB’s late president presented the award.

The University of Arkansas Ranch Horse Team keeps alive the horsemanship skills that once ruled the iconic cattle drives of the Old West. Formed in 2016, the two-time national champions recruit skilled riders and compete several times during the school year. Watch these skilled riders and learn their story.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson proclaimed Nov. 24-30 as Turkey Week in Arkansas during a special ceremony on the steps of the capitol Nov. 26. Members of the poultry industry were on hand for the ceremony and to recognize the importance of turkey and poultry production to the state in advance of Thanksgiving. We spoke with Marvin Childers, president of the Poultry Federation and Wes Ward, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture following the observance.