The Arkansas rice industry donated 153,500 pounds of rice to the Arkansas Foodbank in honor of National Rice Month yesterday. The donation from seven mills will provide over 1.5 million servings of rice to help feed families, children and seniors across the state. We caught up with Kelly Robbins, new executive director of the Arkansas Rice Federation to hear all about it.
Ritter Agribusiness of Marked Tree was established in 1886 and continues to diversify its farming operations. In 2018, the company ventured into specialty crops by purchasing Gillam Farms in Judsonia, which was known primarily for its blackberry varieties. Ritter Farms now grows blueberries, strawberries and muscadines and is expanding its blackberry acreage for local sales and shipment across the country.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its latest Crop Production report recently. Brandy Rennicke Carroll, ArFB Director of Commodity Activities and Market Information, gave us an update on what it said about corn and soybeans, plus the latest supply and demand estimates for those commodities.
This week, we hear how some counties are holding limited or scaled-back livestock shows despite COVID-related fair and rodeo cancellations. We also learn about the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust and what it can do for farmers and we get important mental health tips for National Suicide Prevention Month.
September 17 is National Teach Agriculture Day. Kristyn Sheets, agriculture instructor and FFA Advisor at Magnet Cove High School shares why she is passionate about being an ag educator and why teaching young people about our state’s largest industry is so important.
According to a 2019 American Farm Bureau survey, most farmers say financial issues, farm or business problems and fear of losing their farm have a negative impact on their mental health. September is National Suicide Prevention Month and Rebecca Simon with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service shared signs of depression to watch for, steps to help someone in emotional pain and resources for people who need assistance.
The Covid-19 pandemic has led county fair associations to cancel carnivals, rodeos and pageants, but many are holding junior livestock shows on a reduced scale. Following the Health Department protocols, Saline County held a one-day livestock show Sept. 12 in Benton. Watch to see how the county adapted to the safety protocols in order to hold the show and allow young people to be rewarded for raising their animals.
Seven years ago, Alan and Angela Mahan established Rabbit Ridge Farms between Damascus and Bee Branch. They started raising grass-fed cattle and chickens and hogs and transformed an old gymnasium into a beautiful venue for hosting weddings and corporate meetings. They welcome visitors to stay overnight to learn what life on a farm is all about. The Covid-19 pandemic changed their world, but they have adapted quickly and now ship their products nationwide.
Donette Spann has been named administrator of the Arkansas Beef Council, the farmer-funded promotion agency that oversees and administers the Beef Checkoff Program in Arkansas. She replaces the recently the recently retired Travis Justice.
