Derek Helms' family has been milking cows on his farm near Arkadelphia since 1907. The 5th-generation farmer has kept the family business going, despite challenges that have forced many in Arkansas out of the dairy industry. He leads the Clark County Farm Bureau and is working hard to ensure younger generations will have opportunities to farm and ranch in the state as well.
We spent the afernoon with Logan County cattle rancher and poultry grower Brian Weisenfels and he told us about his recent investment in Black Baldy cattle from Montana and his plans to use them for building a new herd.
On this week’s edition, we have interviews with the CEO of a new agricultural start-up in Northwest Arkansas, a rancher and poultry grower in Logan County, the new head of the National Pork Board and a representative of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, who tells us about an organization for students from primarily rural communities.
The Pulaski County Master Gardeners are utilizing a grant from the Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation to develop a "showplace" garden at the C.A. Vines 4-H Center in Ferndale. Still a "Work in Progress," Kathy Ratcliffe shares what they have accomplished so far, and how the garden complements the mission of the 4-H Center.
Jackie Prince has been farming in the Prairie County community of Biscoe for 40 years, starting with working for his grandfather as a teenager. He describes this year as one of the most challenging he's faced, because weather prevented him from planting his rice and soybeans.
Larry Blasdel raises cattle in the hills of Marion County and, despite industry challenges, he wouldn't have it any other way. He shares the story of his family business and spending a lifetime in the livestock business.
On this week’s edition, we have an interview with Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach, who tells us about his trip to Europe for a major trade conference. We also have the latest on muscadine research, the University of Arkansas Monticello’s Collegiate Farm Bureau and an on-campus retail meat market being developed at Centerpoint High School.
Randy Veach, president of the Arkansas Farm Bureau, was among the farm and ranch leaders representing the United States at the 39th biennial North American – European Union Agriculture Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Though heavy rains this past spring forced Prairie County farmer Mason Sickel to push back his rice planting several weeks, he says that his crop is turning out better than expected this harvest season.
