Fred Nickerson bought his first calf at the age of 16 with money he raised mowing yards. From serving in the Air Force to working for Union Pacific Railroad and raising cattle on his farm in south Pulaski County, Nickerson has lived a fascinating life in and out of agriculture. Hear his story and find out why he’s not ready to retire just yet.
On this week’s edition, we hear from row-crop farmer Jim Carroll of Brinkley about the impacts of last week’s winter storm and the upcoming planting season. We also talk to Travis and Ashley Appel of Appel Farms in Elm Springs and get an update from the state legislature with Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Jeff Pitchford.
Folks in rural Arkansas know: when you need help, you can call upon a farmer. During mid-February’s record snowstorm, several farmers drove tractors and other equipment to Rivercrest School in Wilson (Mississippi County) and worked together to get roads and parking areas cleared of snow. Here’s a big salute to Raymond Henard, Adam Henard, Mark Fincher, Kevin Johns, Travis Senter, Kevin Goble and others who assisted. Video provided by Travis Senter II .
Terrance Scott of Cotton Plant continues the tradition of farming that began when he was just a youngster working side-by-side with his grandfather on their Woodruff County property.
Allen and Karen Davis of Paragould took us along with them as they fed and watered their cattle on a cold winter day when most of their neighbors were staying warm indoors. They were chosen as Greene County’s Farm Family of the Year for 2020.
On this week’s edition, we hear from University of Arkansas Extension livestock veterinarian Heidi Ward about caring for animals in the freezing weather and we find out about the impact of this week’s winter weather on a major baitfish hatchery. We also learn about the nonprofit Seven Harvest Inc. and hear about the interesting life one central Arkansas cattlemen who can’t quite bring himself to retire from the job he loves.
Trey Johnson of Royal is the owner and manager of HJ Cattle Company in Garland County. He braved the cold and snow this week to share this video from his farm.
We spoke to Rob Roedel of Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas to get answers to some burning questions about the availability of electricity during the freezing winter weather and heavy snow. Rob provides some helpful information for farmers, ranchers, rural Arkansans and others concerned about the weather's impact on the power grid and possible outages.
Cattle rancher Larry Blasdel serves as president of Marion County Farm Bureau. In this video, shot by his son Tyler, Blasdel talks about the difficulties cattlemen are facing due to the record-setting winter storm.
It’s costing poultry growers much more to keep their chickens warm (and alive) during this record-breaking cold snap. Kallem Hill was one of many who experienced sub-zero temperatures Tuesday, plus 10 inches of snow. He provided this update from his farm in Perry County.
