The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame plans to induct six individuals whose leadership and service have brought distinction to the state’s largest business sector.

I.F. Anderson Farms Inc., of Lonoke (Lonoke County) is the 2019 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year. The honor was announced today at the annual luncheon honoring the county and district Farm Families of the Year.

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.

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.

Jessica Clowser Burkham has been promoted to director of policy development and legislative research for Arkansas Farm Bureau. She previously served as the director of commodity activities and economics for aquaculture, forestry and specialty crops at Arkansas Farm Bureau.

Arkansas Farm Bureau was once again one of the major sponsors of the Junior Livestock Auction at the Arkansas State Fair. During the premium livestock sale, we caught up with some of the young participants from around the state, who talked about the work involved in raising champion animals and their personal experience at this year’s Fair.

Seventeen-year-old Riley and 15-year-old Jack Hoyle of Taylor have grown up attending livestock shows and showing goats, sheep and hogs at fairs and Jackpot shows all over the country. By embracing a lifestyle built on discipline and a strong work ethic, the Columbia County siblings and FFA members have learned how to raise champion animals. This is their story.