Renewed state funding could revive Arkansas’ declining district fairs. Promoters and students at last week’s 85th annual Southeast Arkansas Fair and Livestock Show in Pine Bluff say survival of these annual events helps agriculture.
The 2018 farm bill, extended by a year in Sept. 2023, expired at midnight Sept. 30. What does the lapse mean for farmers, and will we get a new farm bill any time soon? We discuss that, plus how the port workers strike could deliver another financial blow to farmers this year and much more. It’s all here on this episode of the state’s only weekly ag news podcast, the Arkansas AgCast.
OSHA has released a new set of proposed guidelines for fire departments. While the safety of firefighters is extremely important, there is concern that the regulations could create severe hardships for volunteer fire departments. OSHA is now reviewing how to make these standards a better fit. ArFB members should keep an eye on the potential changes to ensure volunteer fire departments will continue serving rural communities. Note, fire departments in Arkansas are not currently required to follow OSHA standards, though the possibility that these guidelines could become standard is a concern for some volunteer fire departments.
Due to an active tropical season, early Melonworms in Arkansas are causing issues for pumpkin producers. Extension specialist Aaron Cato explains what to look for, how to treat and why these pests are showing early this season.
There has been a recent flurry of activity meant to encourage legislators to pass a new farm bill, not just an extension of the current legislation. We look at the role Arkansans are playing in the pressure campaign and why it matters. Plus, Iowa is host to 30,000 acres of “short corn” this growing season. We’ll talk about why these smaller stalks could be a big deal for Arkansas farmers, plus more on this episode. It’s all here on the state’s only weekly ag news podcast, the Arkansas AgCast.
The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food is training the next generation of farmers through an intense 10-month program. CAFF provides students with hands-on farming experience and classes that will set them up for success as new farmers.
Big John Manufacturing of Heber Springs provides tree spades around the world. Stephen Choate started over 30 years ago as a Big John employee and now owns the company. He is proud that everything made at Big John is done in house. Tracey Bemis, a tree farmer, has been using Big John equipment for 50 years and explains the benefits that Big John products have provided his business.
After graduating high school, Jeremy Baranauskas moved to Benton County from Illinois to build Prairie Woods Farm. After a challenging beginning, the year-round produce farm is thriving and is now an important part of a bustling Bentonville Farmers Market.
Spring Creek Food Hub opened in 2023 with the goal of creating a more sustainable food system for Northwest Arkansas by uniting farmers and customers. Now they are working with 60 farms of various sizes across the state, providing food for restaurants, schools and grocers. Watch to find out more about this innovative program that is directly connecting farmers with their communities.
The beans are late, but the cows are fat. It’s a tradeoff tried for the first time at River Valley Farms in Mayflower. Austin Thrash explains and shares his soybean, rice and corn harvest reports from near the north bank of the Arkansas River.
