Soil heath is a priority in agriculture. We wanted to highlight several of the practices that farmers and ranchers in the state are utilizing to create healthier soil.

Meet a young agricultural entrepreneur from the Arkansas Delta ... At Birdeye Farms in Cross County, 16-year-old Whit Smith works hard to provide fresh, delicious fruits and vegetables using bio-intensive farming practices.

Farmers in the southwestern part of the state have dealt with well over three feet of rain in the last few months. Wheat is an important crop in Little River County, but all that water has taken away any chance of a profitable harvest.

In this video Dr. Aaron Cato, extension specialist and horticulture IPM with the U of A cooperative extension service teaches us about the Brood X variety, which are making headlines across the country this year. He also shares the history of Cicadas, including the 13-year emergence, which we’ll see here in Arkansas. Finally, we wrap up with good information for growers and homeowners regarding damage and we’ll even learn if these insects are safe to eat.

Flooding has been devastating for many row crop farmers in parts of the state, but excess rainfall is also creating serious problems in another sector that may surprise many. We spoke with Keo Fish Farm owner Mike Freeze about the damage rising water has done in Lonoke County and to aquaculture across Arkansas.

Today, Arkansas Farm Bureau leaders and staff visited Desha County to see flooding damage and visit with local farmers and officials. The day began with ArFB President Rich Hillman opening a press conference and community discussion at the Dumas Community Center with Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward, along with members of the state legislature, including Rep. Mark McElroy and State Senator Ben Gilmore. It concluded with visits to flooded farms and facilities and another community meeting in McGehee.

Heavy rains this week flooded several hundred acres of soybeans, corn and rice on Jon and Jim Carroll‘s Monroe County farm. Jon explains the problems they and other Arkansas farmers now face as a result of the wet weather.

Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Mark Lambert provides an update on the flooding and challenges caused by this week’s heavy rains and the impact on farmers and ranchers.

Heavy rains have hit Arkansas farmers and ranchers hard this week, and Arkansas Farm Bureau President Rich Hillman has a message for all of those struggling to deal with the impact.

In addition to growing rice, soybeans and cotton, Lee County farmer Nathan Reed also has a land-leveling business. Rather than blowing the budget on new equipment, Reed buys and fixes up discarded, decades-old tractors at a fraction of the cost. He is using the savings to invest in land and expand his farm.