This week, #FarmTrailFriday takes us just south of Little Rock to learn about Bemis Honey Bee Farm. Jeremy Bemis gives us a glimpse into the history of their operation and what led them to be a premier destination for beginning and novice beekeepers.
On this week’s Arkansas AgCast, we take a close look at the dollars and cents behind increased reference prices, cover the updated “Make America Healthy Again” report and look at why Arkansas farmers may have soybeans in the field until Christmas. Watch here or listen where you get podcasts.
Corn yields on most Arkansas farms this year are good. Some are great. Yet, costs to raise corn continue to climb while market prices remain near 1970s levels. Veteran growers talk about their 2025 harvest and increasing challenges.
After breaking ground last year, the new animal science building at De Queen schools is now open to students. Offering hands-on learning experiences, ag teacher Morgan Frachiseur explains the benefit of having this on-campus facility.
Ryn, a new farm-to-table restaurant, is led by chef Matthew Cooper, whose rural Arkansas roots fuel his passion to create a unique on-farm dining experience in Northwest Arkansas. Ingredients from the on-site Sun Painted Farm allow chef Cooper and his team to directly connect the consumer to the farm.
On this week’s Arkansas AgCast, we cover challenges facing Mid-South farmers. We start with the Mississippi River, where current low water levels could again disrupt barge traffic, raising transportation costs, and widening basis levels that cut into farm income. Next, we look at how extreme weather last spring is impacting yields during harvest, with rice producers facing some of the steepest declines in decades.
We also cover comments from USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden, hinting at possible short-term relief for farmers until new safety net programs take effect. Finally, we provide the latest update on the New World screwworm, as U.S. officials confirm the first travel-related human case and expand surveillance to protect livestock.
Harvest is underway at JAM Farms, where fourth-generation farmer Jordan Maier reflects on this year’s growing season challenges and the reward of harvest.
At Good Life Farms, Grant Mason is redefining how greens are grown. Inside a 9,000 square-foot greenhouse, Mason uses vertical aeroponic towers to maximize space and sustainability while providing fresh, healthy produce to schools and families across northwest Arkansas.
Carrying on his father’s legacy, Laird High has taken the reins at The Cabot Patch, a go-to spot for local produce. From strawberries and peaches to watermelons, the farm offers an array of seasonal crops. Planning a visit for your ArFB Arkansas Farm Trail passport stamp? Before you go, check their Facebook page for the latest hours and availability.
Farmers are feeling financial stress as rice prices dropped 37% in one year. Arkansas leads the nation in production, but with changing global tariffs, challenging economic conditions and unpredictable weather, what's the state of our rice industry? Keith Glover, CEO of Producers Rice Mill in Stuttgart and chairman of USA Rice, delivered an update this week to the Rotary Club of Little Rock.
