On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, timber landowners across the South face new hurdles as buyers tighten contract terms to comply with Europe’s deforestation rules. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Labor has finalized sweeping changes to the H-2A farmworker wage system, a move that could lower labor costs for farmers.
We also take a closer look at the specialty crop industry, where rising input costs, labor shortages, and limited safety nets are putting farmers under mounting financial strain. And finally, signs of new federal aid for farmers emerge as the U.S. administration considers billions to offset trade losses with China.
Livestock showing at the Arkansas State Fair is underway, and for 5-year-old Braden Emitt of Huntsville, it’s all about the animals. Follow along as he prepares and shows his Southdown sheep, Daisy Mae, which proudly took home third and fourth place in their respective divisions!
The Arkansas Youth Expo annually provides a premier event for FFA and 4-H students to exhibit their projects in Fayetteville. The Griffin family from Batesville explains why it makes a four-hour haul to compete with its purebred Shorthorn cattle.
An expo for private landowners last week in Benton highlighted ways Arkansans can improve their property values. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has invested more than $1 million in partnerships and sends biologists to evaluate property needs and connect owners with available assistance. More than 90% of the state's land is privately owned and can benefit from the program, said AGFC biologist Harvey “Bubba” Groves.
Throughout the year, the Arkansas Farm Trail has connected customers with local farms across the state, and it has been a hit! Now, heading into its second season, we’re expanding and want YOUR farm on the map. Join the passport program that consumers and local foods. Applications close Oct. 17. Details at arfarmtrail.com.
An invasive plant hopper is damaging rice farms in southwest Arkansas. Miller County rice farmer, Russell Heigl, explains how rice delphacid is hurting his crop and impacting harvest.
A contingent of Californians visited Arkansas last week, making stops at ag companies, research centers and touring farms before seeing McClendon, Mann and Felton Gin Co., in Marianna. The visit was sponsored by California Farm Bureau to help its emerging leaders see similarities and differences of agriculture in the Natural State.
The Arkansas House Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Subcommittee met recently in Stuttgart to hear about challenges facing farmers across the state. Arkansas County farmer Sidney Robnett shared widespread concerns about the farm economy and the need for support moving forward.
From above, it could be mistaken for early spring, with fields still waiting to be planted. In northeast Arkansas, hundreds of thousands of acres of crop land sat under water for too long during planting season. Now the land lies dormant. In a year when farmers needed a break from market pressures, many are left staring at empty fields and on the brink of losing their livelihoods. While the Big Beautiful Bill was passed earlier this year, its help will not be in farmers’ hands until late 2026, which could be too late for many farmers in Arkansas.
Despite recent rain, many areas of the state are still facing challenges from drought. In Sharp County, cattle farmer John Kunkel experienced significant flooding in the spring and is now feeding hay months ahead of schedule. With calving season quickly approaching, he’s concerned for his herd and hopeful additional rains will provide relief soon.
