It’s peach season in Johnson County, and Peach Pickin’ Paradise is ready for you! This family-run farm has been growing fresh peaches for generations. Mark Morgan shares the story behind the farm and why it’s the perfect summer stop along ArFB’s Arkansas Farm Trail.

On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we cover key USDA reports impacting producers and consumers alike. We start with the latest Cattle on Feed report, which shows declines in marketings and placements, pointing to tighter beef supplies and continued high prices. We also break down the cost of a Fourth of July cookout, with Arkansas shoppers projected to spend just under $70 to feed 10 people this year. We also share updates on federal disaster assistance, including the upcoming signup for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program. And finally, we dive into the June Acreage Report, highlighting reduced rice and cotton acres in Arkansas and shifting trends across key crops.

Meet Reed and Sarah Kelley of Saltillo (Faulkner Co.), owners of Big and Rich Cattle Company and one of three finalists for the ArFB YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award. They recently started marketing beef to the public and have a waitlist into 2026. The Kelleys have two children and are passionate about serving others. Watch to learn how they have grown their family and farm from humble beginnings.

Meet one of the three ArFB YF&R Achievement Award finalists! Dalton and Skiver Dilldine farm 5,900 acres and they grow soybeans, cotton, corn, rice and wheat. They also operate a commercial grain facility as an efficient storage solution. This year they welcomed a new farm hand, their first child, Daphne. Watch to learn more about their family and farm.

Economics Arkansas and ArFB recently took teachers to agriculture school. They learned how meat and milk get from the farm to store and more. Watch how gracious hosts Simon Brothers Dairy, Cypress Valley Packing and Flying C Ranch presented their work to educators.

Florida native Wade Lucas and his family found a flat spot to farm in the Ozark Mountains. They’ve cultivated 12 acres over the past 25 years into one of Arkansas’ more scenic stops for fresh lunches, baked indulgences and vine-ripened produce. See why locals love it and Greers Ferry Lake goers travel curvy Hwy. 16 to Wade Lucas Farms in Shirley.

At Richland Creek Farm and Market, come for the mayhaws and stay for the flowers. Ken and Rhonda Rudder have transformed the former homestead into a farm full of fruits, vegetables and beautiful flowers. Rhonda explains that their hope is for anyone visiting the farm to leave feeling loved and like family. Note: The correct address for the farm is 453 Union Rd. 757, El Dorado, Ar.

On this episode of Arkansas AgCast, we break down new USDA relief for livestock producers through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program for 2023 and 2024. If you received assistance through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, you may be eligible for additional funds. We have the latest data from the June WASDE report and take a closer look at how federal budget reconciliation could shape ag spending priorities, and what it means for the farm bill process moving forward.

An ongoing issue with iron levels in water at Keo Fish Farms has led to a partnership with Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This week, MIT student Kiyoko Hayano has been touring fish farms in Arkansas to learn about the challenges they face in water quality and ways her expertise can help solve the problem.

The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food recently held its Farmers for Tomorrow fundraiser. The fundraiser generates financial support to help local, small farms get started through grants. CAFF Director Heather Friedrich says the event is a great way for the community to pay it forward to the future of farming in the area.