This week on the Arkansas AgCast, we cover highlights from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 107th Annual Convention, where delegates set policy priorities focused on labor, animal health, and risk management.
We also break down the first WASDE report of 2026, which showed larger-than-expected corn and soybean supplies and pressured grain markets. Finally, we take a forward look at farm technology trends for 2026, from drones and robotics to data-driven software tools, and how farmers are using innovation to manage costs, labor and efficiency moving forward.
ArFB President Dan Wright recaps our week in Anaheim at the American Farm Bureau convention. He highlights keynote speakers, policy making and time spent with the farmers and ranchers from all across the country.
This week on the Arkansas AgCast, we break down updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We look at how livestock, dairy, oilseed and pulse crop groups are responding to the shift and what it could mean for U.S. agriculture. We also cover new details on USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, part of a $12 billion aid package, including payment timelines and eligibility. Plus, we explore how Brazil’s rise as the world’s largest beef producer is reshaping global beef markets.
Finally, we share an important update for Arkansas farmers on the new Farmers Sales Tax Exemption Card from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration and how it’s designed to simplify tax-free purchases.
Up to 400 poultry farms in Northwest Arkansas could close due to a recent Oklahoma judge’s ruling. Farmers are in disbelief, saying they’re not to blame since they’ve abided by environmental regulations the past 20 years.
AI (the breeding kind) is a valuable tool for livestock producers in Arkansas. Big Branch–Cooper Cattle in Hackett hosts several artificial insemination courses each year, and this year the Arkansas Virtual Academy brought FFA students to gain hands-on experience with the process.
A unique seed business has been around since 1984 in Clarendon. Keith Cook took over for his grandfather in 2002 and has grown M & C Forest Seeds into a leading source of tree seeds across the Mid-South.
This week’s Arkansas AgCast covers several stories affecting farmers across the state. We start with Tyson Foods’ decision to halt poultry contracts in the Illinois River watershed unless Oklahoma shifts its legal approach in a long-running lawsuit. We also break down USDA’s new $12 billion bridge payment package to help producers manage tight margins heading into 2026, plus its $700 million investment in regenerative agriculture through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program. Finally, we highlight upcoming changes to crop insurance meant to streamline requirements and expand support for beginning farmers.
Arkansas Tech University dedicated its new agriculture building, funded through community support, including a $75,000 donation from the Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation. The 2,000-square-foot facility features welding booths, virtual reality welding stations and small machine workstations to prepare students for ag careers beyond college.
Shane and Kim Lockeby of Ashdown are the Southwest District Farm Family of the Year. They operate Lockeby Farms with their three sons. It’s a laying-hen operation producing 12.8 million hatching eggs a year. They also plan to grow their 600-tree pecan orchard they’ve started.
Dawna and Randy Spears of Wedington are the Northwest District Farm Family of the Year. They left the dairy industry in the early 2000s, pivoting to Spears Cattle Co., raising commercial cattle and running a custom-feeding operation, focusing on nutrition and weight gain.
