After a very wet spring, preliminary estimates from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture indicate nearly $79 million in crop-related flood damage in Arkansas. Of the more than 800,000 acres planted in early April, 31% was reported as flooded. Rice accounted for 46% of those flooded acres. Extension rice agronomist Jarrod Hardke explains we are at a critical point in the planting season as the success of this year’s crop hangs in the balance. For more details on exact numbers visit https://www.uaex.uada.edu/media-resources/news/2025/april/04-15-2025-ark-flood-damage-crops.aspx.

Ten acres of almost-ripe berries were destroyed in 10 minutes Sunday at Dozier’s Sta-N-Step Farm in Northwest Arkansas. Devastated owner Les Dozier looks ahead after losing his blueberries, blackberries and raspberries to hail and high winds.

This week’s #FarmTrailFriday heads to Baxter County. Hannah and Cody Walker of Henderson operate County Line Beef, LLC, a direct-to-consumer operation that allows the Walkers to connect with their community. To learn more visit: arfarmtrail.com.

ArFB’s team of economists recently released an Ag Insider outlining the budget reconciliation process currently underway in Congress. The goal of this process is to address the outdated risk management tools in the current farm bill while Congress works to draft new legislation. Hear how this process could provide relief to farmers now, and why one farmer says this could be his last year on the farm without some sort of help. See the full Ag Insider here: https://tr.ee/ijOgnX.

On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we break down Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ new “Farmers First” policy agenda aimed at revitalizing small family farms. We also look at how wet weather is disrupting Arkansas’ rice planting season and what it means for crop insurance. Plus, we unpack President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” that just passed the House, covering tax cuts, farm program reforms, and controversial changes to SNAP. And finally, we clarify some buzz around Arkansas’ farm income outlook, which is trending up, but not for the reasons you might think.

Roughly 6,500 feral hogs were removed from Arkansas lands in 2024. However, they continue to be a problem for farmers. Since the creation of the Arkansas Feral Hog Eradication Task Force in 2017, partners continue to work on reducing the feral hog population. For more information on support and available resources visit https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-services/feral-hog/.

Arkansas agriculture plays a key role in Bridge2Rwanda’s support for the country’s journey toward food security. Rosine Ndayishimiye was in Arkansas recently highlighting how Arkansas’s agriculturalists teach Rwandan farmers helpful practices that will boost crop production in the country’s mountainous regions.

On Wednesday, the Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation donated $25,000 to the Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry (AHFH) Wild Game Snack Stick Program. The funds will support AHFH’s work to combat food insecurity in Arkansas. Meat processors like Kruse Meat Products in Saline County play a vital role in converting donated wild game into nutritious snacks for students in need.

Farm Trail Friday takes us this week to Alma to talk with Randy Arnold at the Arnold Family Farm Store. He shares the farm’s history and how transparency with customers and other farmers is the key to his success. To learn more visit arfarmtrail.com.

On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we unpack several developments that could have a big impact on Arkansas agriculture. We break down an additional federal review for certain Farm Service Agency loans, which is raising concerns among farmers and lawmakers alike. We also examine how escalating tariffs are threatening ag exports. We look at the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting and what the uncertain interest rate outlook could mean for farmers and rural businesses. Plus, we spotlight two new Arkansas appointments to key USDA leadership roles. It’s a packed episode with news for farmers and ranchers across Arkansas.