Arkansas Farm Bureau Podcast

On this episode, we take a closer look at ongoing fertilizer challenges and how federal officials are working to stabilize supply and invest in domestic production. We also cover a new push led by Arkansas Rep. Rick Crawford to investigate foreign rice trade practices, a which could significantly impact for Arkansas farmers and global competitiveness.In addition, USDA is offering new funding opportunities through the Local Agriculture Market Program to support direct-to-consumer sales and strengthen regional food systems. Finally, we highlight the selection of five Arkansas farmers to serve on the state Farm Service Agency committee and what it means for programs across the state.

On this episode, we break down USDA’s latest WASDE report and what steady supply estimates mean for crop and livestock markets heading into the growing season. We also look at new American Farm Bureau survey data showing fertilizer affordability challenges for farmers, with rising input costs continuing to shape planting decisions across the country.In addition, we discuss ongoing conversations in Washington for another round of farm aid and what that could mean for producers. Finally, we cover the continued spread of the Asian longhorned tick in Arkansas and the potential impact on cattle operations.

From equipment to policy to education, this episode covers crucial ag news in the headlines right now. This week, we break down a major right-to-repair development as John Deere reaches a proposed $99 million settlement that could expand farmers’ access to equipment diagnostics and repair tools. We also provide an update on the Illinois River Watershed case after a federal judge rejected proposed settlements, adding continued uncertainty for poultry growers in northwest Arkansas.In addition, we cover EPA’s summer waiver allowing E15 fuel sales to continue, and what that means for corn demand and fuel markets. Finally, Arkansas reaches a major milestone with approval for the state’s first college of veterinary medicine at Arkansas State University, paving the way for its first class of students this fall.

This Arkansas AgCast episode covers new EPA guidance aimed at reducing equipment downtime tied to DEF system failures, including changes that could improve reliability for farmers. We also take a closer look at USDA’s Prospective Plantings report and what shifting acreage trends could mean for corn, soybeans, rice and cotton in Arkansas and across the country.In addition, new data shows farmers are receiving a smaller share of the food dollar, highlighting the growing role of processing, transportation and retail in the food supply chain. Finally, we cover the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board new policy aimed at protecting producer-funded research from benefiting foreign competitors.

On this episode, we break down rising fertilizer costs and supply concerns tied to the Iran conflict, review a proposed farm bill framework for specialty crop disaster assistance and discuss increased scrutiny of U.S. ag exports at Chinese ports. We also cover important dicamba changes for Arkansas farmers ahead of the growing season.

Arkansas farmers and ranchers know the shortage of large animal veterinarians is real. On this AgCast Deep Dive, Jason Brown talks with Dr. Heidi Banse about the Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, its focus on production agriculture and how the program could address the need for large animal vets in rural communities. Listen in to find out what the school will mean for Arkansas agriculture.

On this episode, we look at how the U.S.–Iran conflict is already affecting agricultural markets, from fuel and fertilizer costs to grain prices. We also have the latest on USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, a new effort to bring Arkansas-grown rice into school cafeterias and the latest farmer sentiment data on the ag economy.

On this Deep Dive episode, host John McMinn sits down with Dr. Hunter Biram, extension ag economist, to break down the modern farm safety net. They explain how ARC and PLC work, common misconceptions about who receives payments and whether these programs influence planting decisions or distort markets. They also cover yield volatility in Arkansas, which crops may be better suited for ARC or PLC, the opportunity to add base acres, and concerns surrounding payment limitations.If you want a clearer understanding of how today’s safety net impacts Arkansas farmers, this episode delivers.

This week on Arkansas AgCast, we break down USDA’s new $1 billion Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program and what it means for Arkansas growers. We also discuss the House Agriculture Committee’s new farm bill draft as markup begins and EPA’s decision to reinstate over-the-top dicamba use for the 2026 growing season.Plus, we provide an update on the decades-long Illinois River Watershed lawsuit and what recent settlements could mean for poultry producers in northwest Arkansas. Get the details on these key policy and regulatory updates affecting agriculture across the state.

This week on the Arkansas AgCast, we break down the sharp rise in farm bankruptcies, including Arkansas leading the nation in Chapter 12 filings. We also look at expanded Argentine beef imports, USDA’s new farm security partnership and what the latest WASDE report means for corn and soybean markets.

This week on the Arkansas AgCast, we’re covering the EPA’s latest actions aimed at reducing downtime from DEF system failures, we look at why beef prices are likely to stay high as the U.S. cattle herd remains tight and share the latest on Texas and USDA’s efforts to keep the New World screwworm out of the United States. We also trace some of your favorite Super Bowl snacks back to the farms and ranches that make them possible.

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.

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.

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.

We packed the studio up and headed to Hot Springs for this episode. Catch up with us on the trade show floor as we discuss all the action from the 91st Annual State Convention. We also have a great discussion with Clint Bruce, Navy SEAL and former NFL player, before his keynote address at the event. Get it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.

On this week’s Arkansas AgCast, we cover USDA’s Stage Two disaster relief. We also look at Thanksgiving meal costs, nearly 20% lower than last year in Arkansas. Then we break down the Trump administration’s proposed WOTUS rule aimed at clarifying federal water jurisdiction after the Sackett decision. Finally, we share important animal health alerts: heightened HPAI risk for poultry growers and regional concerns over EHV-1 in horses.

On this Deep Dive edition of the Arkansas AgCast, we sit down with Dr. Calvin White Jr., provost and executive vice chancellor at Arkansas State University, on location during the Catalyst event in Jonesboro. We discuss how Arkansas agriculture is evolving, its impact on rural communities and how collaboration can strengthen the industry for all Arkansans. Dr. White shares insights on the university’s role innovation, rural revitalization and preparing the next generation of ag leaders through initiatives like A-State’s new College of Veterinary Medicine.

On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we’re in Hot Springs for ArFB’s 2025 Resolutions Committee meeting. We sit down with Monroe County farmer Bo Mason to discuss the policy-making process and the important role the meeting plays in our process.

On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we discuss why row crop farmers in the state are weathering one of their most challenging years in decades. In 2025, falling commodity prices, stubbornly high input costs and tightening credit are pushing farm income deep into the red for a third straight season. Listen as Dr. Hunter Biram breaks down the numbers behind the row crop economy and what’s driving the rise in farm bankruptcies across the region. We also explore how government support programs are providing partial relief, what new policy proposals could mean for the year ahead and where farmers might still find a few bright spots heading into 2026.

On this week’s Arkansas AgCast, we take a closer look at Brazil’s fast-moving 2025–26 planting season, where record soybean and corn acreage could reshape global markets. We have the details on a new University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture two-part webinar series to help row crop farmers improve their cost-management strategies for the coming season. Finally, we break down the reaction from U.S. cattle producers after President Donald Trump floated the idea of importing Argentinian beef to lower consumer prices, a proposal that sent shockwaves through cattle markets.College Pick ‘Em: https://fantasy.espn.com/games/college-football-pickem-2025/group?id=d114c024-6b65-4704-bf7d-7ef95119e0e0&joining=true