Farm and ranch leaders from across the state will gather Dec. 3–5 for Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 91st annual convention at the Hot Springs Convention Center. The event is expected to draw over 1,000 farmers and ranchers and will feature keynote addresses by ArFB President Dan Wright, Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas President and CEO Buddy Hasten, and former Navy SEAL and professional football player Clint Bruce.
Meet the Staton Family! Lifelong Magazine resident Bruce Staton and his wife, Laura, have built a thriving cattle operation in Logan County. Starting with 80 acres at age 17 and now owning more than 1,100 acres, Bruce and Laura prove how valuable teamwork and dedication are to building a lasting family business.
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.
Meet the Dilldines! Dalton and Skiver Dilldine, fourth-generation Mississippi County farmers, credit technology and hard work for their operation’s 99-year success. They are now raising their daughter Daphne, the fifth generation, to continue their legacy.
Arkansas Farm Bureau appreciates the action to reopen the federal government. This provides much-needed certainty for our farmers and reinforces the essential role of USDA programs in supporting American agriculture.
Meet the Henley family! Five years ago, Brian and Mary Ellen Henley purchased their dream farm and haven’t looked back. Balancing full-time jobs, the days are busy managing their cattle herd and hay business alongside their two daughters.
Down markets and startling low yields have many Arkansas soybean growers weighing their futures. Rain at the wrong times in 2025 and China buying more of Brazil’s beans are a combination some may not survive.
Growing up in a family that included sharecroppers, Gabe El-Bey and Dena Patterson never imagined they would one day be growing food of their own. Five years ago, they founded Turtle Island, a local food source for their South Little Rock community. Today, they continue to expand adding more acreage, a greenhouse and education workshops working hard to serve their community and fight food insecurity. Recently, they hosted a fall festival to engage and educate the community on the importance of agriculture and sustainability.
