As farmers across the state gear up for planting season, an unexpected increase in input costs weighs heavily on their minds. With the Iran conflict resulting in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, farmers are seeing significant increases in diesel and fertilizer prices at a time when margins are already razor-thin.
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 Farm Bureau is excited to open the 2026 Arkansas Farm Trail, launching March 28. AFT allows farmers to share stories, connect with consumers and increase visibility for ArFB members producing direct-to-consumer goods. Returning for a second season, AFT is the first-of-its-kind Arkansas program that connects consumers with local agriculture and teaches about the state's agricultural industry.
Roby Brock built his career covering business and politics in television and radio. Last year, he invested in and revitalized the England Democrat newspaper.
Now he operates four small papers across Arkansas. Watch and learn more about his passion for rural news sources.
Dean Elmore from Jonesboro is here at the AFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Conference as part of the ArFB AG Leaders program. Hear what he has learned through AG Leaders and what he will take back from his time in Portland to his farm in Craighead County.
Hear from Arkansas’s own Lauren Estlinbaum on her time competing in the collegiate discussion meet here at the AFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Conference and why these discussions matter to the future of agriculture.
Despite recent scattered rain, many ranchers are still experiencing severe drought. Eddie Wagoner of Independence County explains that, in lieu of the nearly 20 inches of rain needed to remedy the drought, all he can do is work to survive until conditions improve.
As the 2026 Presidents' Advocacy and Leadership Tour comes to an end, hear from county leaders and Jay Robbins, ArFB director of national affairs, about the importance of our time spent in D.C. and the impact Arkansas farmers had on Capitol Hill.
