The August Congressional recess has begun and Congressman Rick Crawford kicked off his annual farm tour by joining Lonoke farmers and ranchers for a roundtable discussion of issues affecting the 2019 farm economy. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, Crawford shares his thoughts on the tariff war with China, how African Swine Fever is impacting China's need for U.S. soybeans and why Arkansas farmers may need to “diversify their ag portfolio."

A variety of industry, education and government experts attended our recent Officers & Leaders conference in Hot Springs. We caught up with a few of these presenters for video interviews, including Farm Service Agency State Executive Director David Curtis and Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist Mike Sullivan. Hear what they had to say about disaster recovery, new programs and more.

During a recent field day at the Rohwer Research Station, Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service agronomists Jason Kelley and Jarrod Hardke updated southeast Arkansas farmers on the condition of the state's corn, rice and soybean crops after one of the wettest spring planting and summer growing seasons in memory.

Read the latest edition of the Farm Bureau Press!

Read about the "Soaked Season" of 2019 and the impact weather and flooding has had on Arkansas farmers and ranchers. Plus, check out our latest Taste Arkansas recipe, Rural Road Trip and Delta Child features.

Arkansas Farm Bureau leaders from around the state gathered in Hot Springs July 22-23 for the 71st ArFB Officers & Leaders Conference. Several of those in attendance spoke about the importance of the annual gathering and what they learned during the event. Watch our interviews with Woodruff County Farm Bureau board member Terrance Scott, Mississippi County Farm Bureau President Heath Donner and Monroe County Farm Bureau President Bo Mason.

Taylor Wiseman of Fayetteville, a graduate assistant majoring in agriculture economics at the University of Arkansas, won the Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet at the Arkansas Farm Bureau 71st Officers & Leaders Conference at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

Mark Morgan of Clarksville and Matt Shekels of Harrison, earned the top two Young Farmers & Ranchers awards. The two and their families were honored July 22 at Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 71st Officers & Leaders Conference at the Hot Springs Convention Center. The awards honor young farmers and ranchers ages 18-35 for the general excellence of their operations, their hard work and innovation.

The first general session of our 71st Officers & Leaders Conference opened with this video about the challenging 2019 season and the rain and flooding that have made it so difficult for farmers and ranchers across the state. See for yourself how they've been "facing the storm" and how they plan to keep doing what they love, no matter what Mother Nature may throw at them.

James Meeks is a fifth-generation farmer who has become known across Arkansas and region for his tomato, watermelon and "u-pick" produce operation near Hamburg in Ashley County. He and his business partner have overcome regulatory and workforce challenges and built their Triple M Farms into a key tomato provider for Walmart, Subway restaurants and a number of roadside vendors. He spoke to us about his love of growing tomatoes, industry challenges and the uncertain future of the business.