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.

We spoke to Matt Hill, fire chief for Dierks in Howard County, about flooding from Tropical Storm Barry in the southwest part of the state. HIll said the area received more than 17 inches of rain and he described the impact on local rachers and farmers and the timber business in the county.

The finalists in Arkansas Farm Bureau’s annual Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award and Excellence in Agriculture Award have been announced. The awards honor young farmers and ranchers between the ages of 18-35 for the general excellence of their operations, their hard work and innovation.

This year has been a roller coaster ride for many Arkansas producers. Jackson County's John “Bubba” Sink, who farms rice, corn and soybeans, shared the high points and the low points of the season in this interview.

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In 2018, the University of Arkansas at Monticello upgraded its forestry and agriculture programs by combining them and creating the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources. And more changes are on the horizon. In this edition of Arkansas Agcast, Dr. Phil Tappe, dean of the college and director of the Arkansas Forest Resources Center explains how UAM has become the only university in the state with an accredited forestry program and why it is working hard to become the destination for students seeking to enter the timber and forest resources industry.

Peach farmer Mark Morgan and his family run Peach Pickin' Paradise in Lamar just outside of Clarksville, where they grow almost two dozen varieties of peaches and nectarines. With peach season in full swing in Arkansas, Morgan took a few minutes to tell us how the crop looks this year and what "peach pickers" can expect when they head out to get this sweet summertime favorite.