Aubreigh Scissom, 14, and Katelyn Roy, also 14, were the winners in their respective categories in the 2023 Arkansas Farm Bureau Rice Is Nice Youth Cooking Contest, June 27 at the state fairgrounds in Little Rock. Scissom’s Baked Rice Pudding recipe won the “Party Ideas” category, while Roy’s Pressure Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice earned the top spot in the “Main Dish” category.

Ten-year-old Bailey Dobbs of Prairie Grove and 14-year-old Emma Wilson of Vilonia took first place in their respective categories in the 2023 Arkansas Farm Bureau Dairy Foods Contest, June 27 at the state fairgrounds in Little Rock. Dobbs’ Creamy Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas recipe won the “Main Dishes” category, while Wilson’s Mini Chocolate Cream Pies desert earned the top spot in the “Party Ideas” category.

Storms brought destructive winds across several parts of the state. Clay Parker’s Farm in Carlisle saw wind gusts up to 90 mph damaging corn crops, grain bins, and other structures.

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Wind and hail hammered farms last weekend across Arkansas. Some specialty crops in the southeast corner of the state could be a complete loss. Royal C Farms in Ashley County was one of the harder hit, and its damage compounded when power lines fell in fields.

On this week's AgCast episode, we share how Arkansas farmers can lend their voice to an important river project, we share news of a new State Forester and share the announcement of a new EVP at ArFB. All that and much more, check it out now.

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An F-2 tornado tore up farms early Sunday from Subiaco to Lamar. Cattle/poultry farmer Tom Strobel likely lost two chicken houses and says he hasn't experienced more destruction in 60-plus years. Producers like Strobel lose income when they can't house chickens but by working with legislators on the next farm bill, Arkansas Farm Bureau aims to help them recover quickly.

Jarrod Yates has been named executive vice president of the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation, whose board of directors chose him on Monday to lead the staff functions for the agricultural advocacy organization. He will report to ArFB’s board of directors.

Multiple storms over the past two weeks brought needed rain to Arkansas farms, but some included heavy winds and crop damaging hail. Some fear a total loss, especially in extreme Northeast Arkansas. Extension experts say only time will tell.