Every year, thousands of Arkansas kids compete in the ring showing farm animals, but many people don't realize how much work goes into preparing them for competition. To learn more about it, Farm Bureau's Jenny Higgs visited Huck Plyler of Hempstead County to see his show day prep routine for champion steers.
Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks is TaylorHawk Farms, a cattle ranch like many others, but with a unique difference – the Highland cattle they've been raising for the past 16 years. Typically found grazing in the Scottish Highlands, they've become popular for their unique look and for their tasty meat. Lawrence Haight, a farmhand at TaylorHawk, talks about what makes the breed so special.
Though it isn't in Arkansas yet, Avian Influenza has been detected in nearby states and precautions are being taken to prevent its spread into Arkansas poultry. We talk to Arkansas Farm Bureau's John Bailey and Dr. Dustan Clark, Extension Veterinarian and Associate Poultry Center Director with the University of Arkansas, about measures being taken to protect poultry in the state.
Recently, Arkansas Department of Agriculture field staff have been working to ease a backlog of housing inspections for the H2A worker program utilized by many Arkansas farmers. Plant Industries Division Director Scott Bray outlined how the department was able to get involved and what plans are moving forward. Monroe County farmer Jon Carroll explained how these efforts helped his farm stay on schedule and why timely inspections are important for farmers.
For this bonus episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we chat with Jana Carroll, fresh off her graduation from the American Farm Bureau's Women's Communications Bootcamp. She shares pointers on how to effectively advocate for the agriculture industry in your own voice.
The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon was held in Little Rock on Friday, May 25. The event honored the six members of Class XXXIV after a long pandemic delay. We talked to members and family of the new class to get their thoughts on this special day and what joining the Hall of Fame means to each of them.
The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame inducted six individuals today for their leadership and service to the state’s largest business sector. The newest class represents agriculture education, the seed industry, agri-business, row-crop production, agricultural/political advocacy, timber management and agricultural research and outreach.
We talk to Nathan Reed of Marianna, recently elected chairman of American Cotton Producers, the grower segment of the National Cotton Council. Reed talks about the organization, the state of the cotton industry and challenges ahead for cotton growers.
