This week, we hear from Brittany Carwell of B&D Genetics in Cross County about the business’s major new move into the European market. We also get an update on the 2020 pecan crop from Chas Davis of Davis Pecan in Little River County and we spend a morning Hicks Family Farms near Cabot, as they work to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines in preparing their annual pumpkin patch and corn maze for visitors.
Producers of beef cattle, swine, sheep and dairy cattle can now apply for a second wave of assistance through the USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Brandy Carroll, ArFB's Director of Commodity Activities & Market Information joined us to share important information about this program.
This week, we hear from a cattle producer and mother about youth livestock events during this unusual year, and Arkansas Farm Bureau Director of Policy Development and Legislative Research Jessica Clowser Burkham fills us in on CFAP 2, the recently announced second round of Coronavirus aid for U.S. farmers. We also have a special interview with Jason Brewer of Ritter Farms.
Amanda Perez is a food systems and food safety expert with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. September is National Food Safety Education Month, and she gives us some advice about food safety during a pandemic.
Ritter Agribusiness of Marked Tree was established in 1886 and continues to diversify its farming operations. In 2018, the company ventured into specialty crops by purchasing Gillam Farms in Judsonia, which was known primarily for its blackberry varieties. Ritter Farms now grows blueberries, strawberries and muscadines and is expanding its blackberry acreage for local sales and shipment across the country.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its latest Crop Production report recently. Brandy Rennicke Carroll, ArFB Director of Commodity Activities and Market Information, gave us an update on what it said about corn and soybeans, plus the latest supply and demand estimates for those commodities.
This week, we hear how some counties are holding limited or scaled-back livestock shows despite COVID-related fair and rodeo cancellations. We also learn about the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust and what it can do for farmers and we get important mental health tips for National Suicide Prevention Month.
According to a 2019 American Farm Bureau survey, most farmers say financial issues, farm or business problems and fear of losing their farm have a negative impact on their mental health. September is National Suicide Prevention Month and Rebecca Simon with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service shared signs of depression to watch for, steps to help someone in emotional pain and resources for people who need assistance.
Ryan Pace, a retired colonel from the Army National Guard, runs and lives on Wholly Cow Farm in Judsonia with his wife and children. Pace served in the military for almost 29 years, and when he's not on the farm, he works for Greenway Equipment in central Arkansas. Pace tells us all about Wholly Cow and the meat he produces for local restaurants and consumers.
