As the COVID-19 pandemic response continues, so does the work of farmers and ranchers to keep food on shelves and tables around the state, country and world. We've been getting reports from Arkansas farmers and ranchers in their fields and workshops, telling us about their work, and highlighting the fact that all of agriculture is essential during these troubled times, including businesses that provide services and support to farmers. Take a look at a collection of these reports from around the state and find out what they're doing and the challenges they're facing.
Since the coronavirus crisis response kicked into high gear this week, we've been getting reports from Arkansas farmers and ranchers in their fields and workshops, telling us that they're continuing their work to provide the food, fiber and shelter the country and world need. Take a look at a collection of these reports from around the state and find out what they're doing and the challenges they're facing.
James and Ashton Dixon of Magnolia are new members of the Arkansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. James is a fifth-generation poultry farmer and a lcoal firefighter, while Ashton is completing a nursing degree. Learn all about this unique couple's story in our latest video.
Just four years ago cotton prices bottomed out, Arkansas acreage and production dropped and only a handful of cotton gins remained open. But in 2019, prices, acreage and production saw a dramatic increase, bringing a need for more ginning capacity. In southeast Arkansas, the Day family joined others there to build a new gin at Winchester, south of Dumas. The gin began operating in January and provides a new facility to process what is expected to be expanded acreage this year.
What’s the most unusual farm animal in Arkansas? It might just be the peculiar-looking alpaca. Deborah Shannon of Sweet Clover Alpacas in Conway talks about these South American imports, which she raises for their fleece.
SalScilla Farms owners Judith and Tim Allen have established a simple mission statement for their 50-acre farm near Mayflower: "Maintain a farm retreat providing a place for faith, friendship, food and fellowship." Watch to learn more.
We paid a visit to Allen and Barbara Primm of Hampton, in Calhoun County. The couple were the 2019 Southwest District Farm Family of the Year and they've partnered together for 26 years raising cattle, timber and hay. They love life on their farm and introducing others to it. This is their story.
On Big D Ranch near Center Ridge, members of the DeSalvo family have been raising cattle since the 1800s. Today they focus on the development of registered Ultrablack bulls and heifers using artificial insemination, genetic selection and ultrasound data to advance the breed.
Tommy Sorrells grew up on his family's cattle and sheep ranch in the community of Royal in western Garland County. Now 79, he still enjoys raising Angus cattle, interacting with young people showing their animals at the county fair and being involved in leadership on the county level. He's endured storms, drought and periods of low prices for his livestock, but has weathered them all. This is his story.
We talked to Chris Bacchus of Bacchus Family Adventure Farm in Hagarville, who describes how he’s slowly shifted his family's farming operation from a focus on commercial cattle and poultry to agritourism and exotic animals.
