Arkansas AgCast Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation

Rep. Rick Crawford stopped by the AgCast studio to share updates on his work in D.C. On this Deep Dive episode, we talk about his leadership of the Ag Labor Working Group within the House Ag Committee. Rep. Crawford walks us through the recommendations of that group, how those could become a reality for farmers and the significance of bi-partisan agreement in this age of politics. We also talk about his aspirations for additional leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives and much more.

Congressman Bruce Westerman stopped by the AgCast studio to share some updates on his work in D.C. On this Deep Dive episode, we talk about his work as chair of the House Natural Resources Committee and how that’s beneficial to the Natural State. In addition, we recap the impact his America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act will have on local communities and their ability to manage wildlife habitat. We’ll also cover the recent Energy Week legislation passed by the Natural Resources Committee and much more.

Avian influenza has made its way to mammals, and we talk about what that means for other industries in agriculture and consumers at the grocery store. We also cover the new heavy-duty truck rules on emissions that could impact farmers in the near future. Plus, conservation funding available from USDA and the outlook on row crop acres in the U.S. this year.

We welcome Sen. John Boozman back to the studio for an update on the farm bill, including his thoughts on the likelihood Congress will pass one in 2024. Sen. Boozman also shares some priorities he and his colleagues have for the framework of the legislation and we even find out what’s on the menu for his family’s Easter celebration.

We take a look at the latest round of tariffs leveed on Russian grain from the European Union, plus Congress is holding hearings on the topic of foreign-owned ag land in the U.S. We also share how Arkansas farmers are sending hay to help Texas farmers impacted by their state’s record-setting wildfires and tell you how to play a role in the next round of broadband infrastructure funding in Arkansas. Get it all on this episode of the Arkansas AgCast from Arkansas Farm Bureau.

We review the highlights of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s Ag Labor Working Group final report and recommendations to address challenges in the H2A program. Also, funds are available to help farmers markets across the state and we have all the details, plus more funding from USDA on climate-smart ag programs and a call for input on the revamp of the state’s water plan. We wrap up with a new farm-to-table restaurant recommendation from our producer, Matthew Magdefrau.