Congressman French Hill visited area farmers today at Conway County’s Farm Bureau office. He spoke about gridlock on a new farm bill in D.C., potential water issues in the county and other economic struggles farmers are facing.
Sen. John Boozman released the Senate Ag Committee Republicans framework for the farm bill today. The document prioritizes the farm safety net, expanding overseas markets, research and growing rural communities. See details of the framework in full here: https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/newsroom/rep/press/release/boozman-unveils-senate-ag-republicans-framework-answering-call-to-put-more-farm-in-the-farm-bill.
If you’re thinking of running for public office, our How to Win an Election program can help. Hear from someone who’s been through the session. The class will be held Oct. 17-18 at our office in Little Rock. Registration is open through Oct. 13 at arfb.com.
As a grassroots organization ArFB understands how policy and legislation impacts farms across the state. Watch our latest video to see how White County Farm Bureau member/Arkansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers vice chair, Brad Peacock, initiated and successfully implemented grassroots policy that was adopted nationally at the 2023 American Farm Bureau convention.
Arkansas Farm Bureau has announced opposition to Issues 1 and 4 in the upcoming general election, while supporting Issue 2, which would provide a higher threshold for items to be added to the state constitution.
The Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation announced Mark Lambert has been named Director of State Affairs in the Public Affairs & Government Relations department. Lambert previously worked in Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Commodity & Regulatory Affairs department as a Director of Commodity Activities and Economics.
The Senate Ag Committee held a field hearing today in Jonesboro, at the Fowler Center on the campus of Arkansas State University. Chair Debbie Stabenow and Ranking Member John Boozman heard testimony from Arkansas farmers, agriculture industry leaders and business leaders and officials serving rural Arkansas. Arkansas Farm Bureau leaders and members were on hand, and ArFB President Rich Hillman helped open the proceedings.
Annie Abrams is an Arkansas legend, and now she’s a member of Arkansas Farm Bureau! A retired educator and nationally recognized civic and political activist, Abrams is now 90 and staying busy by helping distribute Arkansas Farm Bureau Election Directories. ArFB Vice President of Public Affairs & Government Relations Stanley Hill and ArFB Vice President of Organization & Member Programs Justin Reynolds visited Abrams at her home to present her with her honorary membership in appreciation of her efforts and for being a champion in her community.
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.
Jeff Pitchord gives an overview of the General Assembly’s fiscal session, which kicked off last month and is set to wrap up soon. Jeff covers the funding decisions that impact the state’s agriculture industry and a special change to vehicle assessments that will affect all Arkansans who assess a vehicle.
