Jeremy and Magen Allen of Bismarck (Hot Spring County), owners of JA Farms, were named today as the 2023 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year.
JA Farms is a diversified enterprise, including a feed business, trucking company and retail farm store in addition to the cattle and hay operations. The Allens have been farming 28 years and have four children: Lane, Brody, Evelyn and Eli.
Anvil Metals and Fabrication (AMF) was the winner of the Arkansas Ag Innovation Challenge at Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 89th annual convention in Little Rock. In addition to winning the overall competition Nov. 30, AMF was voted as the People’s Choice Award winner for its presentation during the event’s trade show.
Nicole Erbach of Casa (Perry County) won the Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet at the Arkansas Farm Bureau 89th Annual Convention on Nov. 30 in Little Rock. Erbach will now compete in January at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Salt Lake City.
Dan Wright, a poultry producer from Waldron, was elected Friday as Arkansas Farm Bureau’s president, becoming the 12th person to serve in that role in the organization’s 89-year history. Mike Freeze of Little Rock will continue as vice president for the agriculture advocacy organization. Both were elected during Farm Bureau’s state convention at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.
The Women’s Leadership Committee from Lee County is the Outstanding County Women’s Program award winner for 2023. The group was recognized Nov. 30 during Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 89th Annual Conference at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. Committee chair Kerry Stiles accepted the award for Lee County.
Arkansas Farm Bureau recognized Addison Safley of Searcy High School in White County as its Outstanding Ag Educator. Hampton High School’s Zach Hammack earned the Outstanding New Ag Educator Award, and Harrison High School grabbed the top spot as the Outstanding Ag Education Program. All were recognized Nov. 29 at Farm Bureau’s 89th Annual Convention at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.
Michael Lee of Conway is the 2023 recipient of the Stanley E. Reed Leadership Award from the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation. Lee accepted the award Nov. 30 during the organization’s 89th annual conference at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. Arkansas Farm Bureau President Rich Hillman and Charlene Reed, widow of ArFB’s late president, presented the award.
Jay Robbins has been hired as director of national affairs at Arkansas Farm Bureau. He will lobby the state’s Congressional delegation on behalf of ArFB members and assist in executing the political and legislative strategies for ArFB, the state’s largest agricultural advocacy organization.
Ricky Johnson has been hired as director of finance for the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation. Johnson will manage the daily work of the Finance Department, including directing personnel involved in accounting, financial statements and overseeing the county records program.
