Farm Trail Friday takes us this week to Alma to talk with Randy Arnold at the Arnold Family Farm Store. He shares the farm’s history and how transparency with customers and other farmers is the key to his success. To learn more visit arfarmtrail.com.
On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we unpack several developments that could have a big impact on Arkansas agriculture. We break down an additional federal review for certain Farm Service Agency loans, which is raising concerns among farmers and lawmakers alike. We also examine how escalating tariffs are threatening ag exports.
We look at the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting and what the uncertain interest rate outlook could mean for farmers and rural businesses. Plus, we spotlight two new Arkansas appointments to key USDA leadership roles. It’s a packed episode with news for farmers and ranchers across Arkansas.
When first-year Rison ag teacher Josey Sorrells stumbled onto a cross-section of a pine tree in her shop, she had no idea what she had uncovered. This tree cookie was a piece of the former national champion loblolly pine that was grown in Cleveland County. That revelation set her and her students on a journey to preserve a slice of Arkansas history.
Now a featured stop on the Arkansas Farm Trail, Holland Bottom Farm in Cabot has long been a favorite destination for strawberries. What started with just 10 acres and a cotton wagon in 1982 has grown into a thriving business, complete with a storefront featuring a variety of offerings. Tim and Leslie Odom take pride in the success they’ve built and feel blessed to work alongside their children, including their daughter Haley, who has expanded the farm’s digital presence.
On this week’s Arkansas AgCast, the EPA releases new insecticide regulations aimed at protecting endangered species while giving farmers more flexibility. A destructive fungus is threatening Arkansas strawberry crops, and experts are working fast to understand it. China says it won’t rely on U.S. grain imports, raising questions about future trade. And drivers will have more fuel options this summer thanks to an E15 waiver from the EPA. You won't want to miss this episode of the state’s only weekly ag news program. Listen now:
Flooding persists along the Cache River, more than 2 weeks after heavy rains hit the area. For Kenny Clark of Grubbs, the persistence of floodwaters further darkens the outlook on this year’s crop. After 55 years of farming, he’s never seen water levels this high, and most of his acres may remain unplanted this season.
More than 800 Faulkner County children got their hands dirty learning where food comes from at the 25th annual Faulkner County Farm Round-Up in Conway. The event included 16 stations for participants to dig potatoes, milk a cow and other ag activities.
Ladies learned various farm skills at a recent three-day bootcamp in Batesville. They made fast friends while studying animal handling, biosecurity, business management, weed identification and touring Chimney Rock Cattle Co., in Concord. The Cleburne and Independence Counties Bootcamp for Cattlewomen plans to host a third-annual event in 2026.
Strawberry season lasted less than a day this spring at Salt Box Farm in Benton. A plant variety highly susceptible to new disease in Arkansas combined with heavy rains and two hailstorms led to last week’s sudden shutdown. Disappointed owner Wade Marshall now pivots to a new plan.
On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we cover the USDA's replacement of the Climate-Smart Commodities program, and a new requirement that at least 65% of funds from the program will directly benefit producers. We also detail the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture's estimate of $78.9 million in crop damage from recent flooding, with rice and soybeans accounting for most flooded acres.
We discuss the potential negative economic impacts on Arkansas soybean, corn and cottonseed producers from a possible ban on seed oils for human consumption.
Finally, we touch on the key updates from the April 2025 WASDE report for major row crops. Catch it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.
