On today's episode of the Arkansas AgCast we discuss a record investment for broadband infrastructure in Arkansas and take a close look at the latest WASDE data from USDA. And in proper form, we don't get out without discussing food, covering the best bites in Rock City Burger Week too.

Meet Reed and Sarah Kelley of Saltillo (Faulkner Co.), they are finalists for the Arkansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award. The Kelleys own Big and Rich Cattle Company. From their commercial cattle herd they sell replacement heifers and background and finish their own steers. Through their farm and careers, it is evident that Reed and Sarah are passionate about serving others. Learn more about the couple, their daughter, and how they have grown their farm from humble beginnings.

Meet Hannah Walker of Henderson (Baxter Co.), she is a finalists for the Arkansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award. Walker Farms began with a gifted replacement heifer has grown into a their own herd. With her career in education, Hannah is passionate about youth in agriculture and creating a legacy for her own children. Learn more about Hannah, her family, and how they’re building for the future.

Meet the Storys of Cauthron (Scott Co.), finalists for this year’s Arkansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award. The Storys found a home in Arkansas after taking on the challenge of taming land that sat dormant for some time. They have a herd of Brahman and crossbred cattle and have implemented multi-species grazing with Black Belly and Dorper sheep. Learn more about the work that made them finalists this year.

Meet the Beardens of Friendship (Hot Spring Co.), winners of this year’s Arkansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award. The Beardens own and operate Fowler & Bearden Farm where they raise 250 cow-calf pairs. In addition to their cattle, they own a set of timber, grow hay and raise horses and cross-bred sheep. The Beardens are the sixth and seventh generation and had the unique opportunity to purchase their own part of the family farm before it transitioned ownership. Learn more about how the Beardens have built an award-winning farming operation.

Meet Chris and Brooklyn Heiser of Lamar (Johnson Co.), they are finalists for the Arkansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Ag Award. The Heisers have a commercial and registered cattle herd of SimAngus and angus cattle. Off the farm, Chris manages Wilkins Farms and Brooklyn manages Sweet Treats Sandwich and Pie Shop. Learn more about the couple, their growing farm and their desire to give back to their community and agriculture.

Meet the McCartys! Dayton and Lauren McCarty of Mountain View (Stone Co.) are finalists for the Arkansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award. The McCartys have six broiler houses, a registered black angus herd and produce commercial hay. Learn more about the couple, their growing farm and their children in our new video.

Storms brought destructive winds across several parts of the state. Clay Parker’s Farm in Carlisle saw wind gusts up to 90 mph damaging corn crops, grain bins, and other structures.

Wind and hail hammered farms last weekend across Arkansas. Some specialty crops in the southeast corner of the state could be a complete loss. Royal C Farms in Ashley County was one of the harder hit, and its damage compounded when power lines fell in fields.

On this week's AgCast episode, we share how Arkansas farmers can lend their voice to an important river project, we share news of a new State Forester and share the announcement of a new EVP at ArFB. All that and much more, check it out now.