An F-2 tornado tore up farms early Sunday from Subiaco to Lamar. Cattle/poultry farmer Tom Strobel likely lost two chicken houses and says he hasn't experienced more destruction in 60-plus years. Producers like Strobel lose income when they can't house chickens but by working with legislators on the next farm bill, Arkansas Farm Bureau aims to help them recover quickly.

Multiple storms over the past two weeks brought needed rain to Arkansas farms, but some included heavy winds and crop damaging hail. Some fear a total loss, especially in extreme Northeast Arkansas. Extension experts say only time will tell.

On this week's AgCast episode, we talk about the new EPA biotech rule for gene-edited plants, an update on Arkansas's planting progress and crop conditions, the weather effect of El Niño and a Mississippi River mega-study. You don't want to miss this episode. Listen now!

Hear from Ronnie Ritter to learn more about the Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry program and the support they receive from the Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation.

Elderberry is one of the more commonly used medicinal plants in the world, often taken as a supplement to treat cold and flu symptoms. Matt Gal, who works at the UA Fruit Research Station in Clarksville, and his wife, Summer, are starting an elderberry farm in Oark (30 minutes north of Clarksville). They plan to market syrup, teas and salves made with elderberries and other herbs grown on their farm. Arkansas Farm Bureau members have a longstanding policy to support new horticultural growers like the Gal family and we're excited to see this new development in our industry.

With the help of Farm Bureau, Economics Arkansas is able to give teachers across the state an opportunity to see the world of agriculture. Taking back what they learn, these teachers are able to teach their students how agriculture impacts the world around them.

In this episode, we dive into challenges facing Arkansas agriculture: the future of WOTUS, the issues surrounding tomato production and stress pressure on Loblolly Pines in Southern Arkansas and dry weather impacts. We'll also recap row crop planting progress, crop condition and much more. As mentioned in the episode, if you see pine tree "browning" please report it to the Arkansas Agriculture Department here: arcg.is/1HyHCu0

The price of your BLT may increase soon, based on a recent ruling by the Supreme Court. SCOTUS recently ruled in favor of Proposition 12, an initiative passed by California voters that could have an impact on hog farmers nationwide. Watch for more on how this could, not only influence pork prices at the grocery store, but also impact intrastate commerce in America.

We all celebrate Memorial Day differently, but this year we’d love for you to hear the story of Loren's Dream, the PBR bucking bull that is fulfilling the dream of one of our fallen heroes, Loren Buffalo. Take a moment to learn about this bull and its namesake from AJ Buffalo of El Paso, Arkansas.

Monica and Michael Paskewitz, along with their daughters Maddie and Maylee, run a cow-calf operation in Izard County. While they both have full-time off-farm jobs, they have been working to create the farm of their dreams that will last for generations to come.