Arkansas recently hosted a Tri-State Soybean Forum in Dumas for more than 150 soybean producers and consultants. Following two difficult production years, growers were informed about new seed varieties and herbicide technologies that will be available this year. Farmers are hopeful prices and weather will be better in 2020.
The award-winning tree farm at the University of Arkansas Livestock & Forestry Research Center near Batesville provides research and education programs important to state landowners. Station Forester Mike McGowan shared some highlights with us and walked us through the process of oak tree regeneration.
Tommy Sorrells grew up on his family's cattle and sheep ranch in the community of Royal in western Garland County. Now 79, he still enjoys raising Angus cattle, interacting with young people showing their animals at the county fair and being involved in leadership on the county level. He's endured storms, drought and periods of low prices for his livestock, but has weathered them all. This is his story.
We talked to Chris Bacchus of Bacchus Family Adventure Farm in Hagarville, who describes how he’s slowly shifted his family's farming operation from a focus on commercial cattle and poultry to agritourism and exotic animals.
We visited Vandiver’s Newcastle Farms near Forrest City, where owner Kevin Vandiver told us how he got his start growing Christmas trees and why he wants his customers to have a special experience that becomes a family tradition.
Randy Veach took the podium at Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 85th annual convention today to give his final address to members as the organization’s president. Veach, a third-generation farmer from Manila, is completing his 11th term as Arkansas Farm Bureau president, and has served on the board for 20 years.
The University of Arkansas Ranch Horse Team keeps alive the horsemanship skills that once ruled the iconic cattle drives of the Old West. Formed in 2016, the two-time national champions recruit skilled riders and compete several times during the school year. Watch these skilled riders and learn their story.
The kunekune is a small breed of domestic pigs originally from New Zealand. We visited Brenda Eldridge, president of the American Kunekune Pig Society, at her Piney Creek Farm in Calico Rock to learn more about these hairy, rotund pigs that produce well-larded meat.
We talk to Hermitage High School Ag Instructor Joe Don Greenwood, who is also the coach of the school's winning forestry team. He discussed his four decades in agriculture education and introduced us to members of this year's forestry team.
Don't ever downplay the importance of agriculture education in our public school system. As Adolph Vodrazka will tell you, it's absolutely necessary. The influence of this longtime ag education teacher on his students is multi-generational. Watch as the retired 92-year-old Pope County icon tells the farming story through the eyes of an educator.
