The American Farm Bureau has released its annual 4th of July Cookout Cost Survey, and this year is shaping up to be the most expensive BBQ on record. We have a breakdown of where you’ll spend more and where you’ll save a little. Plus, Denmark is moving forward with a livestock carbon tax, farmer sentiment on the ag economy is down and we dive in to what may be driving the U.S. ag trade deficit. Get all this and more on the latest episode of the Arkansas AgCast.

With the latest “heat dome” over Arkansas, you’re probably not thinking about pumpkins. Josh & Kristyn Davis started The Patch on 107 in Vilonia last year due to Kristyn’s love for pumpkins. They recently began planting in preparation for the fall season. Find out when and what type of pumpkins you can expect for purchase.

Peebles Organic Farms in Augusta has partnered with Anson Mills to grow small acres of several heirloom crops. They have done one complete season of heirloom Carolina Gold Rice and are currently finishing up a season of growing an heirloom Turkey Wheat brought to America by the Amish 400 years ago.

With berry season in full swing, Sta-N-Step berry farm in Washington County has multiple berries ready for customers to pick. With over 30 years of experience, Les Dozier has built quite the selection of blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. Find out how long the season will last and what varieties are available.

Three frosts? No problem. Miles Farms in McGehee planted soybeans Feb. 24 and anticipates an abundant harvest in July. It’s year 3 of a decade-long experiment in Southeast Arkansas. See the crop and hear the study’s mixed results, including 2024’s pleasant surprise.

Sen. John Boozman joined the AgCast from Washington D.C. this week to discuss the Farm Bill framework he recently released with GOP colleagues in the Senate Ag Committee. We discuss the updates and additions he proposed for the Farm Bill, plus the areas of bipartisan common ground. We also asked if he predicts a new Farm Bill or another extension in 2024. Watch or listen to get the latest from the ranking member of the Senate Ag Committee.

Medical Applications of Science for Health (MASH) is a Farm Bureau-sponsored program allowing students interested in the medical field to gain hands-on experience. Recently, students in Jefferson County participated in a mock crash in Pine Bluff where they were able to see how law enforcement and medical professionals respond during a major vehicle accident.

Wet weather has impacted farmers across Arkansas. In Monroe County, Jon Carroll turned to a new tool to help get his fields treated to keep the crop thriving and healthy.

Earlier this week, the GOP side of the Senate Ag Committee, led by Sen. John Boozman, released framework for the farm bill. We will summarize the contents and discuss next step for the legislation. There’s also a groundwater conservation tax credit program in Arkansas that gets little use, but farmers are well-suited to take advantage, we have the details on how to get started. We’ll also cover the latest updates on planting, crop quality and WASDE data on this episode of the Arkansas AgCast.

Three east Arkansas farms were included on this year’s Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Technology Information Center tour. State Conservationist Mike Sullivan says it’s a tribute to the innovation and sustainable conservation methods of area farmers.