Arkansas Farm Bureau Podcast

In this special Mental Health Awareness Month edition of the AgCast Deep Dive, host Jason Brown sits down with Jennifer James, a fourth-generation farmer, and Haley Mills, a board-certified mental health nurse practitioner with deep ag roots of her own. Together, they explore the intersection of mental health and agriculture — what’s changed over the generations, what challenges persist and how farmers can prioritize their well-being.Our guests shed light on the unique stressors faced by rural communities and farm families, the evolving perceptions of mental health in agriculture and the importance of breaking the stigma around seeking help. Listen to also hear practical advice and available resources from Farm Bureau.

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.

This week on the Arkansas AgCast, the EPA releases its long-awaited final insecticide strategy with key changes aimed at balancing species protection and farmer flexibility. We’ll break down what’s new and how industry leaders are responding. Plus, a destructive fungal disease is threatening Arkansas strawberry fields. Hear what experts are saying and how growers are adapting.In global ag news, China makes it clear they won’t rely on U.S. grain imports anytime soon. And good news for summer travelers - E15 fuel is sticking around. Catch it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.

On this episode of AgCast’s Deep Dive series, host John McMinn sits down with Dr. Jeremy Ross, extension agronomist for soybeans with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. As planting season hits full swing across Arkansas Dr. Ross shares insights on how the 2025 soybean season is shaping up, including the impact of recent flooding, crop damage, and what farmers can expect moving forward.Hear reflections on last year’s record-breaking yields, predictions for the 2025 season and practical advice for producers navigating weather-related challenges. Catch it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.

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.

On this episode, we look at the latest tariff news and how that could impact agriculture. We also share how recent severe weather affects planting season in Arkansas, plus look at a new forestry initiative from USDA. Catch it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.

On this episode, we set up at the ArFB Women’s Leadership Committee conference in Little Rock. We talked all things WLC and the conference with state committee member Elizabeth Walker. Plus, we covered USDA’s Prospective Planting report and more news. Catch it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.

On this episode, we cover the first “Cattle on Feed and Livestock Slaughter Report” of 2025 to see how the inventory numbers are shaping up as spring calving season carries on. We also have data on the impacts of tariffs on American farmers, share why Brazilian egg imports are up over 90% and much more. Catch it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.

On this episode, we invited a regular guest to the show, Tyler Oxner, director of commodity activities and economics at Arkansas Farm Bureau, to discuss details about USDA’s Emergency Commodity Assistance Program. Tyler shared insights about how farmers can apply and a timeline of payments. Catch it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.

On this episode, we invited host-turned-guest John McMinn to dish up the details about ArFB’s new Arkansas Farm Trail. John shared details on all 22 farms on the trail, gave his takes on what you should be buying as you take on the trail and outlined the prizes up for grabs. Catch it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.REMINDER: We're hosting the first-ever Arkansas AgCast Bracket Challenge this year and we want all our listeners to join. The winner will receive an autographed photo of John McMinn and some ArFB goodies. Click this link to join the fun!

On this episode, Jason Kelley, U of A extension agronomist, joins the show to talk about the Arkansas’ corn crop. We look back at what went right, and not-so-right, last year. Plus, we talk about the decisions farmers can make this growing season to save costs. Catch it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.

On this episode, we covered the release of frozen Inflation Reduction Act funds, plus USDA plans to address egg prices and avian influenza. We also share the exciting news about ArFB’s newest program, the Arkansas Farm Trail. Get up to speed on all that and a lot more on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.

On this episode, we cover new USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins’ first day on the job. We also discuss reported layoffs and other changes within USDA. Plus, the Corporate Transparency Act is back in the news and farmers could be impacted. Get up to speed on all that and a lot more on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.

On this episode, we traveled to the campus of Arkansas State University to attend the A-State Agribusiness Conference and interviewed the EVP of the Little Rock branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. We talked ag trends in that conversation, plus we covered news in the industry this week. You can get it here, on the state’s only weekly ag news program.

On this episode, we talk about egg prices and what’s causing the surge across the country. We also recap farmer testimony from Sen. John Boozman’s first Senate Ag Committee meeting presiding as chair. In addition, we talk farmer sentiment on everything from loans to commodity prices. You can get all that and more on the state’s only weekly ag news program.

On this episode, we traveled to Hot Springs to visit the Arkansas Grown Conference. The three-day event is filled with education and promotion of local foods and agritourism. We sat down with Jessica Chapman, farm-to-school coordinator for the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, to learn more about how farmers are getting the commodities they produce into Arkansas school cafeterias. We also cover news from around the industry, and you can get it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program.

On this AgCast episode, we cover several updates with to the H-2A program that could impact Arkansas farmers. Plus, hay production in Arkansas was up 14% last year. We’ll tell you how we performed against other states around the south and cover more important stories from the week. Get it here in the states only weekly ag news program.

On this episode, we cover the latest news on the state’s lithium industry, with new funding and a timeline for construction of Standard Lithium’s facility in south Arkansas. We also congratulate Sen. John Boozman for officially taking the reins of the Senate Agriculture Committee and much more. Get it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.

On the first episode of 2025, we invited Jared Garrett in the studio to discuss the ongoing battle against Avian Influenza in Arkansas. Jared tells us about the disease, how it impacts poultry and how farmers are working to protect their flocks. Get it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.

On this last episode of 2024, we used this Deep Dive to recap the year’s financial challenges for farmers. We invited UA ag economist, Dr. Hunter Biram, on the show to give an in-depth look at the factors that have led to an estimated loss of $30 billion for American farmers. He shares data on commodity prices, interest rates, input costs, and other factors to paint a clear picture of how we got to this situation. We also ask Hunter a crucial question for Arkansas agriculture - will we lose farmers due to financial impacts in 2025? It’s all on the cusp of an effort to pass a Continuing Resolution to keep the federal government open and provide essential aid to farmers. Get it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.