The 77th annual Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program has announced its eight district farm families, representing a wide variety of Arkansas agriculture, the state’s largest industry.
Judges will visit farms to determine the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year, who will be announced Dec. 13.
Stephanie Benton, an English Language Arts teacher at Harrison Middle School in Boone County, is Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 2024 Ag in the Classroom Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Benton was recognized April 11 during a special presentation at the school.
Lindsey Rucker will take on a new role as Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) programs coordinator at Arkansas Farm Bureau. Jennifer Craig, previous YF&R coordinator, will shift her focus to the organization’s leadership development programs at Arkansas Farm Bureau.
Will Hopkins has been hired as director of local affairs and rural development at Arkansas Farm Bureau, where he will serve as a member of the lobbying team for the state’s largest agricultural advocacy organization.
The Purple Circle Club inducted 162 students, representing more than 240 awards at a ceremony Dec. 9 in Little Rock. The Purple Circle Club, created in 1952, recognizes youth exhibitors who achieved championship honors with livestock projects at the Arkansas State Fair.
Jared Garrett and Justin Rotton have been hired at the Arkansas Farm Bureau, Garrett as a member of the Commodity and Regulatory Affairs Department and Rotton as a part of the Public Relations team.
Jeremy and Magen Allen of Bismarck (Hot Spring County), owners of JA Farms, were named today as the 2023 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year.
JA Farms is a diversified enterprise, including a feed business, trucking company and retail farm store in addition to the cattle and hay operations. The Allens have been farming 28 years and have four children: Lane, Brody, Evelyn and Eli.
