It’s mostly cattle and poultry production between Batesville and Newport, but first-generation farmer Isaac Davis excitedly enters his fifth season raising row crops near Rosie, Ark. The 29-year-old recently paused while planting corn and drilling rice alongside the White River to tell his startup story.
While record prices for cattle should paint a picture of profitability, ranchers continue to wrestle with the increased cost of land and capitol. The cattle industry remains on edge, as a mixture of low cattle inventory and surging expenses continue to limit the natural cycle of expansion for the nation’s cattle herd. A renewed sense of optimism is in place after several years of hardship and drought, as cattle prices are expected to remain high in the coming year hopefully allowing ranchers the economic upside to prepare for future challenges.
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.
Tim Johnson, a third-generation farmer in Randolph County, is left picking up the pieces from an EF-3 tornado a week ago just as planting season begins. Thankfully, he and his family survived. His first objective now is getting grain from the one remaining storage bin before more bad weather moves in.
It’s called the “Rice Research Mile” and on Friday a sign designating it was unveiled on Arkansas Highway 1 in Poinsett County. Arkansas Farm Bureau state board member Brad Doyle explains its importance.
Meet Michael Lee of Flying C Ranch! Did you know, Flying C is one of more than 20 stops on the new Arkansas Farm Trail? Don’t miss your chance to connect with local farms and local foods this year. The #ArkFarmTrail25 opens tomorrow, so grab your passport and see where it takes you! For more information, visit arfarmtrail.com. #AFT25 #LocalFarms #LocalFood #ArkAg #ArFB
University of Arkansas Professor Aranyak Goswami is utilizing computational biology paired with artificial intelligence to find ways for farmers and ranchers to improve animal and crop health. Goswami says farmers should be aware of the artificial intelligence tools being utilized in the state to improve production of food.
Women's Leadership Committee Chair Nita Cooper helps us wrap up our video coverage of #Fusion25 in Denver by sharing what she learned this weekend and why getting involved can lead to awesome things.
