Arkansas AgCast

On this episode, we break down a nationwide right-to-repair settlement involving John Deere that expands farmers’ and mechanics’ access to repair tools and diagnostic software. Also new research shows U.S. farmers face significantly higher production costs than global competitors, USDA's record investment in the Farm-to-School Grant Program and China's largest purchase of U.S. soybeans since 2025.

On this episode, we break down a bipartisan proposal to overhaul the H-2A guest worker program, including changes that could expand access to ag labor and provide more certainty for producers. We also take a look at USDA's latest acreage report and what a major shift toward soybeans means for Arkansas agriculture. Finally, we discuss new rules governing the future use of feral hog chemicals and ex...

On this episode, we break down the Senate Agriculture Committee's newly released farm bill draft, including proposed updates to the farm safety net, crop insurance, specialty crop programs and rural development. We also look at new research showing how low Mississippi River levels can reduce the prices farmers receive for their grain, discuss the White House's request for additional farm assistanc...

Host John McMinn sits down with newly-appointed Farm Service Agency State Director Ty Davis to discuss his farming roots, FSA programs that farmers can utilize and how his role in Senator John Boozman’s office helped prepare him for his role as FSA director in his home state. 

On this episode, we break down USDA's new specialty crop assistance payments, a rare opportunity for farmers to review and update base acres, and the first confirmed case of New World screwworm in U.S. livestock in decades. We also cover major changes to federal farm program eligibility rules that could expand payment limits and increase flexibility for many farm operations beginning in 2026.

Host John McMinn sits down with Jay Robbins, Arkansas Farm Bureau’s senior director of national affairs, to discuss the recent passage of the farm bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. For farmers still relying on programs tied to the outdated 2018 farm bill, the move marks an important step forward.   The conversation explores what still stands between the bill and becoming law, including Se...

On this episode, we break down USDA’s latest efforts to expand domestic fertilizer production, how rising diesel costs are reshaping crop decisions for Arkansas farmers, and new trade commitments between the U.S. and China that could impact agricultural exports and input costs. We also look at continued strong demand for beef, pork and poultry despite higher grocery prices and what that means for...

Host Jason Brown sits down with Mandy Young to discuss mental health in agriculture and the work being done through Tailgate Time, a nonprofit built for mental health support services for farmers, their families, farm employees and others in agriculture. From stress and isolation to the realities facing farm families, we look at prioritizing mental health on the farm and in rural communities. The...

On this episode, we break down House passage of the 2026 farm bill and what it could mean for producers as it heads to the Senate. We also cover major freeze damage to Arkansas peaches and blueberries, new USDA conservation funding opportunities and the timeline for applying for the Arkansas Century Farm Program.

Host Jason Brown sits down with Arkansas Farm Bureau economist Brandy Carroll to break down new data on fertilizer purchases and what it reveals about the financial pressures facing farmers, especially here in Arkansas. From rising input costs to tough decisions on fertilizer use, this conversation explains how today’s farm economy is shaping production and risk management across the state.

On this episode, we take a closer look at ongoing fertilizer challenges and how federal officials are working to stabilize supply and invest in domestic production. We also cover a new push led by Arkansas Rep. Rick Crawford to investigate foreign rice trade practices, a which could significantly impact for Arkansas farmers and global competitiveness. In addition, USDA is offering new funding oppo...

On this episode, we break down USDA’s latest WASDE report and what steady supply estimates mean for crop and livestock markets heading into the growing season. We also look at new American Farm Bureau survey data showing fertilizer affordability challenges for farmers, with rising input costs continuing to shape planting decisions across the country. In addition, we discuss ongoing conversations i...

From equipment to policy to education, this episode covers crucial ag news in the headlines right now. This week, we break down a major right-to-repair development as John Deere reaches a proposed $99 million settlement that could expand farmers’ access to equipment diagnostics and repair tools. We also provide an update on the Illinois River Watershed case after a federal judge rejected proposed...

This Arkansas AgCast episode covers new EPA guidance aimed at reducing equipment downtime tied to DEF system failures, including changes that could improve reliability for farmers. We also take a closer look at USDA’s Prospective Plantings report and what shifting acreage trends could mean for corn, soybeans, rice and cotton in Arkansas and across the country. In addition, new data shows farmers a...

On this episode, we break down rising fertilizer costs and supply concerns tied to the Iran conflict, review a proposed farm bill framework for specialty crop disaster assistance and discuss increased scrutiny of U.S. ag exports at Chinese ports. We also cover important dicamba changes for Arkansas farmers ahead of the growing season.

Arkansas farmers and ranchers know the shortage of large animal veterinarians is real. On this AgCast Deep Dive, Jason Brown talks with Dr. Heidi Banse about the Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, its focus on production agriculture and how the program could address the need for large animal vets in rural communities. Listen in to find out what the school will mean for Arkan...

On this episode, we look at how the U.S.–Iran conflict is already affecting agricultural markets, from fuel and fertilizer costs to grain prices. We also have the latest on USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, a new effort to bring Arkansas-grown rice into school cafeterias and the latest farmer sentiment data on the ag economy.

On this Deep Dive episode, host John McMinn sits down with Dr. Hunter Biram, extension ag economist, to break down the modern farm safety net. They explain how ARC and PLC work, common misconceptions about who receives payments and whether these programs influence planting decisions or distort markets. They also cover yield volatility in Arkansas, which crops may be better suited for ARC or PLC, t...

This week on Arkansas AgCast, we break down USDA’s new $1 billion Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program and what it means for Arkansas growers. We also discuss the House Agriculture Committee’s new farm bill draft as markup begins and EPA’s decision to reinstate over-the-top dicamba use for the 2026 growing season. Plus, we provide an update on the decades-long Illinois River Watershed law...

This week on the Arkansas AgCast, we break down the sharp rise in farm bankruptcies, including Arkansas leading the nation in Chapter 12 filings. We also look at expanded Argentine beef imports, USDA’s new farm security partnership and what the latest WASDE report means for corn and soybean markets.

This week on the Arkansas AgCast, we’re covering the EPA’s latest actions aimed at reducing downtime from DEF system failures, we look at why beef prices are likely to stay high as the U.S. cattle herd remains tight and share the latest on Texas and USDA’s efforts to keep the New World screwworm out of the United States. We also trace some of your favorite Super Bowl snacks back to the farms and r...

This week on the Arkansas AgCast, we cover highlights from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 107th Annual Convention, where delegates set policy priorities focused on labor, animal health, and risk management. We also break down the first WASDE report of 2026, which showed larger-than-expected corn and soybean supplies and pressured grain markets. Finally, we take a forward look at farm techno...

This week on the Arkansas AgCast, we break down updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We look at how livestock, dairy, oilseed and pulse crop groups are responding to the shift and what it could mean for U.S. agriculture. We also cover new details on USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, part of...

This week’s Arkansas AgCast covers several stories affecting farmers across the state. We start with Tyson Foods’ decision to halt poultry contracts in the Illinois River watershed unless Oklahoma shifts its legal approach in a long-running lawsuit. We also break down USDA’s new $12 billion bridge payment package to help producers manage tight margins heading into 2026, plus its $700 million inves...

We packed the studio up and headed to Hot Springs for this episode. Catch up with us on the trade show floor as we discuss all the action from the 91st Annual State Convention. We also have a great discussion with Clint Bruce, Navy SEAL and former NFL player, before his keynote address at the event. Get it here on the state’s only weekly ag news program, the Arkansas AgCast.