Jared and Cathren Smith of Dierks were named today as the 2025 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year. The Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program has helped to recognize outstanding farm families throughout the state since 1947. The Smiths have been farming in Howard County for 17 years.
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 investment in regenerative agriculture through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program. Finally, we highlight upcoming changes to crop insurance meant to streamline requirements and expand support for beginning farmers.
Arkansas Tech University dedicated its new agriculture building, funded through community support, including a $75,000 donation from the Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation. The 2,000-square-foot facility features welding booths, virtual reality welding stations and small machine workstations to prepare students for ag careers beyond college.
Shane and Kim Lockeby of Ashdown are the Southwest District Farm Family of the Year. They operate Lockeby Farms with their three sons. It’s a laying-hen operation producing 12.8 million hatching eggs a year. They also plan to grow their 600-tree pecan orchard they’ve started.
Arkansas Farm Bureau President Dan Wright emphasizes that while federal aid is appreciated, it falls short of addressing the challenges facing farmers. He calls on Congress to provide further relief to support family farms and safeguard America’s food supply.
Dawna and Randy Spears of Wedington are the Northwest District Farm Family of the Year. They left the dairy industry in the early 2000s, pivoting to Spears Cattle Co., raising commercial cattle and running a custom-feeding operation, focusing on nutrition and weight gain.
When Farm Bureau members meet policymakers face-to-face, agriculture moves forward. Our Annual Convention included a joint session of Arkansas Senate and House agriculture committees to ensure farmers and ranchers were aware of the issues legislators are debating.
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.
