Meet the finalist! Caleigh Watlington and her husband, Coe, have a small cow-calf operation in Buckner where they also sell alfalfa hay. Caleigh is an agricultural loan officer for Farm Credit of Western Arkansas. Being raised on a beef and poultry operation, farming has always been a big part of her life, and they are ecstatic about raising their daughter in the same environment they were raised in.

Meet the Stroud family! Cody and Olivia are fifth-generation farmers and have blended two operations where they run cattle in Carroll, Izard and Sharp Counties. Efficiency has been their greatest key to continued success. They have a 1-year-old son, Grayson, who is the proud owner of three cows and three sheep.

Read the latest issue of the Farm Bureau Press.

The American Farm Bureau has released its annual 4th of July Cookout Cost Survey, and this year is shaping up to be the most expensive BBQ on record. We have a breakdown of where you’ll spend more and where you’ll save a little. Plus, Denmark is moving forward with a livestock carbon tax, farmer sentiment on the ag economy is down and we dive in to what may be driving the U.S. ag trade deficit. Get all this and more on the latest episode of the Arkansas AgCast.

With the latest “heat dome” over Arkansas, you’re probably not thinking about pumpkins. Josh & Kristyn Davis started The Patch on 107 in Vilonia last year due to Kristyn’s love for pumpkins. They recently began planting in preparation for the fall season. Find out when and what type of pumpkins you can expect for purchase.

Peebles Organic Farms in Augusta has partnered with Anson Mills to grow small acres of several heirloom crops. They have done one complete season of heirloom Carolina Gold Rice and are currently finishing up a season of growing an heirloom Turkey Wheat brought to America by the Amish 400 years ago.

Read the latest Market Report.

With berry season in full swing, Sta-N-Step berry farm in Washington County has multiple berries ready for customers to pick. With over 30 years of experience, Les Dozier has built quite the selection of blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. Find out how long the season will last and what varieties are available.

Three frosts? No problem. Miles Farms in McGehee planted soybeans Feb. 24 and anticipates an abundant harvest in July. It’s year 3 of a decade-long experiment in Southeast Arkansas. See the crop and hear the study’s mixed results, including 2024’s pleasant surprise.

Sen. John Boozman joined the AgCast from Washington D.C. this week to discuss the Farm Bill framework he recently released with GOP colleagues in the Senate Ag Committee. We discuss the updates and additions he proposed for the Farm Bill, plus the areas of bipartisan common ground. We also asked if he predicts a new Farm Bill or another extension in 2024. Watch or listen to get the latest from the ranking member of the Senate Ag Committee.