Read about the "Soaked Season" of 2019 and the impact weather and flooding has had on Arkansas farmers and ranchers. Plus, check out our latest Taste Arkansas recipe, Rural Road Trip and Delta Child features.

Arkansas Farm Bureau leaders from around the state gathered in Hot Springs July 22-23 for the 71st ArFB Officers & Leaders Conference. Several of those in attendance spoke about the importance of the annual gathering and what they learned during the event. Watch our interviews with Woodruff County Farm Bureau board member Terrance Scott, Mississippi County Farm Bureau President Heath Donner and Monroe County Farm Bureau President Bo Mason.

Taylor Wiseman of Fayetteville, a graduate assistant majoring in agriculture economics at the University of Arkansas, won the Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet at the Arkansas Farm Bureau 71st Officers & Leaders Conference at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

Mark Morgan of Clarksville and Matt Shekels of Harrison, earned the top two Young Farmers & Ranchers awards. The two and their families were honored July 22 at Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 71st Officers & Leaders Conference at the Hot Springs Convention Center. The awards honor young farmers and ranchers ages 18-35 for the general excellence of their operations, their hard work and innovation.

The first general session of our 71st Officers & Leaders Conference opened with this video about the challenging 2019 season and the rain and flooding that have made it so difficult for farmers and ranchers across the state. See for yourself how they've been "facing the storm" and how they plan to keep doing what they love, no matter what Mother Nature may throw at them.

James Meeks is a fifth-generation farmer who has become known across Arkansas and region for his tomato, watermelon and "u-pick" produce operation near Hamburg in Ashley County. He and his business partner have overcome regulatory and workforce challenges and built their Triple M Farms into a key tomato provider for Walmart, Subway restaurants and a number of roadside vendors. He spoke to us about his love of growing tomatoes, industry challenges and the uncertain future of the business.

We spoke to Matt Hill, fire chief for Dierks in Howard County, about flooding from Tropical Storm Barry in the southwest part of the state. HIll said the area received more than 17 inches of rain and he described the impact on local rachers and farmers and the timber business in the county.

The finalists in Arkansas Farm Bureau’s annual Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award and Excellence in Agriculture Award have been announced. The awards honor young farmers and ranchers between the ages of 18-35 for the general excellence of their operations, their hard work and innovation.

This year has been a roller coaster ride for many Arkansas producers. Jackson County's John “Bubba” Sink, who farms rice, corn and soybeans, shared the high points and the low points of the season in this interview.

Read the latest edition of the Farm Bureau Press!