At Richland Creek Farm and Market, come for the mayhaws and stay for the flowers. Ken and Rhonda Rudder have transformed the former homestead into a farm full of fruits, vegetables and beautiful flowers. Rhonda explains that their hope is for anyone visiting the farm to leave feeling loved and like family. Note: The correct address for the farm is 453 Union Rd. 757, El Dorado, Ar.

On this episode of Arkansas AgCast, we break down new USDA relief for livestock producers through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program for 2023 and 2024. If you received assistance through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, you may be eligible for additional funds. We have the latest data from the June WASDE report and take a closer look at how federal budget reconciliation could shape ag spending priorities, and what it means for the farm bill process moving forward.

An ongoing issue with iron levels in water at Keo Fish Farms has led to a partnership with Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This week, MIT student Kiyoko Hayano has been touring fish farms in Arkansas to learn about the challenges they face in water quality and ways her expertise can help solve the problem.

The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food recently held its Farmers for Tomorrow fundraiser. The fundraiser generates financial support to help local, small farms get started through grants. CAFF Director Heather Friedrich says the event is a great way for the community to pay it forward to the future of farming in the area.

Drawing inspiration from a neighboring farm, Chris Linam launched Linam Family Farms in 2021. He’s doubled blackberry production, added 12 rows of blueberries and established a family-friendly U-pick experience that’s perfect for an ArFB Farm Trail stop.

On this episode of the Arkansas AgCast, we explore how Brazil’s record corn crop might benefit U.S. farmers, highlight the eight district winners in the 78th annual Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program and break down new federal legislation impacting SNAP and farm safety net programs. We also cover the closure of Cargill’s Springdale turkey plant and the local response to support affected workers. Get all this and more on the state’s only weekly ag news program.

A wet spring has hay producers behind this year. Faulkner County farmer Garrett Moix says he’s finally able to start cutting, but the persistently wet weather has reduced the quality of the hay.

Record flooding, followed by untimely rains this spring has limited cotton planting. Arkansas and Mississippi, two of the Top 4 producing states, will plant and harvest less acres of cotton than a year ago, but growers hope demand and prices will rise as a result.

It’s tomato festival time, but who’s bringing the salsa? Imports from Mexico account for 70% of the U.S. market and South Arkansas farms are declining. A tariff beginning July 14 could even the playing field.

The Mighty Rib sat down with Sandy Barnhill of Barnhill Orchards to learn about their farm stand and the restaurants they supply with food. Barnhill Orchards is just one of the great stops you can make to support local foods and farmers on the Arkansas Farm Trail. To learn more visit: arfarmtrail.com.