Every year, thousands of Arkansas kids compete in the ring showing farm animals, but many people don't realize how much work goes into preparing them for competition. To learn more about it, Farm Bureau's Jenny Higgs visited Huck Plyler of Hempstead County to see his show day prep routine for champion steers.
Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks is TaylorHawk Farms, a cattle ranch like many others, but with a unique difference – the Highland cattle they've been raising for the past 16 years. Typically found grazing in the Scottish Highlands, they've become popular for their unique look and for their tasty meat. Lawrence Haight, a farmhand at TaylorHawk, talks about what makes the breed so special.
Recently, Arkansas Department of Agriculture field staff have been working to ease a backlog of housing inspections for the H2A worker program utilized by many Arkansas farmers. Plant Industries Division Director Scott Bray outlined how the department was able to get involved and what plans are moving forward. Monroe County farmer Jon Carroll explained how these efforts helped his farm stay on schedule and why timely inspections are important for farmers.
The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon was held in Little Rock on Friday, May 25. The event honored the six members of Class XXXIV after a long pandemic delay. We talked to members and family of the new class to get their thoughts on this special day and what joining the Hall of Fame means to each of them.
Rob Galloway, owner of The Nurserie in Little Rock, has been working to get his business ready for customers for the past two years, since purchasing the location from another nursery operator.
We visited Urbana Farmstead to get a taste of what owner Margie Raimondo has been up to at her Little Rock oasis. She gave us a look at her winter garden and showed us how to make a delicious, farm-fresh frittata. You can visit Urbana Farmstead as well, or, with farmers market season right around the corner, you can pick up fresh ingredients in your area and try Raimondo’s recipe for yourself.
Theron and Jeanie Rowbotham named their Hagarville farm Infinity Ranch, because they believe that building a legacy means creating something sustainable and enduring that can be passed on again and again to future generations. The Rowbothams were recently honored with the Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award from the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, so we visited them to learn more about why they incorporated solar power into their operation, and how it could help keep their farm sustainable for years to come.
Siblings Kesha Cobb and Kevin Holloway El are growing a community through urban agriculture. Inspired by their family and community experiences, they've taken on the challenge of teaching people to lead healthier lives by cultivating their own sustainable sources of food. We got to know them when they attended Arkansas Farm Bureau’s annual convention last fall. Now you can learn about the ventures they're developing in Little Rock and Pine Bluff and hear their personal stories.
