The agricultural economy is in a recession. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), net farm income, when adjusted for inflation, is expected to have decreased $42 billion, over the past two years. This is on top of a record agricultural trade deficit for the second year in a row. The thin margin farmers and ranchers are operating on is rapidly eroding.

As representatives of farmers, livestock and specialty crop producers, lenders, and other essential stakeholders in agricultural communities across the United States, we write to express our strong support for advancing a meaningful farm bill in 2024 that addresses worsening conditions in farm country. Given the enormous challenges facing production agriculture – including a farm economy that has taken a downward spiral – it is imperative Congress act before year’s end to strengthen farm policy for America’s farmers. It is critical that Congress pass a new farm bill that strengthens the safety net as many producers are facing multiple years of not being profitable and this is causing their overall financial situation to deteriorate.

The undersigned organizations, representing the interests and well-being of Arkansas agriculture, write to express our deep concern regarding the escalating economic pressures that are threatening the viability of our agricultural communities.

We are pleased to announce the 2024 Dairy Foods Youth Cooking Contests. Everything you need to know to conduct your own county contests is included in following booklet.

We are pleased to announce the 2024 Dairy Foods and Rice is Nice Youth Cooking Contests. Arkansas produces just under 50% of the nation’s rice each year, and this contest is designed to introduce budding chefs to rice as a crop and as a versatile diet staple. Students aged 9-18 or in the 4th through 12th grades as of January 1, 2023, and living in Arkansas may enter. Home-schooled students are welcome to enter. Contestants will compete in one of two categories: Main Dish and Party Ideas.