Girl Scouts Donation| Girl Scouts Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas were recently awarded an Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation grant to support agriculture-centered activities and badge programs to Girl Scouts in its Community Program troops. Justin Reynolds (left), vice president of organization and member programs and Donette Spann (right), director Ag in the Classroom, presented a donation to Shelby-Allison Hibbs, development director at the Girl Scouts Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas, at the Farm Bureau center.
AGRICULTURE’S FINANCIAL CHALLENGES CONTINUE
FARM AUCTIONS INCREASE IN 2025
A recent Delta Farm Press article by Whitney Shannon Haigwood indicated that the number of farm auctions had increased in 2025.
The article looked at the number of farm auctions held thus far in 2025 to gauge the economic conditions surrounding agriculture.
“Farming is tough in 2025, leaving many to ask if it pencils out economically,” the article stated.
“There is no doubt that farmers have been put through the financial wringer these last few years and the hole is getting deeper. Maybe you noticed forsale signs, read it on social media, or heard it at the local coffee shop. Farm business is a huge concern.
“Many compare this historical hardship to what was experienced in the 1980s, but right now, from a statistical perspective, it is hard to put a number on farm loss.
Continued on page 2
From the Counties, Page 2
US ONLINE Discover the ArFB Arkansas Farm Trail – A New Way to Explore Local Agriculture, Page 3
Scan the QR code to access direct links referenced in each article.
FINANCIAL CHALLENGES CONTINUE FROM THE COUNTIES
Tornado Cleanup | The youth and leaders of Bay’s First Baptist Church received gloves, vests and protective eyewear from the Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation as they traveled to Lake City to participate in the cleanup of fields affected by recent tornado damage.
Legislative Breakfast | Saline Co. Farm Bureau recently hosted a legislative breakfast where guests were invited to join in advocating for policies that support their agricultural community.
Community Cooking | Searcy Co. Farm Bureau agents Woodie Methvin and Rose Housley along with Claims Field Supervisor Evan McCallister are enjoying their day cooking and serving the Marshall School District 5th and 6th grades at the fishing derby held at Raccoon Springs City Park.
Continued from page 1
“At first, one might think the next Census of Agriculture, conducted by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, would be the best indicator. However, that census takes place every five years. The last one went out in 2022, and the next is scheduled for 2027. A lot can happen in five years.
“It has been a busier than usual year for auction companies, according to Kirk Witcher at Witcher Auctions. The company operates across the U.S., and going into the spring of 2025, he expected more auctions to be announced.
“Bankers want to keep farmers in business. Yet sometimes bankers are left to make tough financial decisions, because the business of farming is based on cash flow. Tim Wells has been in agriculture lending since 1983. As a lender, Wells has a banking history with many of his clients, spanning over four decades. In that time, he has seen the age of farmers increase.
“Hallie Shoffner is a multi-generational farmer in Shoffner, Ark. Her family owns a 2,000-acre farm just outside of Newport. “Her parents, in their 70s, are well into retirement. For the last decade, Shoffner has helped run the family farm. She realized the continued situation would compromise her parents’ retirement funds and land.”
7TH ANNUAL ArFB FOUNDATION
TRAP
The Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation will be hosting its 7th Annual Trap Shoot on Friday, June 6 at the Arkansas Game & Fish Foundation Shooting Sports Complex in Jacksonville.
The theme of this year’s event is “Aiming for the Future of Agriculture” in support of both the Arkansas 4-H and the Arkansas FFA foundations. Supporting youth in agriculture is at the heart of the ArFB Foundation’s mission. Investing in the future of Arkansas agriculture is a shared vision among our organizations. Half of the net proceeds from this year’s shoot will directly benefit Arkansas 4-H and Arkansas FFA, while continuing to support the goals of the ArFB Foundation.
There are several options for county Farm Bureaus to show support. One way is through sponsorship of a local youth shooting team or by entering a county team.
There are also several options for those wanting to support these organizations, including:
Arkansas Farm Trail | Strawberry season is in full swing, don’t miss your chance to visit some great Arkansas Farm Trail stops. Six of those #ArkFT25 farms grow strawberries including Arnold Family Farm Store, Barnhill Orchards, the Cabot Patch, Holland Bottom Farm, Horton’s Produce and More and Salt Box Farm.
Salt Box Farm has faced adversity this year with the loss of its strawberry crop. Farmers have an unmatched resiliency, and we still want to highlight the production on their farm. Be sure to check out some of their other offerings! To learn more about some of the challenges of farming, checkout our video about Salt Box Farm. We also recommend contacting farmers before you visit so you can ensure they are open and learn what products they have available. Visit ARFarmTrail.com to learn more.
TRAP SHOOT FUNDRAISER
• Event Sponsor:
• Gold Level: $300 – Unlimited Availability
• Silver Level: $200 – Unlimited Availability
• Bronze Level: $150 – Unlimited Availability
• Shooting Field: $450 – 12 Available
• Booth: $50 – Limited Availability
For information on all sponsorship opportunities, please visit the ArFB Foundation website for additional forms.
Event sponsorships include name/ logo on event sponsor banner, name/ logo on social media post, name/logo on thank you flyer and the option to include branded items for goodie bags for participants. Sponsorship deadline is May 22.
The Facebook event page can be found here. For questions, contact Amanda Williams by email at amanda.williams@arfb. com or by phone at 501-228-1493.
DISCOVER THE A r FB ARKANSAS FARM TRAIL –A NEW WAY TO EXPLORE LOCAL AGRICULTURE
Arkansas Farm Bureau (ArFB) recently launched Arkansas Farm Trail (AFT). AFT allows farmers to share stories, connect with consumers and increase visibility for ArFB members who produce direct-to-consumer products. This first-of-its-kind Arkansas program will connect consumers with local agriculture and teach about the state’s agricultural industry.
In its first year, AFT includes more than 20 farms across 16 counties. The farms on the list grow or raise at least one food product sold on the farm. This farm-to-shelf experience allows farmers to showcase products and emphasize the importance of buying local, while teaching customers how food is grown and produced. Farmers in the program will offer fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, canned goods and more.
Consumers can get a passport at any farm participating in the program, at their county Farm Bureau office or by printing it online. With the passport, consumers visit farms to make a purchase and collect a stamp. Prizes will be available according to the number of stamps, with a grand prize for the first three participants submitting passports with stamps from every farm. The grand prize is a custommade fire pit made by members of Arkansas FFA.
“With agriculture being the number one industry in Arkansas, this program is a long time coming,” said John McMinn, director of commodity activities at ArFB. “Over the past decade, farmers in the state have built a strong community of direct-to-consumer sales, which provides a unique opportunity to teach customers how their food is produced. We wanted to capitalize on that teaching opportunity while also promoting the state’s farmers. The Arkansas Farm Trail is a win for farmers and consumers.”
For more information, visit ARFarmTrail.com.
MARKET NEWS
as of April 30, 2025
Contact Brandy Carroll brandy.carroll@arfb.com
Tyler Oxner tyler.oxner@arfb.com
Rice
Rice futures have seen significant weakness this week, with the May contract plummeting to a new 5-year low on a front month basis. Subsequent trading days have seen the market trade in a relatively narrow range inside Monday’s range for old crop contracts. Support is now at $11.91 for May and $12.25 for July. September, however, has continued to see weakness, with support at Tuesday’s low of $12.78.
USDA says that as of April 27, Arkansas farmers have planted 68% of the rice crop. That’s down from 81% in 2024, but well ahead of the 5-year average of 50%. With portions of Northeast Arkansas still flooded, it is beginning to look unlikely that farmers will be able to seed the 1.461 million acres reported in the prospective plantings report. The crop insurance final planting date is May 25 and the late planting date is June 9, so time is running short.
Corn
September corn futures have continued to slide lower, driven largely by favorable planting progress and improving weather across the Corn Belt. As of April 28, USDA reports 24% of the U.S. corn crop is planted—up 12% from the previous week and 2% ahead of the five-year average. The 6-to-14 day forecast calls for above-normal temperatures and drier conditions in the Eastern Corn Belt, which should further accelerate fieldwork. Technically, corn has broken through support at $4.40, with the next support level likely near $4.30. Market participants
remain focused on planting pace, shifting weather, and upcoming crop condition reports.
Soybeans
November soybean futures have been rangebound between $10.40 and $10.20, possibly signaling a period of consolidation before a potential breakout. Planting is ahead of schedule, with 18% of the crop in the ground—up 10% from the prior week and 6% above the fiveyear average. Like corn, soybeans are benefiting from favorable weather. On the trade front, the U.S. and China have made minor tariff concessions on select goods, offering some optimism. However, no formal agreement has been reached, keeping markets cautious. A breakout from the current range will likely depend on planting progress, trade developments, and updated weather trends.
Wheat
July wheat futures in both Kansas City and Chicago have dropped to new contract lows, with $5.23 now acting as key support. A break below that level could push prices toward $5.00—a level not seen since early COVID-19 disruptions. The recent selloff is tied to improved crop conditions following widespread rains in the Southern Plains, with more moisture in the forecast. While prices have declined, this has made U.S. wheat more competitive in export markets, particularly for soft red and hard red winter wheat. As of April 27, USDA reports 49% of the U.S. winter wheat crop in good to excellent condition, matching last year. In Arkansas, 46% is rated good to excellent, with just 12% rated poor or very poor. Ongoing volatility is expected as markets weigh improved conditions against global demand.
Cotton
Cotton futures prices have improved significantly in the past two weeks. The July contract, currently the most active, made a new two-month
last week. However, this week has seen renewed weakness as the market focuses on the longer-term impact of a trade war with China, and the possibility of additional trade disputes with other major cotton buyers like Vietnam and Bangladesh. Export demand remains disappointing, and lower crude oil prices mean synthetics provide cheaper competition. Recent data shows weakening consumer confidence, which could mean demand for clothing will decline. From a technical perspective, new crop December has established support at the recent low of 64.24 cents. The market failed at resistance of 70.75 cents.
Cattle
After a brief decline, cattle futures have begun to move higher again, continuing their run of new contract and all-time highs late last week. The October contract traded as high as $204.24 early this week. Cash trade is slow to develop, however, and packer margins are now more than $100 per head in the red. Recent consumer confidence data and inflation could impact demand, and exports to China have slowed significantly due to the trade war over tariffs. The market is technically overbought, and given the fundamental situation, a correction could be dramatic.
Hogs
Hog futures continue to trend higher. Tight stocks, as reported in last week’s Cold Storage Report, continue to provide support. March stocks were down 8.8% from the previous year, indicating demand remains strong. However, exports are slow and China is cancelling orders. The market is technically overbought, so a correction could come at any time. Support begins at $88 for June.
