SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 | VOLUME 29 | ISSUE 18
Farm Bureau Press A PEEK INSIDE
ARKANSAS AGRICULTURE HALL OF FAME SEEKS NOMINATIONS The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame seeking nominations from the public for its next class of inductees. Nominations are due by Nov. 1. The Agriculture Hall of Fame recognizes Arkansans who have contributed significantly to the state’s largest industry and it’s economic development. Since its first class selected in 1987, 204 men and women have been inducted
AFBF Farm State of Mind Releases New Series, Page 3
Debbie Moreland, chair of the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame, says anyone can nominate a person believed worthy of the honor. “The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame was created to honor men and women who have played roles in strengthening agriculture across the Natural State,” said Debbie Moreland, chair of the Agriculture Hall of Fame. “The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame has honored hundreds of inductees that made a difference in Arkansas’s largest industry, which fuels the state’s economy and supports thousands of communities across Arkansas.” The nomination form is available online. Forms can also be requested at 501228-1609. The nomination form allows space for the principal justification for a candidate’s nomination, a summary of the nominee’s contributions to agriculture and their community, a record of their professional experiences and their involvement in public service and support of agriculture.
ArFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Coordinator Position Open, Page 3
FOLLOW US ONLINE
The induction ceremony for the next class is Thursday, March 4, 2027 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame was originated by the late Paul Harvel, the late C.R. Sawrie and Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce in 1987. The program seeks to build public awareness of agriculture; and to honor/ recognize past and current leaders who have given selflessly to the farm industry, their communities and to economic development in the state. Learn more about the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame and see previous classes of inductees here.
GET THE LINKS Scan the QR code to access direct links referenced in each article.
A PUBLICATION OF THE ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
2026 RECIPIENTS OF ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCED The Arkansas Farm Bureau Scholarship Foundation Committee recently named 13 scholarship recipients for the 2026-27 school year. Recipients are Arkansas residents, members of a Farm Bureau family and juniors or seniors pursuing an agriculture-related degree at a university. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, career plans, character and leadership potential. Recipients are granted $3,500 per semester for the 2026-27 academic year. The scholarship recipients are: • Layton Baugh, Alexander, Troy Buck Scholarship, Southern Arkansas University • Haley Carter, Greenbrier, Southern Arkansas University • Julia DeSalvo, Morrilton, Southern Arkansas University • Annaleise Henson, Mt. Judea, Arkansas Tech University • Gracie Lee, Russellville, Arkansas Tech University • Chelsey Russell, Magnolia, Southern Arkansas University • Jonah Savell, Oxford, Arkansas Tech University • Logan Simon, Conway, UA-Fayetteville • Macy Tapley, Idabel, Southern Arkansas University • Natalie Tedder, Royal, Southern Arkansas University • Claire Waltson, Hatfield, UA-Fayetteville • Noah Young, Tuckerman, Leo Satterfield Scholarship, Arkansas State University • Rylee Youngblood, Fayetteville, UA-Fayetteville “Arkansas agriculture always needs future leaders,” said Arkansas Farm Bureau President Dan Wright. “By investing in students today, we not only ensure that agriculture continues to be a vital part of our state’s economy, we also strengthen rural communities and create leaders that carry forward the Farm Bureau legacy.” The Troy Buck Scholarship is awarded in honor of the late Troy Buck of Amity, who spent 50 years as an agriculture instructor and was a member of the Arkansas Farm Bureau Board of Directors for 14 years. The Leo Sutterfield Scholarship is awarded in honor of the late Leo Sutterfield of Mountain View. Sutterfield was a cattle rancher, banker and a member of the Arkansas Farm Bureau Board of Directors for 15 years. Arkansas Farm Bureau and county Farm Bureau organizations have awarded over $1 million to assist more than 2,000 youth with college expenses. Beyond the Foundation scholarships, the organization annually awards the Romeo E. Short scholarship to students enrolled in the Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas as well as the Marvin Vines Memorial scholarship to a broadcast journalism student at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Additionally, county Farm Bureaus award scholarships to students. Download photos here.
2
A PUBLICATION OF THE ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
FINDING HOPE TOGETHER: A FARM STATE OF MIND® INSIGHTS SERIES This September, in observance of Suicide Prevention Month, American Farm Bureau has released a fivepart video series that offers real-world insights and showcases innovative, grassroots strategies designed to move the needle on mental well-being in rural communities. Each video features a conversation with leading rural mental health advocates who share insights on how each of us can play a role in creating stronger, healthier communities. All conversations are moderated by Lydia Johnson, a veteran farm broadcast journalist who now works as a policy communications manager at Farm Credit Council. Episode one, “Perspectives from the Field: Firsthand Farmer Experiences”, is live. Tune in for a candid conversation with farmers Davis Peeler (S.C.), Steve Breeding (Del.) and Whitney Lawson (Okla.) as they share experiences navigating the mental load of farming — from loss and divorce to farm disasters. This episode dives into the realities of the agricultural way of life, offering a message of hope and actionable advice for how to support farmers through difficult seasons The American Farm Bureau Farm State of Mind campaign builds awareness to reduce stigma and provides access to information and resources that promote farmer and rancher mental health wellness. Farming is a stressful occupation that is associated with increased levels of anxiety and depression. Multiple studies show that farmer suicide rates are two to five times higher than the national average. Experiences such as natural disasters, extreme weather events, financial uncertainty, fluctuating markets, labor shortages, trade disruptions and other factors contribute to extreme stress for farmers and ranchers who often live in a very isolated settings. It is important to break the stigma around mental health challenges and encourage those struggling to reach out for help. To build a sustainable future for agriculture for our nation and our world, we must promote the well-being of farmers and ranchers. Anyone looking to support mental health well-being in rural America can benefit from this resource. Episodes premiere every Wednesday in September, with insights meant to inspire action year-round. Watch the first episode here and sign up to receive each video episode by email as they air.
ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU SEEKS YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS COORDINATOR The ArFB Young Farmers & Ranchers programs coordinator position is open for applications. The YF&R programs coordinator coordinates and provides staff resources for member engagement activities, including Young Farmers & Ranchers and Collegiate Farm Bureau. This individual will seek opportunities to increase engagement and participation at the county Farm Bureau level by advising and assisting county organizations to enhance young member development efforts. The staff member will also work with Federation staff to provide valuable content to all programs and meetings offered through Young Farmers & Ranchers and Collegiate Farm Bureau programs. Learn more or apply here. A PUBLICATION OF THE ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
3
MARKET NEWS as of September 2, 2026 Contact Brandy Carroll
brandy.carroll@arfb.com
Tyler Oxner
tyler.oxner@arfb.com
Rice Rice futures have continued to climb, setting new contract highs three days in a row to open the week. Carryover support, primarily from wheat futures as reports indicate Russia plans to escalate their war on Ukraine. Food security concerns related to war in both Ukraine and Iraq are supportive. November futures have so far been capped by resistance near $16. Basis levels remain unfavorable with harvest in full swing, averaging over $1/cwt in many locations. According to USDA, the Arkansas crop was 33% harvested as of Aug. 30, but given the hot, dry conditions, harvest should be progressing quickly. USDA says 67% of the remaining crop is in good to excellent condition, but the weather could impact yield and milling yield potential. Asian prices are rising as India faces disappointing monsoon rains, limiting the size of crops. Soybeans Soybean futures have mostly been riding the coattails of wheat futures higher as fundamentals are largely unchanged. However, earlier this week EPA announced that it would seek to reallocate all of the biofuels volume lost through increased Renewable Fuel Standard waivers. Futures rallied sharply in reaction to the news, setting a new contract high as November closed above $13 for the first time in more than three years. Hot, dry weather is also sparking concerns about yield potential, particularly in Arkansas and the Midsouth, adding underlying support to the market. In Arkansas, 66% of the crop is rated good to excellent, while 58% of the US crop is rated good to excellent. 4
Corn Corn prices gathered strong momentum starting last Wednesday following reports that Russia planned to escalate attacks on Ukraine, sparking a major rally in wheat that quickly carried over into corn and soybeans. Substantial uncertainty surrounds this year’s production, highlighted by Pro Farmer estimating yields at 173.2 bushels per acre, which is significantly below official USDA projections. What stands out in this environment is that this late-season rally places the highest price of the 2025/26 marketing year in August, a rare occurrence that has happened in only 16% of years since 1970. Historically, late-season rallies often peak during harvest in September. In short, producers are witnessing a supply-driven bull market right at harvest time. While current conditions may not track past cycles perfectly, history suggests that these late surges frequently form a major market top immediately before, during or just after harvest. Cotton Cotton futures surged higher last week, driven by technical speculative buying alongside persistent fears over a deteriorating U.S. crop outlook. The market established new contract highs, with front-month futures reaching two-year highs while locking in a sixth consecutive weekly gain. Severe heat and drought across West Texas and the Mississippi Delta continue to downgrade yield expectations, while similar hot, dry conditions in China’s Xinjiang region are fueling bullish sentiment globally. Although China has yet to return as a direct buyer of U.S. cotton, any increase in its global imports could create secondary opportunities for domestic exports. Trading has grown increasingly volatile recently, with prices dropping nearly 200 points before mounting a partial recovery, signaling that the market is balancing heavy speculative long positioning against the weight of the impending 2026 harvest.
A PUBLICATION OF THE ARKANSAS FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
Wheat Reports of Russia escalating its attacks on Ukraine ignited a sharp wheat rally, adding fuel to a market where fundamentals were already bullish due to reduced acreage and tightening carryover. With 2026/27 U.S. wheat carryover projected at 702 million bushels compared to 920 million bushels in 2025/26, the market was primed for a breakout. Technically, the active December Chicago contract broke out of a bull flag pattern in mid-August. Measuring from the late-June low through the mid-summer consolidation pointed to an upside projection of $7.83, a target the market has already surpassed by reaching $7.89. While it is impossible to confirm an immediate peak, this supply-driven environment bears watching closely, as late-season market tops of this nature typically feature sudden and aggressive price reversals. Cattle Live cattle futures continue to trade lower, having now charted fourstraight weeks of losses. Wholesale beef prices have dropped as the U.S. imports ground beef to lower prices. Feeder cattle futures fell for the third week in a row as USDA opened the boarder at Douglas, Ariz. for the importation of Mexican feeder cattle. Sharp gains in corn futures also added pressure. Plains cash cattle prices have also fallen as the supply of market ready cattle is adequate to meet the demand. USDA indicated the Aug. 1 supply of cattle on feed more than 180 days was up nearly 43% from last year. Cattle weights are historically, at least partially as a result. However, higher corn prices should result in lighter weight animals coming to market soon.
EDITOR Shaylee Wallace Barber shaylee@arfb.com