Farm Bureau Press
2025 A r FB FOUNDATION EDUCATIONAL GRANT PROGRAM
The Arkansas Farm Bureau (ArFB) Foundation is excited to announce the 2025 ArFB Foundation Educational Grant Program. The program is designed to provide grants specific to the programs and activities offered and developed through the ArFB education program and Arkansas Ag in the Classroom. The grants will be for a specified program or activity and will include all necessary materials. This grant is for materials only, no funds will be awarded.
This year’s grant opportunity is The Grow Grant. The grant will provide:
• Two LED Grow Lights
• Two books and educator guides – The Soil in Jackie’s Garden and I Love Blueberries
• Two seed pod kits
• Blueberry seeds
• 100 coloring pages
• 50 bookmarks with seeded paper
The resources can be used in classrooms, summer activities and other special events. Applications will open at 9 a.m on April 23 and will close at midnight on May 2. A total of 20 grants will be available and awarded on a first-come-firstserved basis, with only one grant awarded per county.
The grants are open to county Farm Bureaus, Women’s Leadership and Young Farmer and Rancher committees. Those interested can apply online. Any questions regarding ArFB Foundation‘s The Grow Grant should be directed to Amanda Williams by email at amanda.williams@arfb.com or by phone at 501-228-1493.
Retirement Celebration | The Benton Co. Farm Bureau office celebrated the retirement of agent Mike Peacock on April 1. There to wish Peacock well were, Ryleigh Montgomery, agent; Kyle Woodruff, agent; Rich Howard, agent; Rusty Walker, East Benton Co. agency manager; Robin Wright, agent; Ken Jennings, West Benton Co. agency manger; Debbie Jensen, MSR; Mike Peacock; Stratton Andrews, agent; and Bobbi McDougal, MSR.
FFA Donation | Rivercrest FFA supporters Dino Pirani (left) and son Dean (center) recently donated crop revenue from farming the land around the Rivercrest school. It’s the second consecutive year for the donation, this year more than $15,000. The gift has made a lasting impact on students and ag education in the district. Mike Cox (right), Rivercrest School District Superintendent, accepted the donation.
New Location | Pulaski Co. Farm Bureau recently hosted a ribbon cutting for the opening of its fourth county office. The new office is located in Maumelle. Agents, board members, state office staff and state board members were in attendance for the event.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE: LIVESTOCK INDEMNITY PROGRAM
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the 2018 farm bill) authorized the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) to provide benefits to eligible livestock owners or contract growers. The program covers livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by eligible loss conditions, including eligible adverse weather, eligible disease and attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government or protected by federal law, including wolves and avian predators. In addition, LIP provides assistance to eligible livestock owners that must sell livestock at a reduced price because of an injury from an eligible loss condition.
LIP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). The occurrence of an eligible loss condition in and by itself does not determine eligibility for eligible livestock losses. The livestock owner or contract grower must provide evidence acceptable to FSA that the eligible cause of loss not only occurred but directly caused loss or death.
LIP payments for owners are based on national payment rates that are 75% of the market value of the applicable livestock as determined by the USDA’s secretary of agriculture. Rates for contract growers of poultry or swine will not exceed the rates for owners but are based on 75% of national average input costs for the applicable livestock.
The 2018 farm bill amended certain provisions related to LIP effective in 2019. Those amendments included:
• Livestock death losses due to extreme cold are considered eligible losses without regard to vaccination protocol, or lack of vaccination; and
• Providing compensation for livestock death losses due to diseases that are caused or transmitted by a vector and are not controlled by vaccination or an acceptable management practice. These diseases were previously covered under ELAP.
Owners or contract growers may apply to receive LIP benefits at local FSA offices.
More information about the program can be found on the USDA LIP website or fact sheet. To find your local FSA office, visit farmers.gov/service-center-locator
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Farming is an occupation associated with increased levels of anxiety and depression. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and to help promote awareness on this important topic, county Farm Bureaus will have access to a toolkit provided by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). These materials focus on AFBF’s Farm State of Mind and Togetherall programs. Farm State of Mind is a campaign to reduce stigma and provide access to information and resources that promote farmer and rancher mental health awareness. Togetherall is a safe, anonymous online peer-to-peer community that is accessible 24/7 and moderated around the clock by licensed mental health professionals.
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PHYSICAL: headaches, backaches, exhaustion, frequent sickness, upset stomach, ulcers, trouble sleeping.
EMOTIONAL: irritability, depression, anger, anxiety, lack of confidence, sadness, bitterness, feeling discouraged or hopeless
MENTAL: memory loss, lack of concentration, diffculty making decisions
According to AFBF’s Farm State of Mind website, multiple studies show that farmer suicide rates are 2-5x higher than the national average. Experiences such
as natural disasters, extreme weather events, financial uncertainty, fluctuating markets, labor shortages, trade disruptions and other factors all contribute to extreme stress for farmers and ranchers who often live in a very isolated setting. 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 our nation’s farmers and ranchers. We are asking county Farm Bureaus to help in promoting Mental Health Awareness Month.
substance abuse, violence, decline in the care of livestock or domestic animals, increase in farm accidents, overeating or loss of appetite.
To access the toolkit, visit the Rural Health page on the ArFB website.
RELATIONSHIPS: loss of humor, withdrawal, decreased interest in family activities or community events, verbal outbursts, diffculty communicating
HOW TO TALK ABOUT IT
For more information or questions, please contact Jennifer Craig at jennifer.craig@arfb.com or 501-2281269.
If you’ve seen signs of stress or anxiety in a neighbor or family member, conversation is an important way to offer support. Here are some things to consider: Don’t wait for them to ask for help — they may remain silent as their stress worsens.
• A great way to start a conversation is by sharing a habit you’ve seen change or by reminding them of something they’ve said.
7TH ANNUAL ArFB
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.
If they’re willing to get help, gently encourage them or offer a suggestion.
• What matters most is showing that you care and being there to listen.
FOUNDATION
• Acknowledge what they’re going through, and try not to compare their challenges to
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.
Stay in touch and follow up as needed to let them know you’re there for them.
TRAP SHOOT FUNDRAISER
There are also several options for those wanting to support these organizations, including:
• 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.
MARKET NEWS
as of April 15, 2025
Contact
Brandy Carroll brandy.carroll@arfb.com
Tyler Oxner tyler.oxner@arfb.com
Rice
Despite recent flooding, rice farmers are making better-than-average progress getting the crop in the ground. USDA says that as off April 13, 24% of the rice crop has been planted. That’s down from 41% in 2024, but up compared with the five-year average of 20%. The April WASDE for rice provided a bit of bullish news, reduced imports and increased domestic use. That was partially offset by a 1.5 million cwt decrease in exports, resulting in a decrease of 2.5 million cwt in the ending stocks estimate. Ending stocks are pegged at 44.5 million cwt, up from 39.8 million for 2023/24. The average on-farm expected price was unchanged at $14.20 for long grain. May futures have established support at $13, but have been unable to build upward momentum to challenge resistance at $14.
Corn
The April 2024/25 U.S. corn outlook calls for higher exports, reduced feed and residual use, and lower ending stocks. Feed and residual use is cut 25 million bushels to 5.8 billion based on Q2 disappearance data, while exports are raised 100 million bushels amid strong sales and competitive U.S. pricing. Ending stocks are now projected at 1.5 billion bushels, down 75 million from last month. The season-average farm price remains at $4.35 per bushel. Despite tariff escalations with China, the corn market has shown resilience due to lower export dependence. A
90-day pause on new tariffs helped ease pressure, supporting a rebound in prices. However, the recent rally has pushed futures into overbought territory, suggesting a possible short-term correction. Improved planting weather may weigh on prices as traders factor in stronger crop progress ahead.
Soybeans
The 2024/25 U.S. soybean outlook includes higher imports and crush, along with slightly lower ending stocks. Crush is raised 10 million bushels to 2.42 billion on stronger domestic soybean meal use and higher soybean oil exports. Soybean oil for biofuel is lowered based on use to date, but demand is expected to strengthen later in the year due to tariffs on competing biofuel feedstocks like used cooking oil. Imports are slightly higher, exports are unchanged, and ending stocks are reduced by 5 million bushels to 375 million. The season-average soybean price is steady at $9.95 per bushel. New crop soybean prices are approaching overbought and due for a slight correction, but look for good support to emerge at the 100day moving average of $10.22.
Wheat
The April outlook for 2024/25 U.S. wheat shows larger supplies, slightly lower domestic use, reduced exports, and higher ending stocks. Imports are raised 10 million bushels to 150 million — the highest since 2017/18 — boosting total supply. Domestic use is down 2 million bushels on reduced seed demand, while exports are lowered 15 million bushels to 820 million. Ending stocks are projected at 846 million bushels, up 22% year-over-year. The seasonaverage farm price remains at $5.50 per bushel. Futures markets remain under pressure, led by Kansas City wheat, despite weather-driven support. July wheat climbed above $5.50 but met resistance near $5.70,
signaling a key technical ceiling. Forecasted rains across major growing areas may improve crop conditions and weigh on prices. In Arkansas, winter wheat remains strong, with 50% rated good to excellent and no acreage rated very poor.
Cotton
Cotton futures were trending higher until April 3, or “Liberation Day,” when Presiden Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on products from around the world. Cotton futures gapped lower two days in a row. Old-crop May fell all the way to 61 cents, while new crop December found support at 64 cents. The market has rebounded a bit as tariffs on countries like Vietnam (a major purchaser of U.S. cotton) were paused, but the deteriorating relationship with China will limit any rebound potential. Lower crude oil prices are also a factor, as it creates additional competition from cheap synthetics. The April WASDE report showed few changes, with a 100,000 bale reduction in the export projection and an equal increase in ending stocks, resulting in an ending stocks estimate of 5 million bales for 2024/25.
Livestock, Poultry, and Dairy
In the April WASDE, total red meat and poultry production estimates for 2025 were lowered. The beef production estimate was raised on heavier weights and higher slaughter totals, though it was more than offset by lower pork and broiler production. The milk production forecast for 2025 was raised on larger cow inventories and higher milk per cow. The expected all milk price was projected lower at $21.10/cwt.