January 2019
2018 Century Farms
Congratulations to the families of the 2018 Century Farms who were presented their signs during a ceremony at the State Capitol with Governor Asa Hutchinson and Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward.

Read more here .
See photos of recipients and the ceremony here .
Local Conversations
Come have a conversation with us on January 17 in Hermitage to learn more about the specialty crop supply chain and other markets for growers to sell their crops! There will be panel discussions with local growers, distributors and farm to school leaders! Learn more here .
Smokey Celebrates 75 Years
Smokey Bear will be at the State Capitol Jan. 22 to kick off his 75th anniversary with a celebration during the State Forestry Day that is being hosted by the Arkansas Forestry Association.
 Retirement
Congratulations to Aaron Palmer on your retirement after 33 1/2 years with the Seed Division of Arkansas Agriculture Department.
10 Years
of Service
Congratulations on 10 years of service! AAD's Mary Elizabeth Lea and Gayla Nelms were presented with certificates of service at the Christmas celebration.
30 Years of Service
Congratulations to Joey Pittman (left) on receiving his 30 year service award from State Forest Manager, Aaron Williams.
20 Years of Service
Congratulations to Shane Booth (right), on receiving his 20 year service award from Deputy State Forester, Mark Cutrer
10 Years of Service
Congratulations to Josh Beaver (left) on receiving his 10 year service award from District Forester, John Cook.
Awards
The Arkansas Tree Farm Committee awarded Trey Franks from Arkansas Forestry Commission (AFC) the District Chair Award and he also represented AFC's District 1 which received the Outstanding District Award, during their luncheon last Thursday in Benton for their work on property inspections in 2018.
The Arkansas Tree Farm Committee awarded the Arkansas Forestry Commission (AFC) the Partner of the Year award during their luncheon last Thursday in Benton for
their work on property inspections in 2018. Darren Spinks represented AFC to receive the award.
Shop with a Cop
Officers from Arkansas Agriculture Department and other local agencies participated recently in Shop with a Cop in Clarksville, Mountain View and Magnolia areas for local children. Shop with a Cop provides a fun filled day for children in need while creating positive relationships with law enforcement.
  • Arkansas Soybean Association Annual Meeting: Jan. 16, 9:00 a.m.
  • Local Conversations: Jan 17, 9:30 a.m. More Information
  • Arkansas Crop Management Association Conference: Jan. 22-24
  • Practical Tools & Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms Conference: Jan. 23-26 More Information
  • 21st Annual Arkansas Soil & Water Education Conference & Expo: Jan. 30
  • Arkansas Seed Growers Association Annual Meeting: Jan. 30
  • Arkansas Forestry Commission Board Meeting: Feb. 1, 11:00 a.m.
  • 2019 Century Farm application period opens: Feb. 1 - May 31
  • Arkansas Agriculture Board Meeting: Feb. 6, 10:00 a.m.
  • Farmers Market Association Annual Meeting: Feb. 8
  • Association of Conservation District Annual Meeting: Feb. 13
  • ASU Ag Business Conference: Feb. 13
  • Arkansas Agritourism Annual Meeting: Feb. 20, 9:00 a.m. More Information
  • Catfish Farmers of America Annual Convention: Feb. 21-23
  • 4H Galaxy Conference: March 13-15 More Information
  • Arkansas Women in Agriculture Conference: March 12-13 More Information
Arkansas Ag Fact:
 Arkansas has 10 commodities that rank in the top 10 nationally:
  • #1 in Rice
  • #2 in Broilers
  • #3 in Cotton
  • #3 in Cottonseed
  • #3 in Catfish
  • #4 in Turkeys
  • #8 in Grain Sorghum
  • #8 in Eggs
  • #10 in Soybeans
  • #10 in Pecans

Help inspire the 42nd Commemorative Egg
Arkansas Grown T-shirts
Arkansas Grown t-shirts are $15 and available in sizes YS-Adult XXXL. There is a $2 handling fee for shipped orders. Send your name, size and address to [email protected] or text to (501) 410-4616.