February 2019
Happy Presidents Day!
Local Conversations - Specialty Crop Focused Event Increases Market Opportunity for Local Growers
Farmers looking to diversify their business and break into new markets with specialty crops attended Local Conversations hosted by the Arkansas Agriculture Department, Thursday, Jan. 17 in Hermitage.

The meeting involved discussion on several parts of the produce supply chain from growers to nutrition directors and food distributors like Ben E. Keith and AWG. There were 72 people in attendance representing 16 counties of Arkansas. Find all the information from this year's Local Conversations event here .
Forestry Day at the Capitol
AAD participated in Forestry Day at the Capitol with the Arkansas Forestry Association, Jan. 22, where the audience also celebrated Smokey Bear's 75th Birthday. Check out more photos here . You can also watch a video of the ceremony.
Help Smokey Bear Celebrate His 75th Birthday
with a “Shout-Out”
The Arkansas Agriculture Department’s Forestry Commission (AFC) is sponsoring a Smokey Bear “Shout-Out” contest Feb. 11 through April 19 to celebrate Smokey’s 75th birthday. Smokey is the fictional bear that was designated the symbol for forest fire prevention in 1944 by the U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council.

Elementary classes across Arkansas are invited to record a short video wishing Smokey a happy birthday and to share it with AFC and the Arkansas Agriculture Department’s (AAD) social media sites for a chance to win a birthday party with Smokey.
Century Farm Applications Due May 31
The Arkansas Agriculture Department is now accepting applications for the 2019 Arkansas Century Farm program. This program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. Online and printable applications are available here. There is no cost to apply.
Homegrown by Heroes Scholarships
The Arkansas Agriculture Department and Farm Credit are partnering to provide eight, $1,000 Homegrown by Heroes academic scholarships to military veterans and active military personnel, and their spouses, children or grandchildren who are pursuing a degree in agriculture. Online applications are available here and are due March 15.
Arkansas Forestry Commission
Steve Anthony - Bearden

Arkansas Agriculture Board
Marcus Creasy - Heber Springs
Matthew Marsh - England

Arkansas State Plant Board
Brad Koen - DeWitt
Municipal League
Krista Quinn, Urban Forestry Program Coordinator, and Kenny Coley participated in the Arkansas Municipal League Winter Conference in Little Rock to share information on how the Forestry Commission can serve cities and towns across the state.

Lifetime Achievement Award
District Forester Mike Cagle received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward, AFC Board Chairman Frank Wilson and State Forester Joe Fox today during the AFC Board meeting. Please join us in congratulating Mike on this prestigious award.
Partnership Award
Arkansas Timber Producers Association received the Arkansas Forestry Commission Partnership award from State Forester Joe Fox, Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward, and AFC Board Chairman Frank Wilson today during the AFC Board meeting. Representing ATPA to receive the award is Arnold Hameister, Larry Boccarossa and ATPA Executive Director George Lease. Please join us in congratulating Arkansas Timber Producers Association on this award.
Service Awards
Congratulations to Paul Foster on receiving his 20-year service award!
Congratulations to Brad Windle on receiving his 10-year service award!
Congratulations to Deric Franks on receiving his 10-year service award!
Congratulations to Braden Tate on receiving his 10-year service award!
Arkansas Ag Fact
Arkansas Specialty Crop Statistics
Sweet Potatoes: 4,000 acres valued at over $20 million
Tomatoes: 2,000 acres valued at over $10 million
Watermelons: 1,600 acres valued at over $5 million

Total vegetable production in Arkansas
  • 15,000 Acres
  • 650 Farms
  • $450,000,000 value of dollars generated for state
Total Fruit Production
  • 1,100 farms
  • $180,000,000 value of dollars generated for state
Total Nursery and Christmas tree
  • 400 farms
  • $43,000,000 value of dollars generated for state

Source: Arkansas Farm Bureau

Help inspire the 42nd Commemorative Egg
Entries are due Feb. 24
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 brooke.clanton@agriculture.arkansas.gov or text to (501) 410-4616.
 Southern United States Trade Association Internship
Looking For a Paid Summer Internship? The Arkansas Agriculture Department is seeking summer interns to help promote programs offered through the Southern United States Trade Association that help Arkansas agricultural businesses sell their products in international markets. Deadline to apply is March 1! More information