Capitol & Scott: Extreme weather and Arkansas agriculture, Part 1 — A farmer’s story

As Arkansas farmers are preparing for the upcoming fall harvest season, they’re also reeling from one of the worst droughts in recent history. Extreme heat and dry weather have plagued the industry this summer, causing Gov. Asa Hutchinson to appeal to the federal government for emergency assistance for the more than dozen counties now classified as disaster areas because of the excessive heat paired with no rain. This year’s summertime drought is a weather event that forms part of a larger climate change pattern that’s impacting farmers in Arkansas. Wetter springs and hot, dry summers are shifting planting times, increasing operating costs and reducing profits as crop yields decline from the unpredictability of weather patterns. As part of a two-part series exploring the impact of climate change on the state’s most important industry, Capitol & Scott host Lara Farrar visits SFR Seed, a 1,500-acre family farm in Jackson County established in the 1800s. The farm’s chief executive officer Hallie Shoffner explains how weather is changing the sector and the challenges farmers face in mitigating climate risks and staying in business.  John D. Anderson, head of the University of Arkansas’ agricultural economics and agribusiness department and director of the Fryar Price Risk Management Center of Excellence will discuss economics, risk management and drought impact issues for part two of Capitol & Scott’s series focused on climate change and agriculture.  That episode will air Wednesday, Aug. 17.   Let us know what topics would you like to hear about in future episodes: arkansasonline.com/capitol-and-scott/