Episode 19 - 2024 Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention and Advocacy Efforts with John McMinn

In Episode 19 of Morning Coffee & Ag Markets, Riley hosts a roundtable discussion with Dr. Biram, Dr. Loy, and special guest John McMinn from Arkansas Farm Bureau. The panel dives into the exciting details surrounding the 90th Annual Arkansas Farm Bureau Convention, set for December 4-6 at the Hot Springs Convention Center.John shares what attendees can expect from the convention, including keynote speakers like ARFB President Dan Wright and actor Dwier Brown, best known for his role as John Kinsella in Field of Dreams. The event will feature workshops on topics such as the farm bill, drone regulations, sustainability in row crops, livestock marketing, and financial literacy, offering valuable professional development for farmers and ranchers.The convention will also host Arkansas’ largest agriculture trade show with over 180 vendors, plus a farmers market with local products. The panel discusses the convention’s business session, where delegates will set ARFB policy positions, elect leadership, and address key agricultural issues.John highlights the Arkansas Farm Bureau’s vital role in advocacy and insurance, emphasizing the organization’s grassroots roots, which date back to 1919. The Farm Bureau advocates on behalf of farmers at both the state and national levels, focusing on regulatory affairs, the agricultural economy, and infrastructure.Additionally, John introduces the Arkansas Ag Cast podcast, which covers timely topics such as the farm bill, commodity markets, and agricultural policy issues like the H-2A migrant labor program and current interest rates.This episode is a must-listen for anyone in Arkansas agriculture or those interested in the future of farming and ranching in the state. Tune in for an engaging roundtable discussion on the trends and challenges shaping the industry!Link to Arkansas AgCast: Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/arkansas-agcast/id1213442556 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2t1gG9oKqUHgMZlb9ZiikQ?si=e000b89c4f4544ec