Q: What are your 2024 priorities for Arkansas Farm Bureau?
A: Arkansas Farm Bureau is prioritizing keeping all the tools in the toolbox for our grower members to allow them to farm efficiently, effectively, and profitably. At both the state and federal level, our policy opposes measures that would result in tools being taken away or limited for reasons not based on science.
 
Q: What threats and opportunities do you see for Arkansas Farm Bureau and your members?
A: We see an opportunity to continue and expand our educational efforts on herbicide application education and avoiding drift. Arkansas Farm Bureau has been working with Jason Davis from the University of Arkansas to share educational materials and has held numerous educational events. Arkansas is experiencing some challenges with non-governmental organizations advocating for stricter enforcement on herbicide application. We all want to ensure the stewardship of herbicide products, but we support working through the existing regulatory channels rather than reporting unconfirmed damage on social media.
 
Q: Before I let you go, can I ask, why is 2,4-D an important tool for Arkansas farmers?
A: 2,4-D is used for crop protection in a variety of crops but is particularly important in Arkansas for use in rice and pastures for broadleaf control.

 

About Mark: A native of Stuttgart, he came to Arkansas Farm Bureau from Riceland Foods. Mark earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in agriculture economics from the University of Arkansas and previously worked in Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Commodity & Regulatory Affairs department as a Director of Commodity Activities and Economics. Mark also has hands on experience managing farms and wildlife habitat in Arkansas throughout his high school and college years.