Recognizing the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year

Recognizing the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year

This week I once again had the privilege of watching a family of hard working Arkansans win the title of Arkansas Farm Family of the Year.

Arkansas is home to the longest running program to recognize farming families in the country. The Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program was started in 1947 to recognize the importance of the farm family and agriculture in the continuing development of the state.

Any farm family may be considered by county committees to represent their county in the annual program. Each family fills out a comprehensive report, covering their history of farming, crops and livestock, record keeping system, conservation efforts, family life and community service.

This year, Bobby and Marianne Cupples were selected as the Farm Family of Crittenden County. The statewide winner of this year's title went to Steven and April Allen of Lafayette County.

Stephen is a third generation farmer. April is a fifth generation farmer.

Together they have 100 head of cattle and four poultry houses.

Three-person judging teams visit every county farm family within eight districts (eight to ten counties) over three days in August to select District Farm Families of the Year.

Then, in September, another three-person team visits each of the eight District Farm Families over four days and selects one of them as the State Farm Family of the Year. The announcement is usually made the first or second Friday in December, Arkansas Farm Family Day.

My parents were the Arkansas Farm Family of the year in 1978. My father was so very proud of that title. He, like most farmers, took great pride in his profession. I applaud Farm Bureau for continuing this tradition and look forward to meeting future farm families across our state.

By State Representative Deborah Ferguson