Arkansas Farm Bureau has announced a new program that launched last month to provide Arkansas farmers an opportunity to share their stories, connect with consumers and increase visibility of their direct-to-consumer products. KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot News had a chance to speak recently with Arkansas Farm Bureau Director of Commodity Activities John McMinn, and he provided some details on the new Arkansas Farm Trail program.
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The program debuted with 22 farms across 16 counties. The farms on the list grow or raise at least one food product sold directly on the farm. As a membership-driven organization, Arkansas Farm Bureau launched the program through its member farms first.
McMinn said this farm-to-shelf experience allows farmers to showcase products and emphasize the importance of buying locally, while teaching customers how food is grown and produced.
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Consumers can get a passport at any farm in the program, at their county Farm Bureau office or by printing it online. With the passport, consumers visit farms to make a purchase and collect a stamp. Prizes will be available according to the number of stamps, with a grand prize for the first three participants submitting passports with stamps from every farm. The grand prize is a custom-made fire pit created by members of Arkansas FFA.
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Arkansas Farm Bureau hopes to grow the program in the years ahead and eventually showcase farms in each corner of the state. McMinn said work is already beginning on the 2026 Arkansas Farm Trail program.
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For more information about the Arkansas Farm Trail program, visit ARFarmTrail.com.
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