Ryan Loy is joined by Mike Popp to discuss his recent research on floating solar systems in Arkansas. The discussion covers how these systems can generate electricity without taking farmland out of production, while also reducing water evaporation and potentially lowering maintenance costs. They also touch on ongoing research into feasibility, producer adoption, and willingness to pay.

Check out the MCAM Newsletter (https://fryar-risk-center.uada.edu/category/publication-reports/podcast-newsletters/) for a link to the survey to share your opinion, open until May 15, 2026.

Scott Stiles and Hunter Biram discuss the March Prospective Plantings report and what it means for 2026 crop acreage. Arkansas rice acres came in close to expectations but remain historically low, while cotton acres were higher than expected and soybean acres came in lower than anticipated. They walk through the economic factors driving planting decisions, including government programs, landlord considerations, and local yield potential. The episode also highlights how rising diesel and fertilizer costs tied to global events could still shift acreage ahead of the June report, especially for corn and rice.

Hunter Biram and Ryan Loy discuss the economic impact of the January winter storm on Arkansas’s poultry industry, where prolonged outages and freezing conditions led to major production disruptions. They walk through the difference between damage estimates and economic impact, highlighting over $200 million in structural losses alongside additional losses tied to bird mortality and reduced production. The conversation also explores how these losses ripple through labor income, jobs, and tax revenues across the state. While rebuilding activity will generate significant economic output, they emphasize that it largely reflects recovery from losses rather than new growth. The episode highlights the scale of the storm’s impact and what it means for producers moving forward.