Little Rock, AR (JonesboroRightNow.com) – In Little Rock, Arkansas, the significance of soybean farming to the state’s economy is recognized annually, as it contributes a substantial $2 billion. This infusion bolsters economic stability and fosters job creation across diverse sectors such as transportation, processing, distribution, and agriculture. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, acknowledging this impact, officially declared November as Arkansas Soybean Month, emphasizing the crop’s vital role.
“Soybeans are pivotal to Arkansas’ economy and its people,” Governor Sanders remarked. “As we commemorate Arkansas Soybean Month, I urge every Arkansan to savor this product and acknowledge the significance of soybean agriculture.”
Spanning 41 out of the state’s 75 counties, soybean cultivation encompasses approximately 3 million acres annually. Arkansas consistently ranks among the top 10 soybean-producing states nationwide. This year witnessed a milestone in soybean productivity, with each acre yielding a record-breaking 53 bushels compared to 52 in 2022, with nearly half earmarked for export.
John Freeman, a Desha County soybean producer and Chairman of the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board (ASPB), lauded the industry’s record yields in the 2023 crop season, attributing it to farmers’ steadfast dedication not only to individual success but also to the collective prosperity of Arkansas.
Established in 1971 through Act 259 of the Arkansas General Assembly, ASPB serves as the conduit for soybean producers to enhance the state’s soybean industry. Governed by a nine-member board appointed by the governor and nominated by relevant soybean-related organizations, ASPB oversees research, promotion, and market development endeavors funded by the soybean checkoff—an earmarked assessment designated for research and promotional activities.
For those eager to celebrate Arkansas Soybean Month, resources such as recipes, tools, and information are available on ASPB’s webpage. Stay connected with ASPB through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or subscribe to the monthly Bean Brief newsletter for updates on ongoing activities. To delve deeper into the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board’s initiatives, visit TheMiracleBean.com.